Preparing Your Storefront for Opening Day

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As one of the most demanding and customer-centric sectors of business, retail often involves a great deal of direct-contact services, potentially exposing both customers and employees to harmful pathogens in high-density areas. Furthermore, because most shoppers still prefer to touch products before purchase, pathogens may also be spread via high-touch surfaces. Lastly, as businesses begin to regrow, device sharing may also become ever more common, further contributing to germ spread. While there may still be weeks before most retail stores officially welcome shoppers, it’s not too early to start planning and developing a reliably thorough infection control system. 

Generating over one trillion dollars in 2017, the retail sector has become a crucial contributor to the U.S. economy, yet after facing one of the biggest health challenges of our time, it’s only natural that customers will expect more from the retail business. Valuing both the employee and customer experience, Avalon Integration is already working with leading manufacturers and innovators in gathering the best resources to help you get ready for opening day.

Open for Business – Not Germs

Open for Business with Disinfection

Open for Business Not for Germs

When creating an infection control system that adapts into the customer-focused retail landscape, combine the power of human intelligence with automated reliability by:

  • Setting time aside for proper disinfection – Just like grocery stores have separated large amounts of time to clean and restock, retail stores can implement similar procedures. Moreover, cleaning procedures should be implemented within workflows as devices are shared between associates.
  • Dedicating labor efforts to oversight – With multiple touch-points spread throughout retail stores, close oversight may be necessary to prevent missed sanitation and cleaning cycles. Further secure sanitation cycles with automated disinfection technologies such as Proximity’s UV-Clean which kills bacteria and records sanitation cycles for future auditing.
  • Choosing committed flexibility – Adaptable to your workspace, UV-Clean’s different mounting options bring the power of ultraviolet disinfection to even the smallest space, eradicating 99.99% of bacteria in under 5 minutes, restoring devices into your workforce’s hands as quick as possible to maximize uptime.

See how UV light stands against germs when you download our infographic.

Not sure where to start? Contact Avalon Integration for a free assessment of your infection control technology and safeguard your employees and customers with solutions built for maximum productivity and safety. 

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3 Easy Ways to Upgrade Your Infection Control System

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In response to rising health concerns across the world, companies have enforced crucial hand washing policies to curb germ spread. However, when it comes to completely protecting high-touch surfaces, handwashing is only the beginning to effective infection control. While highly effective on human hands, soap and water may not be suitable for your mobile devices, which when shared, can transmit up to 80% of pathogens within a single touch. As a matter of fact, high-touch surfaces -like keyboards, scanner handles, and touchscreens – can carry up to 10 times more bacteria than a public restroom, yet consistent sanitation schedules are still scarce in most operations.

It's time to Upgrade Your Infection Control System

It’s time to upgrade your Disinfection Solutions with Avalon Integration, Proximity and Zebra Technologies

To protect your operation’s most valuable assets -that is, your workforce- Avalon Integration works alongside leading automation developers such as Zebra Technologies and Proximity Systems to bring you three easy ways to enhance your infection control system while augmenting productivity and staff safety.

Proximity's UV-Clean delivers automated cleaning cycles

Proximity’s UV-Clean delivers automated cleaning cycles

  1. Automated Cleaning Cycles – Just as with many other pencil-to-paper systems, manual sanitation schedules leave room for error, which in this case, increases workforce exposure to harmful pathogens. To mitigate germ spread, disinfection technology, such as Proximity’s UV-Clean, provides a no-touch automated sanitation schedule, where cycles are automatically recorded for future auditing. Simply place your mobile device under its controlled ultraviolet beam to kill 99.99% germs in less than 5 minutes, and track cycles in your operation’s high-density areas. 
  2. Chemical-Resistant Hardware – To complement automated disinfection cycles, Avalon also recommends strengthening your infection control system by applying the correct cleaning procedures to all your Zebra devices. Built with the toughest materials available, Zebra hardware is virtually waterproof and chemical resistant, ensuring continuous performance throughout your stringent disinfection strategies.
  3. Minimized Device Sharing – While we understand it may be difficult to equip every team member with their own device, Avalon works with Zebra to minimize needless device sharing through versatile technology that streamlines multiple functions through one device. Combine data capture, connectivity, and inventory tracking all through one of Zebra’s next-generation mobile computers, available through the GO Zebra Trade-In Program. Upgrade devices from any manufacturer to integrate durable and multi-purpose technology that boosts mobility while lowering device swapping.

Take a closer look at how to elevate your infection control system in our video.

Integrate all or one of these methods today to raise the standards of inefficient disinfection when you contact us for a free demonstration of these devices.

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Protecting a new line of first responders with UV-Clean

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Over three million American workers have become unexpected first responders within the Coronavirus crisis. They are the store clerks, cashiers, associates, grocers, and retail workers that keep supermarkets operational during one of the most demanding times society has faced within recent years. However, unlike our healthcare professionals, grocery and retail workers lack proper protective gear to mitigate the spread of disease. Furthermore, in the midst of attempting to provide fast and accurate service, grocery operations currently face an extraordinary labor shortage as job postings have risen by 60% in the past three weeks, further impacting crucial sanitation practices and schedules. Although many 24h stores have shortened open hours to restock and clean, eradicating germ spread efficiently from all high-touch surfaces is no simple task.

Tackling High Touch Areas with No-Touch UV Technology

UV-Clean Power of Light from Proximity Systems

UV-Clean from Proximity Systems

Although water and soap work effectively on human hands, certain high touch surfaces such as your workforce’s shared mobile devices may be sensitive to cleaning materials and water.  However, mobile devices also carry thousands of bacteria from hand to hand between usage. As your associates share devices such as handheld scanners, mobile computers, and keyboards, pathogens can spread from surface to surface. To eliminate cross-contamination risks, Avalon Integration has partnered with Proximity in equipping your operations with UV-Clean, the touch-free sanitation solution crafted for reliable performance in any space.

Watch the video from Proximity to learn more!

  • Adaptable mounting options to fit your workspace
  • Automated disinfection cycles 
  • Customizable sanitation schedules
  • Built-in audit trail for sanitation management
  • Scalable to your business’ needs
  • 24” active cleaning area

Destroying bacteria DNA at a microscopic level, UV-Clean eliminates 99.99% of pathogens with one short cycle, boosting device availability without spreading germs throughout your workspace, empowering your workforce to:

  • Access crucial devices during peak hours
  • Process more orders with the technology they need
  • Share enterprise-grade devices with peace of mind

Catch a closer look at the power of UV light with Avalon Integration when you contact us for a free assessment of your current disinfection plan and integrate the next evolution in sanitation efficiency.

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RFID – What is it good for?

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RFID growth has been quite strong over the past few years, especially in the apparel sector.

Outside of apparel, the 4 most common use cases for RFID that we see are:

Asset inventory

An RFID Scanner can help with Asset Inventory

An RFID Scanner can help with Asset Inventory

Putting an RFID tag on high-value assets, rather than just a barcode, adds very little expense upfront, but it can dramatically reduce the time required to take inventory later. Because you tend to only need a few handheld readers for that inventory, the upfront cost is low, making the ROI on this sort of project very attractive.

Consumable inventory

Consumable Inventory

Consumable Inventory is easy for any warehouse

Think things like prescription drugs in an ambulance, or chemicals in a research facility. Then inventories are being taken daily, weekly, or monthly, counting via RFID or barcode is an obvious win, rather than (perish the thought) pencil and paper.

Production reporting

With RFID production reporting is easy

With RFID production reporting is easy

It is shockingly common within our customer base that manufacturing reports that they produced X pallets, but the warehouse can only account for X – 5. Where did they go? We’ll probably never know. With RFID, this is an easy problem to solve. When manufacturing labels the pallet with an RFID tag rather than just a barcode, it is easy to read and track when it passes through the door to the warehouse without any human action required. This can completely eliminate the question of how many pallets actually got produced and stored. And, if you know the “right” answer, you can go figure out who did what wrong to make your other systems not agree.

Warehouse inventory “missing”

RFID can help keep track of your warehouse inventory

RFID can help keep track of your warehouse inventory

Similar to the case above, it is often the case that pallets are produced, stored, and then somehow, later, inexplicably “gone”. If the pallet already has an RFID tag on it from production, it is a simple matter to put a reader at the outbound dock to scan it as it goes through, again without any human action required. Not only will your inventory always be correct, but you’ll also be able to catch when things are going out the door that aren’t supposed to be.

There are many uses for RFID in the warehouse. If you can have any more questions on how to apply the most intelligent locationing technology into your operations, reach out to Dan McCabe to start optimizing your inventory management system.

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Is Your Workforce Holding a Hotbed of Bacteria?

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Currently, there are over 1.4 million warehouse workers across the U.S., serving over 200 million online shoppers nationwide. Simple mathematics emphasizes the strain manufacturers and production lines face when striving to meet rising customer demands. With the spread of COVID-19, shelter-in-place mandates have contributed to a spike in online purchases, further adding to the stress. As essential workers provide crucial goods to our communities, pharma and manufacturing workers often face a new wave of risks as they must share devices across operations, increasing exposure to cross-contamination from high-touch surfaces.

While a simple sanitation schedule can help curb exposure, Avalon Integration partners with Proximity to eliminate higher cross-contamination risks with UV-Clean, ultraviolet disinfection technology designed to protect your workforce and your workflow.

What’s really in the palm of your hand?

Paramedic Using a Zebra Device with Purple Gloves on

What’s Really in the Palm of your Hand

Mobile devices are crucial to moving inventory seamlessly through your operations while keeping your supply chain connected. Unfortunately, your workforce shares more than vital information when working with them.

  • Nearly 3000 bacteria reside in one square inch of your keyboard.
  • An average of 25,000 bacteria reside on mobile phone touch screens 
  • Studies suggest that 40% of Americans don’t properly wash their hands as prescribed by the CDC.
  • 80% of pathogens are transmitted by touch

In light of these staggering numbers, Avalon sought to provide a disinfection solution that eliminates bottlenecks and missed crucial sanitation schedules. That’s when we turned to Proximity’s UV-Clean disinfection systems, which eliminates 99.99% of germs with a controlled ray of ultraviolet light in five minutes or less.

Why UV?

UV-Clean Scrambles Bacteria DNA

The UV-Clean Scrambles Bacteria DNA

Unlike conventional rubbing alcohol and soapy wipes, UV-Clean runs on an automated cycle, creating a reliable cleaning cycle between device usage. Simply place your device under UV-Clean’s hands-free cleaning station to eradicate harmful pathogens before your device reaches new hands.  Furthermore, ultraviolet technology captures more pathogens as it scrambles bacteria DNA found on high-touch surfaces instead of merely wiping them away.

See how UV-Clean raises the standards of inefficient sanitation in our infographic.

As we continue to navigate through higher demands, Avalon Integration continues to strengthen your operations with the next generation of warehousing efficiency. Contact us today to see how you can integrate UV-Clean’s adaptable performance into your workflow. 

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Wash Away Inefficiency with Zebra’s New 8000D Label

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As we continue to consider the impact inefficient warehousing has on our environment, our experts turn to the smallest member of your operations – your labels. Consuming less than 5% of your operations’ total costs, labels have always played a vital role in identifying and moving inventory and assets through the supply chain. However, these little barcodes can also be the source of costly bottlenecks and downtime, especially when dealing with reusable containers and crates. To comply with government standards, operators must take time to manually peel labels from reusable containers before applying new ones. Moreover, failure to remove labels can impact the environment and your budget as they fill -and clog- your drain.

8000D Labels Dissolvable Water Test

8000D Labels Dissolvable Water Test

Committed to both efficiency and sustainability, Avalon Integration is always excited to explore the latest breakthroughs in warehousing technology. Consequently, we were ecstatic to hear about Zebra Technologies’ newest advancement inefficient labeling – the 8000D Label.

Made with direct thermal dispersible paper and specialty adhesive, Zebra’s 8000D Label removes the complications of manually peeling off labels. See how in our video:

Why it Works

Much like the rest of Zebra’s Certified Consumables, the 8000D label is thoroughly tested to retain legibility for as long as you need it. Made to order, the dissolvable label enhances your competitive edge by:

  • Reducing wait times – Labels wash off without manual interference, letting your workers focus on more important tasks.
  • Increasing sustainability efforts – Adhesive dissolves under warm water, eliminating clogged drains, and unnecessary waste. 
  • Complying with health standards – Practically perfected for Quick Service operations, dissolvable labels help your team meet compliance standards while monitoring shelf-life and prioritizing inventory as products arrive.

Take a closer at Zebra’s dissolvable label here.

ZD620 8000D Linerless Labels

ZD620 8000D Linerless Labels

As a Zebra Premier Solutions Partner, Avalon Integration is always ready to bring you the next generation in efficient warehousing technology. Contact our labeling specialists today for a free assessment of your current operations and streamline your workflow with the latest in labeling technology.

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Unique Applications Call for Unique Labeling Solutions

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Sizing specifications, heat endurance, and pricing are some of the factors warehouses tend to first consider when selecting a new labeling solution; however, with so many application differences available today, it may be complicated to truly find a “perfect” fit. Nevertheless, just as technology continues to yield breakthroughs in mobile computing and data capture, labeling technology has also taken great strides in creating application-specific alternatives that fit your budget, benefit operations, and maybe even a little more.

As leaders in efficient innovation, Avalon Integration explores several unique labels that show how Zebra’s Certified Consumables still stand as your most adaptable option when it comes to individualized labeling solutions.

Your Applications are Intricate and Unique – Your Labels Should be the Same.

Intricate and Unique Labels

Intricate and Unique Labels from Zebra and Avalon Integration

Before choosing a one-size-fits-all label, consider the following application-specific options to boost data capture accuracy, operation visibility, and affordable sustainability.

  • Zebra’s New 8000D Label – Perfected for reusable crates and containers, Zebra’s dissolvable labels reduce time spent peeling off labels while remaining sticky during your application process.
  • Freezer-Grade Labels – To protect inventory identification and storage instructions, your cold-storage labels must be fit for temperatures as low as 32°F without losing malleability. Zebra’s pretested labels undergo stringent 23-point testing to endure both heat and cold as well as drastic temperature swings without compromising adhesive strength.
  • RFID On-Metal Labels – Designed to retain performance on metal, Zebra’s RFID labels enhance metal tracking within your operations to maximize production and distribution visibility. 
  • Color Labels – Further empowering your identification system, Zebra’s color labels create an easy-to-spot sorting system as colors can be quickly categorized at a glance, accelerating the order fulfillment process.
  • Custom Labels – For your most unique applications, Avalon recommends customizing your label’s composition and design. Choose from over 300 pretested materials to develop a label that survives even the toughest environments. Plus, with Avalon’s Free Ship Program, get free ground shipping on custom labels delivered in the continental U.S and Canada.
Few of the Many Unique Label Options

Many Unique Label Options

These are just a few of the many options today’s labeling technology offers. To explore more opportunities, contact our warehouse specialists today for a free assessment of your labeling needs.

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Message Mike: Are My Supply Chain Issues Too New to Handle?

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Working with supply chain optimization since 1994, I can safely say that there is no such thing as a problem “too new” that can’t be addressed. However, I also understand where this concern comes from.

In the past two decades or so, technology has taken enormous leaps previously unimaginable. Phones became smart. Cars can be driverless, and the list goes on, yet most people would agree that not every technological innovation is necessary, which is why businesses may be uneasy at first to jump on board with new technology. Indeed, even in warehousing, most decision-makers don’t see automation replacing human efforts. It’s all about finding a balance. While seemingly new issues such as complex e-commerce transactions, drop shipping, and high labor turnover rates may seem unsolvable at face-value, there are generally deeper issues at the root of your main concerns which can be resolved by a combination of intelligent technology and human expertise. A few common supply chain issues include:

  • Reduced Productivity – From bulky devices that weigh down your workers to costly bottlenecks that halt workflows, reduced productivity is always costly and affects the whole supply chain. Sometimes it comes in the shape of a broken printer or lost connectivity across state lines.
  • Inefficient Inventory Management – Dynamic supply chains have increased the complexity of inventory/asset movement. From production to shipping, to receiving, to packing, and so forth, your inventory passes through a lot of hands before reaching its final destination, which means there is a lot of room for costly errors if done inadequately. Also, repetitive tasks such as labeling parcels or manual data entry can lead to employee disengagement which exacerbates error risks and contributes to labor turnover as employees may feel undervalued. 
  • Traceability Issues – Evolving safety standards have increased the need for better traceability. From the food industry to auto production, batch numbers must be tracked and traced accurately even beyond the point-of-sale. Cradle-to-crate traceability can be the differentiator between a chaotic polemic recall and safe, government-compliant operations.

What are my options?

QLN420 Supply Chain Warehouse

When it comes to optimizing your supply chain there is a lot of options.

  • Highly ergonomic devices – These devices can boost productivity while preserving worker comfort. Instead of choosing between bulky industrial devices or breakable consumer-grade technology, you can streamline productivity with rugged yet lightweight enterprise hardware, built for strain and success.
  • Automated data entry – Even a 1% error rate can impact your workflow. Luckily, mobile computers can help increase data entry accuracy by eliminating human error. This also frees up your workforce to concentrate on other more crucial tasks instead of repetitive labeling.
  • RFID and Real-Time Locationing – From better inventory management to visible traceability, RFID technology gathers the intelligent insight you need to optimize your operations. Scalable to grow alongside your company, real-time locationing solutions can track inventory, assets, and resources in practically any industry.  

How difficult are these technologies to deploy?

MT2090 Scanning in a Warehouse

Deploying warehouse optimizations is easy with Avalon Integration

With the correct technology provider, implementing durable enterprise-grade solutions is simple. Working with leading manufacturers (like Zebra Technologies, Newcastle Systems, etc.), we closely assist you in planning, piloting, deploying, maintaining, and upgrading your technology for streamlined supply chain management.

Message Mike Kula today to see how you can start optimizing your operations with the best tools available. 

Watch Mike Kula on the Summer of 50 PGH Tech Stories Podcast.

Listen to Mike Kula on the Summer of 50 PGH Tech Stories Podcast.

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4 Ways Zebra Labels Escape Danger

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At the crux of enterprise, success is an efficient labeling system. Controlling inventory movement from door to dock, labels hold the potential to maximize accuracy and productivity, two indispensable factors for today’s operations. Studies estimate return costs may reach well over $550 billion in 2020 alone, with wrongly-picked orders comprising almost a fifth of returned orders.  In other words, the time to establish labeling efficiency is now. 

Zebra Labels Improve Overall Productivity

Zebra Labels Improve Overall Productivity

While they only account for 5% of your operations’ expense, labels can be enhanced to improve overall productivity. Testing innovative technology for over two decades, Avalon Integration partners with Zebra Technologies to safeguard operations from inefficiency with quality labels and printing supplies. Engineered to maximize productivity and visibility, Zebra’s RFID labels give you the leading edge on today’s market changes by facing the top four labeling dangers with unprecedented ease.

  1. Made survive any environment – Designed with pretested materials, all Zebra Certified Consumables endure rigorous testing and inspection to make sure they remain functional beyond the moment of application.  
  2. Customizable to fit the desired size – Because no two businesses are the same, Zebra’s RFID labels can be customized with your choice of material, size, antenna, and inlay. Plus, with ZipShip, labels are ready to ship within 24 hours, reducing sudden label shortages.
  3. Customizable to function on metal applications – Create a metal-friendly RFID application with Zebra’s ZT411 industrial printer to bring the benefits of RFID locationing into previously uncharted applications.  
  4. Compatible with secured enterprise-devices – In addition to rugged labels, an efficient labeling solution requires enterprise-grade technology that protects data. Fortified by Mobility Extensions (Mx), Zebra handhelds such as the MC9300, TC7X, and TC5X preserve data security with government-grade encryption and reliable security patches provided through LifeGuard.

Not Like the Rest

Zebra Labels Not Like the Rest

Zebra Labels are Not Like the Rest

  • Regulatory fines
  • Lost customer loyalty
  • Missed compliance standards
  • Product shrinkage
  • Wasted warehouse space
  • Increased product returns

Eliminate the dangers of faulty labels with Zebra Certified Consumables. Plus, get free printhead replacements when you make Zebra your exclusive consumables supplier through the Printhead Protection Program.

Discover how Zebra’s RFID technology can help protect your operations when you contact us for a free labeling assessment with our industry experts and implement efficiency down to the smallest details.

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Hello! I’m Roi: Ready to Fit RFID into Your Operations?

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Avalon Integration has a wide variety of technology solutions that establish clients’ competitive edge, which is why I am overjoyed to introduce you to the latest and best tracking solution in the new digital age – RFID Locationing.

Tracking assets, personnel, inventory, and more RFID Locationing can maximize your return of investment by monitoring your most precious resources as they move through complex supply chains and workflows. Moreover, unlike legacy systems, RFID is adaptable to fit a multitude of unique industries such as:

  • Manufacturing
  • Warehousing and Distribution
  • Transportation and Logistics
  • Healthcare Asset Tracking
  • Public Safety
  • Retail and Storefronts
  • Sports Analytics
  • And many more

As your guide to maximized ROI, I’d like to take you deeper into the countless opportunities enhanced visibility brings to your business. Shall we get started?

Assess Your Gains

MC3390R and RFID to Assess Your Gains

MC3390R and RFID to Assess Your Gains

Lack of visibility contributes to numerous operational inefficiencies. For example, manual data entry -which relies heavily on human effort for accuracy- can misdirect order fulfillment, leading a customer to receive the wrong product, impacting brand identity, and resulting in return fees. When it comes to public safety, unclear visibility can contribute to longer response times and impaired dispatch accountability. In other words, maximized visibility results in maximized efficiency, satisfaction, and safety. However, don’t just take my word for it. See how RFID is changing industries worldwide.

  • Manufacturing — RFID tags can be used to store multiple codes identifying particular parts and easing traceability down a production line. Furthermore, with Zebra’s RFID on-metal solution, tags can now identify metal components throughout production.
  • Warehousing and Distribution — Long-range scanners minimize worker strain while capturing codes as far as 60ft away with ease. Plus, Zebra Technologies’ RFID scanners are built to thrive in harsh conditions, retaining optimal functionality in extreme temperatures, falls, and scratches.
  • Transportation and Logistics — Increasing order accuracy by nearly 100%, RFID automates order verification with just a scan when implemented on the shipping dock.
  • Healthcare Asset Tracking — In healthcare, misplaced items can hinder patient care as medical staff must pause to search for their tools. Studies suggest that only 42% of medical assets are used efficiently. Real-time locationing empowers staff to find their crucial assets in a timely fashion to deliver better care to their patients.
  • Public Safety — When it comes to protecting our communities, visibility is key. By incorporating RFID tracking in daily operations, officers can better assess dispatch needs and set higher accountability standards for deployed teams.
  • Retail and Storefronts – Product shrinkage can drain over $40 billion dollars from the retail economy. To prevent product shrinkage near points of sales, RFID antennas and tags work together to monitor inventory as they come and go into the store, giving managers a clear view of their stock’s movement.

From tracking thrown footballs in real-time, to preventing lost pets, to assisting in utility operations, RFID has many uses, each with their unique benefits. Come explore your next locationing solution with me, and enhance your operations with a new standard of efficient visibility.

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