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Why Now is the Best Time to Upgrade Your Warehouse Equipment

The challenges of controlling costs and managing high consumer expectations dominate the minds of today’s warehouse professionals. From demands for same-day shipping to ongoing product shortages, distribution centers are navigating a myriad of fulfillment obstacles. It’s no surprise that over 80% of warehouses plan to accelerate modernization plans to keep pace with these increasing demands and challenges. Because next-generation technologies now aim at streamlining critical tasks to reduce learning curves and maximize throughput in less time, automation experts recommend optimizing now to remain competitive in today’s high-demand market.

 

Past studies show that 73% of organizations plan to begin modernization with mobile technology. Handheld devices serve as scanners, computers and communication devices, and quickly empower operators to record and update data in real-time for more visibility and productivity. Without operational visibility, businesses risk increased expenses, stalled workflows, lost products and lost time. Furthermore, outdated mobile computers can also compromise data security if operating systems are not kept current. Therefore, when optimizing warehouse technologies, consider starting with your mobile devices.

 

That’s Where GO Zebra Comes In

To maintain enterprise efficiency, Avalon partners with Zebra to offer a wide range of innovative mobile computers and printers. Designed to help businesses upgrade mobility solutions without high costs, the GO Zebra Trade-In Program provides businesses with:

 

  1. Dependable, purpose-built durability – Front line workers can perform well or poorly based on the technology they use. Traditional legacy devices contribute to more errors and delays, which increase downtime and hurt fulfillment. When you upgrade your equipment through the GO Zebra Trade-In Program, you provide your workers with the latest Zebra hardware to keep up with tough warehouse demands.
  2. More accurate data capture – Outdated devices limit accuracy, while industry-leading scanners can capture any 1D or 2D barcode from near contact to as far as 70 feet away. Zebra’s scanners help your workers maintain high scanning performance even in shifting conditions. Access to higher accuracy devices through the GO Zebra Trade-In Program can help control costs without compromising efficiency.
  3. Flexible enterprise mobility – Intuitive mobile devices from Zebra help your workers stay mobile to maximize productivity and speed-up shipping processes, giving frontline workers the modern mobility they need to adapt to demands faster.

 

Follow these steps to start upgrading your workforce with purpose-built technology:

  • Purchase a qualified product
  • Submit your claim form
  • Trade in your legacy devices from any manufacturer.

 

To learn more about the GO Zebra Trade-In Program, download our brochure or contact an Avalon rep today.

 

Modernization doesn’t have to be complex. Work alongside the experienced automation team at Avalon to outline vulnerable areas within your operation and formulate a plan to replace outdated technology with devices that bring measurable improvements.

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3 Sustainable Tools Breaking Down Communication Barriers in the Modern Supply Chain

Studies show that today’s consumers are far more conscious of a brand’s environmental impact, placing a demand for complete traceability, especially in the food and beverage industry. A mere 20% of consumers truly trust brands to ensure food safety, fueling further skepticism regarding sustainable practices in food distribution. With Earth Day (April 22, 2022), being a few weeks away, companies are encouraged to revisit sustainability plans and ensure proper tracking visibility. As a matter of fact, around 96% of supply chain decision-makers agree that operational visibility provides a clear advantage. Therefore, optimizing sustainable tracking proves to be both beneficial to your brand and your customers. 

How to get started:

While there are several tools available today for sustainable distribution, very few systems prioritize ease-of-use in and out of the four walls. Though indispensable in any automation solution, hardware alone cannot carry to sole weight in securing sustainable traceability. When adding an eco-friendly layer to your visibility solution, consider the following…

1. How are GS1 standards being tracked?

Developed with the sole purpose of facilitating system communication and visibility, GSI standards help ensure products are ready for purchase by aggregating identifiers in a common language. From organic meat to processed candy, products are expected to be identified by markers readable through any system. GS1’s simplicity and compatibility have led nearly 90% of small and growing businesses to adopt its system, also confirming its cost-effectiveness. 

To best leverage GS1 standards, companies are encouraged to verify raw materials, completed products, and shipments display unique GS1 identifiers and any other necessary variable information. Production status should also be easily identifiable, so field teams and retailers know when to expect shipments. These identifiers can be recorded digitally with the help of barcoding or RFID technologies for reduced manual errors. 

2. Can the number of deployed devices be minimized?

More deployed devices per worker maximizes the risks of increased electronic waste. Although several next-generation devices have been optimized to consolidate workflows, food distribution provides additional challenges as devices must be rugged enough to survive drastic temperature changes within one facility. When it comes to field delivery teams, solutions must factor in long distances to verify connectivity is maintained. 

In addition to consolidating workflows through one rugged device, a push-to-talk communication solution may also be beneficial to eliminate two-way radios while connecting field teams and distribution centers without more devices. For example, Zebra’s Workforce Connect app provides instant communication and secured text messaging independent of cellular connectivity, so transportation teams can update ETAs and optimize routes for less wasted fuel.  

3. Are legacy/outdated devices being properly recycled?

Although e-waste composes only 2% of American landfills, it’s responsible for 70% of overall toxic waste. Every effort to minimize toxic waste empowers future generations to live on a cleaner planet. That’s why companies are encouraged to verify decommissioned devices are properly recycled according to local and federal compliance standards. Currently, 25 states are actively targeting electronic waste through mandated recycling initiatives.

As a Zebra Premier Solution’s Partner, Avalon strives to pair proper recycling with enterprise-ready upgrades through the GO-Zebra Trade-In Program. Outdated devices from any manufacturer may be traded in for cash rebates to be used on newer Zebra upgrades. Outdated devices are properly disposed of without compromising the environment or data security through our trusted recyclers. 

If you are unsure on how to answer any of the questions above, it may be time to rethink your tracking system to ensure it meets compliance standards and consumer expectations. Reach out to Avalon’s optimization experts to get step-by-step assistance in assessing your tracking system to best target optimization opportunities. 

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Innovative Approaches to Retiring Electronic Devices

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In our last post, we talked about the growing issue of e-waste. As new technologies swiftly replace older devices, organizations are wrestling with how to reduce (or even stop) the flow of e-waste and they’re coming up with innovative solutions.

New apps are being developed to help combat e-waste. The apps perform a wide range of functions, from connecting customers with local waste haulers and finding current recycling information to multiple guidelines for safely disposing of devices. Precious metals recycling is entering its next phase thanks to newcomer Attero and a host of other innovative solutions are making the scene or are being readied for prime time.

Recycle Your Scanners and Feel Good About Doing Good!

Recycle Your Scanners for more Innovative Devices

Avalon Integration and Zebra are keeping up with the latest trends and innovations to keep outdated technology from becoming an environmental problem. The Go Zebra CASHBACK REBATE program pays you up to $650 when you trade in your outdated scanners and other devices – no matter what brand it is. And you can be confident Zebra recycles your old devices properly, in compliance with the latest EPA guidelines. As an added bonus, Zebra even picks up the tab for UPS shipping.

Turn your scanners into cash and do the right thing for the environment. Let Avalon and Zebra help you update to more productive scanners. You get cash in your account while making the world cleaner.

Zebra recycles all devices and batteries. They don’t just dump them in landfills. They get disposed of the right way.

Get Cash for Your Outdated Devices and get Innovative with Zebra!

Upgrade Outdated Devices for more innovative options from Zebra

Cash-out your outdated devices

Get up to $650 for making the move to Zebra

Technology keeps advancing. Is yours holding you back?

Outdated devices, like scanners, mobile computers, and thermal printers, lack the features that enable maximum performance—which means you’re compromising productivity.

Zebra makes it easier than ever to cash in your legacy investment and upgrade to the latest, most innovative, purpose-built technology. Get up to $650 cash back when you trade-in your current technology toward the purchase of a new Zebra device.

There’s Never Been a Better Time to Upgrade to Zebra and get Innovative!

Upgrade now to Zebra’s legendary scanners and make your workers more effective. Zebra: Fast. Accurate. Durable.

DS3608-HP/DS3678-HP

DS3608 the new Innovative Scanner from Zebra

SUPERIOR CAPTURE OF BARCODES, PHOTOS

Flexible superior capture of 1D/2D barcodes, photos, signatures, OCR data, and documents — complete with processing to provide a sharp, legible image.

Hurry! Time’s Almost Up!

Rebate expires Dec 31 now is the time

Check out the Avalon Go Zebra page to learn more!

Bonus: Deduct Full Purchase in 2018!

In the last post, we talked about how to trade up to Zebra printers and mobile devices and get cashback. Now you have more reasons than ever to upgrade ALL your track and trace equipment and systems. Section 179 of the IRS tax code allows businesses to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment and/or software purchased or financed during the tax year. That means that if you buy (or lease) NEW equipment, you can deduct the FULL PURCHASE PRICE from your gross income. This year that’s up to $1 million. But hurry: time is running out. You must take delivery by December 31, 2018.

Next Up

In the next post, we’ll talk more about what to do about e-waste and how to do the earth favor while you put cash in your bank account.

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

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Confronting the Growth of E-Waste

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In 2016 more than 44.7 metric tonnes (about 49 US tons) of E-Waste were generated worldwide – electronic hardware that has been replaced by newer, more productive models and is now trash. The United Nations Global Partnership on Waste Management and the EPA continually tracks international E-Waste generation, but as we race toward an ever more automated future managing retired technology is a growing issue that can’t be ignored.

Get Paid to Recycle Properly and Help Confront E-Waste Growth!

Recycle to help reduce E-Waste Growth

That’s a big reason why Avalon Integration and Zebra offer the Go Zebra CASHBACK REBATE program. Any time you upgrade to Zebra technology you can get up to $650 cashback – no matter what brand your trade-in. You get cashback and Zebra recycles your old devices properly and in compliance with the latest EPA guidelines in order to help with e-waste growth. Zebra even picks up the tab for UPS shipping.

Plus: Upgrade to the Newest Technology from Zebra

Upgrade to the Latest Technology from Zebra to Help Reduce E-Waste

Outdated devices, like mobile computers and thermal printers, lack the features that enable maximum performance. Stop losing time and productivity to old technology.

Boost ROI with the most innovative track and trace technology on the market.

  • Expanded enterprise-level functionality
  • Improved ease of use
  • Faster processing power to run more apps
  • Advanced scanning power for greater reach and precision
  • Streamlined device management that reduces IT time
  • Expanded connectivity
  • Enterprise OS compatibility
  • Unmatched ruggedness that prevents unnecessary downtime, repair, and replacement
  • Future-proof design and engineering that allows for field-installable upgrades

Help Confront E-Waste And Deduct Your Full Purchase in 2018!

Trade up to a Zebra Printer and Help Confront the Growth of E-Waste

In the last post, we talked about how to trade up to Zebra printers and mobile devices and get cashback. Now you have more reasons than ever to upgrade ALL your track and trace equipment and systems. Section 179 of the IRS tax code allows businesses to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment and/or software purchased or financed during the tax year. That means that if you buy (or lease) NEW equipment, you can deduct the FULL PURCHASE PRICE from your gross income. This year that’s up to $1 million. But hurry: time is running out. You must take delivery by December 31, 2018.

Plus: Get Free Printhead Protection

Just agree to use ONLY genuine Zebra supplies with your Zebra thermal printer and we’ll give you free printhead replacements. You’ll need replacements less often because these quality consumables will prevent the premature wear and tear that the bargain supplies can cause. Join the Printhead Protection Program. Extend the life of your Zebra printer and lower the total cost of ownership. Contact Avalon Integration or click here to enroll.

Rebates Simple as 1, 2, 3!

Contact your Avalon/ Zebra solutions specialist for more details. Just fill out this form.

  1. CONTACT YOUR AUTHORIZED ZEBRA® PARTNER CONNECT CHANNEL PARTNER Avalon Integration will take into consideration your users, applications and work environments, as well as your upfront and ongoing costs of ownership so you choose the right solution.
  2. PURCHASE A QUALIFIED PRODUCT Regardless of which qualifying product you select, you can be sure it’s purpose-built to improve productivity, lower costs, and raise customer satisfaction.
  3. SUBMIT YOUR RECLAIM FORM AND TRADE IN YOUR BATTERIES OR DEVICES Register for your rebate by completing a trade-in application within 90 days of the invoice date. After the claim is successfully completed and approved, you will receive a Trade-in Merchandise Authorization (TMA) with instructions.  Visit zebra.com/gozebra for details.

Hurry! Time’s Almost Up!

Rebate expires Dec 31 now is the time

Check out the Avalon Go Zebra page to learn more!

Next Up

In our next post, we’ll talk about innovations in recycling and how cashback and recycling, combined with IRS 179, make upgrading more affordable than ever for mobile track and trace equipment.

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

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3 Reasons to Upgrade Your Printers and Mobile Devices Now

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Last post we talked about how to trade up to Zebra batteries and chargers and get cashback. Now you have more reasons than ever to upgrade ALL your track and trace equipment and systems. But hurry: time is running out. You only have until December 31, 2018!

1. Deduct Your Full Purchase in 2018!

Deduct Your Full Purchase in 2018 for Cash Back!

Section 179 of the IRS tax code allows businesses to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment and/or software purchased or financed during the tax year. That means that if you buy (or lease) NEW equipment, you can deduct the FULL PURCHASE PRICE from your gross income. This year that’s up to $1 million. But, you must take delivery before the end of the year.

2. Get a Cash Rebate with the Go Zebra Cash Back Rebate Program!

Get a Cash Rebate!

Upgrade to the newest technology from Zebra, through Avalon Integration, and get cashback with Zebra’s GO Zebra CASHBACK REBATE program. Trade-in your outdated equipment – any brand – and receive cash back when you upgrade to select Zebra products. Get up to $650 cash back when you trade-in your current technology toward the purchase of a new Zebra device.

Remember, Non-Zebra models qualify for trade-in and Zebra pays shipping.

3. Leverage New Technology Now!

Leverage New Technology Now!

Outdated devices, like mobile computers and thermal printers, lack the features that enable maximum performance. Stop losing time and productivity to old technology. Boost ROI with the most innovative track and trace technology on the market.

  • Expanded enterprise-level functionality
  • Improved ease of use
  • Faster processing power to run more apps
  • Advanced scanning power for greater reach and precision
  • Streamlined device management that reduces IT time
  • Expanded connectivity
  • Enterprise OS compatibility
  • Unmatched ruggedness that prevents unnecessary downtime, repair, and replacement
  • Future-proof design and engineering that allows for field-installable upgrades

Plus: Help the Environment as You Improve Yours

Zebra recycles all devices and batteries. They don’t just dump them in landfills. You’re putting cash in your account and helping Zebra treat the environment right.

Plus: Get Free Printhead Protection

Get Free Printhead Protection

Agree to feed your Zebra thermal printer with ONLY genuine Zebra supplies and we will give you free printhead replacements when you need them—which will be less often because these quality consumables will prevent premature wear and tear that the bargain supplies cause. Join the Printhead Protection Program. Extend the life of your Zebra printer and lower the total cost of ownership. Contact Avalon Integration or click here to enroll.

Rebates as Simple as 1, 2, 3!

  1. Contact Your Authorized Zebra® Partnerconnect Channel Partner Avalon Integration will take into consideration your users, applications, and work environments, as well as your upfront and ongoing costs of ownership so you choose the right solution.
  2. Purchase a Qualified Product Regardless of which qualifying product you select, you can be sure it’s purpose-built to improve productivity, lower costs, and raise customer satisfaction.
  3. Submit Your Reclaim Form and Trade in Your Batteries or Devices Register for your rebate by completing a trade-in application within 90 days of the invoice date. After the claim is successfully completed and approved, you will receive a Trade-in Merchandise Authorization (TMA) with instructions.  Visit zebra.com/gozebra for details.

Next Up

Next, we’ll talk more about how cashback and recycling, combined with IRS 179 make upgrading more affordable than ever for scanners and other mobile equipment.

Hurry – Time’s Almost Up

The program expires on December 31, 2018.

Contact your Avalon/ Zebra solutions specialist for more details.

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

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Are Old Batteries Leeching Your Productive Time?

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As lithium-ion batteries age, their performance degrades. Productive time degrades along with them – less uptime, longer charge times and increased battery swapping erode your operational performance – stealing productivity from every day. Now is the perfect time to refresh your mobile printer batteries with GO Zebra. Just trade in your old batteries — including select competitors’ models — and replace them with new Zebra Batteries to earn $10 cashback for every qualifying purchase.

Put Cash in Your Account – Not Batteries in a Landfill!

Quad Battery Charger Power Precision

Zebra recycles all devices and batteries. They don’t just dump them in landfills. You’re putting cash in your account and helping Zebra treat the environment right.

Earn $20 cashback on Zebra’s new Dual 3-Slot Battery Charger when you trade in the Quad Battery Charger. Zebra’s Dual 3-Slot Battery Charger is designed to simultaneously charge up to six PowerPrecision+ batteries from a single AC outlet.

The Dual 3-Slot Battery Charger supports the following PowerPrecision+ batteries:

  • QLn220/QLn320/ZQ500 Standard Battery
  • QLn220/QLn320/ZQ500 Extended Battery
  • QLn220/QLn320 Healthcare Battery
  • QLn420 Battery

AND ZEBRA PAYS SHIPPING FOR YOU TO SEND YOUR OLD BATTERIES AND DEVICES IN FOR TRADE.

Recycle, Renew and Get a Rebate on Printers and Mobile Devices

Replace Batteries with Zebra Power Precision

With Avalon and the GoZebra program, you can get cashback on other devices as well. Trade-in your outdated printers, scanners, and computers – any brand – and receive cash back when you upgrade to the newest, best technology from Zebra. Outdated devices, like mobile computers and thermal printers, lack the features that enable maximum performance—which means you’re compromising productivity.

Zebra makes it easier than ever to cash in your legacy investment and upgrade to the latest, most innovative, purpose-built technology. Get up to $650 cashback when you trade in your current technology toward the purchase of a new Zebra device.

REBATES AS SIMPLE AS 1, 2, 3!

Power Precision Batteries Icon

  1. CONTACT YOUR AUTHORIZED ZEBRA® PARTNER CONNECT CHANNEL PARTNER Let Avalon Integration guide you to the right solutions. We’ll take into consideration your users, applications, and work environments, as well as your upfront and ongoing costs of ownership.
  2. PURCHASE A QUALIFIED PRODUCT Regardless of which qualifying product you select, you can be sure it’s purpose-built to improve productivity, lower costs, and raise customer satisfaction.
  3. SUBMIT YOUR RECLAIM FORM AND TRADE IN YOUR BATTERIES OR DEVICES Register for your rebate by completing a trade-in application within 90 days of the invoice date. After the claim is successfully completed and approved, you will receive a Trade-in Merchandise Authorization (TMA) with instructions.  Visit zebra.com/gozebra for details.

NEXT UP

Next, we’ll talk more about how cashback and recycling can combine with IRS 179 rules to make upgrading more affordable than ever. There’s never been a better time to upgrade.

Hurry – Time’s Almost Up

The program expires on December 31, 2018.

Contact your Avalon/ Zebra solutions specialist for more details.

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

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Get up to $550 Cash Rebate When You Upgrade to Zebra ZT600 from Avalon

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When you rely on your thermal printer to deliver heavy-duty performance, you can’t afford to hold onto an outdated printer. The cost of downtime, repairs, and replacement supplies eats into your profitability. Avalon Integration has partnered with Zebra to give you a solution to questionable barcode label printer performance.

The Zebra ZT600 industrial printer series was introduced last year, as an upgraded replacement to the company’s legendary Xi4 industrial printers, which already lead the industry in performance, durability, print speed, and quality. When we learned that Zebra had raised the standard for barcode label printing in tough environments, we knew our customers needed to explore it.

ZT600 Two Front Facing View

Then, Zebra helped us sweeten the deal with a cash rebate for these new printers. Buy a ZT610 or ZT620 thermal printer from Avalon Integration and get $250 back for a ZT610 and $500 for a ZT620 when you trade in your current industrial printer—even if you’re not using a Zebra model. Add in the Zebra OneCare Printer Service and you’ll receive an additional $50 cashback.

The cash rebate provides an incentive for making the move to the ZT600 barcode label printers, but there are many more reasons to upgrade now.

ZT600 Right Side View Printing

Zebra has incorporated “future-facing technology” in the ZT600 Printer Series—improvements that are designed to extend the life and value of your printer investment.

  • The ZR610’s 600 dpi resolution prints micro-labels are as small as 3 mm—ideal for circuit boards, chips, and miniature components.
  • Highly precise registration produces micro-consistent printing without waste.
  • Adaptable design enables field upgrades.
  • Long-life printheads reduce replacement costs and downtime.
  • Printhead pressure toggles with color-coded pressure indicators make it fast and easy to complete simple adjustments.
  • Zebra Link-OS Printer Profile Manager Enterprise, Mobile Device Management connectors, and Visibility Services streamline device and network management.

ZT600 Left Side View Printing

In addition, the ZT600 printers have kept the features that distinguished the Xi:

  • All-metal components resist extreme temperatures, moisture, dust, and dirt.
  • Side-loading and guided media paths simplify the task and reduce the printer’s footprint.
  • Built-in thermal management eliminates vents and fans to prevent dust and debris.
  • High-quality construction delivers superior quality, speed, and reliability.

Now is a great time to move up to more reliable, higher quality barcode label printing. Talk to us at Avalon Integration about the Zebra ZT600 industrial printers and the GO Zebra trade-in program.

Contact us today to learn more.

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