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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 More accurate data capture – Outdated devices limit accuracy, while industry-leading scanners can capture any 1D or 2D barcode from near contact to as far as 70 feet away.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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Are your legacy devices holding you back? Upgrade to the TC77 from Zebra!

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How long do you hold onto your hardware before it’s outlived its value? Yes, it’s hard to keep up with the advances that seem to come in a steady stream from the manufacturers, but you should at least be aware of your options. Avalon Integration doesn’t believe you always need to switch just because a new version has been released. Instead, you should be aware of how your technology is supporting your goals for operational efficiency because it directly impacts your bottom line. So, are your legacy devices holding you back? Let’s take a look at why upgrading with the new Zebra TC77 can help you leap forward.

Look at the changes that are built into the new technology and determine the value of those benefits as compared to the investment in your current devices. If you’re having difficulty maintaining a strong connection, then you’re paying for your workers to roam around and find a signal. If the scanner requires precise aim and is a bit picky about the types of barcodes it will read, the time it takes for someone to do each scan should be multiplied across the number of scans across a shift, times the number of workers, shifts, and workdays. That wasted time really adds up!

So, why do you need the Zebra TC77?

Zebra TC77 has a faster processor for your work environment

Consider the processing speed of your legacy devices. As your enterprise apps require more power, your older devices are still working with the same processor. They can’t keep up, which means slow uploads and downloads, and you can’t run more than one app at a time. Is that efficient enough for you?

Next, think about the features that you haven’t yet considered, but might actually improve productivity. For example, would your workforce benefit from a better camera? Do they need to capture and transmit detailed images? Your field service technicians might get better support if they could show the people in the office what they’re looking at. Or, your receiving team could grab great photos that show the condition of something that arrived damaged.

Avalon Tested the Latest Functions Offered by the TC77!

The Zebra TC77 is Versatile for any Environment

When the new Zebra TC77 touch computer arrived at Avalon Integration’s office, we were excited to see what the new generation of the TC70 could do, but we also wanted to check out functions that older devices were sorely lacking. Sometimes, you don’t know you need a feature until someone shows you how great it really is.

The Zebra TC77 rugged handheld computer didn’t disappoint. All of the features we’ve mentioned here are packed into this compact mobile computer that still looks like a smartphone. It’s fast, smart, and purpose-built to give your workforce the tools to get their jobs done faster and with more accuracy.

Contact Avalon Today to Schedule a Demonstration for the Zebra TC77!

Zebras TC77 is the best upgrade for your legacy devices

Do you need the Zebra TC77 ultra-rugged mobile computer? Maybe. If your current handhelds are more than three years old, the failure rate increases. According to VDC Research, every 1% increase in device failure equals a 5% increase in the total cost of ownership. If you’re holding onto those legacy devices thinking you’re saving money, you might be underestimating the actual TCO.

We don’t know if the Zebra TC77 is the right fit for you right now, but isn’t it worth finding out for sure? Take a couple of minutes to watch this short video for a preview.

The Avalon Integration tech team can assess your technology to make sure you’re not missing opportunities, so you’re aware of your options. Are you ready to raise your awareness? Let’s talk!

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

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OS Migration: The Logistics of Making the Transition

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In the last post, we talked about the security issues of converting to Android from Windows Embedded Handheld and Windows CE. With Microsoft no longer offering support for these mobile operating systems, businesses are facing a difficult decision. Where to go with their enterprise OS and the logistics of making the transition.

With this shift, you’re faced with several options:

  1. Continue with Windows, without security updates.
  2. Rewrite your apps to fit another version of Windows.
  3. Move to a different operating system, like Android or iOS.

MX Logistics for the Android Family

At Avalon Integration, we looked at these choices. The first leaves you wide open to security breaches, so let’s not even consider it. The second is doable if you’re a loyal Microsoft user. However, Microsoft has already proven that it’s not committed to the enterprise user. Perhaps now is the right time to transfer your loyalty.

Zebra and Android Mobile Computer Family

Rather than commit resources to rewrite apps, allocate them to managing the transition to a strong operating system that is designed to work at this heightened level? Yes, Apple has a closed platform that is renowned for tight security, but it also has a limited developer community.

Transition to Android with 78% Mobile Devices Currently in Use

Android Mobile Devices Currently Used

Android, on the other hand, is already running on 78% of the mobile devices currently in use (compared to 15% with iOS). Among the rugged device users, 54% of newly introduced devices come installed with Android. This OS has a robust developer ecosystem, giving you a broader choice of apps and development opportunities. With Zebra’s Mobility Extensions (Mx), Android is now an enterprise-class operating system. Mx Security strengthens the security with government-grade AES-256 data encryption and a host of other security features not available on consumer-grade Android. More importantly, as you approach the end of life for your current Windows OS, you need to look at the ease of transitioning to a different operating system. How complicated is it? Will you need additional IT staff hours? What do you do with your legacy devices?

Transition to Android for the Most Developer Resources

Android Most Developer Resources Working on a Zebra Tablet

First of all, Android has the most extensive app and developer resources out there. App developers are plentiful, and Avalon Integration specializes in systems integration, so we can guide you through this step.

Android Transition Made Simple

Android OS Made Simple

Zebra’s Mx also incorporates device and app management tools that simplify the deployment. Mx MDM works with your current mobile device management system to deliver the compatibility that eases the transition. Mx MDM makes it easy to remotely stage, update, troubleshoot, lock, wipe, and monitor the Android-based Zebra devices in your network. These services are always running in the background of the devices, so your IT team stays connected with the activity.

Mx Mam Gives You Full Control

Android OS Gives You Full Control

Mx MAM enables silent install, remotely, from your central console. You don’t need to disrupt workflow. In the long-term, Mx MAM provides lockdown features that allow you to develop a list of authorized apps that can be downloaded and run on your devices. You can exclude personal apps and avoid malware—which are even bigger disruptions to the workflow!

Zebra’s purpose-built rugged mobile devices come pre-installed with Mx. Avalon Integration is ready to help you move through the OS migration to arrive at a long-term solution. Talk to us to get started.

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