RFID on Metal is Finally Here

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Since its inception in 1948, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) has revolutionized tracking operations across multiple industries. Developed to identify ally and enemy aircrafts during World War II, RFID technology has no permeated in several industries. Tracking pharmaceutical specimens, warehouse stock deliveries, maintenance records, and everything else in between, today’s RFID labels have been optimized through the years to adapt to new application requirements, yet this insightful solution seems to constantly run into one nemesis: metal. 

Supplies ZT410 Labels RFID on Metal

Tackling on-metal applications with ease, Zebra’s new ZT400 RFID printers set a new standard in asset tracking with on-demand metal-friendly tags

From costly scanning equipment to manufactured inventory, warehouses face a challenge when it comes to labeling metal assets. Acting as a conductor, metal reflects RFID signals, hindering read performance. While regular paper-based barcodes may serve as a viable solution, Avalon Integration is proud to work alongside Zebra Technologies in implementing the next level of RFID efficiency. Tackling on-metal applications with ease, Zebra’s new ZT400 RFID printers set a new standard in asset tracking with on-demand metal-friendly tags. 

On-Demand Solutions for the On-Demand Market

RFID experts aim at extending these benefits to metal assets with the ZT411

RFID experts aim at extending these benefits with the ZT411

Integrated into retail, RFID tags have been reported to lower inventory shrinkage by nearly 55%. Equipping warehouses with the correct printer, reader, and scanner, our RFID experts aim at extending these benefits to metal assets with the ZT411. See how Zebra’s latest RFID printer maximizes visibility while lowering operational costs.

  • Tag crucial devices throughout the supply chain: Instead of only tagging inventory, metal-friendly RFID tags can track mobile computers, tablets, and other enterprise devices to prevent shortage and downtime.
  • Secure reliable identification in harsh environments: Thicker than typical RFID tags, metal-friendly labels are still strengthened to survive the harsher conditions metal encounters, such as extreme temperatures, water, and rust.
  • Amplify printer functionality with compliant labels: Whether it be national or global requirements, Avalon makes sure your entire solution meets standards with an easy-to-adjust solution.
  • Create crisp tags at faster printing speed: This plug-and-play solution redefines agility with 14ips printing speeds, delivering up to 300 dpi to create resistant yet flexible tracking tags.

To learn more about Zebra’s newest industrial printer, download our brochure here.

Maximize uptime with the most versatile and durable RFID printer on the market, made the demanding environment of today’s warehouses. Start optimizing warehouse visibility when you contact us for an assessment of your inventory tracking system and schedule a free demonstration of the ZT411.

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Tips and Hints: How Fast Becomes Faster

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Today’s supply chains are fast, but in a world where you can have designer shoes delivered by a flying drone in less than 30 minutes, the question remains: How much faster can the modern workflow get? Between new delivery services, changing social platforms, and revolutionary technology, the on-demand market becomes increasingly more demanding as customers expect faster service.

Serving a wide range of clients across the U.S., Avalon Integration is well aware of the increasing demands made on today’s warehouses. Integrating solutions in businesses both big and small, we can share tips and hints on how warehouses across the globe are turning fast into faster.

Peel and Present Labels Faster

Every Change Counts

Since there are several shapes and sizes to today’s warehouses, it’s only natural that several optimizing strategies have gained popularity worldwide. A few common strategies include:

  • Moving closer to customers – While costly and generally reserved for larger enterprises, moving warehouses and distribution centers closer to customers drastically reduce shipping times, giving companies a higher competitive edge. Furthermore, changes within the U.S. economy (import tariffs, lower tax rates, etc.) have also driven companies to consider new warehouse locations, possibly contributing to the 3372 new private warehouses built within the last decade alone.
  • Investing in automation – Reducing inaccurate order processing from picking to shipping, automated workflows can save companies millions of dollars from return fees, lost assets, and human error. Automation leader, Zebra Technologies reports that 61% of warehouses are already equipping workforces with automated processes designed to maximize accuracy and productivity without overworking employees. Moreover, less worker stress leads to lower turnover rates, saving operations from costly downtime and employee burnout.
  • Expanding inventory visibility – Integrating small changes, such as environment-resistant labels or large-scale RFID solutions, allows workers to quickly locate assets. This ultimately decreases wait times while capturing actionable data. From long-range readers to the latest RFID on-metal solutions, Avalon partners with Zebra to provide an end-to-end visibility solution that elevates productivity.Peel Labels Faster and Present Them
  • Maximizing worker mobility – Faster supply chains mean your workers are moving faster throughout the warehouse. Consequently, crucial warehouse technology much is ergonomic and versatile enough to preserve mobility. Devices such as Zebra’s MC9300 or TC77 are perfect examples of how multiple functions can be combined into one ergonomic device, helping workers complete different tasks without hauling several devices with them.
  • Simplifying “easy” operations – Lastly, in a supply chain, every little task counts; therefore, efficiency should never be spared. In other words, just because something works doesn’t mean it can’t be better. For example, small tasks such as label application can be optimized to cut time spent labeling. Want a closer look? Check out the video below:

Innovation always continues to move forward. While we may not be able to build a brand-new warehouse, Avalon Integration can build optimization strategies centered on your workflow challenges. Stay ahead of the on-demand market when you start your optimization solution with the leaders in efficient innovation.

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9 Ways Quality Labels Maximize ROI

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If time is money, then it’s fair to assume no one wants to spend more time than necessary working with faulty labeling systems. From scraping misprinted labels to reprinting incorrect tags, inefficient labeling systems can drain time -and money- from your supply chain. While many factors can impact label efficiency, Avalon Integration focuses on a cost-effective and durable solution: Zebra Certified Printing Supplies. 

Thoroughly pre-tested for continued performance, Zebra’s quality consumables aggregate several unmatched benefits that simplify workflows. Ready to face wear and tear, Zebra labels go beyond eliminating extraneous labeling costs by reducing ownership costs in nine budget-friendly, eco-conscious, and brand-centered ways.

1. Maximize Printer Lifespan and Insure Zebra Quality Consumables

Maximize Printer Lifespan and Insure Zebra Quality Consumables

Designed with printers in mind, Zebra’s consumables are careful as they run through your printer, reducing printhead wear and premature printhead failure, which could cost productivity loss with surprise downtime. 

2. Reduce Return Charges from Inaccurate Work Orders

Reduce Return Charges from Inaccurate Work Orders

In 2016 the United States Postal Service reported 140 million returned packages, contributing to approximately $113 billion spent in returned online purchases. Inaccurate labels impact work orders since barcode information may not be readily legible. Made with resilient coating, Zebra labels remain legible throughout your supply chain.

3. Faster Replenishment

Faster Replenishment

Erase replenishment wait times since Zebra keeps over 400 synthetic labels and tags ready to ship within 24 hours. Maintain continuous uptime with rugged labels crafted for hard-to-label applications.

4. Print Only the Labels You Need

Print Only the Labels you need

The average American can use up to 650 pounds of paper per year. Though small, reducing the number of unnecessary labels printed can impact your company’s carbon footprint. Eliminate wasted paper with Zebra’s Continuous label to use up label surfaces intelligently.  

5. Create Strong Labels Without Harmful Plastics and Papers

Create Strong Labels without Harmful Plastics and Papers

Cheap plastics and threads leave behind printer-clogging debris and can result in an easily torn label. Count on long-lasting label performance when you design rugged labels. Use over 300 pretested materials and create a label suitable for your environment in and out of the warehouse.

6. Lessen Product Shrinkage with Trackable Labels

Tracking Labels

The longer labels last, the more visibility your supply chain maintains. Monitor and manage your inventory’s movement with labels that survive the industrial landscape. Plus, label shelves and aisles to further boost the visibility of your valuable assets.

7. Implement worker safety with printed visual cues and direct quality control

Implement Worker Safety with Printed Visual Cues and Direct Quality Control

Maximized visibility is not only beneficial to your customers. Create visible compliance labels and safety signs with color labels. Using Zebra’s IQ Color technology, give your labels a new level of versatility as they direct quality control, work in progress, and more.

8. Streamline workflows to lessen worker stress

Streamline Workflows to Lessen Worker Stress

Aisle, rack, and floor labels can work in conjunction to direct workers through your warehouse with minimal confusion. Furthermore, unadulterated barcodes drive down worker stress as they lead to more first-time successful scans.

9. Secure On-Time Deliveries with Shipping Labels That Last Outs

Secure on Time Deliveries with Shipping Labels that Last Outs

As e-commerce sets a new standard for delivery, your customers expect faster shipping rates. Therefore, shipping labels must be accurate and durable to withstand wherever field services take them, for missing/wrong shipment orders can stain customer satisfaction, possibly costing customer loyalty.

Don’t waste time with inferior labels. Boost your ROI with Avalon Integration’s labeling solutions. Speak to our warehousing experts for a free label assessment to find a solution that perfectly fits your needs.  

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A Clean Printhead is a Happy Printhead

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Much like keeping up with car maintenance, preserving a functional printer is essential for your workflow and requires careful attention to small details issues before they become irreversible damage. Replacing a car filter is better than replacing a whole cooling system. Similarly, replacing low-quality consumables is easier (and better) than replacing a $900 printhead.

Unlike a broken car, damaged printheads cost an absurd amount of money in lost productivity, extended downtime, and constant reprints. If you want a happy functional printer, the answer is simple. Keep your printheads clean with quality consumables, now easily accessible with Avalon Integration’s Free Ship Program, and get free shipping for your label order from now till December 31st. 

Optimal Printer + Zebra Consumables = Perfect Marriage

Replacing Printer Printhead

Replacing Printer Printhead

Mitigate printhead failure when you feed your printers Zebra certified custom supplies, designed to keep printheads cleaner and operational with every run as they leave less adhesive and debris pile up. Plus, maximize printer value with guaranteed consistent quality designed by you, for you.

  • Create custom consumables from over 300 pretested materials
  • Set a standard of excellence with unsubstituted inks and varnishes
  • Enhance client engagement with labels designed specifically for your brand
  • Reduce printhead wear with thoroughly inspected supplies engineered for thermal printing
  • Enjoy free ground freight anywhere in the continental U.S. and Canada*

Undergoing a 23-point inspection, Zebra labels optimize your workflow from printer to shelving as they remain functional in extreme conditions, whether it be a hot printer or a freezing cold warehouse without smears or tears. That means fewer reprints, which ultimately extends your printer’s lifespan while giving you maximum return of investment.

Optimal Printer Zebra Consumables

Optimal Printer Zebra Consumables

Further your printer’s longevity with Zebra’s Printhead Protection Program when you choose Zebra as your exclusive consumables supplier. Ensure high-quality prints while getting free printhead replacements when the time ultimately comes for an exchange. 

Nobody has time for a faltering printer. A happy printer means happy employees, which really means happy profits for you and your workforce. Specialized inefficient solutions, Avalon Integration can help boost your printer’s performance when contacting a consumables specialist today.

*See program details for further qualifications.

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You are What You Eat…And That’s Why You Need Compliance Labels

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Labels matter. Such a small statement is constantly put to the test in supermarkets across the nation since labels serve as the deciding factor in allowing foods to fall into customers’ hands. Equipped with an extensive list of requirements and regulations, government organizations such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) studies product labels to make sure foods contain what labels say. As a result, inaccurate labels can cost more than ink and time.

The 2012-2018 litigation between POM Wonderful and Coca-Cola serves as a prime example of the damage a little label can cause. Minute Maid’s 99% apple-based Pomegranate Blueberry Juice could have cost over $10 billion in settlements for POM’s lost profits. Furthermore, inaccurate packaging can also impact storage and transportation, leading to spoiled goods and lost inventory, which can also result in recalls and illnesses. To avoid the pitfalls of navigating through compliance labeling, Avalon Integration helps minimize labeling costs and errors with versatile Zebra Certified Consumables, designed to expand asset visibility while meeting application requirements.

Protect Assets with Compliance Labels

Protect Assets with QLN420 Compliance Labels

Protect Assets with QLN420 Compliance Labels

Food processing labels have been subject to scrutiny for decades. As new trends emerge, warehouses and distribution centers must keep up with new compliance practices while updating labels to reflect changes. Adaptable and durable, Zebra Certified Consumables help secure proper handling with three top benefits:

  • Expanded label longevity: Tested for both high humidity and extreme cold storage Zebra labels retain legibility in harsh environments without smudges, allowing your workforce to better handle and store your inventory.  
  • Label customization:  Using over 300 pretested materials, Zebra labels can be designed to fit your application requirements. Change color, shape, text, and graphics to design custom labels that best represent your inventory and safety codes. 
  • Faster replenishment – Sourced from four labeling converter facilities, Zebra labels can be shipped quickly to any location within continental North America, so if a reprint is needed, new labels are readily available. 

Identification labels will only become more predominant with the appearance of new foods and best-practice policies. Implement efficiency and adaptability into your workflow when you start your labeling solution with Avalon Integration and maximize visibility and customer trust with a labeling system that values your customers as much as you do. 

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