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.

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.

In past posts we’ve provided information about Near Field Communication (NFC) and Chip and PIN Payments, today I’d like to provide information about another payment option entering the retail market ̶ MEEPASS.  French company MTag created MEEPASS, a service that uses 2D bar codes to identify a mobile device user at the Point of Sale (POS).  The service creates a unique and secure 2D bar code known as a MEEPASS and can be used for payments, loyalty programs, coupons and ticketing anywhere that has a bar code scanner connected to MTag.

MEEPASS offers an alternative to chip-enabled payments and doesn’t require an active Internet connection for the service.  Once the bar code generating software is downloaded to a smartphone it’s ready to go. MEEPASS also requires users to create a security code that they present with their mobile phone to reduce the risk of abuse if their mobile phone is stolen.

The retail industry is changing, if you’re ready to take advantage of new customer-facing applications that utilize mobile phones to increase loyalty and improve the shopping experience turn to DecisionPoint Systems.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for more information about our Retail Solutions that utilize the latest mobile technology to enhance customer experience.

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.

In our March 16th post we explained how Mobile POS (Point of Sale) Solutions enhance customer experience and increase loyalty.  Today I’m sharing a great video from DecisionPoint’s software partner Global Bay that demos a mobile POS solution on a Motorola MC75 and Datamax O’Neil OC2 mobile printer.  Check out how easily payments can be tendered on-the-go!

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about Mobile POS Solutions and other mobile solutions designed for retail environments.

Consumers are constantly on-the-go, so it’s up to retailers to ensure that they reduce wait times and provide a higher level of service to keep them satisfied.  The Motorola MC17 mobile device redefines self-service by allowing customers to scan items while they shop to reduce check-out time, create gift lists and receive targeted promotions.  Check out this video form Motorola to learn more about how the MC17 can improve your customers’ shopping experience.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about the MC17 and other Mobile Retail Solutions designed to improve customer satisfaction.

Mobile retail applications provide on-the-go access to mission-critical data that improves worker productivity and increases customer satisfaction.  The widespread use of wireless networks is creating new opportunities for the retail industry, but businesses must ensure their network is properly secured for success.  Allow the retail experts at DecisionPoint to guide you through this process to ensure that your mobile applications are secure and comply with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).  With DecisionPoint you’ll:

• Recognize where your enterprise network is vulnerable
• Secure your network to prevent security breaches
• Comply with retail standards
• Realize the benefits of mobile retail applications

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for more information about our secure mobile solutions designed for the retail industry.

Convenience is a key to maintaining loyal customers and providing a positive shopping experience.  With a mobile loyalty program solution your customers have the convenience of accessing loyalty program promotions right from their mobile phone.  With digitized loyalty cards you can reduce the hassle that many customers associate with loyalty cards, while also saving on the cost to print and distribute paper cards.

Who leaves home without their mobile phone?  Customers are more likely to have their phone with them at all times rather than their loyalty card−enabling you to increase participation in promotions.  With a mobile loyalty program solution you can:

• Create targeted offers and promotions
• Decrease customer wait times with faster program redemption
• Offer online or in-store membership sign up
• Build stronger customer relationships that increase loyalty

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn more about mobile loyalty program solutions and other mobile retail solutions from DecisionPoint.

In our May 6th post we provided information about kiosk printers and the additional self-service applications they support.  Zebra Technologies recently released their KR403 Kiosk Printer that boasts new enhancements such as:

• Expanded memory
• Additional fonts
• Additional bar code sets-including the retail industry required GS1
• Large media roll capacity
• Automatic maintenance alerts

With a compact footprint and a range of mounting options, the KR403 is the perfect addition to any kiosk solution.

Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn more about the Zebra KR403 Kiosk Printer and retail kiosk solutions.

We’ve provided a lot of information in past posts about the features and benefits of micro kiosks, but did you know that adding the right printer to a kiosk can further enhance your customers’ experience?  Providing your customers with a micro kiosk that enables on demand self-service features is only the beginning, with a kiosk printer your customers can:

• Print coupons
• Print online order information for pickup
• Print value-added information such as “how-to” guides and recipes

DecisionPoint Systems can provide you with the right hardware and the right software to create an affordable all-in-one kiosk solution to better satisfy your customers.

Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn more about all-in-one kiosk solutions for self-service applications.