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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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Tips and Hints: Cutting Paper in Warehouse Operations

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As we approach Earth Day (April 22), Avalon Integration continues in its dedication to efficiency, not only for today’s enterprises for tomorrow’s generations as well. That’s why we turn to minimize paper waste, which accounts for nearly 25% of the total generation of municipal solid waste, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Paper-based data entry systems, such as the ones still prevalent in many warehouses and distribution centers, alongside the rise of e-commerce, contribute to the dilemma. 

Because American businesses can no longer rely on exporting waste to be recycled internationally, recycling costs have escalated. At the same time, e-commerce has increased the usage of cardboard boxes and packaging. To keep operational costs low while maintaining sustainability efforts, we’re bringing tips and hints to minimize packaging and paper waste while still meeting customer demands.

Unwrapping the Packaging Problem

Unwrapping the Packing Problem with liner-less labels

Showcasing a liner-less label

It seems as if online shopping has disrupted every aspect of the global market, and recycling is no different. Reports from Fast Company estimate close to 165 billion packages are shipped around the US each year. In 2017 the EPA documented around 32 thousand tons of cardboard end up in landfills. One way to stop unrecyclable goods from reaching the landfill is by eliminating unnecessary paper during the order fulfillment process. Integrate sustainable practices in your operations by:

  • Reducing “air” shipments when possible – To ensure shipped orders reach their destination in one piece, businesses resort to double-boxing and/or adding air pads to protect inventory. Most of the time, plastic air pads can’t be recycled along with boxes, further maximizing environmental impact. Moreover, this can increase shipping costs as businesses essentially “ship air” along with their inventory.
  • Eliminating excessive manual data entry – In addition to increased error risks, manual data entry creates more paper waste over time. By digitizing your inventory management system, your operations benefit from more accuracy, simplicity, and accessibility since data can be transferred through a shared interface. Newer enterprise technology such as Zebra’s latest mobile computers go a step farther by streamlining data capture with connectivity through one rugged and ergonomic device of your choice. As a Zebra Premier Solutions Partner, Avalon helps you integrate digital processing through the GO Zebra Trade-In Program, where you can trade inadequate devices for newer technology and cash rebates.
  • Selecting sustainable labels – Labels are crucial to your operations, but their liners can add up to your enterprise’s waste. To solve this issue, we recommend Zebra’s Liner-Less Label, which delivers quality barcodes without unrecyclable liner paper.
Selecting Sustainable Labels

Selecting Sustainable Labels for your warehouse operations

See what the liner-less label is all about in our video:

Wasted materials ultimately equals wasted money since resources must later be replaced. While larger sustainability practices might seem daunting, little changes to your supply chain are a perfect place to start. For more information about paperless sustainability, reach out to our warehousing specialists, and see how your operations can help the environment, one sheet of paper at a time.  

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Your Traceability System is No Game

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$30 million dollars – That’s the average amount companies expect to lose in one single recall. As technology continues to advance and consumers become more conscientious of their decisions, safety compliance standards and guidelines continue to evolve across multiple industries, from healthcare to manufacturing to agriculture. In-depth scrutiny measures have contributed to a 10% increase in recalls between 2013 and 2018 in the food industry alone. While increasing recalls don’t necessarily mean products are becoming more unsafe, they do create a higher demand for reliable traceability systems to handle the high recall influx.

  • One out of four children’s products were recalled in 2018.
  • Over 1.3 million cars were recalled in 2019 alone.
  • The USDA reported 97 Class I (based on “reasonable” chance of health issues) food recalls in 2018.
  • As of February 2020, there have been 20 drug recalls issued by the FDA.

To better serve consumers, each product must be traced throughout the supply chain and beyond.

Equipped with both tested expertise and enterprise-grade technology, Avalon Integration optimizes traceability with Zebra’s best tracking technologies. From versatile rugged handhelds to pretested consumables, track and trace your inventory with technology made for complete visibility in and out of the warehouse.

Meet the Dream Team for Efficient traceability

Efficient traceability can be a valuable asset in any industry. From counterfeit prevention to batch numbering, traceability can give you insight into inventory composition and movement through complex workflows. To increase consumer safety and lower costly risks, we recommend automating previously manual data entry systems. By optimizing your data-entry process with Zebra Rugged Tablets and certified consumables, you can integrate accurate visibility that facilitates efficient tracking.

Why Rugged Tablets?

Why Rugged Tablets for Traceability

Streamlining data capture and workforce connectivity through one device

Zebra’s latest line of rugged tablets are built to handle tough environments and adapt to multiple uses. Integrate barcode scanning, unbroken connectivity, and simplified data sharing all through one ergonomic device. Lowering operational costs sustainably, L10 tablets carry high-performing functionality by:

  • Preserving up to 24-hour uptime with hot-swappable batteries
  • Housing Zebra’s versatile Mobility DNA apps which augment productivity
  • Streamlining data capture and workforce connectivity through one device
  • Adapting to your space constraints with 3 form factors (XSLATE, XPAD, XBOOK)
  • Sustaining long-range connectivity so even your remote team members stay connected

Download our e-book to learn more. 

Why Zebra Tags?

Why Zebra Tags for Traceability

Zebra Tags can be tailored for specific applications

Tested for continuous performance beyond the moment of application, Zebra certified labels preserve your inventory’s crucial data, making it easier for your team to scan and share information. Plus, because they can be tailored for specific applications, labels can be matched to fit:

  • Size and color requirements
  • Temperature durability for direct or thermal transfer printing
  • RFID inlay requirements
  • Individual compliance codes 
  • Perforation styles
  • Front and backside printing

As a Zebra Premier Solutions Partner, Avalon provides customized tools to optimize your tracking and inventory management systems. Speak with our visibility specialists today for a free assessment of your inventory management solution and integrate crucial visibility back into your operations. 

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