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.

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.

Motorola recently introduced the CS3000 Series 1D scanner and today I’m providing a great video that offers more information about this new data capture solution.  Watch the video to learn more about how the pocket-sized CS3000 increases the productivity of mobile task workers.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for more information about the Motorola CS3000 Series.

The correct hardware will increase efficiency and improve the productivity of your mobile workforce.  DecisionPoint would like to provide you with the opportunity to learn more about the Motorola MC55, the rugged mobile device that improves driver and carrier productivity from pickup to delivery.  Download the Motorola MC55 Parcel and Post Application Brief from DecisionPoint to learn more about this feature rich device that is a perfect fit for express delivery businesses.  When combined with a DecisionPoint MobileArc Field Mobility solution, you’ll have everything needed to increase customer satisfaction and reduce operating costs.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about the Motorola MC55 and proof of delivery solutions.  Also watch DecisionPoint’s Courier Video to hear from customers and partners about our end-to-end mobile courier solutions.

In our Nov. 9th post we provided information about the release of the Motorola MC3100 Series mobile computer and some of the next generation technology it boasts.  Today I’d like to provide you with the opportunity to learn more about the flexibility of the MC3100 Series and how it can improve retail operations.  The ability to scan 2D bar codes sets the MC3100 Series apart and enables retailers to:

• Improve marketing promotions with 2D coupons
• Increase throughput at the checkout with 2D bar codes that eliminate the need for product codes
• Reduce inventory costs
• Eliminate stock-outs
• Easily comply with the Payment Card Industry (PCI) and traceability requirements

Want to learn more about how the MC3100 Series delivers these benefits?  Download the MC3100 Series Retail Application Brief from DecisionPoint for more information.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about the MC3100 Series and our end-to-end mobile solutions designed for retailers.

As promised in our post yesterday, here’s a great video from Motorola that showcases the DS6878-HC and all of the benefits it provides healthcare applications.  Enjoy!

Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn more about the DS6878-HC.

Today we’re going to duck indoors again to provide you with more information about Motorola’s latest 2D imager designed specifically for the healthcare industry.  The DS6878-HC cordless 2D imager is designed to prevent medical errors, increase productivity and improve patient safety.  The DS6878-HC can be used in a variety of healthcare applications, including:

• Patient bedside-dispensing and managing medications
• Pharmacy-ensures proper dosage and tracking
• Admitting office
• Document and chart management
• Asset tracking

With USB charging capability, the DS6878-HC provides the flexibility to be mounted to a computer or work station on wheels (COW or WOW).  Also, in addition to withstanding multiple 6 ft. drops to concrete and sealed to IP43 specification, the DS6878-HC is equipped with a specially design plastic housing for frequent disinfectant wipe downs.

Check back tomorrow to see a video from Motorola that goes into more detail about the benefits that the DS6878-HC can provide the healthcare industry.

Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn more about the DS6878-HC Cordless 2D Imager.

Although laser, ink jet and dot matrix printers have the ability to output bar codes, thermal printers provide the highest quality and cost-effectiveness to users.  Thermal printing is classified as either direct thermal or thermal transfer printing.  Both direct thermal and thermal transfer printers provide:

• Crisp, clear lines and spaces for the best bar code read rates
• Long-lasting labels
• Reduction of waste

Thermal printing is also fast (up to 12 inches per second), making it the perfect choice for on-demand printing applications.  As you can see from the comparison chart below, thermal printing beats out the competition and is the best option for bar code labeling.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc to learn more about thermal printers or mobile thermal printers designed for on-demand printing.