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OS Migration: The Cost of Procrastinating

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Microsoft announced that, in 2020, it will discontinue support for Windows CE and Windows Mobile operating systems. Their decision would impact 15 million computers, about 90% of the enterprise computing market. If you’re using either of these operating systems, you have some important choices to make. With the heavy (and still growing) reliance on mobile devices in the workplace, the choice you make for the operating system will impact users, device choices, application accessibility, network security, and the IT time to handle it all. You have invested in legacy devices but remember that the best OS for a situation is important and Migration may be needed. Are you going to see the ROI or will it be written off to “lesson learned”?

What are your options for Migration?
OS Migration Options

You could sit still. Continue using Windows and move up to Windows 10. However, you’ll be running without the support of security patches next year, because Microsoft is also pulling that plugin 2019. It seems clear that Microsoft’s commitment to enterprise mobile computing is tenuous. Don’t commit to a company that isn’t committed to you.

Your next option is to choose a direction for the operating system that will replace Windows CE/Mobile and rewrite your applications to run on the OS of choice. Android and are good options. Google and Apple have proven themselves to be reliable and innovative. Between Android and iOS, they own 99% of the mobile device market share; however, Android dominates the space with 87% worldwide. Android’s open platform makes it more inviting for developers, which has caused concern over security.

In recent years, companies like Zebra have addressed the perceived weak spots in Android’s security. Zebra’s rugged mobile devices come pre-installed with Mobility Extensions (Mx), which elevates the operating system to an enterprise level for security, device management, data capture, and connectivity. Zebra’s rugged handhelds and enterprise tablets are ready to operate in an Android environment and perform at the high levels of reliability, security, and computing power you should expect from your technology.

Do you need to retire your legacy devices now and make the move to new technology?
Android Legacy Device Migration

At Avalon Integration we’ve been looking at the path for this OS migration. It’s not realistic for a company to buy all new devices, so we’re helping our customers to make a gradual transition. Decide on the operating system and look at those devices that are ready for upgrades. But while you’re trying to hold onto those legacy devices, consider that you might not be saving money. A rugged device’s life expectancy is three years, with an average failure rate of only 1% in the first year. By the fourth year, the rate escalates to 8%. That’s not a big number, so maybe you’re fine with the prospect of extending the life of your rugged devices.

What does 1% really mean for Migration?

OS Migration Android Phone

Every percentage point of device failure translates to a 5% increase in your total cost of ownership. By the fourth year, when your failure rate jumps 7%, you can expect a 35% rise in your TCO. Are you actually saving money by procrastinating or merely avoiding the inevitable business decision?

Those four-year-old legacy devices are also using old technology. The speed is slower, the connectivity is weaker, the resolution is probably less, and it may not have the features that today’s mobile devices offer. Every one of these downsides represents a negative impact on your productivity. You’re not maximizing the potential of your workforce. You’re probably also pushing the limits of your IT staff’s effectiveness.

Millions of enterprise users are faced with the OS migration decision. Avalon Integration can give you more insight, evaluate your current situation, and guide you to the strategic transition that will deliver the best results for your company. Talk to us to steer your migration along a smart route.

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The ROI of Preventive Maintenance on Your Barcode Label Printer

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Preventive maintenance is important, you know you need to take care of your car to keep it running smoothly, so you follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule. Also, you can recognize that regular check-ups are vital to maintaining your health and catching potential issues before they become serious.

You should treat your barcode label printer with the same consideration. Following a preventive maintenance schedule reduces downtime and repair costs and extends the life of your printer. Dirt, dust, debris, and adhesive build up in your printer, damaging the printhead and compromising the quality of your barcode. The printhead is the most expensive and sensitive component in your thermal printer. Replacing it prematurely from lack of maintenance is an expense you can avoid.

Start Maintenance by Simply Cleaning Your Printer

cleaning-the-printer - Avalon Integration

Every time you change the label roll or thermal printer ribbon, clean the printhead. Use a cleaning card, cleaning pen, or cleaning roller to safely handle this task. You can also use 70% isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth or cotton swab, but be very careful you don’t apply too much or rub too hard. Turn off the printer and remove any jewelry that could scratch the printhead. Click here for instructions for cleaning your thermal printer.

Use Preventive Maintenance to Protect your investment

preventive maintenance - protect-your-investment - Avalon Integration

Routine maintenance should be periodically performed on your thermal printer—operation, settings, print quality, and more—by a certified technician. Just like your health check-up, this procedure assesses every aspect of your barcode printer. The technician identifies potential problems and makes adjustments to prevent equipment breakdown. During this procedure, the service technician might make recommendations for the way you use your printer, like the type of media or ribbon you’re using and printer settings that provide quality without straining the equipment.

A printer maintenance contract puts the responsibility of protecting your investment in the hands of your provider. The return on investment for proactive preventive maintenance is reflected in the extended life of your printer, reduced downtime and cost from preventable repairs, and a lower total cost of ownership (TCO).

Talk to us at Avalon Integration about your data collection and thermal printing needs—from hardware and software to supplies, service, and repair, we deliver end-to-end solutions for warehouse, manufacturing, and field operations.

Contact us today to learn more.

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How to Choose the Right Barcode Labels

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Barcodes look simple enough, and technology has made it easy to use this process for data collection. But with so many uses for barcodes today, you need to pay attention to the label media you choose. Some are designed for specific purposes, like cold storage or affixing to a curved surface. If you don’t choose the right barcode labels, you’ll risk losing the data that this process is intended to provide. That could mean anything from printer damage and downtime to a product recall.

Understand Barcode Labels Easily with “PRESS”

When assessing your options, we follow the acronym “PRESS” that is suggested by Zebra, one of the global leaders in barcode printers, labels, and supplies.

P = Printer: Choose a barcode label that matches the specifications of your thermal printer: print speed (inches per second or ips) and print resolution (dots per inch or dpi). Some labels are designed to print at faster or slower speeds, and won’t serve you well at a different print speed. If you’re using a high-resolution printer (e.g., 600 dpi), don’t expect a label designed for 300 dpi to produce the same clarity and definition.

Your thermal printer’s specs will also identify the material thickness and roll size, as a minimum and maximum output size.

R = Resistance: Will your barcode label have to withstand tough conditions, like exposure to chemicals or contact with other surfaces? Some label media is coated to protect the printed barcode from chemicals, light, and abrasives that could smudge or destroy the barcode. Window cleaners and water are considered weak; alcohol and bleach are moderate chemicals; but oil, gasoline, acetone, and xylene can ruin a label that isn’t printed on the right media. Exposure to UV and fluorescent light can fade it.

E = Environment: Barcodes that will be exposed to extreme temperatures require a specific type of substrate and adhesive that stands up to those conditions. If you’re producing barcodes for products or parts that will come in contact with intense cold (freezers, outdoors), heat (sterilizing), or moisture (steam, rain, snow), look for a synthetic barcode label that is manufactured for these environmental situations.

S = Surface: Consider the type of surface where the label will be applied. A smooth surface could be flat or curved, and that makes a difference in the media. A rough surface presents a different challenge. The type of surface material also impacts the barcode label adhesive you choose. Metal, paper, plastic, and corrugated have different characteristics for adhesion.

S = Size: The dimensions of your label are obviously critical to choosing the right barcode labels. Are you printing multiple labels side by side? Would rolls be the better choice for your printing volume? Your supplier can advise you on the best choice to fit the size of the barcode labels.

Avalon Integration can guide you through the barcode label choices so you’re sure to get the ideal pairing with your printer and purpose. We have partnered with Zebra to ensure the quality, consistency, and unmatched selection of thermal printing supplies. We also provide pre-printed labels and custom labels. Contact Avalon Integration to maximize the ROI in your barcode label printing.

Contact us today to learn more.

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