In yesterday’s post I provided information about three different types of RFID readers and what they’re designed for.  As promised, today I’m going to provide some fast facts about the different types of RFID tags.  RFID tags come in several varieties with different abilities, memory and power requirements.  The following list provides a brief description of several different types of RFID tags:

Active RFID Tags – active tags have an embedded battery that provides power and a radio signal.  Although more expensive than passive tags, they possess greater data capacity and range.

Passive RFID Tags – passive tags don’t have embedded batteries like active tags, they get energy directly from radio waves transmitted by a reader.  Passive tags hold limited amounts of data and have a shorter read range than active tags.

Read-Only Tags – these tags hold data that is pre-programmed at the factory and cannot be changed.

Writeable Tags – these tags allow users to program, erase and rewrite data many times.  Many writeable tags are designed with a partition that defines a certain area of the tag to be read-only, this allows users to permanently encode data that is static, but utilize the writeable portion for changing data.

Many RFID tags are also designed to withstand harsh environments and challenging surfaces.

Let’s Get Mobile! Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for more information about RFID solutions, RFID readers or RFID tags.

In our Dec. 4th post and Sept. 8th post we described two DecisionPoint RFID solutions.  DecisionPoint is no stranger to RFID and is a leading RFID solution provider.  Today I’d like to provide some fast facts about the different readers used for RFID solutions and tomorrow we’ll take a look at the different types of RFID tags.

RFID readers obtain information from RFID tags via low power radio waves; therefore RFID readers don’t require a line of sight between the reader and the tag.  RFID readers are grouped into three main categories:

Handheld RFID Readers – handheld readers provide a flexible means to not only read data in areas that fixed readers can’t reach, but allows the use of a single device to capture a range of data.  From RFID tags, to bar codes, to images, you have everything you need right at your fingertips.

Fixed RFID Readers – typically seen at receiving dock doors, fixed RFID readers automatically activate and read tags on pallets or cases while remaining stationary.

Mobile RFID Readers – designed for material handling equipment such as forklifts or mobile carts, mobile readers can be installed almost anywhere and are designed for true mobility.

Visit us again tomorrow to learn more about the different types of RFID tags.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for more information about RFID solutions.

Agilis Systems has named DecisionPoint a Preferred Provider of its core set of mobile applications. Through its existing MobileArc program, DecisionPoint Systems will deliver “one-stop shopping” capability to those end customers who wish to run Agilis’ core software.

You can read more about DecisionPoint and Agilis Systems teaming up to deliver mobile workforce solutions in the entire Press Release.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for more information about mobile workforce solutions.

In our Sept. 3rd post we discussed the benefits of mobile printing across various industries.  To further the capabilities and benefits of mobile printing, Zebra has announced the release of a software development kit that allows customers to print from smartphones to Zebra mobile printers.  The following video gives a demonstration of this new capability.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for more information about Zebra mobile printers and mobile printing solutions.

Hands-free computing can empower workers to achieve new levels of efficiency, productivity and accuracy in warehouse and distribution environments.  When choosing a wearable, you should look for features that maximize the benefits it can provide, such as:

• Full voice and data application flexibility
• High-performance computing power
• Powerful platform architecture
• Real-time wireless networking
• Durable construction
• Ergonomic design

Choosing the proper wearable can be a challenge though, by working with the mobility experts at DecisionPoint they’ll determine the overall effectiveness of the technology and what wearable device best fits your needs.

Motorola is releasing 2 new wearable models very soon, so stay tuned for more information about wearable mobile computers.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for more information about wearable mobile computers.

In yesterday’s post we explained what Chip and PIN cards are and how they’re catching on worldwide.  Today I’d like to go over the benefits of Chip and PIN so you can see why so many countries are adopting the technology.  Chip and PIN cards provide benefits to cardholders, merchants and banks, including:

Safety - Chip and PIN cards are more secure than traditional magnetic stripe cards, it is exceptionally difficult to copy the information stored on the card and the use of a unique PIN prevents the use of a lost or stolen card being used by someone else.

Faster Payments - with Chip and PIN, transactions are faster and there is no need to check a signature.

Fewer Disputes - Chip and PIN reduces fraudulent and disputed payments.

Customer Confidence - Chip cards are harder to counterfeit, and PIN numbers help prevent fraud involving lost and stolen cards.

Chip-enabled technology has the ability to eliminate the need for tethered devices to process payments in the field, making it a technology to keep an eye on for any business with a mobile workforce.

Let’s get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for more information about mobile payment processes.

In our Nov. 2nd post we introduced Near Field Communication or NFC technology.  We also included a video in our Nov. 3rd post that featured NFC “wave and pay” payments at self-service terminals.  Because the future appears to be chip-enabled, I wanted to provide information about Chip and PIN payments today.

Chip and PIN replaces traditional magnetic stripe readers on credit cards with smartcard technology.  Debit and credit cards contain an embedded microchip that is authenticated using a 4-digit PIN.  Chip and PIN payments are more secure and require just a few simple steps:

1. Customers insert their card into a PIN pad terminal
2. Enter their 4-digit PIN
3. PIN entered is checked against the PIN information stored on the card
4. If the two match, the transaction is complete, no signature required

The UK, France and other European countries are reducing credit card fraud through the use of Chip and PIN payments rather than traditional magnetic stripe payments and dozens of other countries are adopting the technology or have plans to do so.  The U.S. has yet to adopt the technology, but the chip-enabled future is upon us and we may need to change with the times.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for more information about mobile payment solutions.

In our Nov. 10th post we announced the release of DecisionPoint’s MobileCare™ Technical Support Service.  DecisionPoint recently announced that PETCO, a leading pet specialty retailer has signed up for the service, complete with a 24/7 option.  Download the Press Release to learn more about PETCO’s decision to subscribe to MobileCare™ Technical Support.

Technical Support is just one part of DecisionPoint’s MobileCare™suite of support offerings.  For more information about the entire suite visit the MobileCare™Support page.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for more information about mobility solutions and support.

In our Nov. 25th post we described how a DecisionPoint solution helped a proof of delivery and yard management business increase productivity, efficiency and customer satisfaction.  Today I’d like to take a look at how a MobileArc Security Service Solution helped a large security firm do the same.

DecisionPoint designed a solution for a large security service firm that provided:

• Constant communication
• Real-time tracking of guards
• RFID scanning for proof of services

Guards were equipped with Motorola mobile devices that not only allow easy and accurate data collection in real-time, but mobile communication.  DecisionPoint also introduced a Device Management solution that allows the customer to monitor key characteristics of the Motorola devices while in the field.

Visit DecisionPoint’s MobileArc Security Service Solutions page to learn more about this particular solution.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for more information about enterprise mobility solutions.

Businesses provide mobile devices to employees in the field to increase productivity and efficiency.  Sometimes these very devices can be the cause of decreased productivity by distracting workers and allowing them to access applications that aren’t pertinent to their job, such as games and Web access for personal use.  However, businesses can easily combat this issue by adding lockdown solutions that provide complete control over applications and functionality of devices in the field.  These solutions protect productivity by preventing unauthorized device usage.  With complete control, management can:

• Prohibit the installation of non-approved applications
• Employees can only access applications pertinent to their job
• Set access policies for specific individuals or entire workgroups
• Secure the device if it’s lost or stolen

The ability to restrict personal use of mobile computers in the field maintains productivity and profitability.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for more information about solutions designed to control your mobile devices while in the field.