Team Barcode - A Blog for General Data Customers

Good Things Come in Small Packages – Cognitive TPG Printing Solutions.

mdonnellon — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 14:02:11 +0000

Cognitive C Series Printer Family

From tracking raw materials and improving materials, distribution and logistics planning, to tracking inventory and work in process, Cognitive’s C Series barcode printers improves work-flow, increases efficiency, and lowers your total cost of ownership. These printers are ideal for:

Asset tracking – on demand label printing. C Series is compact enough that you can position a number of these printers throughout your warehouse to increase productivity and accuracy and eliminate wasteful trips to a large big box batch printer.
Materials and inventory management – C Series is ideal for a pick, pack and ship application. Mount the C series printer on a cart with a battery pack, connect a barcode scanner to its USB A host port or a keyboard and you have a stand-alone application solution.
Shipping and receiving – the C Series thermal label printer will perform the job of a typical mid-range printer, printing 4×6 shipping labels but using a of third the space, at half the cost.
ERP integration – C Series printers support multiple ERP and Enterprise Legacy interfaces utilizing its advanced architecture. Using off-the-shelf middleware, the C Series is easily configurable to print from various ERP systems, ZPL, EPL and IPL formats and AIDC systems.
Warehouse management – No longer a need for big costly printers for WMS application labels.
Work in process – WIP helps to monitors the complete manufacturing process from receipt of order through to dispatch, eliminating costly errors and bottlenecks.

You can download the Cognitive C Series Printer datasheet here.
Click here to request an on-site demo with a General Data expert.

As a Cognitive Partner, General Data’s experts have extensive product and technical training needed to deploy and support the full line of Cognitive products. Our team of experts can help you find the right mix of technology to become leaner and more efficient in your operations.

How to Find Out More

For more information about Cognitive TPG printers, contact your General Data Account Manager,

- call us at 1.800.733.5252 ext 6473

- or request more information online here

Tough Corner – Oily Parts Tracking Is Slippery Business.

mdonnellon — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 19:45:04 +0000

Our customers know that General Data’s labeling innovators and product research and development experts can solve some of the most demanding labeling applications, so we are frequently presented with new and difficult labeling challenges.

One of our customers, an aircraft wheels and brakes manufacturer, was facing a difficult labeling challenge of accurately identifying and tracking its products through its manufacturing and calibrating processes. During the harsh environments of these processes, parts were contaminated with oil and grease, making it nearly impossible to barcode ID / track the part with a standard label. Standard labels continually fell off or were not scannable due to the grimy surfaces and oil exposure.

For this application, our product development team produced a specialized label, OilTak, that met the following criteria:

heat and chemical resistant, thermal transfer label
permanent, high-tack, oil-resistant adhesive
withstand harsh environment elements (oil/grease/grime)
FDA 21CFR175.105 compliant

OilTak

Download our OilTak datasheet (PDF) here.

The result? Our customer is able to print these labels out of a standard thermal transfer printer and apply them to the oily surfaces of their carbon composite aircraft parts. All parts are now barcoded, barcodes scan easily, the labels are able to withstand the harsh environment, and all parts are accurately identified and tracked.

Another tough labeling problem solved. What can our labeling experts do for you?

How to Find Out More

Have a labeling challenge? To talk to one of General Data’s experts about your specific labeling needs:

- contact your General Data Account Manager

- call us at 1.800.733.5252 ext 6473

- or request more information online here

Case Study: How A World-Leading Manufacturer Streamlined its Labeling Process

mdonnellon — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 15:01:45 +0000

We recently worked with a world-leading Ohio manufacturing facility with sales in more than 90 countries was looking to cut costs and streamline labeling operations. The manufacturer produces 3,500 unique SKUs sold under its own name, as well as its OEM brand names.

The company faced a challenge with its previous labeling solution. To support its OEM customers’ labeling requirements, which included various label sizes and shapes for each product, the manufacturer resorted to purchasing pre-printed color labels. Ordering the pre-printed labels proved costly, due to large minimum order requirements, resulting in unneeded surplus and the need to stock large inventories. In addition, since the labels arrived in large pre-printed batches, the company faced large amounts of waste when their OEM customers required label changes.

Initially, color thermal transfer printers were considered as part of the manufacturer’s in-house label printing solution. However, color thermal transfer printers are very expensive, with prices around $13,000. In addition, factoring in the cost for the required print heads and ribbons, as well as ongoing maintenance costs and form factor of thermal transfer printers, brought the total cost of ownership to a staggering amount.

A better solution

An alternative solution came in the form of Epson’s TM-C3400 Inkjet Printer. General Data’s R&D experts, partnered with Epson, a leader in inkjet technology, developed specialized inkjet labels, designed specifically for the manufacture’s needs. General Data designed and delivered seven different label formats to meet the needs of 50 SKUs, and the manufacturer saw immediate enhancements to its labeling process. Epson’s TM-C3400 color label printer, combined with General Data’s specialized inkjet media, offered the manufacturer a print-on-demand labeling solution at a price it could afford. In the first month of the on-demand color labeling solution install, the manufacturer printed approximately 450,000 labels – achieving a cost savings of over $20,000.

In addition to the initial cost savings, the manufacturer is utilizing the Epson inkjet cartridge recycling program to reduce waste, free of charge. With the impressive cost savings combined with the Epson’s complimentary green initiatives, the manufacturer is planning to relocate its label production to the factory floor, allowing labels for more SKUs to be produced on-demand at the end of its production lines.

Epson's TM-C3400 printer offers cost effective, on-demand color printing.

Download Epson’s TM-C3400 datasheet (PDF) here.

Download our On-Demand Color Labeling Solutions Case Study (PDF) here.

What Can General Data Do for You?

Using the right technology to become leaner and more efficient will cut costs and directly impact your bottom line. In today’s economy, that’s more important than ever.

General Data’s team of experts can help you take a look at your current business processes and recommend the right mix of labeling, printing, scanning, wireless technologies, software, integration and professional services.

In addition, our custom solutions team can develop customized solutions, from specialty labels to custom software, that extends the capabilities of current technologies, focusing it on your unique needs and making your operation leaner, meaner and smarter.

How to Find Out More:

For more information about On-Demand Color Labeling Solutions, contact your General Data Account Manager, or: – call us at 1.800.733.5252 ext 6473 – or request more information online here

Are You Kidding? Innovative “Bullet-Proof” Asset Tracking Labels

mdonnellon — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 19:09:29 +0000

General Data's "Bullet-Proof"Asset Tracking Labels

General Data is known for helping companies solve their toughest labeling challenges, so we are frequently asked to develop labels for some rather unique applications.

In this scenario, our research and development experts were asked to supply an asset tracking label – but with a few requirements. The label needed to be made of a thermal transfer material to be used with the customer’s existing printers, survive the elements of a warehouse, and be readable / scanable or an extended period of time.

Our experts set to work in developing a label to meet the given requirements.

The final result? Our R & D experts developed a label consisting of a thermal transfer durable, synthetic material with an over-laminate top coat for added protection. The process created a “bullet-proof” construction that can withstand years of abuse, ensuring reliable asset tracking for mission-critical applications. The label can be die cut to any size and imprinted to meet any of the customer’s needs.

With over 30 years of experience in helping companies meet the most difficult labeling requirements, General Data is nationally recognized as an industry leader in developing innovative, customized labeling solutions. You can rely on our experts to help you solve even the toughest of labeling challenges.

How to Find Out More:

For more information about these unique asset tracking labels contact your General Data Account Manager,

- call us at 1.800.733.5252 ext 6473

- or request more information online here

Datalogic’s “Green Spot, Good Read” Technology

mdonnellon — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 19:07:45 +0000

Today’s mobile computers need to be rugged, full of technology, and easy to use in any environment. Users need to maximize their productivity and the accuracy of their work – regardless of the environment. Datalogic’s Green Spot™ Technology is designed to do just that.

Think about the average environment where mobile computers are used. Mobile computers can work well in quiet environments like offices, but real world environments aren’t always so forgiving. Loading docks, manufacturing floors, outdoor areas, and crowded retail stores can make data collection a challenge. Audible tones can get lost or buried in these locations.

Often mobile computer users can have trouble focusing and listening for a tone with each scan. In some cases employees may be using other items such as a cell phone or mp3 player during their shift making listening difficult or impossible.

Datalogic’s “Green Spot, Good Read” Technology increases data collection accuracy by providing a visual signal with each successful barcode read, in addition to the audible tone. So what exactly is it?

The “Green Spot” working principle is simple. A Datalogic mobile computer projects a laser onto a barcode image. When the barcode is detected, a secondary LED projects a Green Spot onto the barcode image. The Green Spot is clearly seen on the bar by the user, even in bright sunlight, providing visual confirmation that the barcode was properly scanned.

The Datalogic Green Spot™: Datalogic’s exclusive, patented solution that guarantees good read feedback every time.

For more information on Datalogic’s Green Spot™ Technology or to see it in action with a Datalogic device:

- contact your General Data Account Manager

- call us at 1.800.733.5252 ext 6473

- or request more information online here.

Honeywell Dolphin 6000 Scanphone: Bridging the Gap Between Consumer-grade Mobile Phones & Industrial-grade Mobile Computers.

mdonnellon — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 20:44:19 +0000

Dolphin 6000

Today’s mobile workers require real-time communications and access to critical business data to make informed decisions at the point of customer service. Many of these information workers utilize multiple devices – such as smartphones, VoIP phones, two-way radios, laptop or tablet computers, GPS, bar code scanners – throughout the day. Honeywell’s Dolphin 6000 Scanphone converges the functionality of these devices into a single, durable, and affordable pocket-sized device.

Unlike fragile consumer-grade mobile phones, the durable Dolphin 6000 delivers years of reliable operation. Featuring an IP54-sealed enclosure, the Dolphin 6000 can endure dust, dirt, splashing water and survive accidental drops to concrete from up to four feet. Bridging the gap between consumer-grade mobile phones and industrial-grade mobile computers, the Dolphin 6000 empowers mobile workers to perform tasks at the point of customer service – wherever business takes them.

Additional Features

Ultra-lightweight pocket-sized design
Durable construction
Real-time wireless communication
Versatile data collection abilities
Optimized voice technology
and more!

You can download the Dolphin 6000 data sheet (PDF) here.

For more information on the new Honeywell Dolphin 6000 or for a demonstration of this device with a General Data expert:

- contact your General Data Account Manager

- call us at 1.800.733.5252 ext 6473

- or request more information online here.

How Much Time Do Your Employees Spend Walking in the Warehouse?

mdonnellon — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 17:14:08 +0000

How Much Time Do Your Employees Spend Walking in the Warehouse?

Do you know how much time your employees spend walking back and forth in the warehouse? Chances are that it’s more time than you think.

Integrating mobile powered workstations, or mobile carts, into your warehouse or distribution center is a great way to increase productivity and eliminate unnecessary foot travel on the shop floor. The ability to print and scan labels on the spot increases accuracy, and real-time information is at your fingertips.

Newcastle’s Mobile Powered Workstations make your equipment truly mobile:

Eliminate walking back and forth to printers, computers, etc.
Print labels on-demand
Gain access to real-time data ANYWHERE in your facility
Maximize your wireless infrastructure

See Newcastle’s mobile carts in action here!

Companies in various industries are realizing the benefits and savings of wireless mobility in their warehouses with the use of Newcastle Mobile Workstations. Here’s an example of one customer who used our ROI savings calculator to assess their savings.

What’s Your Mobility ROI?

Use our user-friendly ROI calculator to find out what your savings could be when you eliminate unnecessary walking to and from a static computer, printer or other equipment used in your work process.

Click here to calculate your potential savings now!

Together with Newcastle Systems, a General Data partner and leading provider of powered wireless workstations, we’ve helped our customers achieve their goals of incorporating versatile, customized mobile workstations into their operations that fits their budget. Our experts will guide through the process every step of the way.

Sign up here for your free on-site mobility audit!

To find out more information, contact your General Data Account Manager or call 1.800.733.5252 ext 6473. You can also request more information online here.

Office Printer Supplies | OEM vs. Compatible – What’s the Difference?

mdonnellon — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 14:31:59 +0000

Quality, durability and performance – all the things you need for reliable, worry-free printing with your office inkjet printers, laser printers and copiers.

Black Rhino compatible supplies are anything but your typical “drill and fill” remanufactured ink and toner. Our great selection of compatible supplies are built with new components under strict quality guidelines that ensure performance that meets or exceeds OEM specifications.

Black Rhino compatible supplies are regularly used throughout the U.S. in offices large and small. By using Black Rhino compatible supplies, corporate inkjet printers, laser printers and copiers all perform consistently, reliably and deliver superior printing results page after page.

Superior quality and outstanding results at a fraction of the OEM price.

Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers.

OfficePrinterSupplies is more than just another online store. General Data can help you use OfficePrinterSupplies to realize significant savings and gain control over how your company, department, division or location orders these items.

For more information on how OfficePrinterSupplies can benefit your company, contact your General Data Account Manager or call 1-800-733-5252 ext 6473.

You can also contact us using this online contact form.

Equipment Warranty Coverage Included: Do You Really Need a Service Plan Too?

mdonnellon — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 13:28:56 +0000

You’ve recently purchased Honeywell equipment. Your products came with the standard warranty coverage. Your equipment is covered for normal wear and accidental damage, right? More often than not, the value of a service plan is highly underrated. It’s a costly mistake that not only flat-lines productivity, but undercuts corporate bottom-lines. Service plans are often looked at as an unnecessary added cost. It’s a common fallacy that requires clarity.

Common Misconceptions

“If anything breaks, I’ll just use the warranty.”

- Warranties are NOT Service. Take a look at Honeywell’s Service Made Simple vs. the standard warranty chart below. The differences are significantly different.

“I use a third-party maintenance company”

- Using a third-party maintenance company can be problematic; typically these companies are ‘we fix everything’ repair shops. They do not specialize in a specific type of product, such as mobility equipment. Technical training and ability to diagnose/resolve issues can be limited. Many times customers experience unexpected bills for high-cost repairs, such as displays and keypads.

“If anything breaks, I’ll use your flat rate repair service.

- Flat rate is a very costly alternative to Honeywell Service Made Simple. The cost of one flat rate repair will often cover two devices for three years. Typically the daily cost of a service plan is just pennies a day. Take a look at the cost differences below:

Honeywell Service Made Simple (SMS)

Service Made Simple is an integrated service plan that provides support for your people, your processes, and your technology to help ensure that you get full value from your Honeywell Scanning & Mobility Investment. This one plan provides you with:

2-day device repair – complete coverage for normal wear and accidental damage. “You break it, we’ll fix it” no questions asked.
Technical support – unlimited phone/email support
Software support – bug fixes, patches, and work-arounds to core product firmware

Download the Honeywell SMS brochure here.

With a Honeywell Service Made Simple plan, you gain cost control, eliminate surprise expenses, and have protection for your investment.

Got questions?

We’ve got answers. For more information on SMS or how a service plan can benefit your company, contact your General Data Account Manager or call 1.800.733.5252 ext 6473.

You can also contact us using this online contact form.

Important Notice Regarding Zebra Desktop Printers.

mdonnellon — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 19:23:02 +0000

As you know, the earthquake and tsunami of March 11, 2011 caused catastrophic damage, resulting in the tremendous loss of life and property in Japan.

A number of Zebra’s component suppliers in Japan are struggling in varying degrees to meet the demand for their products. The Zebra desktop printer product line is experiencing the most significant supply disruption.

How this may affect you:

The lead times for the G-Series and the LP/TLP 2824 Plus product line have been temporarily extended up to 16 weeks. In an effort to minimize the impacts of these extended lead times and meet our customers’ needs, Zebra is shifting users from these printers to the following:

G-Series printer users will migrate to the LP/TLP 2844/3842 printer line where possible. Zebra has extended the availability of these printers into 2012.
LP/TLP 2824 Plus printer users will migrate to the LP/TLP 2824 printer. As a result, Zebra has made this printer available to customers once again.

Effective June 3, 2011, the LP/TLP 2844-Z and TLP 3844-Z products will end-of-life.

How Zebra is responding:

Zebra is offering an Instant Rebate up to $40 per printer through September 30, 2011 to facilitate the migration to the LP/TLP 2824 or LP/TLP 2844/3842 EPL products.

Click here to view the rebate details (PDF)

To find out how to take advantage of this rebate:

- contact your General Data Account Manager

- call us at 1.800.733.5252 ext 6473

- or request more information online here.