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Smartphones have come a long way in the past decade. They’ve gotten smaller and then bigger, with improvements in imaging, function, and voice commands. These are all great consumer-centered features. But does that make a smartphone the right choice for a demanding workplace, like a plant, distribution center, or T&L operation? At Avalon Integration, we’ve seen enough of these devices fail when put to an enterprise test. It’s time to replace the consumer smartphone with the smarter, faster, and more rugged Zebra TC52 touch computer.

Contact Avalon Integration to Schedule a demo today!

The Zebra TC52 scanning products on a wall

We recently took the time to look more closely at the Zebra TC52 (click here to see the video).

Watch this video to see more features of the Zebra TC52. Then contact Avalon Integration to schedule a demo. Then contact Avalon Integration today to schedule a demo.

If you’re a Millennial, technology comes pretty easy to maneuver. However, it can still take time to adjust to a new device, particularly when that equipment hasn’t been designed to enhance the user experience. The Avalon Integration team recently discovered that the Zebra MC3300 Handheld Mobile Computer elevates user-friendly to a new standard that you’ll appreciate, no matter how tech-savvy you are.

So, why do you need the Zebra MC3300 Handheld Mobile Computer?

Front View of the MC3300 Handheld Mobile Computer

The MC3300 is about as easy as it gets—and just as versatile. Zebra designed the rugged handheld computer so you can customize it to the way you’re going to use it. Choose from four form factors, three scan engines, three keypads, and three tiers of functionality. With all of these choices, you can transform this mobile computer into a purpose-built device that nails every task you need, with accuracy and ease.

Look at the data input options. The MC3300 has both a touchscreen and keyboard, with your choice of alphanumeric, numeric, and functional numeric keypads. The 4-inch screen is plenty large enough to type easily, so your workers aren’t wasting time with a temperamental touchscreen that commands precision.

Zebra powers the MC3300 with its fortified Android for enterprise-class function. Right out of the box, the computer runs the latest version of Android, so users have the familiarity that comes with this operating system—i.e., no training required. You can also upgrade easily to future Android versions. And if the pain of OS migration that resulted from Microsoft’s abandonment is still fresh on your mind, you should know that Zebra guarantees security updates for 10 years from the release date.

So, why do you need the Zebra MC3300 Handheld Mobile Computer?

MC3300 Handheld Mobile Computer has great Performance in any warehouse

Speaking of power, the MC3300 Handheld Mobile Computer is engineered for performance. Run two apps side by side or flip back and forth. Just press a button to get where you need, and the lightning-fast processor will take you there in an instant. Zebra installed a Qualcomm 8056 1.8GHz Hexa-core processor with power optimization. That means you’re running with up to 16 times the RAM and 32 to 125 times the Flash memory.

For those TE apps you’re already using, the MC3300 will run them, right out of the box. There’s no backend modification necessary. You also have the popular Ivanti Velocity TE pre-loaded and pre-licensed on the device. But if you need to update your TEs or convert green screen apps, Zebra’s AllTouch TE is also pre-loaded, which helps you gain the more intuitive, graphics screens that today’s users prefer.

Contact Avalon Today to Schedule a Demonstration for the Zebra MC3300 Handheld Mobile Computer!

An organized Warehouse with workers working

The MC3300 Handheld Mobile Computer has been designed with backward compatibility to the earlier MC3200, so if you’ve already invested in accessories, you can continue to use them. But you might want to consider new accessories, like the universal ShareCradle so you can charge the batteries even faster. Options also include the PowerPrecision+ battery that delivers longer perform as well as valuable metrics for battery health and life. And the forklift mount for the MC3300 Handheld Mobile Computer is a new and potentially invaluable accessory.

You can’t talk about user-friendly without also addressing connectivity. With support for the 802.11ac, the MC3300 Handheld Mobile Computer is fast to connect…and stay that way.

Check out the Unboxing and Review of the Zebra MC3300!

MC3300 Unboxing and Review Youtube Video

Watch this video to see more features of the Zebra MC3300 Handheld Mobile Computer. Then contact Avalon Integration today to schedule a demo.

Hurry! Time’s Almost Up!

Rebate expires Dec 31 now is the time

Check out the Avalon Go Zebra page to learn more!

*Offer expires 12/31/18 for both trade-in and free shipping

As companies constantly search for technology to give them an edge, mobile computing has advanced throughout the organization, connecting workforce members with each other and with their precious data. Valued for their computing ability, connectivity, and portability, Enterprise Tablets are being adopted more and more by modern workforces. Easing this adoption: tablets enjoy a high level of acceptance and familiarity by workers – from field sales to warehouse workers, to office personnel.

There is a huge upside for operations if familiarity and acceptance can be leveraged into efficiency gains. But, until recently, the business has had to wrestle with a trade-off – Beauty or the Beast.

BEAUTY
Zebra Tablet Front Screen

Elegant, user-friendly, and accessible, consumer-grade devices that are a favorite among workers are natural to help drive productivity gains. But consumer-grade devices have a poor track record standing up to commercial/ industrial demands. Everything from drops to battery life issues, to extreme environments, erode the productivity gains.

BEAST
Zebra Tablet Falling to the Ground with no damage

On the other hand, armoring all that computing and communication capability in a rugged (and heavy) military-grade shell creates a cumbersome and fatiguing experience that throughout a standard workday is a liability to worker wellbeing and a drag on productivity.

BEST OF BOTH with Enterprise Tablets
Best of Both Enterprise Tablets

Happily, the new generation of rugged tablets gives businesses the best of both worlds. Bringing high-level computing, enterprise reliability, toughness, and security together in a lighter weight package that’s easy to use and less fatiguing. The new devices are at home in any environment – warehouse, manufacturing, field, and office.

Modern, rugged tablets check a lot of boxes for the enterprise. They offer the computing power of laptops, communications and data capture, rugged versatility, military-level resistance to shock, and other hazards like dust or moisture – all while going anywhere workers go.

They can be mounted on forklifts, trucks, cars, or taken in hand. They’re accurate up close and at long range, in varied and variable light conditions.

Workers can instantly decode scanned data or retrieve information from a centralized database, a desktop or other source. Anyone, anywhere, can obtain real-time information, any time, to keep things going and make well-informed decisions. Business realizes improved communication and streamlined operations.

What to Consider When Evaluating Enterprise Tablets

  • Ruggedness
  • Product reliability, maximum uptime
  • User acceptance,
  • Communications capabilities,
  • Systems compatibility with ERP, WMS, SCM
  • Scanning functionality accuracy
  • Available features
  • TCO

Easy to Use Enterprise-Class Features
Zebra ET50/ ET55 tablet computers
ET50 Enterprise Tablet Scanning Products

Zebra offers a flexible business tablet that can be customized for just about any job and any environment — from retail associates and warehouse workers inside the four walls to salespeople, delivery drivers and service technicians out in the field. The Zebra ET50/ ET55 tablet computers deliver the best of both worlds — consumer ease of use for workers teamed with all the enterprise-class features and options business needs: durability, constant battery power, choice of Android™ or Windows®, rugged durability and two display sizes. Advanced data capture boasts two integrated cameras, barcode scanning, and video calls optionally advanced scan engines and innovative Bluetooth scanners for comfortable intensive barcode capture and three methods of data entry that work even if the screen is wet – with or without a glove.

A Truly Enterprise-Ready Tablet
Zebra ET1
Zebra ER1 Enterprise Tablet Scanning Green Products

The new class of tablet from Zebra that’s ready for business inside the four walls and out in the field. Zebra ET1 features the consumer-style design that workers find easy to use, combined with enterprise durability. It’s built to take drops, spills, cold winter temps, and extreme heat. The enhanced Android operating system delivers enterprise-class security, flexibility, and manageability over wireless LAN and wireless WAN networks.

Talk to us, Avalon Integration, about how to empower your mobile workforce with today’s modern Enterprise Tablets to get big gains in productivity and customer service.

Many businesses put more emphasis on streamlining outbound shipments than returns because they view the movement of outgoing orders as a revenue stream. The returning shipments are seen as a cost. As a result, a sluggish process for reverse logistics is a profitability drain on the company, when, in fact, it could be used as an opportunity to strengthen the bottom line. Reverse logistics account for approximately 7 to 10% of the cost of goods, so addressing inefficiencies here can deliver a strong boost to your bottom line!

How Can You De-Clutter the Process of Reverse Logistics?

Reverse Logistics - Declog the Warehouse

Are reverse logistics clogging up your supply chain? If so, it’s time to take a look at how you can de-clutter the processes. Avalon Integration works extensively with manufacturers and warehouses, and we see some common factors that need attention.

Outbound shipments have a high priority since they reflect sales and have deadlines. 

Reverse Logistics - High Priority Customers Means Good Productivity

Customers are expecting their shipments and don’t tolerate delays. Returns are handled with less priority. However, there’s still a customer on the other end of this inbound shipment—and it could be an unhappy customer—so efficient and accurate processing of the return leads to increased customer satisfaction. There should be a dedicated team of workers who work solely on reverse logistics, not delegating your shipping staff to this job when they are available. Equip them with mobile technology to expedite the job and increase accuracy. A rugged handheld computer enables a worker to scan the barcode on the shipment to record the order number and customer. Then, the returned items are scanned, instantly updating the customer’s account because the device is linked to the enterprise’s backend system. In addition, the inventory count is updated with the numbers from the returned merchandise.

Good Equipment Means Productive Workers With Reverse Logistics

Reverse Logistics - Productive Workers

An enterprise-grade mobile computer gives your warehouse workers the ability to also record the condition of the goods when they’re returned. Mark them to be restocked, refurbished, or discontinued. The device is equipped with a camera, so any damage can be recorded when the box is opened. You can focus intently on getting their orders to them quickly, but if your reverse logistics delays the processing of their returns, you compromise that positive relationship. This real-time visibility certainly increases customer satisfaction on both ends of their orders. The dedicated, advanced reverse logistics system reduces waste and delays. Your inventory counts become accurate and up-to-date, preventing mistakes in re-ordering that lead to overstocks. When you immediately record returned merchandise, you avoid unnecessary replenishment.

Avalon Integration develops technology solutions to support an efficient reverse logistics process. Our partnership with Zebra gives us the power to provide the devices that reflect the latest advances, like best-in-class scanning, enterprise-class device management and security, and rapid processing and connectivity. Talk to us to learn more about improving your reverse logistics.

 

There’s no doubt we rely on smartphones for a variety of computing tasks. The phone is likely one of the lesser used functions. As smartphones became more convenient and functional, they drifted into the workplace. Then came tablets, and workers appreciated the increased landscape of the larger screen, without the unwieldy size of a laptop. With enterprise-grade tablets, workers could access enterprise systems for updates and communicate across the network with more ease than ever before.

Yet, in demanding conditions, like a warehouse or manufacturing facility, consumer devices just don’t last. Drop that tablet on the concrete floor and it’s either headed for repair or replacement—which means downtime and cost. You might also be compromising your data security by using a consumer-grade tablet or limiting the computing power.

Zebra ET50 and ET55 Enterprise-Grade Tablets
Zebra ET50 and ET55 Enterprise-Grade Tablets

Avalon Integration is focused on serving the technology needs of today’s warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturers. We recognized that consumer devices just don’t deliver value in a tough, enterprise environment. So, we looked toward Zebra, a leader in this space, and found the answer.

The Zebra ET50 and ET55 enterprise tablets are purpose-built for the workplace. These enterprise-grade tablets make the grade—with a higher level of security, data capture, connectivity, and durability. Use these powerful mobile computing devices to:

  • Access real-time reports
  • Transmit work orders
  • Check equipment status
  • Track orders
  • Review and adjust workflows
  • Trigger replenishment
  • Place supply orders
  • Locate people and inventory
  • Capture and send high-quality photos or videos
  • View schematics
  • Record inspections with the date and time stamps
  • Use voice and messaging functions to communicate with the workforce

The Zebra ET50/ET55 enterprise tablet is designed to handle all of these functions with ease and reliability. With the sleek design of a consumer tablet, the ET50/ET55 is unquestionably rugged. Drop the tablet from three feet without worry. Add the rugged frame and the device will handle a drop from more than six feet. The ET50/ET55 will also withstand rain, snow, and dust. The IP65 sealing protects it from even a heavy spray from a hose.

This high-powered, intuitive, and rugged tablet also comes pre-installed with Zebra’s Mobility Extensions (Mx), a suite of features that elevate your operating system to enterprise-class Android. The result is more streamlined and effective device management, security, Wi-Fi performance, and application access. You can do more, better.

Zebra ET50 and ET55 Tablets Are Built to Work for You
Zebra ET50 and ET55 Tablets Are Built to Work for You

Data capture is also enhanced with the enterprise-level ET50/ET55 tablet. Scan 1D and 2D barcodes easily and quickly from a printed paper or electronic screen. Even damaged barcodes can be read. The tablet is also equipped with an integrated 8MP rear camera for image capture and a 2MP front camera for video conferencing.

You can add a hot-swappable battery to keep working without missing a beat. Or keep your ET50/ET55 powered up on the mobile-powered cart.

The ET50 is configured for robust connectivity within your facility’s existing WLAN infrastructure. If you need an enterprise tablet that hits the road with you, the ET55 supports 4G LTE.

Avalon Integration proudly partners with Zebra to provide our customers with the most advanced technology solutions for their business. Ask us about the ET50/ET55 enterprise tablets and other enterprise-grade mobile devices that increase operational efficiency.