When looking at ruggedized warehouse scanners, there are many angles to take when deciding must-haves for these devices. But before creating a checklist of features or technology, it is more important to have criteria that will drive your choices and evaluation. It’s about more than just the fastest processors, latest system architecture, and options for operating systems.
Barcoding, Inc.’s client, a supply chain and logistics solutions provider, had to implement a bar code scanning system for a customer operating a return center. This customer wanted a system that would allow the user to scan the part number and serial number of received items, and then generate a new bar code label based on the scanned information. The user would then attach the bar code label to the box that contained the returned items. The client wanted two options — box label or case label.
Manufacturing employees often work long hours, on their feet, doing the same tasks hundreds of times over. Their accomplishments are number based, which is often a far cry for the amount of effort put into a given day.
It is commonly known that bar code printers with extensive features and functionalities are available now. However, if you haven’t been in the market for a while, you may be surprised at the extent of recent enhancements and how reasonably priced these models are. A myriad of elements, designed to improve the operator experience, simplifying the use of the printer, and making maintenance relatively easy, are now standard.
Technology advancements for the Direct Store Delivery (DSD) environment have outpaced both the industry’s need for those advancements and its ability to quickly adopt these new technologies. Today’s DSD environment is well past its fourth generation of technology, and the original return on investment (ROI) for automation occurred in the 1970s. While times have changed, the DSD use case still requires the customer be served in the same manner they were more than 40 years ago — consequently, the ROI for new technology investments may not be obvious.
Tracking assets is one process that — if done effectively — can help your small business clients reduce costs and improve quality. Below are three ways your customers you can convince there is ROI from taking control of their assets.
To stay competitive, all companies have to continually place bets on where to invest their time and resources; assess how to strengthen solution offerings; and innovate around them. We are all evaluating the industry sectors that deliver the most promise and provide the biggest opportunities for business growth. If manufacturing isn’t on your short list, it definitely should be.
You knew this day would come. Your customers' need for greater mobility and advanced applications has moved from a nice to have to a critical business requirement. Their legacy systems can’t keep up with rapidly evolving customer, technology and business demands. Inefficiencies are costing them time and money. From the front office to the distribution center and all points in between, mobile technology creates the foundation on which successful, profitable businesses are now built. And the time to invest is now.
When searching for a barcode printer or scanner, a new solutions provider’s main concerns are that the equipment works and how much it’s going to cost. However, it’s prudent to take a more in-depth look at the hardware before making a purchase decision. Brian Suter of Wasp lists four features that solutions providers often overlook when assessing a barcode printer or scanner.
Randy Helm of Motorola Solutions lists three key factors manufacturers must consider when deciding between rugged or consumer devices for their workers.