Tips and Hints: Minimize Wasted Labor One Bottleneck at a Time

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Newly collected data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showcases a steady increase in warehousing jobs across the nation, yet this follows equally increasing labor turnover rates, verified by multiple warehouses in Zebra Technology’s most recent Warehousing Vision Study. As a matter of fact, the labor shortage has been cited as one of the top four challenges facing warehouses today. In other words, quality labor is becoming scarcer, which means warehouses are now faced with the challenge to find and retain efficient employees in their facilities. 

Eliminate Repetitive Tasks and Improve Labor Efforts

Eliminate Repetitive Tasks and Improve Labor Efforts with Fanfold Labels from Zebra

Specialized in warehouse efficiency, Avalon Integration investigates new solutions that empower your workforce by eliminating repetitive tasks that waste time and devalue employees. While there are many efficient systems designed to optimize employee satisfaction, we’ve searched for small cost-effective solutions that fit into your warehouse without too many changes into your current infrastructure. 

A Little Change Goes a Long Way to Keep Your Labor Efforts at Optimal Performance

While the average warehousing salary nears $36,000, labor costs may reach as close as $50,000 per worker. Health benefits, recurring training, and re-hires are some of the indirect costs warehouses simply can’t eliminate. However, here are three simpler changes to consider adding to your workforce:

  1. Create better device availability through new organization patterns. From picking to shipping, your supply chain runs several dynamic workflows, each needing the same devices simultaneously. One way to maximize device availability is to centralize common devices, so your workers can reach them without traveling across the warehouse.
    Better Device Availability Through New Organization Patterns

    Better Device Availability Through New Organization Patterns

     

  2. Invest in familiar technology to reduce training times. While new workers may feel uncomfortable with enterprise-grade technology, you can lower training times with rugged devices that resemble consumer-grade technology. As a Zebra Premier Solutions Partner, we carefully pair your workforce with intuitive devices designed to lower training times, and consequently, your operational costs.

    Reduce Training Times with Intuitive Devices from Zebra

    Reduce Training Times with Intuitive Devices from Zebra

  3. Choose intelligent systems that free up your workforce. Repetitive tasks break your workforce’s concentration, so consider choosing devices that automate repetitive tasks while your workforce focuses on more important tasks. For example, Zebra’s pretested fanfold labels successfully eliminate the drudging task of manually counting individual labels by neatly delivering labels that can be counted at a glance.

    Zebra’s Pretested Fanfold Labels

    Free up Your Labor Workforce with Zebra’s Pretested Fanfold Labels

See These Three Tips in Action in Our Video

If small changes can greatly impact your workflow, what would be the effects of bigger implementations? Whether it be new tracking systems or technology upgrades, Avalon Integration has both the tools and expertise to help you keep your labor efforts at optimal performance. Contact us today to find warehousing solutions scaled to your needs.

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RFID or Bluetooth? Now with PTS, Avalon does Both.

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There are several locationing systems available on the market today. Depending on your application requirements, certain solutions work better than others. As leaders in warehouse innovation, Avalon Integration provides real-time visibility solutions that match an array of workforce specifications. With efficiency in mind, we’re proud to present the leading advancements in locationing technology – RFID and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).  

Partnering with Portable Technology Solutions, we construct new tracking systems that fit both workplace and budget requirements without sacrificing functionality. Using Zebra certified tags and hardware, our warehousing experts are ready to answer all your locationing questions.

Understanding the Difference from Tag to Tag

While similar in function, passive RFID and BLE tags bring different sets of benefits to your inventory management system. Before designing your locationing strategy, it is crucial to understand the difference between both.

MC3390R Tag Lifecycle

MC3390R Scanning RFID

Tag Lifecycle with RFID and Bluetooth

  • Because RFID tags have become more cost-effective, they are ideal for large quantities of diverse inventory since they are disposable. However, while tags are relatively inexpensive, RFID readers cost more to install.
  • Although BLE tags are more expensive compared to RFID, Bluetooth technology is still a cost-effective solution when it comes to scaling your new management system. Integrate your solution at your own pace, growing coverage as needed.
MC3390R IT Involvement

MC3390R Scanning with IT Involvement

IT Involvement

  • In addition to tags, RFID locationing systems will require readers and scanners. Therefore, greater IT participation is expected. Nevertheless, Zebra’s intuitive technology and Avalon’s support team create a seamless implementation process that eliminates stress and long wait-times.
  • Depending on the size of your tracking space, BLE deployment requires little to no IT integration. Plus, since Bluetooth technology has been installed in over 10 billion devices worldwide, your workforce may likely already be familiar with your new system.
MC3330R Bluetooth Power and Connectivity

MC3330R Uses Bluetooth for Power and Connectivity

Power and Connectivity

  • Sustained by WiFi networking, RFID systems run as long as you’re connected. With Zebra’s long-range connectivity and WorryFree WiFi, transmissions remain uninterrupted and secure. Furthermore, reduce end-of-life issues since tags do not need batteries to function.
  • Operating within a multi-channel spectrum, BLE systems can run despite connectivity issues as long as there is a two-way connection between tags and beacons.

See the RFID and Bluetooth Differences First-Hand

Helping you navigate the locationing landscape, Avalon Integration now works with Portable Technology Solution’s ClearStream service. Using the best benefits of both RFID and BLE, we create the visibility solutions your business needs. For more information, contact Avalon Integration for an in-depth assessment of your current management strategy.

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Remembering a Legacy: How the MC3300 Redefines Efficient Computing

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For the past ten years, the MC3000 Series has reigned as a popular choice in mobile computing. Equipped with a square screen, advanced scanning capabilities, and Asset Tracker Lite, the MC3200 has long stood as the light-weight and cost-effective solution for enhanced warehouse mobility. Despite its success, Zebra Technologies has continued in its tradition of innovating efficiency. As a proud Zebra Premier Solutions Partner, Avalon Integration had thoroughly examined Zebra’s newest addition to the MC3000 Series – the MC3300. 

Testifying to its legacy of rugged functionality, the MC3300 builds upon the strength of its predecessors, creating one fully ergonomic device that goes beyond expectations in terms of warehouse data capture technology.

Small Differences that Make a Big Impact for Efficient Computing

  • Simplified Battery Swap: Unlike past models, the MC3300 comes with fast battery replacement features, decreasing time spent changing batteries. Paired with Zebra’s PowerPrecision Console, the device ensures continuous uptime for a whole shift. 
  • Migration Ready: Equipped with Android, the MC3300 delivers a familiar touchscreen interface while also running green-screen apps right out of the box. Use the All-Touch TE app to convert TE apps at your own pace without any backend modifications. 
  • Fortified Security: Adding a deeper layer of protection for your operating system, Zebra fortifies Android with Mobility Extensions, securing the MC3300 with government-grade encryption and reliable 90-day security patches.  
  • Long-Range Data Capture: Empowering workers with lighter computing, the MC3300 delivers long-range scanning, previously reserved for the MC9000 Series. Capture barcodes up to 70ft away with omnidirectional scanning for maximized performance.
  • Enhanced Connectivity:  Strengthen workforce collaboration with the MC3000’s Workforce Connect Push-to-Talk Express, functional right out of the box. Further telephony capabilities with Workforce Connect Voice to add PBX abilities to your device.
  • Higher Ruggedness: Protected by a Gorilla Glass touch panel and a 5ft drop specification, the MC3300 is built to handle the warehouse’s harshest conditions.
MC3300 Redefines Efficient Computing

The MC3300 from Zebra Redefines Efficient Computing

Committed to our client’s success, Avalon Integration assists in upgrading your technology with the GO Zebra Trade-In Program. Experience the next generation of simplified mobile computing and get a $200 cash rebate towards your upgrade.

Want a closer look? Contact us for a free demonstration of the MC3300 and other groundbreaking devices. Bring efficiency to your warehouse operations with the leaders in innovative solutions.

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Why We Give a Ship

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The saying goes “for everything, there is a price”, but we know better than to define quality with one set price. In our mission to improve efficiency through premium supplies and affordable solutions, Avalon Integration embraces a diverse definition of quality now through its Free Ship Program, because when it comes to quality, companies should be allowed to define their success with customized tools.

Serve a Vast Array of Clients for Free Ship

Avalon Integration Serves a Vast Array of Clients

As we serve a vast array of clients -ranging from the U.S. Department of Defense to small local businesses- we understand the importance a little label holds, which is why from now till December 31st, Avalon Integration will cover shipping costs on Zebra certified custom labels shipping in the U.S. and Canada. Get more out of your labels along with a committed team of experts and 20 years’ worth of expertise, without freight charges.

The Age of Labels is Here

Age of Labels for Ship

Age of Labels

Outlining every system of operation, labels carry important information that optimizes your workforce while enhancing customer satisfaction. Reinvent productivity with labels built around your company’s brand.

  • Combine over 100 pretested materials to develop weather-proof reliable labels
  • Ensure brand identity with up to 12 water-based colors, 8 UV colors, and PMS color-matching. 
  • Discover new standards with UL/cUL and CSA approved solutions
  • Reduce downtime from misprints, reprints, and damaged printers

Sourced from four different label converting facilities, customized Zebra labels bring more than data to your workforce. With the proper supplies, you can maximize the functionality of your workforce while cutting down extra time spent ordering, shipping, applying (and reapplying) essential labels.

As barcode technology continues to develop, stay ahead of the learning curve with the latest advancements now provided by Avalon Integration. Speak with us today about our Free Ship Program to start your order and discover a new and inexpensive way to improve the efficiency of your team.

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Introducing the EC30: But Where Does It Go?

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Standards were made to be raised. Serving warehouses and distribution centers for over twenty years, Avalon Integration has specialized in high standards. As a proud Zebra Premier Solutions Partner, we have the privilege of raising your standards again with Zebra Technologies’ newest breakthrough in mobile computing – the EC30. 

Increasing productivity using the latest form factor, the EC30 serves as the newest and most cost-effective solution when it comes to connectivity, data capture, and inventory management. As the smallest mobile computer on the market, the EC30 fits virtually in any use, which has left manufacturers wondering where exactly to properly integrate it.

The EC30 Allows You to Take Help on the Go, Anywhere You Go

EC30 and Avalon Integration

EC30 and Avalon Integration

With new market demands such as same-day shipping and the e-commerce boom, mobility solutions have become crucial to maintaining efficient continuous operations. From picking to shipping, your digital workforce should facilitate tasks with minimal interruptions. Therefore, devices should be lightweight, fast, and durable to match the new work environment. Fortunately, the EC30 fits all these requirements, making it the first multi-purpose computer, functional in any part of your supply chain.

  • Strengthen your teamwork with the EC30’s voice communication features, sustained by WorryFree WiFi. Keep communication channels open throughout your workforce for better decision-making and real-time insights inside all four walls. 
  • Expedite scanning rate with accurate data capture technology. Whether in the warehouse or the storefront, equip your employees with fast-processing technology that ultimately elevates customer satisfaction with rapid price-lookups. 
  • Improve inventory management with better visibility conducted through Zebra’s Mobility DNA, installed in a lightweight device. Smaller than Zebra’s current touch-computers, the EC30 lets your workers bring all your necessary applications without the hassle of carrying a larger device.
Zebras EC30 on Table

EC30 on Table

A picture worth a thousand words, so check out our video and meet the next generation of mobile computing for yourself. See all these benefits and more when you contact our warehousing experts to schedule a free demonstration and choose your preferred integration strategy to optimize your workforce with the latest solutions.

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Tips and Hints: We Got Printer Antibiotics

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It can happen on any ordinary day. On a slow morning shift in late December or on the first day of the fiscal quarter, your prints become smeared, fading as your printer falls ill. Unlike human employees who may still power through a cold to efficiently contribute to operations, a malfunctioning sick printer is never harmless to your efficient supply chain as it will most likely stop working, affecting productivity while ushering in expensive downtime.

Servicing countless labeling systems for over twenty years, Avalon Integration is ready to share tips and hints to treat your sick printer with tested strategies while also exploring some common cleaning suggestions that -like expired medicine- should never be used.

Get the Right Prescription for Your Printer

Cleaning the Zebra ZT230 Printer

Cleaning the Zebra ZT230 Printer


Much like real illnesses, a printing issue can be contagious, infecting your operations with bottlenecks, inefficient practices, and employee strain. Fortunately, most issues may be resolved by a simple cleaning. While most industrial printers can be quite durable, even the best printers may crumble if the wrong cleaning technique is used, which is why we are highlighting a few common misconceptions surrounding printhead maintenance.

  • Put Down the Dry Towel: Although some leftover printing debris may be easily wiped away, a lightly damp towel should be used instead of a dry one. Removing printheads with a dry towel can scratch and damage your printer indefinitely.  
  • Avoid Ammonia/Glass Cleaners: Ammonia-based cleaners may leave a behind harmful residue that skews prints, ultimately adding to debris pile up over time.
  • Be Careful with Rubbing Alcohol: While rubbing alcohol may successfully pick up debris and the old adhesive stuck on your printhead, alcohol is also quite corrosive and may damage the printer’s inner mechanisms if splattered or used excessively. 
  • Beat the Clock: Even though cleaning a printer requires extreme care, leaving a printer open for extended periods of time can allow dust and other harmful outside debris to fall right back into your printer.

Minimizing all the risks mentioned above, Zebra’s Cleaning Cards serve as the best solution for a dirty printer. Non-invasive and cost-effective, Cleaning Card’s tackle printing debris quickly and efficiently, preventing future malfunctions and jams. Simply follow the instructions in the video to maximize your printer’s lifespan.

Further, elevate your investment by signing up for Zebra’s Printhead Protection Program and get free printhead replacements along with quality printing supplies when you make Zebra your exclusive consumables supplier.  

Or See the Doctor

Raymond Scipioni Cleaning a Printhead

Raymond Scipioni Cleaning a Printhead

As a Zebra Premier Solution Partner, Avalon Integration develops multiple in-depth solutions and strategies to optimize printing performance with the best tools available. Explore a new road to printing health when you contact us for a free demonstration of Cleaning Cards and other printer maintenance technology. Looking for reliable customer service, checkout Avalons technical support blog post by clicking here.

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Happily Ever Afters: How to Safeguard Inventory from Picking to Shipping

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From its first moments at the receiving dock to its final day in a delivery truck traveling across the country, your inventory faces several potential dangers that may ultimately impact your business. For example, product shrinkage cost the retail industry $46.8 billion in 2018 alone as unmonitored stock became prey to administrative errors, employee theft, and shoplifting.

As technology continues to advance, protecting inventory visibility has become increasingly difficult, especially when it comes to large quantities of unmanaged stock. To counter the rising costs of lost/damaged/stolen inventory, Avalon Integration explores new locationing solutions with Zebra’s RFID technology, developing innovative solutions that minimize misplaced profits with enhanced visibility managed by the next-generation of data capture technology.

Woman Scanning Warehouse Inventory with MC3390R

Woman Scanning Warehouse Inventory with MC3390R

Change Your Inventory’s Fate

Providing real-time visibility in all your tagged assets, RFID technology arms your team with actionable intelligence to simplify operations, increasing worker accountability, stock availability, and efficient productivity from beginning to end.

  • Design RFID labels to fit unique application requirements using pretested materials to ensure consistent quality and long-lasting performance. 
  • Equip incoming inventory with easy-to-apply adhesive tags capable of storing 100 times more data than conventional SKU-labels. 
  • Trust your RFID’s extended functionality through the harshest environments and surfaces as inlays follow stringent testing and ISO 9001 compliance for greater successful encoding. 
  • Capture RFID tags up to 60ft/18.2m with Zebra’s long-range handheld MC3390R RFID reader to increase reader accuracy by 40% or…   
  • Streamline complete visibility through Zebra’s ATR7000 RTLS reader and track on-the-move assets throughout the warehouse, including employees. 
  • Prevent administrative and counting errors with RFID technology compatible with your Android devices, reducing surprise stock shortages. 
  • Re-route shipments to ensure timely deliveries using wide-range tags and readers.
  • Easily deactivate or remove RFID tags as needed without injuring inventory to guarantee customer privacy.

Ready to ship in less than 24 hours, RFID labels further decrease replenishment wait-times since labels are sourced from one out of the four labeling-converting facilities located across the nation.

Scanning with RFD8500 in a Retail Store Safeguard Inventory

Scanning with RFD8500 in a Retail Store Safeguard Inventory

Avalon Integration Is Here to Help with Your Inventory

Catching your inventory’s complete story is one of the many steps Avalon Integration takes in innovating warehousing operations. Meet a complete line of RFID devices when you contact us for a unique visibility solution that leverages the best locationing technology to your benefit, giving your stock and your budget a much happier ending.

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Tips and Hints: Never-Ending Labels come with Never-Ending Perks

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From expanding brand identity outside your workforce to complying with safety requirements within the warehouse, labels impact every facet of your operations as they bring versatility wherever they go. With so many uses, labels may also impact your budget as they must be sized to fit your printing needs. There is no such thing as a literally one-size-fits-all label.

Until now.

Sharing first-hand tips and hints in maximizing efficient operations, Avalon Integration has investigated new cost-effective labeling solutions, and now we are excited to present Zebra’s Continuous Label – the never-ending sticker that will always fit your changing needs.

When we say “Always”, We Mean Always with Our Labels

Raymond Scipioni Explaining the Difference Between Continuous vs. Fixed Length Labels

Raymond Scipioni Explaining the Difference Between a Continuous vs. Fixed Length Label


Instead of standard three to six-inch adhesives, continuous labels have no break, allowing you to print different sized labels without switching your media roll as you can tear correctly-sized labels right off your industrial printer. Saving over 50 percent in label costs, the Continuous Label packs all the benefits you expect from Zebra certified consumables along with extra perks that ultimately deliver a higher return of investment. 

  • Built Rugged: Following Zebra’s long-held tradition of stringent testing, Continuous Labels are meticulously crafted to resist heat, ice, and chemicals without smears or unwanted tears even after application.
  • Eco-Friendly System: Reducing your carbon footprint can be difficult, but as less paper, inks, and toners are used, the Continuous Label minimizes waste. Moreover, built with quality materials, Continual Labels reduce printhead wear, expanding the life of your printing hardware.
  • Perfected Budget: Because you can choose where your label ends, the Continuous Label eliminates misused labels as each size is fit to accommodate your print. The result? Less unused paper. Less replenishing costs. More efficient printing system.

Further, expand your investment by getting free printhead replacements for your Zebra printers when you make Zebra your exclusive label supplier through the Printhead Protection Program.

Zebra Labels That Are Built Rugged and Are Perfectly Budgeted

Zebra Labels Are Built Rugged and Are Perfectly Budgeted


Don’t just take our word for it. Watch our video to see the ease of seamless printing, or do one better and contact us for a free demonstration to experience the next evolution of labeling technology at your convenience.

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Tips and Hints: Drive Productivity with Avalon’s Power Cart

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As a leader in innovative technology solutions, Avalon Integration has racked up over 20 years of experience in resolving costly bottlenecks, such as the ones that often follow receiving operations. After careful analysis, we’ve created IT-friendly affordable tips and hints, that boost productivity exponentially. Streamline operations smoothly with Avalon’s very own Power Cart.

Meet the On-the-Move Solution for Stagnant Profits

Dan Mccabe showing off Avalon integrations Power Cart

Dan Mccabe showing off Avalon integrations Power Cart

Conventional receiving operations often face long wait-times as inventory must be moved to a usually-crowded PC station before stocking. Since downtime can cost up to $260,000 an hour, reducing wait-times is imperative for overall enterprise success.

To optimize receiving operations with minimal IT interference and errors, we’re introducing Power Cart, the moving PC station that travels to your needs instead of the other way around. Eliminate costly bottlenecks and downtime while driving up productivity by 40% with four new digital assets all provided by Avalon Integration:

  • Laptop 
  • Additional Keyboard
  • Zebra Industrial Printer
  • Newcastle Moving Cart

Bring the functionality of your printing solution wherever you go throughout the warehouse without the stress of stagnant productivity. Plus, add a mountable arm to your cart along with a rugged tablet to further enhance your cart with free space for writing or counting inventory.

Steer Efficiency Efficiently

Avalon Integration Power Cart Display

Avalon Integration Power Cart Display

With Zebra’s exceptional rugged technology, expect consistent quality with every operation, whether it be data capture or a print run. Plus, Zebra ruggedness reaches a new extreme when paired with Newcastle’s moving cart.

  • Printing Mobility: Give your industrial printer unforeseen mobility without sacrificing functionality as each cart comes with a slide-out tray that facilitates media reloading.
  • Reliable Security: Protect your investment with security features such as rugged castors and sturdy mounting arms that eliminate downtime due to broken hardware. 
  • Sustainable Productivity: Power your devices with mobile batteries located at the bottom of the cart for continuous functionality throughout shifts. At the end of each shift, simply slide and replace removable batteries in less than a second, minimizing workflow disruptions.

But why just read the Power Cart when you could see it in action in our video?

Don’t settle for curiosity. Contact Avalon Integration for an up-close demonstration of the newest solutions designed for warehouse modernization. Looking for reliable customer service, checkout Avalons technical support blog post by clicking here.

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3 Questions You Need to Ask Before Choosing Direct Thermal Printing

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Dramatically cutting down wait-times for faster outputs, direct thermal printing is often a favorite when it comes to optimizing productivity. Without using inks and toner, direct thermal printers stand as both a fast and cost-effective solution to most industries’ printing needs. However, even this innovative solution may deteriorate over time if the proper supplies aren’t used. 

GK420D Showing Media Being Removed After Using Direct Thermal Printing

GK420D Showing Media Being Removed After Using Direct Thermal Printing

Enhancing efficiency from the inside out, Avalon Integration understands the inner workings of thermal printers and the need for quality consumables, which is why we encourage companies to ask their labels three basic questions before committing to direct thermal printing.

  • Can You Handle Heat? – Unlike transfer thermal printing, direct thermal printing creates copies by printing directly on the media through heated plates pressing against heat-sensitive paper. Heat-resistance is a key element in selecting quality printing supplies for your thermal printer since weaker supplies may damage printheads, leading to premature printhead failure.
  • Can You Handle Light? – Although direct thermal printing requires fewer supplies to operate, printed media may darken over time if continuously exposed to light. To preserve data, make sure labels are stored properly and consider choosing an extra coating for longer applications.
  • Can You Handle Time? – From traffic tickets to retail receipts, data should remain legible and functional after being printed. Inadequate labels may smear, rip, or simply lose adhesiveness over time if they aren’t made with the necessary rugged materials.

If your labels answer now to any of these questions, it might be time to switch your label solution to a new dependable one.

Have it All with Zebra Printing Supplies

ZQ630 Showing Cold Storage Print Label with Direct Thermal Printing

ZQ630 Showing Cold Storage Print Label with Direct Thermal Printing

Meticulously tested to withstand the latest innovations in direct thermal printing, Zebra Printing Supplies always answer “yes” to all three questions. Maximize operational efficiency with labels engineered for success in every application.

  • Meet application requirements with ISO 9001:2008 certified materials
  • Get consistent results since we always use the same quality materials run-to-run
  • Ensure label efficiency with environment-resistance labels 
  • Increase printer lifespan with less leftover debris and glue clogging printheads
  • Design labels to match your brand identity and company needs

Printing supplies should never harm your printer. Experience the efficiency of direct thermal printing without the hassle of printhead failure when you enroll in Zebra’s Printhead Protection Program. Qualify for free printhead replacements when you make Zebra your exclusive quality supplier.

If you find yourself asking you labels too many questions, such as “did that come out right” you can download the infographic by clicking here, then start uncovering the lasting benefits of Zebra Certified Consumables with Avalon Integration. Start your order today with our label experts to maximize your consumables’ performance with the latest printing technology.

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