In our Oct. 11th post I provided information about retail applications that utilize 2D imagers to capture information from the PDF417 bar code on the back of customer’s driver’s licenses.  This type of application also provides many benefits to hotels and resorts and can help to speed up guest check-in and increase security for valet parking.

Guest Check-In-streamline registration by scanning the PDF417 on a driver’s license to automatically populate the registration form.  This increases customer satisfaction and reduces wait times.

Valet Parking-capturing the photo on a driver’s license allows attendants to verify guest identity when retrieving vehicles to boost security.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about digital imagers that support these types of applications for hotels and resorts.

Mobile government solutions increase the flexibility and the productivity of workers to ensure the safety of communities and the fast response to problems.  Deploying solutions with the latest mobile, voice, bar code and RFID technologies provides compliance with standards and mandates, reduces costs and increases operational efficiency.  Mobile solutions for government agencies include:

• Barcode Inventory Tracking Systems- BITS Kits include mobile devices and software that support bar code technology to help personnel manage mission-critical inventory.  Read the press release about the DecisionPoint solution for the United States Air Force Reserve to learn more.
• Asset tracking and management systems-Meet regulatory compliance requirements, ensure timely maintenance and provide accountability.
• Item Unique Identification (IUID) asset labeling-IUID is an asset identification system instituted by the United States Department of Defense (DoD).  Compliance requires that all IUID labels, marks or tags use a two-dimensional (2D) Data Matrix symbol with the data formatted in accordance with syntax and formatting standards necessary to ensure accurate scanning and tracking.
• Two-Way Radios-improve the response time to critical situations with instant two-way communication.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about mobile solutions designed for government agencies.

You may have noticed that many large retailers and restaurants are beginning to adopt mobile coupons and are taking advantage of this new marketing tool.  Mobile coupons drive awareness so that retailers can increase sales and promote loyalty without customers being hassled with clipping coupons.  A recent report by ABI Research reported that 63% of consumers feel that a coupon is the most valuable form of mobile marketing.

The most secure form of mobile couponing is the transmission of a bar code to a cell phone screen that is then scanned at the POS checkout.  This form of mobile couponing is very similar to mobile ticketing and 2D bar codes are best suited for these applications.  2D symbols like the Aztec code place critical data at the center of the code where mobile display screens are brightest to ensure the best reads possible.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about mobile coupon solutions and 2D bar code scanners.

In our April 30th post I provided information about the bar code symbology GS1 Databar (Formerly Reduced Space Symbology).  Today I’d like to take a look at some of the retail applications that can benefit from the use of this symbol.  Because GS1 Databar has the ability to supply identification data such as manufacturer, expiration date and can encode more data in a smaller area, this symbol provides increased visibility into products and promotes traceability.  This new symbology will impact retail applications for:

• Loose produce-small GS1 stickers will include the full Global Trade Identification Number (GTIN) to identify the item as well as the supplier.
• Small items-items that are too small for the larger UPC/EAN bar code require truncated or limited-information UPC and EAN symbols , with GS1 Databar the full GTIN number can be encoded in less space.
• Variable measure items-GS1 Databar Expanded codes can provide information about price, as well as manufacturer, weight and sell-by date for variable measure items such as meat and bakery goods.
• Coupons-GS1 Databar increases the amount of information a coupon can hold, including the coupon issuer as well as detailed offer information.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about implementing GS1 Databar symbols and the laser bar code scanners and imagers that support the entire family of GS1 Databar symbols.

In our March 11th post I briefly described the two types of 2D bar codes—stacked and matrix.  Today I’d like to provide some additional information about stacked 2D symbols.

Stacked symbols started as 1D linear codes such as Code 39 and Code 128 that were then stacked in layers to create multi-row symbols.  These first symbols included Code 49 and Code 16K.  Stacked symbols later evolved to include PDF417 which provided features to increase data capacity, improve data density and strengthen reading reliability.  PDF417 also incorporated error detection and correcting techniques.  Another type of 2D stacked symbology is SuperCode, this code breaks data into smaller packets and can be used to create symbols in a variety of different shapes.  2D stacked codes are used in a variety of industries and applications, such as:

• Healthcare
• Identification cards
• Inventory management

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn more about bar code scanners and label software that support 2D stacked bar codes.

Transforming the shopping experience is a great way to maintain customer loyalty.  Mobile solutions provide the convenience and personalized shopping experience your customers are looking for.  With the correct technology in place, the opportunities to increase customer satisfaction are almost limitless.  There are a variety of mobile applications designed to enhance the shopping experience and we’ve discussed some of these in the past, but today I’d like to look at some specific examples of solutions that transform the shopping experience.

• In-store ordering via Micro Kiosks-provide your customers with the convenience of ordering items from side departments (such as the deli) at the beginning of their shopping trip.  This eliminates the need for customers to wait in line to place their order and then wait again for the order to be completed.  Everything is taken care of while the customer is shopping and can be picked up when they’re ready to checkout.
• Dressing room assistance-provide your customers with a mobile application that ensures immediate response from an employee to help them locate the correct item in the correct size.
• Online order pickup via Micro Kiosks-provide your customers with a quick and easy way to complete online orders.  A store associate is immediately notified once the bar code is scanned and the order is delivered to the customer at the checkout.  This enables a speedy checkout and eliminates the frustration of waiting in multiple lines to receive an online order.

Lets’ Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn more about mobile solutions that transform the shopping experience.

It’s time for a little bar code 101 again.  Today we’re going to take a look at Direct Part Marking (DPM).  DPM is a process to permanently mark an asset with a bar code.  The preferred codes for DPM are Data Matrix and the QR Code.  DPM is commonly used by automotive, aerospace and electronics manufacturers, as well as the United States Department of Defense.  DPM is a reliable means of identifying parts and can assist with safety and warranty issues and satisfy regulatory requirements.  Permanently marking the asset can be done in several ways, including:

• Laser marking
• Dot peening
• Chemical etching
• Ink jet printing

There are several factors to consider when deciding how the part will be marked, such as:

• Part shape-the Data Matrix code is difficult to place on a curved surface
• Part function-for parts used in critical safety applications it is best to use a non-intrusive method
• Surface thickness-you don’t want to use intrusive methods on parts that may be weakened due to the marking depth
• Surface-highly polished surfaces must first be textured to reduce interference with bar code reads

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn more about DPM and the industries it is designed for.

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.

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.