Yesterday we provided information about bar code imagers and the applications they’re best suited for.  As promised, today we’re taking a closer look at laser bar code scanners.

Laser bar code scanners read bar codes with a laser beam that is moved back and forth across a code by oscillating mirrors.  Laser bar code scanners can only read 1D bar codes and not 2D symbols like imagers.  One of the major advantages that laser scanners have over linear imagers is their read range.  Laser scanners are capable of reading up to 36 feet away and their narrow beam can support a wide variety of depths of field.  Fixed position laser scanners also boast a snappy scan speed of about 600-1800 scans per second.  The benefits that laser scanners offer make these devices perfect for applications such as:

• Long-range scanning in warehouses or distribution centers
• Stationary scanners for conveyor belts

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about cordless laser bar code scanners designed for use in extreme environments.

It’s time for a little data capture 101.  Today we’re going to take a closer look at bar code imagers and tomorrow we’ll provide more information about laser bar code scanners and make some comparisons.

Unlike a typical laser scanner, linear imagers use CCD (Charged Coupled Device) technology to capture the bars and spaces in a bar code and convert them into a video signal.  Rather than using oscillating mirrors to capture the data of a bar code, linear imagers utilize LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) and a lens to focus the image of the bar code onto the CCD component.  This solid state design with no moving parts is the main reason that linear imagers are considered more reliable than standard laser scanners.

The lack of moving parts also provides a fast scan rate of 200-500 scans per second.  Linear imagers can read 1D and 2D codes and are also capable of reading a thicker portion of a bar code, so they provide better reads of damaged or poorly printed codes.  But even with all of these benefits, linear imagers are best suited for specific types of applications.  The major drawback to linear imagers is their inability to scan at long ranges.  Because of this, linear imagers are best suited for applications such as:

• Retail POS
• Inventory management
• Order picking
• Production line replenishment

If your application doesn’t require a long scan range than you may want to take advantage of the numerous benefits offered by linear imagers.  Check back tomorrow to learn more about laser bar code scanners and their capabilities.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about cordless linear imagers built for extreme environments.

Touchscreens provide an easy and intuitive way to access information via PC’s, mobile computers and mobile phones.  Today we’re going to take a closer look at the two most popular types of touchscreen technology and provide more information about their capabilities.

• Resistive Touchscreens-are durable and resistant to water and dust, but can get scratched easily, so you want to make sure you’re not using a sharp object to input data.  They are “passive”, meaning that the screen senses contact with nearly any object.  A Resistive touchscreen responds to pressure on its surface, so they can be used with a finger, stylus, pen or any pointed object that won’t damage the screen.
• Capacitive Touchscreens-are more durable than resistive touchscreens because they are not only water and dust resistant, but also less likely to get scratched.  Capacitive touchscreens must be touched with an object that emits a constant electric flow, like a finger.  These screens have a very long life, but you’ll have to put away the stylus for this one.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn more about mobile devices with resistive or capacitive touchscreens and which is right for your application.

In our June 23rd post we provided information about some of the healthcare businesses that rely on workers outside of the four walls.  Today I’d like to take a look at the ways that pharmaceutical and medical equipment suppliers are using mobile solutions to better serve their customers and increase efficiency.  With a mobile solution in place you can:

• Schedule drivers with Web-based order dispatching that is sent directly to their mobile device
• Assign and track the status of pickups and deliveries in real-time
• Dynamically dispatch the nearest courier
• Automatically capture and report mileage driven
• Export collected data to the back office for extensive reporting

In addition, the use of electronic forms reduces errors and enables:

• Bar code scanning of prescription number, part number and serial number
• Correct and complete deliveries validated against order line items
• Signature capture
• Image capture of damaged equipment

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about mobile solutions designed for field-based workforces.

DecisionPoint’s Signature Partner CXT Software will be releasing X Dispatch version 10.2 soon and they recently announced some of the new enhancements.  X Dispatch is CXT Software’s enterprise level dispatching software from their line of industry-leading software solutions for the time-critical courier and delivery industries.  X Dispatch enables you to manage/schedule routes and confirm pickups and deliveries in real-time.  Version 10.2 will offer mapping enhancements using Microsoft Bing Maps.  With Bing Maps you can plot stop data for on-demand orders and routes, find directions and get up-to-the-minute traffic reports.  X Dispatch version 10.2 with Bing Maps puts all the tools you need right at your fingertips without the need for third-party mapping applications.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn more about CXT Software’s X Dispatch.

There are a variety of wireless printing applications designed for retail environments that improve productivity, increase safety and reduce operating expenses.  Whether it’s a wireless tabletop printer or a mobile printer, going wireless is ideal for environments where space is at a premium or when you need on-demand printing away from a workstation.  Some typical applications for wireless printers include:

• Shipping & Receiving-eliminates the need for workers to walk back and forth between workstations to print shipping labels
• Shelf Labeling-produce on-demand shelf labels while in the aisle for increased efficiency and accuracy
• Shelf Price Auditing-ensure that the prices on your shelf reflect the prices charged at the register
• Price Changes & Item Labeling-create new shelf and item labels for scheduled price changes by aisle for increased efficiency
• Mobile POS-improve the shopping experience by reducing wait times

Interested in learning more about wireless printer capabilities?  DecisionPoint Systems can provide more information and help you select the best printer solution for your environment and in-store applications.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn more about mobile printers and applications designed for retail environments.

CXT Software and Motorola recently released some videos that feature Darin Soll, CXT Software CEO, discussing the importance of rugged mobile devices and mobile technology in the courier industry.  Here’s one below and you can view all three in DecisionPoint’s new Media Center.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for more information about MobileArc Courier Solutions, our signature partner CXT Software and Motorola hardware.

Windows Mobile 6.5 has many new enhancements including:

• The new Today Screen that provides the information you need most with a touch of a finger
• The new lock screen that displays messages and appointments when the phone is locked
• Conversation view for multiple emails and unified messaging
• New navigation tools to easily find the information you need
• Multiple viewing modes depending on your needs

Currently the Motorola MC9500-K and MC75A ship with Windows Mobile 6.5, but now you can upgrade your MC55 and MC75 to this new version as well.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn more about this upgrade or Motorola devices that ship with WM6.5.

In our July 16th post we announced that DecisionPoint took part in the recent ESRI Showcase that focuses on GIS trends and integrated solutions.  Do you know what GIS is?  GIS, or a Geographic Information System, integrates hardware, software and data so users can capture, manage and analyze geographical information.  GIS technology can be integrated into enterprise information systems and is used in a variety of industries to improve processes.  A mobile solution with GIS technology enables businesses to:

• Effectively manage and schedule routes for fleets and field workers
• Track mobile assets in real-time
• Easily share information
• View maps, reports and charts on-the-go

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn more about GIS technology and mobile solutions.

DecisionPoint recently attended the 2010 ESRI Showcase in San Diego, CA July 13th-15th.  The ESRI International User Conference is a premium event for anyone working with GIS (Geographic Information System) technology.  The showcase and exhibit pavilion offered attendees the opportunity to learn more about the latest products and integrated solutions that manage, analyze and display geographic information.

DecisionPoint was at the show displaying Mobile Epiphany’s geospatially intelligent asset inspection software ̶ Touch Inspect.  If you weren’t at the show and would like to learn more about this revolutionary software and our mobile inspection solutions, please visit DecisionPoint’s MobileArc Field Inspection page.  You can also view multiple videos in DecisionPoint’s Media Center or Download the Touch Inspect Datasheet.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about our MobileArc Field Inspection solutions that use mobile computers to inspect and track assets in the field.