the more interesting side of industrial data solutions
February 23, 2012 Leave a Comment
Intermec recently announced the release of the new PC23d 2 in. direct thermal desktop printer. The features of this new printer include:
February 23, 2012 Leave a Comment
Early February Motorola unveiled the new DS3500-ER Series of scanners, a family of barcode scanners comparable to the LS3408-ER scanners. With both near and far scanning as well as 1D and 2D barcode reading capabilities, the DS3500-ER is an ideal data collection solution for warehousing as well as many other industries.
The DS3500-ER scanner features include:
February 23, 2012 Leave a Comment
Deciding which type of barcode scanner to select, whether a laser or digital imager, can be a difficult decision without a good understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of each type. Both laser scanning and image readers can be effective technologies for their appropriate applications and determining which scanner best meets your needs can be more easily made with a better understanding of the features of each of these types of scanners.
Here is a brief explanation of laser scanning technology: The optics inside a laser scanner emit a laser beam and use a lens to focus the beam with an oscillating mirror that moves the laser beam line across the barcode very rapidly. The laser light beam is then reflected off the barcode and back to the scanner, allowing the scanner to decode the reflected signal. For example, barcode scanning functions can include long distance scanning, reading 2D barcodes or capturing an image.
The advantage of the laser scanner is that it can read barcodes even when the barcode or scanner is in motion, quickly and accurately, allowing for fast decodes. Additionally, the laser can project a beam over long distances without spreading out, making it ideal for long distance scanning.
Digital image readers are different than laser scanners because they emit a LED light that illuminates the barcode and projects the image back to the scanner for the barcode to be decoded. It works similar to digital camera, but much faster (however, the decoding process of the digital image reader is often not as fast as a laser scanner).
The advantage of image scanners is that it can read both 1D and 2D barcodes. Imagers can also provide omni-directional scanning so that barcodes can be read easily from any orientation. With a digital imager you can even capture images such as a signature or even photograph a damaged box.
Before deciding which type of scanner you need, you first must determine which type of barcodes you will be scanning (1D, 2D, or combination of both). The information above should provide you with a guide to scanner selection, but if you have any additional questions feel free to leave them in the comments or contact our team of experts here at DataGear.
By Mark Oetken, 10/22/2010 2:38:32 PM
Revised 12/05/2011
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February 14, 2012 Leave a Comment
Intermec recently announced the release of the SG20 family of barcode scanners with highly responsive 1D and 2D scanning technologies. Its features include 50 times greater motion tolerance than competitive scanners, either Bluetooth cordless or corded connectivity, a large multi-color LED light, and omnidirectional scanning.
It is designed to meet POS, healthcare and warehouse management requirements.
If you want to check out the new scanners, they will be on display at the Intermec booth during the HIMSS Healthcare show in Las Vegas, Nevada from Feb. 20-24, 2012.
February 3, 2012 Leave a Comment
The new NX 4500/6500 integrated services platform by Motorola gives users the ability to perform a variety of functions with a single device. Instead of needing multiple devices to manage data and mobile voice services, businesses can now perform all the same functions with this single interface.
The features of the NX4500/6500 include the Wing 5 wireless controller, 24-port PoE Ethernet switch, T1 and Ethernet WAN interfaces, Firewall and VPN, AAA services, DHCP/DNS and wireless IDS/IPS.
February 2, 2012 1 Comment
Since the QR code has shown up in the US, potential competitors and replacement technologies have also started to make their appearances. In the following post I’d like to talk about these new technologies and I hope you will take a moment to comment and let me know which one you think is going to be the next big thing!
1. 
Microsoft Tags – I’m sure you’ve seen Microsoft’s version of the QR code, the Microsoft Tag. These tags can be seen in color (image shown) or in black and white and they allow the user to store:
One of it’s great features is that the user can specify a start and an end date which is great for promotions that go on for specific dates. You can read this great article to find out more about the Pros and Cons of Microsoft Tags.
2. Blippar – Unlike QR codes, blippar is not contained to a single space and it can create hotspots that can make an entire ad interactive. Unfortunately one needs to download a specific app just to scan the blippar ads and as a result of companies competing with QR codes we are all going to have to have 20 different applications on our mobile devices to scan each type of code (unless a programming genius designs a mobile application that works with all the types of codes – we know that person is going to make a lot of money). The other downside is that it appears to be expensive for businesses to produce and won’t be an option for companies with a lower budget. You can find out more about Blippar at the company’s web site.
3. NFC Codes – QR codes were slow to grow in popularity (in US markets), but Nokia seems to think that they certainly will be quick to lose it. If Nokia’s NFC (near-field communication) chip catches on — despite the fact they are far more expensive — the QR code will head to its early demise. NFC chips do everything the QR codes do but better… except for the fact that the user has to buy NFC media (such as paper, business cards, etc. with the chip embedded) making the NFC chip 700% more expensive than the QR code. The great function they have at the moment is it gives users the ability to make mobile payments (but the company making the sale has to have the NFC chip reader).[1]
4. DigiMarc – My favorite QR code contender is DigiMarc, a hotspot based application that allows you to scan different parts of an advertisement to gain access to different content. The most unfortunate part is that those different points on the ad might not be obvious to the person (or even the fact that the ad can be scanned!) viewing it. The demo I watched on the web site showed a magazine ad that didn’t have anything that clearly identified it as a scannable ad which was a little disappointing. You can visit the DigiMarc website to decide for yourself.
5. Layar – Ok, I admit that this one is not an alternative to QR codes, but it is some of the coolest technology I’ve ever seen (and the city that the demo was filmed in looks an awful like the one I lived in). One potential downside to this app is it might lead to people walking around looking through their mobile devices rather than watching what is going on in the real world (which is potentially dangerous).[2]
There have been several other alternatives to QR codes, NoxiTech has a great article on some of QR codes’ competitors, but who knows what the future of QR codes will look like. I’m curious to know what you think, so please leave comments![3]
[1] Nokia views NFC as complete QR code replacement tech or you can go here to find out more about NFC: Goodbye QR Codes
[2] Layar Alternate Reality Web Site
[3] If you want to read an interesting article about the shortcomings of QR codes, read 5 QR Code Failures
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