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What does reliable customer support look like now?

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For the past twenty years, Avalon Integration has always prided itself in being able to offer in-person development and maintenance support, yet with the coronavirus spread, on-site services are no longer recommended. However, this has not changed our commitment to providing quality service. That’s why our experts have taken the time to round up all the resources you need to facilitate remote technical assistance. From specialist advice to hands-on virtual assistance, we are here to make sure you receive reliable and knowledgeable technical support no matter the crisis.

Jump to a Specific Resource:

How to Build Your Mobile Workstation

Dan Mccabe Shows You How to Build Your Mobile Workstation with the Newcastle PowerCart

Dan Mccabe Shows You How to Build Your Mobile Workstation with the Newcastle PowerCart

Now more than ever, mobility is crucial to keep operations running smoothly, which is why Avalon continues in its partnership with Newcastle and Zebra Technologies to provide you with mobile workstations that streamline data entry with:

  • One long-range Zebra handheld scanner
  • One industrial yet movable Zebra printer
  • Newcastle’s mobile cart and display screen. 

See how it comes together in our video:

What Specialized Types or Media Should You Integrate Into Your Operations

Integrate into Your Operations

Integrate Zebra Certified Consumables into Your Operations

Print and apply labels dominate most applications, yet at Avalon, we are always striving to take efficiency up a step, which is why we equip your operations with Zebra’s family of certified consumables, designed to accelerate processes with your choice of:

  • Continuous labels – Eliminating paper waste, continuous labels allow you to choose label length to fit your applications.
  • Peel-and-present labels – These consumables accelerate labeling by removing the liner as labels are printed. They are ideal for low to medium volume operations.
  • Linerless labels – Get more prints per roll with a label that has no liner at all. This is ideal for mobile printers since it eliminates hanging liner paper, which could cause an accident on the warehouse floor.  
  • Custom labels – Choose from over 300 pretested materials to assemble a label tailored to your operations’ needs. Plus, count on fast replenishments since Zebra labels are sourced from your nearest label converting facility.
  • Dissolvable labels – Remove the stress of time-consuming label removal with the 8000D label which dissolves readily in water.

Explore Zebra’s full range of certified consumables here.

How to Properly Clean Your Zebra Printhead

How to Properly Clean Your Zebra Printhead with Raymond Scipioni

Raymond Scipioni Explains how to Keep Your Zebra Printhead Clean

In time, even the best printheads can become worn down. While Zebra Certified Consumables are designed to minimize adhesive buildup and printhead scraping, we still recommend cleaning your printhead to avoid surprise downtime. Discover a quick and fast way to clean your Zebra printhead in our video below:

Further eliminate premature printhead failure when you enroll in the Zebra Printhead Protection Program and make Zebra Consumables your media of choice, so you get:

  • Free printhead replacements
  • Consistent print quality devoid of scannability and reprinting issues
  • Convenience of a one-source supplier

Download our flyer to learn more. 

How to Properly Clean Your Mobile Devices

Cleaning Zebra Mobile Devices

Cleaning Zebra Mobile Devices

Improper cleaning and harsh chemicals can damage your device, and with hundreds of bacteria inhabiting warm handheld devices, establishing proper sanitation practices is crucial to ensure workforce safety and device availability. As a Zebra Premier Solutions Partner, Avalon Integration helps you create proper disinfection strategies tailored to the device type. 

Further, protect your operations by referring to your device’s user guide for proper cleaning methods.

How to Run Diagnostics Independently on Your Zebra Device

Run Diagnostics Independently with Zebra Devices

Run Independent Device Diagnostics with Zebra Mobile Computers

Your workforce needs their technology to keep operations running, so when devices are out for repairs, your overall workflow is impacted. As part of Zebra’s valued Mobility DNA family, Device Diagnostics increases device availability by empowering you to run simple diagnostics on-site without prolonged wait times or extensive repairs.

  • Certify issues are found and resolved through an easy-to-understand interface
  • Test scanner operability, audio, and touchscreen/button functionality at the palm of your hands
  • Troubleshoot connectivity issues no matter your networking preferences
  • Monitor battery performance and cradle functionality

With the press of a button, test your devices’ major systems to either eliminate common errors or accelerate the repair issue by targeting the problem before your device reaches the repair center.

How to Repair/Replace Your Zebra Device

Repair or Replace Your Zebra Device with Zebra OneCare

Repair or Replace Your Zebra Device with Zebra OneCare

When your device truly needs to be repaired, Avalon works hard to match your needs to qualified experts while providing quick replacement solutions to uphold productivity. Zebra’s OneCare service stands as an excellent example of timely support tailored to your business size. Choose from three tiers of coverage to get:

  • Trusted comprehensive coverage
  • 3-time repair turnaround time
  • Entree to restricted software
  • Cloud-based view for your mobile devices
  • Up to 24/7 live-agent support
  • Assisted Device commissioning and spare pool management (Available for Select and Premier tiers)

See how easy it is to integrate Zebra’s OneCare service into your support system when you download our flyer here.

Still Having Trouble?

If you need more in-depth assistance, ask our warehousing experts to find the answers to all your questions. To see how you can maximize uptime with Zebra hardware, contact us for a free demonstration of any device of your choice.

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Tips and Hints: Cutting Paper in Warehouse Operations

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As we approach Earth Day (April 22), Avalon Integration continues in its dedication to efficiency, not only for today’s enterprises for tomorrow’s generations as well. That’s why we turn to minimize paper waste, which accounts for nearly 25% of the total generation of municipal solid waste, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Paper-based data entry systems, such as the ones still prevalent in many warehouses and distribution centers, alongside the rise of e-commerce, contribute to the dilemma. 

Because American businesses can no longer rely on exporting waste to be recycled internationally, recycling costs have escalated. At the same time, e-commerce has increased the usage of cardboard boxes and packaging. To keep operational costs low while maintaining sustainability efforts, we’re bringing tips and hints to minimize packaging and paper waste while still meeting customer demands.

Unwrapping the Packaging Problem

Unwrapping the Packing Problem with liner-less labels

Showcasing a liner-less label

It seems as if online shopping has disrupted every aspect of the global market, and recycling is no different. Reports from Fast Company estimate close to 165 billion packages are shipped around the US each year. In 2017 the EPA documented around 32 thousand tons of cardboard end up in landfills. One way to stop unrecyclable goods from reaching the landfill is by eliminating unnecessary paper during the order fulfillment process. Integrate sustainable practices in your operations by:

  • Reducing “air” shipments when possible – To ensure shipped orders reach their destination in one piece, businesses resort to double-boxing and/or adding air pads to protect inventory. Most of the time, plastic air pads can’t be recycled along with boxes, further maximizing environmental impact. Moreover, this can increase shipping costs as businesses essentially “ship air” along with their inventory.
  • Eliminating excessive manual data entry – In addition to increased error risks, manual data entry creates more paper waste over time. By digitizing your inventory management system, your operations benefit from more accuracy, simplicity, and accessibility since data can be transferred through a shared interface. Newer enterprise technology such as Zebra’s latest mobile computers go a step farther by streamlining data capture with connectivity through one rugged and ergonomic device of your choice. As a Zebra Premier Solutions Partner, Avalon helps you integrate digital processing through the GO Zebra Trade-In Program, where you can trade inadequate devices for newer technology and cash rebates.
  • Selecting sustainable labels – Labels are crucial to your operations, but their liners can add up to your enterprise’s waste. To solve this issue, we recommend Zebra’s Liner-Less Label, which delivers quality barcodes without unrecyclable liner paper.
Selecting Sustainable Labels

Selecting Sustainable Labels for your warehouse operations

See what the liner-less label is all about in our video:

Wasted materials ultimately equals wasted money since resources must later be replaced. While larger sustainability practices might seem daunting, little changes to your supply chain are a perfect place to start. For more information about paperless sustainability, reach out to our warehousing specialists, and see how your operations can help the environment, one sheet of paper at a time.  

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How to Navigate the World of Modernization

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Ten years ago, the modern warehouse looked a lot different than it does today. Manual data-entry predominated most operations, and smart technologies, such as versatile tablets and RFID locationing seemed more like science-fiction than reality. Needless to say, today’s modern warehouse has shattered previous standards with unparalleled mobility, greater visibility, and designed ergonomics. 

However, change does not stop.

According to Zebra’s 2019 Warehousing Vision Study, over three-quarters of surveyed warehouses are increasing their competitiveness by equipping workers with intelligent technology. RFID, blockchain, and virtual reality have been coined as disruptive technologies set to shape field operations, along with 5G technology when it finally arrives with full force in 2023. Other notable modernization drivers include the prevalence of social media shopping –which will account for a fifth of returned shipments in the coming decade–  and drop shipping, which is already the preferred fulfillment method of 33% of online stores. At face value, modernization may seem overwhelming and confusing, yet as experts in innovative efficiency, Avalon Integration is ready to share tips and hints on how to navigate the wonderful world of warehouse modernization. 

Data Entry Modernization to improve your warehouse

Go Where Manual Data-Entry Has Never Been Before

From bottlenecks to missed deliveries, manual data entry can impact workflows throughout your supply chain. On the other hand, modernization elevates productivity with greater accuracy, visibility, and affordability. Before beginning any modernization strategy, we recommend keeping three considerations in mind:

  • Different levels of automation may be required – Although intelligent, automated systems can’t do everything independently, which is why different levels of automation can enhance your current workforce without eliminating necessary labor. As a result, your modernization strategy should include user-friendly devices that collaborate with your workforce.
  • Scalability is crucial – In 2010, e-commerce accounted for 7.2% of total retail sales. Nine years later, it has contributed over $3 trillion worldwide, with several online stores actually opening real brick-and-mortar locations. Therefore, chosen technologies should be able to transition in and out of the warehouse with ease.
  • Enterprise-grade devices make a difference – With more demand for expedited shipping, both your employees and their devices will face new environments, some more rigorous than others. Consequently, new mobile solutions should be durable from the inside out to endure tough conditions with unbroken functionality.

In line with our commitment to innovative productivity, Avalon is proud to introduce Zebra Technologies’ newest generation of enterprise-grade technology, intelligently rugged and adaptable to your growing workforce.

With the right tools, the modernization journey is made simple. Start your optimization process with the leaders in integrated efficiency, and face change confidently with the best resources available.

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Tips and Hints: How Fast Becomes Faster

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Today’s supply chains are fast, but in a world where you can have designer shoes delivered by a flying drone in less than 30 minutes, the question remains: How much faster can the modern workflow get? Between new delivery services, changing social platforms, and revolutionary technology, the on-demand market becomes increasingly more demanding as customers expect faster service.

Serving a wide range of clients across the U.S., Avalon Integration is well aware of the increasing demands made on today’s warehouses. Integrating solutions in businesses both big and small, we can share tips and hints on how warehouses across the globe are turning fast into faster.

Peel and Present Labels Faster

Every Change Counts

Since there are several shapes and sizes to today’s warehouses, it’s only natural that several optimizing strategies have gained popularity worldwide. A few common strategies include:

  • Moving closer to customers – While costly and generally reserved for larger enterprises, moving warehouses and distribution centers closer to customers drastically reduce shipping times, giving companies a higher competitive edge. Furthermore, changes within the U.S. economy (import tariffs, lower tax rates, etc.) have also driven companies to consider new warehouse locations, possibly contributing to the 3372 new private warehouses built within the last decade alone.
  • Investing in automation – Reducing inaccurate order processing from picking to shipping, automated workflows can save companies millions of dollars from return fees, lost assets, and human error. Automation leader, Zebra Technologies reports that 61% of warehouses are already equipping workforces with automated processes designed to maximize accuracy and productivity without overworking employees. Moreover, less worker stress leads to lower turnover rates, saving operations from costly downtime and employee burnout.
  • Expanding inventory visibility – Integrating small changes, such as environment-resistant labels or large-scale RFID solutions, allows workers to quickly locate assets. This ultimately decreases wait times while capturing actionable data. From long-range readers to the latest RFID on-metal solutions, Avalon partners with Zebra to provide an end-to-end visibility solution that elevates productivity.Peel Labels Faster and Present Them
  • Maximizing worker mobility – Faster supply chains mean your workers are moving faster throughout the warehouse. Consequently, crucial warehouse technology much is ergonomic and versatile enough to preserve mobility. Devices such as Zebra’s MC9300 or TC77 are perfect examples of how multiple functions can be combined into one ergonomic device, helping workers complete different tasks without hauling several devices with them.
  • Simplifying “easy” operations – Lastly, in a supply chain, every little task counts; therefore, efficiency should never be spared. In other words, just because something works doesn’t mean it can’t be better. For example, small tasks such as label application can be optimized to cut time spent labeling. Want a closer look? Check out the video below:

Innovation always continues to move forward. While we may not be able to build a brand-new warehouse, Avalon Integration can build optimization strategies centered on your workflow challenges. Stay ahead of the on-demand market when you start your optimization solution with the leaders in efficient innovation.

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Tips and Hints: Is Your Warehouse Cyber Monday Ready?

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The U.S. Postal Service shipped approximately 900 million packages during the 2018 holiday season. Other delivery services such as UPS reported shipping 100,000 packages a day, 1,700 packages a minute. With more purchases coming from online shopping, Cyber Monday alone brought as much as $7.9 billion in profits in 2018. This year, Adobe Analytics predicts a $1.58 billion increase in Cyber Monday shopping. To make matters even more complex, Cyber Monday falls one week closer to major holidays (Dec. 2), expediting deliveries as the holidays draw closer. For these reasons and more, retailers across the nation expect another record-breaking profit increase this year.

Although large numbers may seem comforting, it’s important to remember that even a small error percentage can result in a million-dollar loss. For example, a 1% error rate in 2018 could have impacted nearly 800,000 packages. As leaders of warehouse optimization, Avalon Integration provides all the tips and hints needed to keep your operations running smoothly throughout the most confusing time of the year.

Start your operation with the right labels

Zebra Labels on Dancer Assembly

Zebra Labels Properly Aligned on the Dancer Assembly

Before ever seeing the loading dock, inventory must first be properly labeled in order to successfully reach the correct destination. While small, your labeling system dictates:

  • Shipment accuracy
  • Courier route
  • Inventory contents
  • Handling instructions
  • Customer tracking updates
Zebra Labels on Dancer Assembly

Zebra Labels on Dancer Assembly

Simply put, your labels can directly affect customer satisfaction. Consequently, Avalon recommends securing profits with Zebra Certified consumables. Engineered with pretested materials, Zebra’s rugged labels and tags endure the most rigorous application processes and harsh environments, keeping your label information fully legible while also reducing common printing hazards.

  • Eliminate harmful coating friction – Tested through a 23-point inspection, Zebra labels have a smooth coating that reduces printhead friction, minimizing downtime due to printhead failure.
  • Minimize label slack – Because they’re wound outwardly, Zebra labels eliminate slack that, when left unchecked, could cause printer-jams and slow production.
  • Lower maintenance expenses – By feeding your printer Zebra Certified labels exclusively, you may become eligible for free printhead replacements through the Printhead Protection Program.

Get an up-close look at how Zebra’s Certified labels enhance productivity in our video:

With forty days left until Cyber Monday, the time to start optimizing crucial systems is now. Contact us today for an in-depth assessment of your current workflow patterns and integrate durable technology crafted for enterprise success.

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Tips and Hints: Minimize Wasted Labor One Bottleneck at a Time

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Newly collected data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showcases a steady increase in warehousing jobs across the nation, yet this follows equally increasing labor turnover rates, verified by multiple warehouses in Zebra Technology’s most recent Warehousing Vision Study. As a matter of fact, the labor shortage has been cited as one of the top four challenges facing warehouses today. In other words, quality labor is becoming scarcer, which means warehouses are now faced with the challenge to find and retain efficient employees in their facilities. 

Eliminate Repetitive Tasks and Improve Labor Efforts

Eliminate Repetitive Tasks and Improve Labor Efforts with Fanfold Labels from Zebra

Specialized in warehouse efficiency, Avalon Integration investigates new solutions that empower your workforce by eliminating repetitive tasks that waste time and devalue employees. While there are many efficient systems designed to optimize employee satisfaction, we’ve searched for small cost-effective solutions that fit into your warehouse without too many changes into your current infrastructure. 

A Little Change Goes a Long Way to Keep Your Labor Efforts at Optimal Performance

While the average warehousing salary nears $36,000, labor costs may reach as close as $50,000 per worker. Health benefits, recurring training, and re-hires are some of the indirect costs warehouses simply can’t eliminate. However, here are three simpler changes to consider adding to your workforce:

  1. Create better device availability through new organization patterns. From picking to shipping, your supply chain runs several dynamic workflows, each needing the same devices simultaneously. One way to maximize device availability is to centralize common devices, so your workers can reach them without traveling across the warehouse.
    Better Device Availability Through New Organization Patterns

    Better Device Availability Through New Organization Patterns

     

  2. Invest in familiar technology to reduce training times. While new workers may feel uncomfortable with enterprise-grade technology, you can lower training times with rugged devices that resemble consumer-grade technology. As a Zebra Premier Solutions Partner, we carefully pair your workforce with intuitive devices designed to lower training times, and consequently, your operational costs.

    Reduce Training Times with Intuitive Devices from Zebra

    Reduce Training Times with Intuitive Devices from Zebra

  3. Choose intelligent systems that free up your workforce. Repetitive tasks break your workforce’s concentration, so consider choosing devices that automate repetitive tasks while your workforce focuses on more important tasks. For example, Zebra’s pretested fanfold labels successfully eliminate the drudging task of manually counting individual labels by neatly delivering labels that can be counted at a glance.

    Zebra’s Pretested Fanfold Labels

    Free up Your Labor Workforce with Zebra’s Pretested Fanfold Labels

See These Three Tips in Action in Our Video

If small changes can greatly impact your workflow, what would be the effects of bigger implementations? Whether it be new tracking systems or technology upgrades, Avalon Integration has both the tools and expertise to help you keep your labor efforts at optimal performance. Contact us today to find warehousing solutions scaled to your needs.

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Tips and Hints: Never-Ending Labels come with Never-Ending Perks

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From expanding brand identity outside your workforce to complying with safety requirements within the warehouse, labels impact every facet of your operations as they bring versatility wherever they go. With so many uses, labels may also impact your budget as they must be sized to fit your printing needs. There is no such thing as a literally one-size-fits-all label.

Until now.

Sharing first-hand tips and hints in maximizing efficient operations, Avalon Integration has investigated new cost-effective labeling solutions, and now we are excited to present Zebra’s Continuous Label – the never-ending sticker that will always fit your changing needs.

When we say “Always”, We Mean Always with Our Labels

Raymond Scipioni Explaining the Difference Between Continuous vs. Fixed Length Labels

Raymond Scipioni Explaining the Difference Between a Continuous vs. Fixed Length Label


Instead of standard three to six-inch adhesives, continuous labels have no break, allowing you to print different sized labels without switching your media roll as you can tear correctly-sized labels right off your industrial printer. Saving over 50 percent in label costs, the Continuous Label packs all the benefits you expect from Zebra certified consumables along with extra perks that ultimately deliver a higher return of investment. 

  • Built Rugged: Following Zebra’s long-held tradition of stringent testing, Continuous Labels are meticulously crafted to resist heat, ice, and chemicals without smears or unwanted tears even after application.
  • Eco-Friendly System: Reducing your carbon footprint can be difficult, but as less paper, inks, and toners are used, the Continuous Label minimizes waste. Moreover, built with quality materials, Continual Labels reduce printhead wear, expanding the life of your printing hardware.
  • Perfected Budget: Because you can choose where your label ends, the Continuous Label eliminates misused labels as each size is fit to accommodate your print. The result? Less unused paper. Less replenishing costs. More efficient printing system.

Further, expand your investment by getting free printhead replacements for your Zebra printers when you make Zebra your exclusive label supplier through the Printhead Protection Program.

Zebra Labels That Are Built Rugged and Are Perfectly Budgeted

Zebra Labels Are Built Rugged and Are Perfectly Budgeted


Don’t just take our word for it. Watch our video to see the ease of seamless printing, or do one better and contact us for a free demonstration to experience the next evolution of labeling technology at your convenience.

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Tips and Hints: Drive Productivity with Avalon’s Power Cart

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As a leader in innovative technology solutions, Avalon Integration has racked up over 20 years of experience in resolving costly bottlenecks, such as the ones that often follow receiving operations. After careful analysis, we’ve created IT-friendly affordable tips and hints, that boost productivity exponentially. Streamline operations smoothly with Avalon’s very own Power Cart.

Meet the On-the-Move Solution for Stagnant Profits

Dan Mccabe showing off Avalon integrations Power Cart

Dan Mccabe showing off Avalon integrations Power Cart

Conventional receiving operations often face long wait-times as inventory must be moved to a usually-crowded PC station before stocking. Since downtime can cost up to $260,000 an hour, reducing wait-times is imperative for overall enterprise success.

To optimize receiving operations with minimal IT interference and errors, we’re introducing Power Cart, the moving PC station that travels to your needs instead of the other way around. Eliminate costly bottlenecks and downtime while driving up productivity by 40% with four new digital assets all provided by Avalon Integration:

  • Laptop 
  • Additional Keyboard
  • Zebra Industrial Printer
  • Newcastle Moving Cart

Bring the functionality of your printing solution wherever you go throughout the warehouse without the stress of stagnant productivity. Plus, add a mountable arm to your cart along with a rugged tablet to further enhance your cart with free space for writing or counting inventory.

Steer Efficiency Efficiently

Avalon Integration Power Cart Display

Avalon Integration Power Cart Display

With Zebra’s exceptional rugged technology, expect consistent quality with every operation, whether it be data capture or a print run. Plus, Zebra ruggedness reaches a new extreme when paired with Newcastle’s moving cart.

  • Printing Mobility: Give your industrial printer unforeseen mobility without sacrificing functionality as each cart comes with a slide-out tray that facilitates media reloading.
  • Reliable Security: Protect your investment with security features such as rugged castors and sturdy mounting arms that eliminate downtime due to broken hardware. 
  • Sustainable Productivity: Power your devices with mobile batteries located at the bottom of the cart for continuous functionality throughout shifts. At the end of each shift, simply slide and replace removable batteries in less than a second, minimizing workflow disruptions.

But why just read the Power Cart when you could see it in action in our video?

Don’t settle for curiosity. Contact Avalon Integration for an up-close demonstration of the newest solutions designed for warehouse modernization. Looking for reliable customer service, checkout Avalons technical support blog post by clicking here.

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