The ROI of a User-Friendly Scanner

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Barcode scanning can be a labor-intensive job. From finding the barcode to reaching it with the scanner and capturing the barcode, it’s a process that seems easy but can become more complicated than necessary if the scanner itself can’t handle the challenges. As part of our ongoing quest to optimize operational efficiency for our customers, Avalon Integration took a close look at the scanning potential of the new Zebra MC9300, an ultra-rugged mobile computer that reflects the company’s considerable knowledge of investment in what industries need from their barcode scanners.

Let’s start by looking at what a scanner’s optimal effectiveness does for productivity:

  1. Accelerate the pace of order fulfillment.
  2. Minimize fulfillment errors (from receiving through picking and shipping).
  3. Increase inventory accuracy.
  4. Expedite user training.
  5. Reduce repetitive strain injuries.
  6. Prevent downtime from a battery or device failure.

Solve any one of the issues and you increase the user’s productivity—work faster and more accurately. Solve ALL of them and you have a barcoding power tool! That’s what we’ve discovered with the Zebra MC9300 mobile computer. From a scanning perspective, it delivers on all counts.

Capture Every Barcode

The MC9300 from Zebra Can Capture Every Barcode

The MC9300 from Zebra Can Capture Every Barcode

The MC9300 is powered by Zebra’s industry-leading scanning technology. PRZM Intelligent Imaging, advanced sensors, and proprietary algorithms are designed to make data capture as easy as possible. Grab 1D, 2D, and direct part mark (DPM) barcodes—even those that are hard to read. If the barcode is smudged, scratched, dirty, damaged, poorly printed, or covered with frost or shrink-wrap, you can still point, click, and capture it.

Do It on the First Try

The mc9300 Is Here to Do It on the First Try Every-time

The MC9300 Is Here to Do It on the First Try Every-time

Barcode scanning shouldn’t make your workers feel like acrobats—twisting, reaching, climbing, and bending over backward to get to the barcode. Zebra’s omnidirectional scanner means you can scan from any angle. There’s no more wasted time spent trying to precisely align the laser with the barcode. Imagine if your workers had to spend three times as long to read a barcode. What does that do to your workforce productivity?

In addition to omnidirectional scanning ease, Zebra offers four different scan engine options with the MC9300. If your scanning requires short-range or long-distance data capture, the SE4850ER scan engine lets you read from as close as 3 inches to as far as 70 feet away—perfect for warehouses, distribution centers, transportation and logistics, and manufacturing plants. The SE4750DP is a good choice for any manufacturer that utilizes DPMs. If you’re only scanning 1D barcodes, equip your MC9300 with the new SE965 scan engine; however, if you might need both 1D and 2D without extended range, Zebra also offers the SE4750 standard range scan engine.

The MC9300 Scanner Is Here to Impress

The MC9300 Scanner is here to impress

The MC9300 Scanner is here to impress

No matter which scan engine you choose for the MC9300, your workers will be impressed with the lightning-fast speed. We also like the battery power that’s standard on Zebra’s new rugged industrial handheld. The high-capacity 7000 mAh PowerPrecision+ gives twice as long a charge as the previous MC9200 (which was still impressive). The battery charges faster and can be swapped without powering down the device. One of the features of the Mobility DNA app that comes with any of Zebra’s mobile computers is the PowerPrecision Console. One glance shows you the health and battery life so you don’t run out in the middle of a shift.

How’s your scanning efficiency handling all of your needs? If there’s room for improvement (and we suspect there is), contact us at Avalon Integration to see the ROI that the Zebra MC9300 can provide.

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Productivity and Ergonomics: How the Zebra MC9300 Masters Both

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Everyone is laser-focused on maximizing productivity in the warehouse, plant, and distribution center. It makes sense with the increased demand for flawless fulfillment and faster delivery. Productivity and ergonomics go hand in hand—quite literally. Avalon Integration recently discovered how the new Zebra MC9300 masters both productivity and ergonomics with an improved grip.

The latest in Zebra’s MC9000 Series of industrial handhelds launched a lot of improvements that we didn’t see coming. They’re all designed to increase worker efficiency and accuracy. But one of the significant—and often unsung—contributions toward productivity-boosting is the ergonomic enhancement. When a device handles easier, the worker can move more swiftly, with more ease and comfort. The business saves on the downtime that results from wrist strain and even stretching to scan barcodes from high or awkward positions (or both). You also save on the time it takes to manipulate and operate a device that isn’t ergonomically mastered.

Here’s what Zebra did to address these issues on the MC9300 mobile computer.

Smarter Grip Design

The Zebra MC9300 has a Smarter Grip Design

The Zebra MC9300 has a Smarter Grip Design

Admittedly, we didn’t see a flaw in the MC9200’s grip. Sometimes, you don’t know what you’ve been missing until it stares you in the face. This new grip handle enables the user to align the hand and fingers more naturally along the curve. At the same time, this design provides for a stronger grip. The grip area has also been redesigned as concave, making it easier to hold the device firmly in the most comfortable position.

Grab and Go Ease

The Zebra MC9300 can Grab and Go With Ease

The Zebra MC9300 can Grab and Go With Ease

The MC9300’s design also lets your workers put it down and pick it up quickly. The front of the grip’s base and the edge of the top of the display are engineered so you can place it on a surface with good stability. When you need the device, grab hold of the grip and you’re instantly in “point and shoot” mode. The over-molded bumpers in these areas (and all touchpoints) provide essential protection in the event someone puts it down too hard or loses a grip on the grip.

A Bigger, Broader View

Zebra MC9300 has a Bigger Broader View

Zebra MC9300 has a Bigger Broader View

What are your scanning needs? Long reach? Cold storage? Direct part marks? Zebra will offer your choice of four scan engines:

  • 1D standard range (SE965)
  • 1D/2D standard range omnidirectional (SE4750SR)
  • Extended range for 1D/2D data capture from 3 inches to 70 feet (SE4850ER)
  • Direct part mark (DPM) with lightning-fast capture (SE4750DP)

The MC9300’s scanner and two cameras provide an expanded FOV, so you can capture more data with less movement, and with no interference between the data capture functions.

When your goal is to drive efficiency through smarter design, you owe it to yourself and your workforce to check out the Zebra MC9300. Watch this video to see the new mobile computer and then contact Avalon Integration to find out how to get your hands on one.

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Raise the Bar Again: Zebra’s New MC9300 Has 12 Improvements

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The Zebra MC9200 set a new standard for rugged mobile computing when it was launched a few years ago and the device maintained that stature ever since. The reign has ended. We just got a sneak peek at the new leader. Avalon Integration is ready to crown the MC9200’s successor. Raise the bar again because Zebra’s new MC9300 has 20 improvements. This rugged handheld does more than push the envelope of enterprise mobile computing. This device blasts right through it.

We’re all used to new versions coming out of our favorite technology, and we’ve perhaps become jaded from the steady stream of “new and improved”. Yes, there are always some cool things, but are they enough to motivate you to upgrade?

The Avalon Integration testers were asked this question. They responded with, “Are you kidding? This is a game-changer!”

What’s so great about the MC9300?

The Zebra MC9300 Scanning Barcodes Cardboard Boxes

Zebra clearly evaluated every aspect of the previous generation (the MC9200) to determine where improvements could make it better. They also obviously listened to users—those people who always have a wish list ready. The result of all this effort is a long list of features that will produce outstanding efficiency that is sure to deliver rapid ROI.

  1. Faster processor. The new MC9300 is powered by a 2.2 GHz, octa-core, Qualcomm SD660, a major leap from the MC9200’s 1 GHz, dual-core OMAP 4 processor.
  2. More memory. With today’s more graphics-intensive apps, you’ll appreciate having up to 8 times the RAM and 16 times the flash of the previous handheld.
  3. Latest Android OS. The future-proofed MC9300 ships with Android O pre-installed but includes support through Android Q.
  4. Bigger, tougher screen. The MC9200’s 3.7-inch VGA display has grown to 4.3-inch WVGA with a capacitive Gorilla Glass panel.
  5. Expanded Wi-Fi. This version supports 802.11 ac/w for increased Wi-Fi range, speed, and security. 2X2 Multiple-User Multiple Input Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) provides better performance in areas where multiple users are accessing the network.
  6. Improved Bluetooth. Get twice the data speed and four times the range with less power.
  7. More imaging options. Choose from 4 scan engines to customize the MC9300 to your specific uses, like extended range (3 inches to 70 feet), omnidirectional, and DPMs.
  8. Updated keypad. 7 keypads (alphanumeric, numeric, and functional numeric) let you match your preferred data entry to the task, and the large keys enable input with gloved fingers.
  9. High-resolution rear camera. The 13 MP color camera allows for detailed image capture, ideal for proof of condition, compliance, and service.
  10. Sensors for light and vibration. Ambient Light Sensor saves power by automatically adjusting the screen brightness. The time-saving Vibration feature signals users in noisy environments when a scan has been successfully captured.
  11. Supercharged battery power. The 7000 mAh PowerPrecision+ battery delivers twice the run time of the MC9200 and charges from 0 to 90% in less than 3.5 hours.
  12. More rugged. Zebra is known for its toughness. The MC9300 takes it even further, with an 8-foot drop spec, shock-resistant housing, scratch-resistant display and imager window, and IP65/67 sealing that protects against water.

There are many more improvements that you need to see for yourself

The Zebra MC9300 Scanning Barcode in Warehouse

Avalon Integration is ready to guide you through a hands-on tour of the new MC9300, so you can decide how the new leader in enterprise mobile computing will impact your productivity like never before. Click here to see our close-up look at the MC9300’s features.  Then contact us to schedule a demo.

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Prevent Downtime and Rush Charges with Proactive Supplies Management

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The production line is working efficiently to meet production demands. Things are progressing on schedule. Then the print on the barcode labels shows streaking. You throw out a batch and check the printer. You need a new ribbon. But there isn’t one. Production halts and someone is sent scurrying to get a replacement. Avalon Integration has been on the receiving end of these urgent calls. You can prevent downtime and rush charges with proactive supplies management.

Proactive supplies management keeps your operation running smoothly

Proactive supplies management keeps your operation running smoothly

Is it a problem? It might not seem like a big one until it happens. Then you can add up the cost of lost productivity—work that must be made up to stay on track. Calculate the expense of getting the supplies delivered in a rush, too.

Let’s rewind and look at a solution that prevents the unwelcome surprise of running out of barcode printer supplies.

Find a Managed Service Supplier for Proactive Supplies Management

Find Managed Service for Proactive Supplies Management

The right resource does more than fulfill orders. You need a provider who pays attention to the way you use your supplies (type, volume, order frequency) and adjusts accordingly. The right supplier will advise you of improvements you can make to your ordering, like consolidating labels to save money, using pre-printed barcode label media, or revising your quantities. Your barcode printer supplier should get to know you and your business to understand your processes and become a partner, not a salesperson.

It starts with a supplies assessment. Guide the provider through your operation, explaining how your labeling is done—the applications, printer types, and media. In many cases, when we’ve conducted these assessments, we’ve found significant potential for improving the processes and also saving money. So, it’s a smart investment of your time!

Take Adventure of Deeper Volume Discounts

Deeper Volume Discounts with Managed Supplies

We’ve discovered that by slightly changing the size of some labels, our customers gain efficiencies. They can reduce the number of label sizes in inventory and take advantage of deeper volume discounts.

One of the other valuable solutions is more efficient color-coding. For printing like quality assurance labels, having “pass” and “fail” labels easily visible by color is a distinct advantage, but it can get costly to print color. Zebra IQ Color labels are perfect for this type of application. These labels have invisible color zones. The color is activated, not printed when it goes through your direct thermal printer. With one label, you can print your color-coded labels in up to three different colors (plus black).

We’d like to see how we can use our expertise to your benefit. Contact Avalon Integration to schedule a free assessment.

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