DecisionPoint’s software partner TotalMobile recently announced the release of TOTALMOBILE™ 5.  TOTALMOBILE™ 5 is the platform for the next generation of mobile working solutions and is the only enterprise-ready solution available on all leading Operating Systems.  Check out the video below to learn more about the next generation of TotalMobile that enables businesses to improve processes, increase field worker productivity, reduced costs and increase compliance.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about TotalMobile 5.

In our Feb. 24th post I provided information about the key drivers for RFID implementation in the retail apparel market.  As a follow-up to that post, today I’m providing a link to download a very informative Motorola Solutions Industry Brief that examines the impact RFID can have on the retail fashion market.  This industry brief provides additional information about the benefits of RFID solutions and real-world case studies.  Download the Motorola Industry Brief “Retail Fashion Market RFID Solutions” to learn more.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about our end-to-end RFID solutions designed for retailers.

In past posts we’ve provided information about the growing adoption of RFID in the retail apparel market.  According to Motorola Solutions, key drivers for RFID pilots and implementations include:

• Up to 98%+ inventory accuracy on the sales floor
• Category sales increases from 4% to 14%
• Category inventory/working capital reductions of 6% to 12%
• Increased margins around .02% with faster turns
• Customer satisfaction increases due to better on shelf availability and faster check out
• Internal shrink reductions up to 40%
• Labor productivity increases. Ability to count up to 25,000 items per hour. Receiving and cycle count labor can be reduced by 80-90%
• Average 9 month ROI

Item-level RFID solutions enable retailers to “count better.”  The University of Arkansas found an average inventory accuracy of 65% without RFID.  It’s no wonder that increasing inventory accuracy is one of the primary drivers for RFID implementation.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn how we can help you implement RFID into your business processes.

Now more than ever, drivers and fleet managers have to keep fleets compliant with government and industry regulations, while also ensuring that productivity and efficiency remain a priority. DecisionPoint Systems along with Verizon Wireless has introduced a complete turnkey fleet management solution – Fleet Control.  Check out the video below to learn more about the Fleet Control bundle that is specifically designed for the transportation and distribution market.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about Fleet Control.

Guest Author: Paul Dorado

According to “The Real-Time Service Enterprise: Leveraging Remote Connectivity to Drive Service Performance,” a research report by Aberdeen Group, the primary drivers for remote asset connectivity are:

• Customer demand for improved service
• Reducing costs
• Increasing productivity and efficiency
• Need for increased service revenues

Many smaller companies are now utilizing remote connectivity and M2M technology to provide faster issue resolution for customers.  According to the report, the falling cost of wireless data service and cloud-based solutions is driving growth in this sector. In fact, 80% of survey respondents had some sort of link to serviceable assets in the field. This is significant growth for what used to be a niche application utilized for high-value assets like medical devices.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn how you can leverage asset connectivity to improve your business processes.

Guest Author: Paul Dorado

In our Dec. 21st post we provided information about DecisionPoint’s partner GeoMicro and their suite of GPS solutions.  It was recently announced that GeoMicro has been acquired by Descartes Systems Group.  According to Descartes, GeoMicro’s technology and services will expand their logistics management applications by adding advanced GIS capabilities which is key to efficient logistics operations.

The applications enhanced by GeoMicro’s capabilities include Descartes’ routing, mobile and telematics solutions, transportation management, dock appointment scheduling, yard management and forwarder/broker back office solutions. Industrial GIS solutions differ from consumer-based solutions as they fully enable geospatial services such as advanced time/distance calculations critical for the optimization of route planning and commercial vehicle and hazardous material road restrictions.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about GIS and logistics management solutions.

In previous posts we provided information about Chip and PIN payments and their use throughout Europe to reduce fraud.  EMV® is a global standard for credit and debit payment cards based on chip card technology.  The standard covers the processing of credit and debit card payments using a card that contains a microprocessor chip at a payment terminal.  A recent Federal Reserve article “Retail Payments Risk Forum Working Paper” pointed out that “Transactions conducted with EMV chip-embedded cards that use PIN verification are more secure than transactions conducted using magnetic stripe technology.”

With MasterCard and Visa announcing roadmaps for EMV adoption in the U.S. it appears we’re on the path to embracing the global standard.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about EMV and Chip and PIN payments.

Guest Author: Paul Dorado

Traditionally, end user requirements for colored thermal labels have meant one of 2 solutions-single color thermal transfer ribbons or custom, pre-produced  single color flood coated labels.  Either of these solutions while effective, involves the time consuming manual removal of material rolls when a color change is required.  With Zebra Technologies new IQ Color series of direct thermal media, multiple color, on demand printing is here.

According to Zebra, with IQ Color labels, use any Zebra thermal printer to print color on demand. Employing color to provide a visual cue or to highlight important information helps your organization streamline operations and reduce errors and costs. And on-demand color through Zebra’s patented IQ Color direct thermal ink technology adds flexibility and efficiency to identification processes.

Check out this new video from Zebra for more information.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about Zebra IQ labels and printing color on demand.

Guest Author: Paul Dorado

You have all probably heard about the recent FMCSA rule restricting the use of handheld mobile telephones by drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). This recent rule has transportation companies asking a lot of questions.  One is how this ruling affects the use of Push-to-Talk communications.

According to FMCSA updated FAQs, push-to-talk function on mobile phones is permitted, under certain limited conditions. Provided the driver does not reach for, dial, or hold the actual mobile telephone in his/her hand while driving and the driver is able to touch the button needed to operate the push-to-talk feature from the normal seated position with the safety belt fastened. Generally, the use of this type of communications equipment does not require drivers to take their eyes off of the roadway because the button used to enable the driver to communicate can be operated from the normal seated position with the safety belt fastened.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn how you can comply with FMCSA regulations while still providing push-to-talk communication.

In our Monday post I provided information about M2M technologies and as promised, today we’re going to take a look at the components of an M2M solution.  According to Field Technologies Magazine, understanding the components of an M2M solution is the first step to success and they include:

1. Product/Asset: the product or asset you’ll be monitoring and communicating with is the first component of the solution.
2. Wireless Module: for your product or asset to be able to communicate, it must be embedded with a wireless modem or cellular module.
3. Wireless Network: wireless connectivity is required in order for the module to be able to communicate the data gathered from your asset.
4. Software: a software application is necessary to make sense of all of the data flowing from your M2M-enabled assets.
5. Platform: the platform is the home of your M2M software solution.  Many platforms are cloud-based, which enable easier deployment and reduce IT management costs.
6. Value-Added Service Provider: according to Gartner, M2M projects that leveraged a third-party service recognized 30% to 50% faster deployment.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn more about complete M2M solutions.