As fuel costs continue to rise, organizations are faced with an increase in annual costs per vehicle, making it essential to have solutions in place to reduce fuel consumption.  For many businesses, fuel costs can be as high as 10 to 15 percent of total operating costs.  Fleet managers understand the importance of controlling a fleet’s fuel costs and are turning to fleet management solutions to measure consumption and driver performance.

Real-time information about driver behavior enables fleets to reduce speeding, hard braking and rapid acceleration.  Reducing this type of aggressive driving can lower gas mileage by 33 percent on the highway and by 5 percent in the city.  Automatic alerts for required maintenance can also ensure that your fleet is running at its peak.  Regular servicing of the engine and tires can have a big impact on gas mileage.  In fact, replacing a clogged air filter can improve gas mileage by as much as 10 percent.  Additionally, strategic route planning and solutions such as GPS tracking and turn-by-turn directions further reduce fuel consumption and improve overall operations and customer service.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about fleet management solutions that reduce the impact of rising fuel costs.

In our July 15th post I provided information about the best practices for creating bar code wristbands to ensure that they contain the right data needed to increase patient safety. Bar code wristbands are designed to improve patient safety regardless of age. However, maternity wards need tailored solutions to ensure that the wristbands don’t harm a newborns delicate skin. DecisionPoint’s partner Zebra Technologies recently wrote a blog post about this very issue and provided these important tips for implementing infant wristbands:

• Soft-wristbands must be soft, non-abrasive and hypoallergenic.
• Sizable-wristbands must be adjustable so they can fit infant’s wrists depending on birth weight.
• Scannable Flat Tab-a flat surface on the tab of infant wristbands ensures that there is room for both 2D and linear bar codes and can be scanned from any angle without disruption.
• Data-infant wristbands should include 1D bar codes that contain data such as birth date, sex, age and should associate the baby with the parents.
• Check Codes-wristbands that include both a visible and bar code check code should be used so nurses can easily identify a match between an infant and parent.

Let’s Get Mobile! Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about infant bar code wristband solutions that increase safety and improve efficiency.

In our post yesterday I shared information about the important features to look for in mobile computers and mobile printers for mobile POS or line busting solutions.  Selecting the appropriate software is another way to ensure the best user experience and enables employees to complete more transactions per day.  Today I’m sharing a great demo video from DecisionPoint’s software partner Global Bay that features their robust mobile grocery application designed for line busting.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about end-to-end mobile line busting solutions.

In past posts we’ve provided information about the ways that mobile POS and line busting solutions enable retailers to increase customer satisfaction, process more transactions throughout the day and boost sales.  There are a variety of mobile computers and mobile printers available for mobile POS and line busting solutions and it is important to look for specific features that will ensure the best user experience.  Some of the most important features to consider are:

• Ergonomics-the device display should be easy to read and both the mobile computer and mobile printer must be comfortable and lightweight so that they can be used throughout an entire shift.
• Mobile computer and printer interface-Bluetooth connectivity eliminates cables and improves ergonomics and productivity.
• Battery life-it is important that devices last an entire shift and battery life should be tested for your applications.

There are also numerous data entry methods available, receipt paper choices and accessories that further enhance comfort.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about mobile line busting solutions.

In our June 28th post I provided information about Zebra’s new QLn mobile printer that is ideal for retail applications such as shelf labeling.  Customer input was vital to the development of the QLn series and it boasts innovative technology that improves productivity.  Check out the video below to learn more about the QLn and its enhanced features that meet customer demands.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about mobile printing solutions for retailers.

You may have noticed that coupons have been going through some updates the past few years.  In addition to the standard UPC-A bar code that manufacturers have been using on coupons for decades, GS1 DataBar has also been added.  The use of both bar codes is part of the transition phase to a DataBar-only coupon system.  June 30th marked the date that the Joint Industry Coupon Committee (JICC), set to completely transition to the new GS1 DataBar bar code.  However, because DataBar is a voluntary standard you will see that some manufacturers postpone the switch to later this year.

Manufacturers will see numerous benefits when they make the switch though.  GS1 DataBar is a robust bar code that holds much more information than the UPC-A and enables:

• Automatic expiration date checking
• Validation of specific offers and purchase requirements
• Reduced fraud due to improved validation

Retailers will also realize the benefits of improved scan rates, faster checkouts and a reduction in the need for cashier intervention.  Retailers will need to ensure that their bar code scanners and POS software support the new code in order to realize these benefits.  Are you ready?

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoitn Systems, Inc. for additional information about bar code scanners and POS software that support GS1 DataBar.

In our post yesterday I shared information about retail inventory management software and the multiple store functions it supports.  As promised, today I’m sharing a great video from DecisionPoint’s software partner Global Bay that provides additional information about their robust retail inventory solution GBmobile Mobile Inventory running on Motorola enterprise-class rugged devices.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about retail inventory management solutions.

Retail inventory management can be complex, but with the right mobile retail solution you can extend inventory system functionality to the store floor and increase accuracy.  Inefficient inventory management processes reduce associate productivity and out-dated methods reduce accuracy.   With retail inventory management software and mobile devices, store associates can move freely about the store performing a variety of inventory functions as well as other core tasks.  Typical store functions supported by a robust retail inventory management solution include:

• Receiving
• Transfers
• Adjustments
• Cycle Counts
• Markdowns

And much more!  Be sure to check back tomorrow to learn more about DecisionPoint’s software partner Global Bay and their GBmobile Mobile Inventory Software.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about our Retail Inventory Management solutions.

In our post yesterday I provided information about the new Panasonic Toughbook H2 fully rugged tablet.  Today I’m providing this great video from Panasonic Solutions that goes into detail about all of the features that make the Toughbook H2 the ideal tablet for mobile workforces.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about Panasonic Toughbooks and mobile solutions that increase workforce productivity.

Panasonic Solutions Company recently announced the Toughbook H2, a fully rugged Windows tablet PC that is the next generation in their industry-leading line of rugged tablets.  The Toughbook H2 offers enhanced performance and starts at only 3.5 pounds, so your workers can truly remain mobile.  Designed for workforces on the move, the Toughbook H2 is ideal for field service workers who require a device as tough as the multiple environments they work in.  Key features of the Toughbook H2 include:

• 10.1” sunlight-viewable LED screen
• Fully rugged design: MIL-STD-810G tested 6 foot drop rating
• Fast charging twin hot-swappable batteries
• IP65 sealing
• Ergonomic design with strap and dome hand support

The Toughbook H2 also includes optional integrated features such as a bar code scanner, camera and GPS to enhance productivity by providing your mobile workforce with all the tools they need in one device.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about the Panasonic Toughbook H2 and our end-to-end field mobility solutions.