Made from a selection of 300 pretested materials, Zebra Certified labels hold more than just inks and glues. From shipping instructions to barcodes, your labels contain crucial information that dictates the efficiency of your workforce.
We understand the damage inferior labels bring to a company, which is why we provide companies with only the best consumables, now through Avalon Integration Free Ship Program.
The Numbers Speak for Themselves When It Comes to a Label
Cheap labels may save you money at first, but the cost of reprints, printer damage, IT services, and misprints are basically incalculable. However using the proper label, they are avoidable, and the solution may save you more than money in the future.
With custom labels, you can save
Up to 2,000 hours a year in packaging lines with ready-to-stick adhesives
Worry that comes from environmental factors as custom labels can withstand up to 500 degrees F
Time replacing outdoor labels as most survive up to 3 years outdoor
Printhead replacement costs that come with grainy cheap labels
Shipping costs when you buy with Avalon Integration
Unique Labels for Unique Jobs
Even though all certified labels endure our 23-point inspection process, we know there is no such thing as one all-purpose label type. Your business is unique, so why should your labels be any different? Expand your labels’ functionality while lowering your TCO without the frustration of shipping costs.
Check out a program flyer to learn more about how you can get free freight on your consumable orders anywhere in the U.S and Canada from now till December 31st, and contact us to get a free estimate on your consumable order.
https://avalonintegration.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/whats-in-a-lable-featured-image-1140x570-1.jpg5701140Avalonhttp://avalonintegration.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Avalon-Logo_APeakTechnologiesCompany-01-1030x313.pngAvalon2019-07-18 10:20:512021-09-19 03:37:52What’s in a Label?
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?
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!
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!
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!
https://avalonintegration.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/zebra-tc77-featured-image-1140x693-1.jpg6931140Avalonhttp://avalonintegration.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Avalon-Logo_APeakTechnologiesCompany-01-1030x313.pngAvalon2018-12-04 12:01:252021-09-18 20:12:28Are your legacy devices holding you back? Upgrade to the TC77 from Zebra!
Do you follow the routine maintenance schedule on your car? Do you go to the dentist twice a year for a cleaning and check-up? With everything going on in your life, it’s easy to overlook recommended care. If your car is running fine and your teeth don’t hurt, there’s no urgency for those check-ups, right? The downside is that, by ignoring preventive care, you risk the damage that can occur from this negligence. The same holds true for your barcode printer. Proper printer maintenance will extend the life of your printer and lower the total cost of ownership (TCO).
When dirt, debris, dust, and oozing adhesive build up inside your thermal printer, you’ll see the result: poor quality printing and printer jams. When this happens, your printer might already be damaged. The printhead—the most expensive part of a thermal printer—is very sensitive and easily damaged.
Get Proactive with Your Printer Care Maintenance
Take a proactive approach to printer maintenance. Schedule a printer cleaning every time you change the ribbon on a thermal transfer printer or every other time you change the roll on a direct thermal printer. Gain the rewards for conducting this routine maintenance on a regular schedule.
Eliminate repair costs that result from a dirty printer.
Reduce the cost of downtime and media for reprinting
Decrease sensor errors.
Minimize media jams
Avoid the damage caused by workers who try to fix the jammed or dirty printer.
Tips for Routine Printer Cleaning and Maintenance
You can clean your thermal printer quickly and easily. The process removes build-up from the printhead, label path, and ribbon path. Before you clean the printer, select “Diagnostic Mode” and print a test label to see if the printhead is printing properly. Use this as a gauge to measure the print quality after the cleaning.
Then, follow these routine printer cleaning tips:
Turn off the power before attempting to clean the printer or open the printhead.
Remove any jewelry that could scratch the printhead or fall inside the printer (e.g., ring, watch, bracelet).
Never touch the printhead or sensors. Use a small, soft, clean brush to remove the dust.
Use only a cleaning solution that is approved by the manufacturer.
Purchase a Printer Cleaning Kit from Avalon Integration Today!
You can purchase a printer cleaning kit from Avalon Integration. Keep a supply on hand so it’s always available when the maintenance is due. Proactive care prevents reactive repair!
If you need repair or service for your data collection hardware, talk to us at Avalon Integration. We partner with industry leaders, like Zebra, and support the products and solutions we sell with expert knowledge and technical expertise.
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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?
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?
At Avalon Integrationwe’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?
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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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
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
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).
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