Barcoding News

Is labor shortage or employee turnover a daily challenge? You’re not alone.

There are some serious gaps in the workforce, especially in professional services, hospitality, financial, retail, and manufacturing.

The labor shortage is a multi-faceted problem without a single quick fix. It doesn’t appear skilled workers are going to return to pre-pandemic levels any time soon, either. So what steps can be taken to mitigate this costly, complex challenge?

Barcodes, Inc. has a wide array of integrated technology solutions to address labor shortages, including automation, RFID, and enterprise mobility management. One aspect of high turnover and a shrinking talent pool is slightly overlooked, however: the user experience on the tools you use in your supply chain today.

Would offering a consistent user experience across devices and applications appeal to your workers? The answer is likely yes. Thanks to our strategic partnership with Ivanti, we tackle UI for telnet and web applications head on with industry-leading terminal emulation software.

Introducing Ivanti Velocity

Ivanti Velocity (powered by Wavelink) enables a modern, user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI) for legacy workflow applications, all without making changes to your WMS or enterprise application.

As noted in detail on the Ivanti Velocity spec sheet, the software emulates existing text-based telnet apps on Android devices.

Without impacting your apps or writing code, Ivanti Velocity brings order picking from their initial “green screen” (pictured on the left below) to a modern, voice-enabled GUI (on the right) that is much simpler to use.

Your workers will find it much easier to adjust to new Android-enabled hardware without major disruptions to your daily operations. Other key benefits of Ivanti Velocity include:

• Deploy Android-ready hardware with minimal barrier to entry
• Maintain your existing host system, (such as a WMS) without modification or migration
• Modernize your mobile experience with a GUI that is intuitive to navigate and use
• Increase accuracy and speed of order picking

Please watch this short video on Ivanti Velocity. This mobile application maximizes worker productivity and accuracy, all while reducing onboarding time (and in the long term, turnover).

Organizations enjoy many benefits when they take advantage of comprehensive mobility management solutions from Barcodes.

From security and strategic support to device configuration and software integration, Barcodes’ mobility management solutions can help you optimize your Zebra devices, reduce IT spending, secure critical data, and more. But did you know our mobility management solutions can also significantly improve productivity in your operations?

When your employees can’t depend on their mobile devices, they can’t get their jobs done. When their devices fail or have frequent device downtime, productivity suffers and employees become frustrated and inefficient.

What Lost Productivity Means for Your Business

If your employees are regularly annoyed by their unreliable mobile devices, they’ll be less productive which quickly becomes problematic for your business. 

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many organizations struggle with mobility management, which lead to issues like these:

• Employees are unable to access the correct information right when they need it, leading to costly delays and errors.
• Employees are unable to use their devices for as long as they need to, whether because of broken equipment or other device failures like drained batteries. When this happens, productivity tanks and employees are left aggravated and inefficient.
• When devices aren’t maintained properly, equipment has to be replaced more often.  This means wasted money on unnecessary equipment and lost time and productivity while IT staff configures and sets up devices. 

Mobility Management Solutions That Will Solve Your Challenges

Barcodes is proud to offer comprehensive mobility management solutions to our valued clients. Barcodes’ end-to-end support of your equipment, from initial provisioning until device retirement, will give your employees peace of mind knowing that their Zebra devices will function when needed. When your employees have consistently reliable devices, their productivity improves, your profits increase, and happier and more engaged employers stay at their jobs longer.

With Barcodes on your team, you’ll be confident that your Zebra devices are working correctly and your team will be more productive than ever. You can focus on what’s most important – running your business.

Get Started with Expert Mobility Management Solutions

Stop losing money and start increasing productivity today. Learn more about how Barcodes’ Mobility Management Solutions can drastically improve productivity in your business. Get started today by contacting a Barcodes Mobility Expert online or calling us at (855) 233-2917.

Get fast and accurate identification of various codes, improve efficiency, and reduce data capture errors with the Omron MicroHawk V420.

The Omron MicroHawk V420 provides exceptional high-speed processing, precise barcode reading capabilities, versatile connectivity options, and seamless integration with existing data capture and WMS / ERP systems.

Connectivity options include USB, Ethernet, and RS-232 for maximum adaptability. Measuring less than 2inches in size, the V420 fits anywhere you need high quality imaging and scanning.

Despite its compact form factor, the Omron Microhawk V420 is extremely durable in demanding environments.

Additionally, its user-friendly interface and intuitive software make it easy to set up and use, increasing productivity and reducing errors.

For a full list of capabilities, dimensions, and mounting options, download the Microhawk V420 spec sheet. This will be a great starting point, and when you’re ready for a free, custom-tailored assessment of your imaging application needs, contact the experts at Barcodes, Inc.

See the MicroHawk Imagers in Action

The BCS 3600ex-NI handheld scanners are modeled after Zebra’s popular 3600 series of ultra-rugged scanners. In other words, these are an extremely rugged, explosion-protected Zebra DS3608 or DS3678.

The BCS 3600ex-NI is designed as the newest iteration of rugged explosion-protected scanners and is available for ATEX/IECEx and ETL.

Utilize the corded (BCS 3608ex) or Bluetooth-enabled (BCS 3678ex) scanner* that best suits your demanding environment.

With the BCS 3600ex-NI handheld scanners, you have access to the most dependable, rapid, and precise scanning capabilities on the market, establishing new benchmarks for non-incendive scanning.

BCS 3600 Key Features and Benefits

• Superior performance with 1D/2D barcodes in all environments
• The most resilient design in its category
• A Bluetooth model in its own class for enhanced cordless mobility*
• Strong, replaceable battery*
• One cradle can hold up to seven Bartec scanners*

For a full list of features and non-incendive certifications, download the BCS 3600 spec sheet.

From the Refinery, to the Platform, to the Truck

Superior 1D/2D barcode scanning in all environments
The sophisticated imager scans 1D and 2D barcodes on a display or label quicker and with a 30% bigger working area than similar models for unmatched productivity. Even broken, unclean, badly printed, or shrink-wrapped barcodes may be scanned on the first try by employees.

OCR, photographs, and documents—not just barcodes
Zebra’s intelligent document capture takes, refocuses, and corrects pictures for easy reading. Multiple OCR fonts provide quick and easy data transmission.

Highest Drop and Tumble Standard, IPC Sealing in its class
The BCS 3608ex/3678ex is 23% more robust than previous scanners in its class, surviving a 2.4 m concrete drop. Even after 5,000 tumbles, the BCS 3608ex/BCS 3678ex simulates drop-induced tumbling. Both variants are IP65 dust-, spray-, and water-proof.

Easy Remote Setup and Management
The 123Scan Utility and Scanner Management Service (SMS) may remotely setup scanners, update firmware, prepare data for backend systems, verify Power Precision +/- battery statistics, and more. Remotely setup and expand scanners, prepare data for rapid transmission to corporate applications, check cordless model battery charge, and more.

Faster scanning and pick-list processing
Now, one click of the trigger captures the proper barcodes and adds the particular data format necessary for each one for immediate transmission to your back-end systems, with total control over barcode processing order.

Non-Incendive Scanning Starting at $1,800

The BCS 3600 from Bartec is a phenomenal non-incendive barcode scanner. Starting at $1,804, it’s hard to beat the performance to price ratio for scanners that are made for the harshest environments. For questions related to your specific environments and applications, contact us today.

Capture data quickly and accurately, even in low light conditions with Datalogic’s Memor 11

The Datalogic Memor 11 mobile computer revolutionizes operational effectiveness and company productivity. These gadgets provide exceptional versatility for today’s mobile workforce as the most recent addition to the prestigious Memor Series.

Why the Memor 11?

The Memor 11 series offers great scanning performance and overall effectiveness thanks to a cutting-edge operating system and improved processing capabilities.

Numerous applications, including in-store retail operations, inventory management, warehouse logistics, manufacturing traceability, quality control, and transportation and logistics all benefit from its versatility.

The Memor 11 family easily meets and exceeds all demands, going above and beyond all expectations.

Key Benefits of the Memor 11

• Enhanced Performance: Experience optimized performance and efficiency with the advanced capabilities of Datalogic’s Memor 11.
• Flexibility Redefined: Adapt to diverse business needs with the unparalleled flexibility offered by the versatile design of Memor 11.
• Proven Reliability: Trust in the market-proven reliability of Memor 11, delivering consistent performance in demanding environments.

Datalogic is a household name in the AIDC industry for a reason. Contact us today to see how the Memor 11 can greatly improve your output – without breaking the bank.

The CipherLab RS35 combines enterprise-grade capabilities with the portability of a consumer-style smartphone and a sturdy build. This exceptional handheld scanner features incredible adaptability at an economical price point, enabling users to:

• Improve shopper and guest experiences
• Provide helpful services on demand
• Save precious time and effort

The RS35 gives both big box retailers and SMB storefronts a significant competitive advantage by allowing to do tasks quickly and in shorter timeframes.

In an age of me-first, e-Commerce convenience, the RS35 provides a compelling reason why in-store shopping can be so much more personalized with the proper technology in place.

RS35 Key Benefits

• Rugged Design: The RS35 is built tough, with a rugged design that withstands harsh environments and ensures durability in demanding work conditions.
• Versatile Functionality: With a wide range of features and capabilities, the RS35 is a pocket-sized powerhouse that allows users to perform tasks like scanning, data collection, and communication all in one device.
• Enhanced Customer Experience: The RS35 prioritizes customer satisfaction by facilitating seamless service delivery, convenience, and time-saving for both customers and employees.

For a comprehensive list of technical capabilities, download the RS35 spec sheet.

Retail Environments, Enhanced with the RS35

CipherLab’s RS35 is a pocketable, consumer-style smartphone with durable construction that offers enterprise-class functionalities. In many ways, the RS35 resembles a Samsung Galaxy with a stronger build and a much lower starting price below $700. Android-ready, and recommended for the enterprise.

In healthcare, it’s no secret that successful patient outcomes depend mainly on the nurses, lab techs and other frontline clinicians at the center of patient interactions. And it’s no mystery that positive results also depend on having the necessary supplies at the place and time they are needed.

What is a mystery, however, is why many hospitals, long-term care facilities, and ambulatory surgery centers fail to involve frontline staff in supply chain management fully. In fact, many healthcare organizations treat inventory management as an administrative task that’s largely separate from hour-to-hour, minute-to-minute clinical operations.

When results depend on what happens on the frontline, doesn’t it make sense to integrate supply chain management right into healthcare workflows?

The answer, of course, is an emphatic “Yes!” and is the topic of a recent healthcare webinar hosted by Barcodes, Inc., with featured guests from Zebra Technologies and Christus Health.

Step One: Involve Frontline Nurses and Clinicians in Inventory Management

When the COVID pandemic hit in March 2020, many healthcare organizations learned how resilient or fragile their supply chains actually were. COVID-related responses tested the entire healthcare system, with workforces strained to — or even beyond — their limits.

It’s safe to say that every healthcare organization dealt with inventory problems during COVID. And it wasn’t just PPD that was affected; just about every critical asset or inventory item was in short supply at one time or another. Organizations with good visibility into inventory on the frontlines had more flexibility to adapt, moving supplies where they most needed them and keeping on top of essential stocks. However, for organizations that did not have supply chain management integrated into frontline operations, every aspect of inventory management was an ongoing struggle, with patients and frontline staff bearing much of the burden.

For many healthcare leaders, this was a lesson in the importance of integrating supply chain management into the routine workflows of every clinician, especially the nurses and lab techs whose effectiveness depends on the availability of supplies.

There are two key takeaways here. First, it is critical to ensure frontline staff has the tools to access and update inventory information as a routine part of their activities without interrupting caregiving. Second, instead of relying on separate and manual inventory processes, inventory data needs to be captured and acted upon automatically in real time because nobody can make time to take inventory when staff is working double or triple shifts.

Step Two: Put Technology to Work

The good news is that the tools needed to integrate inventory processes and supply chain management into routine healthcare workflows are easily attainable. Just about everything necessary to gain real-time inventory visibility can be captured with the mobile devices already being deployed to improve clinician communication and collaboration.

The key is to ensure that mobile devices have data capture capabilities that can be integrated into existing ERP systems. With this capability, every time supplies are moved or used, the action is seamlessly recorded with a handheld mobile computer or tablet in real time.

Integrating inventory data capture links every process to inventory management. Suddenly, nurses and other clinicians become a routine part of supply chain management — without disrupting their usual workflows. The result is that frontline personnel can see what is available, and administrators receive the real-time information they need to make data-driven inventory decisions.

With this simple step, the need for manual inventory processes is significantly reduced, and supply chain management is greatly simplified — even automated. And, because fewer out-of-stock situations mean supplies are available when nurses and other clinicians need them, patients receive better care.

It’s even possible to use the same approach to streamline billing, capturing supplies usage in patient electronic medical records.

Barcodes and Christus Health

Barcodes, Inc. worked closely with Christus Health to deploy a range of Zebra mobile devices throughout their clinical operations. They chose Zebra devices because they’re specifically engineered for healthcare usage, with rugged materials that withstand frequent disinfection, and because they deliver proven barcode scanning tools that make it easy to integrate inventory management into healthcare workflows.

To learn more about how Zebra devices can streamline supply chain management, watch the replay of our webinar or contact your Barcodes, Inc. representative.

About this Webinar:

Addressing Modern Business Challenges with Wearables

Thursday July 13th 1:00-1:30pm Central

Presented by:

Glenn Aspenns – Product Marketing Manager, Honeywell Safety and Productivity Solutions

What to Expect: Honeywell Wearables Webinar

Your business is under increasing pressure to increase productivity. To meet workers’ expectations, you are looking to equip them with intuitive technology and create a safe work environment. Wearable mobile devices and technologies can enhance a company’s ability to meet these challenges head on.

This discussion will cover market conditions, application areas, and potential solutions to some of the most common productivity challenges.

During this 30-minute webinar, you will learn to:

• Identify key pain points in warehousing, transportation, retail and manufacturing
• Detail opportunity areas to make rapid and substantial improvements
• Discuss hands-free solutions ready for scalable deployment

Watch the Full Wearables Webinar

The best mobile devices are those that are also good for the planet. If you are searching for the best mobility strategy, it’s essential to consider environmental impact and choose effective yet sustainable solutions.

Eco-friendly Zebra mobile devices are the ideal solution for protecting the environment and reducing your carbon footprint. Barcodes provides a wide range of products expertly designed for sustainability, from package design to battery consumption levels to recycling programs.

Eco-Friendly Zebra Mobile Devices to Power Your Operations

Although people may think sustainable products have a shorter lifespan, Barcodes carries products engineered to last and withstand the rigors of everyday use. Procuring long-lasting, quality products, such as eco-friendly Zebra mobile devices, is a simple step manufacturers can take to protect the environment.

Since Zebra devices last much longer than typical consumer devices, organizations can be confident knowing they are saving resources, preventing unnecessary waste, and ultimately helping to protect the planet.

Barcodes offers the right eco-friendly Zebra mobile devices to fit your needs. If you are looking for an advanced Android mobile computer, the MC33X series is a lightweight, versatile handheld computer expertly designed to improve workforce productivity and efficiency.

If you need rugged tablets, the ET4X series features thin, light enterprise tablets built with integrated scanning for fast, accurate data capture. Both series boast sustainable features and are:

• Equipped with Green battery technology
• Designed with superior power efficiency and lightning-fast charging
• Free from environmental toxins
• Packaged sustainably

Go Zebra Buy-Back Program

When you’re ready to upgrade to new equipment, consider using Zebra’s convenient Buy-Back Program, Go Zebra.  This environment-friendly, cost-savings program, allows them to securely return pre-owned Zebra devices, thereby reducing harmful landfill waste (ask a Barcodes Rep how companies also get cashback for their old equipment!).

Because batteries are such a hazard to landfills, Barcodes can help you choose mobility devices with green battery technology, such as the TC57x.  This improved battery has a longer lifespan, so you purchase fewer batteries as backups and fewer batteries end up in landfills.

Need Help Choosing Eco-Friendly Zebra Mobile Devices?

Barcodes offers a wide range of environmentally safe and secure recycling services and comprehensive product recycling information specific to each product.

Selecting the right devices that will work for your business AND protect the environment is easy with Barcodes – we are here to help you find the right device that’s also good for the planet! Get started today by contacting a Barcodes Mobility Expert online or calling us at (855) 233-2917.

Genuine consumables from Honeywell include labels, ribbons, RFID tags, and more for a wide variety of environments and labeling applications.

Depending on your needs, certain consumables and media may be a better choice than others. Here are some questions to consider for consumables, examples of different print media, and the latest Honeywell barcode label printers.

Genuine Consumables from Honeywell

Honeywell’s printer supplies are optimized for use with Honeywell printers, providing thermal printing solutions that simplify operations and lower total cost of ownership.

Whatever your print needs, ranging from barcode labels, media tags, and receipt paper to thermal media, RFID labels, and patient wristbands – using genuine Honeywell consumables and printer supplies allows for the very best performance.

Honeywell Barcode Label Printers

Honeywell’s latest industrial printers all improve operational productivity with minimal downtime. They print more labels at faster speeds, without compromising label quality or accuracy.

Many of the following printers can accomplish similar results and are highly recommended. Instead, we will point out the differences between Honeywell’s PM, PD, PX, and RP series.

For a personalized recommendation, don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance.

PXie Series Printers Should be Replaced with PX45 or PX65

Honeywell announced in May 2022 that it will be discontinuing the PX4ie and PX6ie series of printers.

Anyone planning to upgrade this year should now consider the new PX45 and PX65 printers instead, expected to be available in August 2022.

These are very similar in spec to the PXie series printers, but are even more rugged and future proof. Improvements in the PX45 and PX65 include:

• Faster processing speed: CPU, FPGA and Motor controller upgrade
• Larger memory size: 256MB/512MB RAM/Flash upgrade
• RFID enhancement: new IM11 module included
• Connectivity enhancement: Ethernet 10/100/1000, high speed USB included
• All accessories compatible with PXie series printers

Both the PX45 and PX65 are durable, all-metal industrial printers, printing up to 12 inches per second from the first label to the last. Both printers boast at a resolution of 203 or 300 dpi, and the PX45 also has a resolution of 406 dpi. This is perfect for compliance labeling applications that need immediate results from dynamic datasets. The magnetic QuickMountâ„¢ printhead makes it easy and quick to change printheads.

Honeywell labels and other media are designed and tested with the PX45 and PX65 printers to make sure they work best with genuine Honeywell media.

PM45 and PD45 Printers

Both the PM45 and PD45 barcode label printers from Honeywell are worth a look for industrial and retail environments (especially the PD45s printer).

RP2e and RP4e Printers

By printing labels on demand, right where they’ll be used, this portable printer boosts efficiency and cuts down on mistakes. When compared to competing mobile printers, the RP4e’s advantages are clear: it has nearly twice the print speed media capacity, an improvement of one point in ANSI print quality, and superior battery power longevity thanks to our new Hi-drain battery.

This means that your employees will be able to get more done in less time without having to waste any of it waiting for media to load or changing batteries.

The RPe Series printer produces labels and receipts from 25.4 mm (1 in) to 104.1 mm (4.1 in) and supports a broad range of media, including the thick material required for hang tags and specialized labeling.

In addition, whether you’re working with a single media format or a combination of formats, the application’s quick and simple loading design means fewer interruptions and more productivity.

If you’re looking for long-range and lightning-fast data connectivity on your WL AN, look no farther than the RPe Series with its cutting-edge 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi capabilities. When employees need to print from locations outside of the WL AN’s range or use the printer with a Bluetooth mobile device, the printer’s built-in Bluetooth® 4.0 LE radio comes in handy at no extra cost. In addition, the printer supports NFC so that status and settings may be checked even when there is no access to the internet.

Both the RP2e and the RP4e printers from Honeywell are available now.

PX940 Printer

The powerhouse that is the PX940 still remains one of the best selling industrial label printers. See why the PX940 printer is chosen time and time again.

Order Honeywell Consumables with Our Label Picker Tool

If you are all set on printer hardware, you can order genuine Honeywell labels from Barcodes, Inc. directly. Many applications and sizes are available now. If you need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us.