Mobile computers and barcode scanners can be found in every type of business and environment today.  Especially in manufacturing  locations, dust has become a big concern for many companies.  It may seem insignificant at first but many materials can become very combustible when they are in very small, dust-like particles.  Plastics, resins, and even sugar can become a dangerous hazard when in dust form. These small particles are very easy to ignite with a simple spark that could be generated by a scanner or mobile device.

Organizations such as OSHA and the  U.S. Chemical Safety Board have begun to push for greater regulation and stricter requirements to ensure the safety of every work environment.  One of the easiest things you can do is ensure all scanning devices you use in dust filled environments are rated as I-Safe.  Devices like the Honeywell MX9HL are completely sealed from dust and are certified for nonincendive electrical equipment that can be used hazardous locations. Getting the right device can be the difference between safety and lost lives.

For a more detailed review of what to be concerned with in a dust prone environment this article is a great place to start.

To find the right I-Safe device feel free contact us at Barcodes Inc.

Motorola today introduced the new VC6090 vehicle-mount mobile computer to help improve the productivity and accuracy of warehouse and distribution operations by enabling voice, data and bar code scanning capability in a rugged, size-optimized mobile form factor.

The VC6090 provides the ideal form factor for tight-spaced lift trucks with an all-in-one design that maximizes space utilization and minimizes driver obstruction. With an integrated keyboard with large keys for workers using gloves and an easy-to- read touchscreen display, the VC6090 mobile computer can be viewed and operated in most warehouse environments, resulting in improved decision-making and reduced errors. Integrated voice and data on the VC6090 simplifies tasks for drivers and IT organizations and with Wi-Fi support, drivers can connect to any available wireless LAN (WLAN) inside an enterprise campus or when in range of access points.

Rugged enough to handle any environment the VC6090 is also designed to withstand the constant vibration associated with vehicle mounting. In order to get the most out of your investment, the VC6090 is available with the Service from the Start with Comprehensive Coverage program, providing coverage for normal wear and tear as well as accidental damage to internal and external components, significantly reducing unforeseen repair expenses.

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Janam Technologies announced that its XM66 rugged handheld devices are being used to scan spectator tickets during this summer’s preeminent global sporting event.

“Moving spectators quickly and easily into multiple ticketed venues is crucial for success of the event,” said Harry B. Lerner, CEO of Janam. “We are extremely proud that Janam was selected and couldn’t ask for a better venue to showcase the capabilities of our products.”

“This is yet another case where mission critical operational needs are best addressed with purpose-built tools, as opposed to fragile consumer devices in attachable sleds with half a day of battery life,” Lerner added. “This solution required rapid-fire barcode scanning and secure, reliable wireless data communication in a lightweight yet rugged device.”

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Denso ADC, inventor of the QR Code, announced the release of the BHT-1100 series of handheld wireless barcode terminals. The new devices offer several outstanding features that make barcode scanning quicker and easier, thus increasing operator efficiency.

Denso’s Advanced Scan Plus CCD technology can read barcodes three times faster than a laser scanner and from up to 25 feet or more away, allowing the operator to quickly and continuously scan stock shelves from floor to ceiling without having to use a stepladder. In addition, the BHT-1100 terminals have an expanded scan pattern, resulting in accurate scanning of even smeared barcodes or those that have become partially obscured by dirt.

The terminals’ ergonomic design features a large, easy-to-read screen and a slim, easy-to-hold grip, to reduce operator fatigue. A specially designed scan angle, based on studies of units in actual operation, minimizes screen glare and provides high readability under varying lighting conditions, helping prevent eyestrain.

Wide-area 802.11b/g/n wireless coverage and high-speed data transmission make communication quicker and easier even in large stores or warehouses. An optional built-in digital camera allows the operator to take photos of defective goods during inspection, eliminating the need to carry a separate camera.

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Why Tablets and Purpose Built Forklift-Mounted Computers Are Not Interchangeable

Tablet computing is one of the fastest-growing categories of consumer electronics and enterprise IT alike. The buzz is leading many businesses to explore new uses for tablet computers, and some are finding their way into evaluation trials on forklifts and other vehicle applications in the distribution center. With their large screens and available Windows operating systems, tablets can seem quite similar to the forklift-mounted computers that are widely used today. They can also be taken off the forklift and used on the floor, which some organizations find intriguing.

However, tablets should not be considered drop-in replacements for purpose-built forklift mounted terminals because there are several major differences between the product categories. If you are considering using tablet computers on forklifts, it is important to know these differences and how they may impact operations. Careful evaluation will highlight compromises in integration and everyday use.

This post reviews some of the important differences between tablets and purpose-built computers for forklifts, and presents the five key issues that must be considered when assessing tablet computers for forklift operators:

• Is the design and mounting appropriate for a warehouse or distribution center environment?
• How will the tablet be powered from the forklift?
• Is the tablet compatible with data collection equipment(scanners, printers, RFID), legacy warehouse management system (WMS), fleet management solutions and other critical enterprise systems?
• How will tablets impact user processes and productivity?
• How much will tablets really cost?

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Trimble announced a new UHF RFID Reader accessory for its Nomad rugged handheld computer. 

The Trimble ThingMagic Reader supports reading and writing of EPC Global Gen2 tags which are commonly used for asset and inventory management. The UHF RFID Reader accessory is designed to withstand drops, vibration, humidity, extreme temperatures and immersion, making it ideal for challenging environments.

“The Nomad has been a very successful rugged mobile platform, supplying field workers with a robust tool for data capture and navigation,” said Jim Sheldon, general manager of Trimble’s Mobile Computing Solutions Division. “The RFID Reader further extends the Nomad’s capabilities and offers enterprise management more options in its use.”

“Similar to the widespread integration of GPS into today’s positioning solutions, we believe RFID is a natural complement to many asset management applications and Trimble solutions,” said Tom Grant, general manager of Trimble’s ThingMagic Division. “Integrating high-performance RFID technology into high-value products like the Nomad delivers a strong platform for next generation productivity applications.”

The UHF RFID Reader is available in two variations: one for use in Europe, and the other for use in the U.S., Canada and most of South America. The Reader is based on the best-in-class ThingMagic M5e Compact UHF RFID module, and includes device drivers and a Software Development Kit to enable systems integrators to add RFID capabilities to their mobile applications.

Today’s mobile data collection environments are  a nonstop series of challenges, and a nonstop quest for efficiencies.  Having the most capable tools in your workers hands allows them to maintain productivity and stay on track.

The Marathon field computer was designed to replace multiple devices with one ergonomic, easy to use solution that eliminates  the cost of purchasing and maintaining both laptop or desktop computers and a handheld device. The 7” touch screen display, laptop style QWERTY keyboard, numeric keypad, and optional data capture capability enhance worker productivity and reduce the number of costly errors. Further, the rugged design reduces down time and the total cost of ownership in the most demanding environments. Supporting Windows Embedded Standard, Windows XP Pro and Windows 7 Pro with mass storage to 64GB SSD, the Marathon also seamlessly integrates with enterprise applications and management systems.

The new Marathon WWAN offering supports both 3.75G GSM and CDMA EVDO  through a software configurable radio. Combined with 802.11a/b/g/n wireless local area network (WLAN), the Marathon WWAN enables anytime, anywhere communication capability with GPS location services.

The Skorpio X3 rugged mobile computer by Datalogic ADC represents innovation at its best. Retailers can benefit from all the latest advances that technology and engineering have to offer in this compact and ergonomic solution that fits any retail requirement for mobile data collection.

The Skorpio X3 mobile computer can be used for a variety of applications by the retail store associate, such as assisted sales, inventory and stock management. It offers the largest high-visibility color graphic display (3.2in) with touch screen in its class. This, combined with its specially crafted ergonomic casing, increases the viewing area in an extremely compact form factor, while its trendy design, compact size and light weight provide excellent balance and superior handling. The Skorpio X3 also resists shocks, tumbles and multiple drops from 1.5m, guaranteeing reliable performance with every scan.

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Designed to enhance productivity in field mobility, transportation, and warehouse environments with multiple wireless communications, large memory capacities, and rugged designs.

CipherLab has recently launched their new CP50 Industrial mobile computer. The CP50 has specific designs to assist the harsh environments of the field, on the road, and in the warehouse. It comes fully equipped with a sizable 2 GB flash memory, which allows for mega storage of data. Top it off with multiple wireless communication options which enable field workers to have a wide range of connections on the field. Your field workers would surely be well prepared with this powerful device.

Along with all of its advantages, the rugged design of CP50 with IP65 is proven to withstand harsh environments. It passed 1.5 m drops onto concrete and 1,000 tumbles at 0.5 m ensuring durability. It also incorporates software tools for easy customization from CipherLab Smart Shells, Signature Capture, to FORGE Application Generator. The CP50 is built with both quality and toughness.

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Google’s Android operating system (OS) has become increasingly popular in the consumer mobility market, but not all enterprise IT departments have been ready to adopt the new devices for business. Now, with the launch of the Dolphin 7800 Android which leverages the popular Android OS packed with Honeywell extras, enterprises can have the advantages and familiarity of a consumer operating system without compromising the needs of their business.

For demanding mobile workforce applications that have a need to complete multiple tasks in a limited amount of time, the Dolphin 7800 Android enables multi-purpose computing, communication, and data collection at desktop-like speed. When the benefits derived from consumer operating systems are desired in a lightweight yet reliable mobile computing solution, the Dolphin 7800 Android rugged mobile computer has the functionality required to fulfill the needs of  your enterprise, while maximizing the productivity of your workforce.

For more details and availability of the Honeywell Dolphin 7800 Android contact Barcodes Inc