Read on for highlights of the topics addressed in this webinar replay or go directly to Warehouse Modernization: Why it’s a Priority for your SMB’s Future and Growth to watch the replay.

E-Commerce Trends Inspire a New Way Forward

Zebra is always working on greater technologies that help improve productivity for SMB’s. With the continual rise in e-commerce demands, warehouse modernization provides a solution that can grow with your SMB into the future.

Amanda provides detail on the top challenges due to increased e-commerce demands:

• • • Faster delivery to end customers
    • Increased transportation costs
    • Inventory accuracy and visibility
    • Shorter order lead times
    • Unpredictable consumer demand
    • Complexity of omnichannel logistics

Top Transportation & Logistics Priorities

A Changing Workforce

Obtaining, training, and retaining labor is a critical issue. Technology has increased in importance and workers will leave over poor technological integration. Younger generations expect the technology make their work easier, not harder.

Amanda discusses how technology has been a catalyst for change in warehouse management:

• • • Ease of use of software and hardware
    • Technological attractiveness
    • Modernization vs outdated/no technology

Operating with Precision

The need to operate faster because of faster service level agreements requires precision. Observing operations in a warehouse at each stage of a process can uncover the reasons why speed is being hindered. Amanda provides greater detail of some of the challenges at each stage of a warehouse process:

• • • Inbound
    • Inventory control
    • Outbound
    • Shipping

Warehouse Value Drivers & Modernization

Value drivers are those areas that help improve warehouse operations. Amanda discusses the three main drivers which modernization can help improve:

• • • Worker Enablement
    • Asset and Inventory Visibility
    • Optimized Customer Experience

Zebra Warehouse Solutions

Zebra researches the common problem areas to develop technology that can help improve warehouse efficiency and productivity. Zebra’s solutions help enhance mobility, visibility, accuracy, and automation. Amanda discusses some of the solutions provided by Zebra:

• • • Handheld mobile devices
    • Hands-free devices
    • Ultra-rugged devices
    • Vehicle-mount computers
    • Industrial barcode label printers
    • Desktop barcode label printers
    • Mobile barcode label printers
    • Automatic mobile robots (AMRs)
    • Sensor Technologies
    • RFID Solutions

Zebra’s Warehouse Maturity Model Framework

Webinar Wrap-Up

From data capture to data-driven decisions, 82% of warehouse operators and IT leaders plan on investing in software for automating analytics and decision-making by 2025. Zebra Technologies and Imprint Enterprises have the tools, knowledge, and expertise to help you move forward with the future of mobile printing technology.

Bob and Amanda complete the webinar by answering the following questions:

• • • Where are you seeing the biggest impact or ROI in the scope of modernization, the incoming phase, mobility phase, or the outbound phase?
    • What part of the modernization and solutions that Zebra provides can help to enhance employee workload?
    • How does visibility, as a component of the warehouse of the future, feed into applications to help with the predictive decision-making and can the data be utilized in the future?
    • How are AMRs being used in the SMB space and do you think it is a game changer?
    • Bob, do you have any examples where a SMB was thinking about modernization and Imprint helped them realize the difference modernization could make?

Watch the Webinar Replay

Technology is the future and it’s already here Incorporating technology increases visibility within your facility, enhances efficiency and effectiveness, and can reduce unnecessary steps. Zebra has good, better, and best options to match your budget and your company needs. Zebra knows and understands that warehouse modernization is an asset to your SMB.

With 32 years of experience and product knowledge, Imprint Enterprises is a Premiere Solution Partner with Zebra Technologies. Imprint is an industry-leading provider of barcode printers, scanners, verifiers, software, RFID, labeling, warehouse labeling systems, as well as repair and maintenance solutions.

Watch the webinar replay, Warehouse Modernization: Why it’s a Priority for your SMB’s Future and Growth. The experts are there to help you and your SMB. If you have questions, Contact Imprint Enterprises today.

In this webinar, Bob Conti, President of Imprint Enterprises, and Keith Bossé, Senior Sales Engineer from Zebra Technologies discuss UHF Passive RFID technologies that are both useful and interesting. RFID started back in WW2 when people were using radar to detect airplanes. Keith provides an interesting brief on how the concept was discovered and used during the war.

Read on for some of the topics addressed in this webinar replay or go directly to Introduction to Zebra Passive UHF RFID & Keys to Success Webinar to watch it now.

Differences between Barcodes and RFID

RFID uses signals sent to and from the tags that are with the products, which contain all the product information stored within the tag. A passive tag wakes up when pinged by the signal while an active tag is actively sending information before being pinged by the signal.

RFID systems differ from barcode systems. Keith provides details as to the many benefits of using RFID as compared to using barcodes:

• • • Scanning capabilities
    • Line-of-Sight differences
    • Barcode data vs tag data
    • Location tracking
    • And more

RFID Project Planning

Keith describes the anatomy of a successful RFID Project:

• • • Realistic expectations
    • Wholistic vision
    • Use case
    • Finding ROI
    • Site survey and equipment selection
    • Software and professional services

RFID Use Cases

RFID can be used in almost any industry. There are similarities and differences between each industry and it’s important to understand the pain points for the business that is considering RFID.

Keith addresses the following industries, describing some of the benefits for these industries:

• • • Retail
    • Healthcare
    • Manufacturing
    • Transportation & Logistics

RFID Hardware

Zebra’s Passive RFID Hardware is some of the best in the industry. The type of equipment a business will need will depend upon the use case, the environment, and what the business wants to accomplish. Keith provides an overview of Passive RFID solutions, going into detail about the differences in antennas and read zones:

RFID Software Solutions

Software provides the ability to encode data into RFID tags, print RFID tags, and ensure the data is accurate.

• • • Zebra Designer PRO3
    • ZEBRA 123RFID Mobile
      • • Included on the MC3300, TC52ax, and RFD8500
        • Downloadable from Zebra website
    • Fixed Reader web browser interfacing

Webinar Wrap-Up

Without accurate and good tag encoding, systems will not work properly. The types of tags needed are going to depend on the use case, the placement of the tag, the type of tag material, and availability.

Bob and Keith complete the webinar by answering the following questions:

• • • How many retailers are actively mandating RFID?
    • How can we ensure RFID compliance throughout a supply chain?
    • Is it better to perform a use case tag survey in a business facility?
    • Do fixed or handheld readers have better read rates?
    • Where are Zebra RFID tags made?
    • What is Imprint’s favorite or most challenging use case?

Watch the Webinar Replay

With today’s on-demand economy, RFID technology is an excellent option to keep up with speedy order fulfillment and fast deliveries. RFID technology has been enhanced over the past several years to be easier to design, integrate, and deploy in most industries.

Zebra Technologies is the global leader in providing top-quality products that range from just starting out to advanced equipment. From fast, simple solutions to planning long-term sustainability, the specialists at Imprint Enterprises can help you understand what you need.

Watch the webinar Introduction to Zebra Passive UHF RFID & Keys to Success Webinar. The experts are there to help you understand the basics. If you have questions, you can always Contact Imprint Enterprises today.

With modular components and a unique smart docking system, the Thor VM1A is the rugged computer for use with warehouses, manufacturing, and intermodal facilities.

Features That Make a Difference

Thor VM1A runs on the Android operating systems and features, with the Windows based HTML5 browser or Industrial browser, making the conversion to the Thor VM1A easy. Honeywell’s Mobility Edge hardware and software provide an integrated and scalable approach to accelerate development, application certification, deployment, and device lifecycle management.

Thor VM1A uses a Qualcomm 2.2GHz SnapdragonTM 660 and an Octa-core CPU that has 4GB RAM and 32GM Flash memory. The user can also install a mass storage expansion of 1, 2, 4, or 8GB Micro SD card. The touchscreen and keyboard are field-replaceable, saving time and money.

With the entire rugged computer having IP66 sealing against moisture and dust, it is also tested to MIL-STD-810F for vibration and composite wheeled vehicles. With a shock testing to SAE-J1455, Honeywell’s Thor VM1A can withstand just about any wear and tear in warehouses, manufacturing, and intermodal.

The 8-inch WXGA display has a 900 NIT outside display brightness and 400 NIT indoor and cold storage display brightness. The rugged vehicle-mounted computer can handle cold storage facilities with defrosters down to -30C.

The Thor VM1A has the ability to be charged wirelessly while in the vehicle dock. There are several perks that are included with the Thor VM1A, including Honeywell’s Mobility Edge hardware and software. Accessories can be obtained, and it is also backwards compatible with currently used VM1 and CV41 accessories.

Other accessories that can be obtained include:

• • • • Two docking options
        • Basic (for most vehicle applications)
        • Premium – more USB ports and Ethernet (for IT support and wall mount applications)
      • SD card for memory expansion
      • Wired Scanner

Expanding Operating Systems Lifecycle

Top-Notch Security Measures

With Honeywell’s Mobility Edge, the Thor VM1A has top-of-the-line security measures that go beyond Android security updates. The Secure Boot and Verified Boot have encryption keys programmed into the processor. The PBL has a ROM code in the hardware itself. The Secure Boot prevents any loading of unsigned OS images and the Verified Boot protects the Android system and vendors.

Full Disk Encryption is incorporated into the Thor VM1A so that the user data area is always encrypted. Honeywell provides encrypted IPSM storage that remains intact even after a device is wiped. The optional SD card accessory has encryption that is configurable and can be turned on and off when using it as adopted or portable storage. And, Secure Provisioning protects every Thor VM1A computer from unauthorized reconfiguration.

SmartTE Benefits

SmartTE has three Terminal Emulation solutions to maximizes productivity among all of the employees, from experienced workers to new and temporary workers. Each solution can be implemented at your companies’ pace to ease the transition of use.

The basic solution is the green-screen text-mode with the same user interface as a legacy TE. This is perfect for experienced users. The Dynamic Modernization solution has a touch interface for faster user learning with minimal development effort. This is an automated conversion option from the Basic solution.

How to Know When it is Time to Upgrade Mounted Computers

In an environment that is rough and demanding, warehouses, manufacturing, and intermodal industries may find that they are constantly replacing damaged mobile computers that are not suited for shock, vibration, and just overall rough environments. Most mobile computers are also not suited for deep freeze conditions, such as cold storage with temperatures dropping to -30°C.

Forklift and cherry picker operators may find themselves constantly dealing with a damaged keyboard because of the continual use of commonly used keyboard buttons. 

Maybe the operators are having to swap equipment out because the forklift or cherry picker is down for maintenance. How long does it take them to pull the computer off the complicated docking system?

Contact Imprint today to discuss how to upgrade to the Thor VM1A.

For more information, visit www.imprint-e.com  or contact us at (855)745-4464 or drop us an email at customer_service@imprint-e.com.

With modular components and a unique smart docking system, the Thor VM1A is the rugged computer for use with warehouses, manufacturing, and intermodal facilities.

What Makes the Thor VM1A Special?

Warehouses, manufacturers, and intermodal facilities are rough environments. The Thor VM1A is built specifically to match those demands with ease, from operating systems to easily replaceable parts and simple docking solutions.

Download our guide to Enhance EMS Quality with Zebra Electronic Temperature Sensors

Advantages of Using a Rugged Vehicle-Mounted Computer

Best Suited for the Demanding Conditions of Warehouse, Manufacturing, and Intermodal Operations

Warehouses use it for picking small parts and cases, in shipping and receiving, and reverse logistics. With environmental temperatures ranging from -30C to +50C, it is an excellent option for cold storage warehouses.

Manufacturing facilities have reported using Honeywell’s Thor VM1A for general materials handling transaction processing and work order and material tracking. Intermodals use it for on-site container tracking and automotive yard vehicle movement.

Get the Vehicle Mounted Computer that Improves Productivity

From hardware to software to support, Honeywell’s Thor VM1A has everything to allow existing customer to deploy the devices without having to make additional hardware investments, including being backwards compatible with VM1 and CV41 accessories.

Contact Imprint today to discuss how to upgrade to the Thor VM1A.

For more information, visit www.imprint-e.com  or contact us at (855)745-4464 or drop us an email at customer_service@imprint-e.com.

But it’s not a problem limited to the meat industry, or even the food industry alone. Maybe you run an ambulance company, and your EMS technicians are responsible for monitoring the medications on board. It’s up to your EMS team to ensure the medications are being stored in the proper cold temperature conditions while tending to the immediate emergency associated with the next call.

Cold storage is an issue all throughout the food and pharmaceutical industries, and the supply chain. It’s critical that these products are kept in proper storage conditions to protect the health and safety of both customers and employees.

The Old Way of Doing Things

Companies tasked with cold storage traditionally have relied on paper logs and analog equipment to complete the task. But these manual readings are slow and inefficient. They also don’t tell the whole story of what’s happening.

Manual readings with a thermometer do not provide continuous data points over time, which can be problematic. For example, let’s say that your company takes a reading every 12 hours. If you lost power at hour six and regained it at hour seven, the unit will have returned to proper temperatures and you might never know about this issue.

Eventually, the technology emerged to monitor cold storage products with a USB-based sensor, but this is not without its limitations as well. For one, drivers frequently don’t have computers in their trucks, so the ability to monitor cold storage in transit situations is limited.

Sensors must be plugged into a computer in an office setting to view data. By the time this is done, the readings are dated, and the product may have been exposed to non-compliant temperatures.

There is also no way to confirm whether the sensor was working after it’s been placed in a box. In order to check the sensor, the box would need to be opened either mid shipment or upon receipt. The act of opening the box itself can risk exposing the product to non-compliant temperatures.

Data must be downloaded physically via a USB connection with a computer. It’s often in a PDF format and must be emailed to quality control who review it for compliance. The process can take 15 to 30 minutes. There’s also a potential for mismatching data with devices, causing inaccuracies or setbacks.

Download our guide to Enhance EMS Quality with Zebra Electronic Temperature Sensors

An Easier Way to Monitor Temperatures

Zebra Wireless Sensor Solutions

The M-300 and M-300-P Temperature Sensors

The M-300 and M-300-P Bluetooth temperature sensors from Zebra make it easier to track cold storage food or pharmaceutical product in transit. These sensors can be placed inside trucks, containers, or other packaging to monitor temperatures.

Historical data from these sensors is also easy to view, and easy to download into the cloud.

The S-400 Sensor

This Bluetooth enabled temperature sensor offers wireless access through packing materials, containers, and cold chain equipment for easy data access. It’s small enough to fit into most containers, and readings can be made from smartphones, tablets, or fixed gateways. Alarms, data logging intervals, startup options, and time and temperature units give users a maximum level of flexibility and control.

OCEABrigde

This gateway provides a fast and easy way to read data from the S-400 and M series cold temperature monitors. The OCEABridge enhances the performance of these Bluetooth enabled sensors by reading data automatically in real time. It collects readings from multiple sources in just a few seconds. Shipments containing a high volume of cold storage products can be more easily monitored from one source.

The OCEABridge works seamlessly in an ethernet or Wi-Fi infrastructure, transmitting readings automatically into the EDGECloud, where all data is accessible and alerts can be generated.

EDGEVue Mobile App and Web Applications

The EDGEVue mobile and web applications allow users fast and convenient on-demand access to temperature data. These two applications can make cold storage monitoring easier whether you are the meat company or EMS driver in the above examples, or anywhere else along the supply chain.

The Zebra temperature sensor equipment does not rely on a USB device that requires a computer connection, to access critical data. Bluetooth technology on your mobile devices is all that is required to connect with strategically placed temperature sensors for accurate data readings.

You Don’t Have to Do It The Old Way Anymore

Monitoring your cold temperature storage doesn’t have to be a complex or complicated process. You don’t need to use reams of paper and clunky binders to take down data points. You also don’t need to rely on inefficient USB equipment that requires a computer connection to view critical data points.

With Zebra’s cold temperature sensor technology and the infrastructure behind it, you can have access to your critical cold temperature data at any stage. It’s an easier more convenient system that is designed to protect your employees and customers while keeping the entire supply chain safer.

Download the case application – “Improve Food Delivery and Safety with the help of Zebra Electronic Temperature Sensors”

Download the case application – “Enhance Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Compliance in Shipping and Storage”

For more information, visit www.imprint-e.com  or contact us at (855)745-4464 or drop us an email at customer_service@imprint-e.com.