END OF 2020 ISSUE Companies mentioned in this issue:

Vizinex RFID Janam Bixolon Inovity codeREADr ADC Systems BlueStar Epson TEKLYNX RFID Journal ScanSource Rufus Labs Keonn RFID Axicon Dynamsoft Socket Mobile OnlineLabels Digimarc Inspector+ TOOTECH NRF Toshiba Barcode Test Shift4 Payments CES and more... 2020 Q4 Smith Corona Seagull BarTender Honeywell GoDEX NiceLabel Cybra - MarkMagic COVID-19 Drives Increased Use Of QR Codes

The QR code has been around for a few decades, but 2020 sustainability” among others. See his full article on QR code sure seems to the year of widespread adoption, at least in menus here. the hospitality industry. Thousands of restaurants across the country have eliminated menus in favor of a QR code At the end of your meal, you are likely to see yet another QR that guests can scan with their smartphones to see the code, this time to pay right at the table using your phone. I menu and often, to order food. have started doing that this year and I love it. It’s fast, easy and safe. I don’t need to wait for the food server to get What is the advantage? First, it eliminates the need to hand back to my table and abscond with my credit card and then out menus at a restaurant and secondly, to sanitize those trot around with it for ten minutes until they return. No sir, menus once they’ve been used. With COVID-19 still not nobody is touching my credit card anymore! I simply scan under control, restaurants are under pressure to operate at the QR code at the bottom of the receipt and can complete a new level of cleanliness, which, frankly, I don’t mind. I’ve payment within 30 to 60 seconds, including adding a tip. been eating out since I can remember. That’s 60+years ago. It’s great for the hospitality industry, and great for all of us, But now we need to deal with the fact that menus can carry holding our germ infested bar code reading smart phones. germs, viruses, bacteria. I suppose we could have guessed that. But who would have thought we’d be using bar codes Scan on! in restaurants as the new normal?

The QR code shown below is from Macaroni Grill and leads you to their online menu. The waiter still comes to take my order, which I prefer. But I’ve been to places where the QR Tip - go to macaroni grill.com and get a $5 coupon for code is attached to the table and you order without seeing joining their club and your subscription to The BarCode a waiter. It probably simpler for the kitchen, but heaven News will have paid for itself ! forbid you need to modify something or ask a question pertaining to a food allergy. (Can I get that salad without carrots?, for example). So, while expedient ... perhaps not so consumer friendly. But maybe more sanitary. And on the plus side it can be nice to get your order in fast, without having to wait for someone to show up at your table to take it and then re-key it into a back-of-house computer, and possibly screw it up.

But, back to the QR code. There it is. Sanitary, disposable, cheap to reproduce, nearly infinite in its functionality. (Thank you, Denso, for placing it in the public domain)

I checked in with restaurant expert Bob Frazier, and he advised me that “approximately 30% of restaurants are now using QR codes for menu access, ordering, and/or payment.” That sounds like a pretty good start. There are many benefits of using QR codes in restaurants, he pointed out, including “safety, convenience, increased sales and

| 2 | Q4 2020 RECENT BARCODE NEWS

Lee Valley Launches Innovative Contactless Shopping Capability with the Dynamsoft Barcode Reader JavaScript SDK

Over the last six months, Lee Valley to give our customers a user-friendly Tools has enacted a variety of in-store way of making the browsing and pur- safety measures based on guidance chase process contactless.” from public health officials including mandatory mask or face coverings, pro- The mobile feature is easy to use as viding hand sanitizer, and encouraging customers don’t need to download physical distancing protocols, all in an anything on their mobile device, in- effort to maintain customer health and stead they simply visit LeeValley.com safety. Beginning with the transition when they enter the physical store, from express to curbside pick-up, Lee click on the barcode icon, select their The Dynamsoft Barcode Reader adds Valley transitioned its stores to be safe store location, and start shopping. The an additional layer of safety against and accessible. The launch of the new online feature also allows customers to COVID-19 for in-store shopping expe- mobile feature brings an added level of scan an item’s bar code and see a full rience safety to the in-store shopping experi- description of every product offered by ence. Lee Valley Tools before deciding to pur- Lee Valley Tools is taking its in-store chase – from drills to dovetail saws. COVID-19 precautions a step further “The health and safety of our customers with the launch of a new mobile shop- and staff is our number one priority and The mobile feature provides a com- ping tool, which incorporates the JavaS- our new easy-to-use mobile feature pletely contactless shopping experi- cript edition of the Dynamsoft Barcode provides another layer of protection ence. It allows for no physical products Reader. Integrated with Lee Valley’s while shopping in-store during these to be touched in store... website, LeeValley.com, the new tool unprecedented times,” said Jason Tassé, allows for mobile contactless shopping Chief Operating Officer, Lee Valley in each of its 20 locations across the Tools. “We’re thrilled to launch this mo- Continue Article country. bile tool in all our stores across Canada

Keonn RFID self-checkout system for faster payment at retail stores developed AdvanGo, an RFID-based Keonn recommends to connect Advan- modular solution that reads all the Go system to AdvanCloud cloud-based products a customer’s carries in a bag software platform for obtaining full and sends that information to the point traceability of the items sold. This infor- of sale software using keyboard wedge mation can then be analyzed for busi- (no integration needed). The payment ness intelligence purposes. process is totally frictionless and much faster than other self-checkout sys- When used together with Keonn tems. loss-prevention systems such as Ad- vanSafe, AdvanMat and AdvanGate, Keonn, a Barcelona based manufactur- You can watch here a video showing AdvanGo provides a complete loss pre- er of RFID hardware and software for how fast and easy to use is AdvanGo. vention system based on RFID UHF. different sectors, has introduced its new self-checkout solution, AdvanGo. AdvanGo is a modular solution that sat- Using AdvanGo, the payment process isfies any retailers need. It can be used at retail stores is much faster, safer... Long queues at cash registers are one for different types of self-checkout as of the most disturbing obstacles for wall mount, desktop, basket, and bag customers when they are shopping. well. Continue Article To minimize payment time, Keonn has

Q4 2020 | 3 | Apply Lean automotive parts, leverage label samples to get a head start on labeling compliance and label design.

Manufacturing Trigger printing from a device through PortWatch Principles to Barcode Removing manual steps in your printing process is a sure-fire way to gain efficiency in your labeling environment. For labels that need to incorporate a variable weight, leverage barcode Labeling and Do label software that has the ability for a connected scale to capture and send the weight to your barcode software and More with Less variably populate that on your labels. The same can be done with other connected devices like barcode scanners. The action of scanning a barcode on a work order for example, can trigger the print job of barcode labels and reduce wasteful steps in your printing process.

Print automation eliminates manual processes

Eliminate the need for manual data entry, reduce errors, and simplify your printing process by utilizing print automation. Print automation can be defined as, “a centralized technology that replaces the manual process of triggering a print job within a labeling environment.” With a print automation solution, you can enable printing directly out of your ERP, WMS, or other business systems, including custom applications.

Flexibility

(Article courtesy of TEKLYNX) Licensing options give you the flexibility you need

With what’s happening in the world right now, and the many Perpetual & Subscription Licenses operational changes that manufacturers are facing daily, organizations are seeking ways to do more with less. In the Every business is different, which is why having the choice current state that manufacturing is in – lower operational of the right barcode software license option can help to headcount and unpredictable production volume – becoming alleviate complex license management, version updates, and lean is a necessity. various payment options. When selecting a barcode labeling software provider, partner with a company that offers flexible Barcode labeling is a critical component of the supply options like perpetual licenses for a one-time purchase as chain and is often overlooked when evaluating areas of the well as subscription licenses with easy annual renewals. business to eliminate waste. By applying lean manufacturing principles to your barcode labeling environment, you create Network Licenses a “lean labeling environment,” which will enable you to gain efficiency, flexibility, scalability, accuracy, and reliability; As companies grow and add label design or print users to benefits that will last through the pandemic and carry your their environment, many times additional single-user licenses company into the recovery period. will be installed, resulting in a large number of licenses to manage with different license types and associated benefits, Efficiency renewal schedules, and pricing. Multiple single-user licenses also mean restriction with label file sharing across machines. Label samples to help users create compliant labels For organizations with more than one labeling software user at a time, consider network licensing that allows for labeling Time is of the essence to us all, especially now, and creating software to be installed on a server and enables easy label file labels from scratch can be time-consuming and overwhelming sharing and updates across users. for label designers, which is why label samples can be leveraged for a turn-key start. Whether you are labeling hazardous chemicals, medical devices, food products, or Continue Article

| 4 | Q4 2020 RECENT BARCODE NEWS

Inspector+ Provides New Cus- OnlineLabels.com Brings Flexibility tomizable Inspection Platform To Roll Users When implementing a software -pack age in your business operations, it’s FEIG ELECTRONIC, a leading global important to find a solution that caters supplier of radio frequency identifi- your organization’s workflow. Designed cation (RFID) readers and antennas with Development Tools, In- with fifty years of industry experience, spector+ by WNS provides business- announces the deployment of the es with a customizable inspection and UCODE DNA RFID security and park- maintenance platform to gather re- ing contactless identification solution al-time data from the field. in the Moscow International Business Center, known as Moscow-City, one Inspector+ is an Android based mainte- of the world’s largest business district nance and inspection app designed to projects. increase productivity, ensure compli- ance while expedite maintenance re- The management of Moscow-City not porting. Created to support hundreds of only selected long-range, passive UHF items and countless inspection forms, RFID to implement in its controlled it can support facilities with multiple parking areas, it also chose to imple- with the FEIG and ISBC implementation buildings and locations. The mobile ment UCODE DNA, the highest form of of the contactless identification system application has online/offline function- secure RAIN RFID technology, devel- in the prestigious Moscow-City,” said ality which provides users a seamless oped by NXP Semiconductors. Mahdi Mekic transition to collect regardless of where “Underscoring NXP’s innovation and they are in the field, even if cellular cov- leadership in developing advanced erage may not be available. RAIN RFID technologies, our UCODE DNA was chosen to be incorporated Continue Article Continue reading >>

Look-alike Label URL Consumers Anticipate New Ways available - averylabel.com to Celebrate Halloween, Despite A lookalike URL is up for sale. Someone is selling averylabel.com, and it doesn’t COVID-19 NRF appear to be the Avery Dennison eration’s annual survey conducted by company, who’s domain is actually Prosper Insights & Analytics, more than https://www.avery.com/. 148 million U.S. adults plan to partici- pate in Halloween-related activities. Lookalike URLs are often useful for Among those celebrants, safe at-home catching traffic from prospects who are activities ranked highest: 53 percent searching for a product, or who have plan to decorate their homes, 46 per- misspelled a URL. WASHINGTON, September 15, 2020 – cent plan to carve a pumpkin and 18 Asking price is $5,000 with a minimum Like many holidays this year, Americans percent will dress up their pet. bid of $2,000. The URL could be are planning to celebrate Halloween purchased and redirected to the website despite the ongoing coronavirus pan- “Consumers continue to place impor- of a company in the label business. demic. The autumnal holiday may look tance on celebrating our traditional a little different this year, but consum- holidays, even if by untraditional stan- Continue reading >> ers are finding ways to safely mark the dards,” NRF President and CEO Mat- occasion. thew Shay said.

According to the National Retail Fed- Continue reading >>

Q4 2020 | 5 | Case Study: Family Owned Company Finds Simple Software Solution To Print Color Labels In-House

West Four finds simple software solution to print color labels in their respective industries, and Jay Fafard, Executive VP at in house on Epson ColorWorks industrial label inkjet printers. West Four, says it’s due to their commitment to staying ahead of the technological curve. “You can run a good business CYBRA’s MarkMagic Helps West Four Group Stand Out from with pen and paper, but good isn’t good enough anymore”, the Competition with On Demand Color Label Printing. according to Fafard. “We need to be great. That’s what our customers demand. It’s what they expect. For us, everything The Customer has to be automated. We’ve got to have everything printed, West Four Group is a family owned multi-industry business and labels applied to the product. It’s got to be UPC-coded, hailing from the northern reaches of Canada. Focused on a it has to work within our customers’ systems, and often, number of industries including door manufacturing, building beyond the label with electronic data interfaces and data security supplies, and even creative services, West Four exchange. For us, we need the best looking package, and serves hundreds of customers across Western Canada. the best branding so we can speak to the customer - that’s through a color label.”

The Challenge West Four wanted to improve its product packaging. “Black and white just won’t cut it anymore,” says Fafard. “We need to be able to speak to the customer.”

With offices in Calgary, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, and Regina, West Four’s properties include four diverse brands. Madero Distribution is a manufacturer of residential and commercial doors and hardware. Penner Doors and Hardware provides customers with a full line of architectural hardware, doors, frames and building specialties, to general contractors and institutional projects. Security Building Supplies has been Adding color to product labels is a popular and effective supplying lumber and building materials to home builders, way for brands to improve their brand image and customer general contractors, renovators and the public since 1968. loyalty. Brand recognition, product appeal, and competitive And, Two Six Creative, West Four’s creative agency, provides advantages have direct correlations to how items are a wide range of graphic design solutions for its customers. packaged and designed. West Four’s portfolio of brands have been markedly successful Continue Reading >> | 6 | Q4 2020 RECENT BARCODE NEWS

NRF to Host NRF PROTECT ALL Imports Spike as Economy Continues Recovery and ACCESS: Retail’s Loss Prevention and Retailers Stock Up for Holidays

Cyber Risk Online Event Imports surged to unexpected high levels this summer and may have hit NRF to Host NRF PROTECT ALL AC- WHY: a new record as the U.S. economy CESS: Retail’s Loss Prevention and Cy- Attend this virtual event to learn crucial continues to reopen and retailers stock ber Risk Online Event strategies on cyber security and loss up for the holiday season, according to prevention in sessions that are para- the monthly Global Port Tracker report WHAT: mount to success. Experience the virtu- released today by the National Retail NRF PROTECT ALL ACCESS is a free, al expo to find answers to pain points Federation and Hackett Associates. four-day online event featuring dynam- and discover partners with the exper- ic speakers, a virtual expo highlighting tise and tools to help. “It’s important to be careful how much 75 retail security collaborators and net- to read into these numbers after all working opportunities catered to the WHO: we’ve seen this year, but retailers are retail security community. With 16 ses- Featured speakers: importing far more merchandise for sions spanning topics from talent and the holidays than we expected even culture to theft and fraud to cyber and • Van Carney, National Director of a month ago,” NRF Vice President digital crime, attendees will have access Safety, Security and Loss Prevention, for Supply Chain and Customs to the latest information for the loss Domino’s Pizza LLC Policy Jonathan Gold said. “Some of prevention, asset protection and cyber • Hugo Cortez, Field Security Manager, these imports are helping replenish risk communities. In addition, industry Global Safety, Security & Intelligence, inventories that started to run low after partner Card Not Present (CNP) will McDonald’s Corporation consumers unleashed pent-up demand spotlight programming on professional when stores reopened. But this is the refunding and account takeovers. clearest sign yet that we could be in Continue Article for a much happier holiday season than many had thought.” Continue reading >>

BlueStar To Distribute Seal Shield CES 2021 Moves Dates to Disinfection Products January 11-14 The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) BlueStar, a solutions-based global dis- ents solutions for infection prevention, has changed the dates for its upcoming tributor, has announced that they will such as washable & waterproof periph- 2021 event to Jan 11-14. now be distributing Seal Shield med- erals that possess the capability to be ical-grade products and solutions, in- disinfected in a safe and efficient man- WHAT: CES 2021 is shifting its dates cluding waterproof peripherals, chem- ner. BlueStar has announced that they for the all-digital show. ical & UV-resistant screen protection, will be linking up with Seal Shield to dis- and UV-C disinfection systems for mo- tribute their line of products, in order to WHEN: CES® 2021 will take place bile devices. help sanitize POS and payment termi- Monday, January 11 through Thursday, nals, retail environments, and medical January 14, 2021. September 28, 2020 – Hebron, KY. – staff contact areas, while also working The COVID-19 Pandemic has forced to stop the spread of the Coronavirus January 11: Exclusive media-only every organization, employee environ- pandemic. access ment and consumer-facing operation January 12: Exhibitor showcase and to adopt healthcare’s best practices No matter what the size of the orga- conference programming within infection control. This includes nization, there are always staff, office January 13: Exhibitor showcase and all employee staff and customer points workers, and customers who come into conference programming of contact, including the equipment and contact with keyboards & mice, devic- January 14: Conference programming devices they use. es with touchscreens and other sur- faces every day, and there’s no getting Continue reading >> With a long history of serving the around it. healthcare industry, Seal Shield pres- Continue reading >> Q4 2020 | 7 | Building a Barcode Inventory System - How To Get Started

(Article and images courtesy of Smith Corona)

Barcodes are everywhere: in stores, warehouses, hospitals, on mail and packages. One single scan of a barcode can relay an endless amount of information. They help reduce human error, save time, and overall reduce unnecessary losses that inaccurate data end up costing a company. Sizing

Choosing to use barcodes for your business is taking a step Deciding what size your barcode should be is actually a toward proper inventory management. This data collection crucial decision to make. If a barcode is printed too small or system is essential for organizing any business, big or small, too large, the scanner will have a difficult time reading the and offers a more efficient and cost-effective way to regulate information or, possibly, not be able to read it at all. products. In order for a barcode to be properly scanned, the laser must In our previous article, we discussed the basics of a barcode: be able to read the spaces on either side of the barcode; this what it is, how it works, and what types of barcodes there is known as the Quiet Zone. Without this space, the scanner are. won’t pick up the correct information from the barcode and misread it. Now let’s look at the necessary tools needed to finally create a barcode and figure out how they can help your business Unique barcode shapes and designs are a fun way to advertise become more organized. your product and can help with branding. Just make sure the design of your barcode doesn’t interfere with its functionality. Common Mistakes If it isn’t able to scan, the barcode will be ineffective.

Stating that there is a lot involved in the barcoding world Color would be an understatement. From the different types of barcodes, to the types of data they store, to the industries While this may not seem like an important element when that use them, this small black and white image is quite a big designing your barcode, certain colors can hinder its deal and the process to make one can seem overwhelming. readability and cause errors. With this volume of information, it’s easy to see how someone new to barcoding could make a few errors. Let’s look at some common mistakes people make when deciding to generate a barcode and see how they can be avoided. Continue Article

| 8 | Q4 2020 RECENT BARCODE NEWS

NRF: Imports Set New Record as Retailers Replenish Dane Hatchett Named Man- Inventories and Stock Up Early for Holidays ager, Business Development, for Vizinex RFID WASHINGTON, October 8, 2020 – Im- ports reached an all-time high this sum- mer as retail sales bounced back from the pandemic and merchants replen- ished inventories and stocked up early for the holiday season, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report re- leased today by the National Retail Fed- eration and Hackett Associates. U.S. ports covered by Global Port Track- “After staying at home this spring, er handled 2.1 million Twenty-Foot consumers are buying again and retail Equivalent Units in August, the latest supply chains are working overtime to month for which after-the-fact num- keep up with demand,” NRF Vice Pres- bers are available. That was up 9.7 per- ident for Supply Chain and Customs cent from July and up 8 percent year- Policy Jonathan Gold said. “Nothing over-year. It was the highest number of about this year is predictable, but re- containers imported in a single month Acuity Technologies, a software and tailers are making sure their shelves since NRF began tracking imports in managed services company specializ- and warehouses are well-stocked for 2002, beating 2.04 million TEU seen ing in Mobility Managed Services, an- the holidays. They are also stocking up in October 2018 ahead of a scheduled nounced today it has joined the Honey- earlier than usual because they know tariff increase. A TEU is one 20-foot- well Performance Partner Program. By many consumers will be shopping early long cargo container or its equivalent. participating in the Performance Part- this year to avoid crowds and shipping ner Program, Acuity has the authoriza- delays. Some holiday merchandise that tion to resell Honeywell workflow per- normally wouldn’t arrive until Hallow- Continue Article formance-driven image and laser-based een is already here.” data collection hardware... Continue reading >> NRF Chief Economist ‘Cautiously NRF Launches “New Holiday Traditions” Campaign Optimistic’ But Says Holiday Sales Will WASHINGTON, September 29, 2020 Hinge on ‘Wildcard Puzzle Pieces’ – By any measure, this holiday season will be unlike any other, and the WASHINGTON, October 1, 2020 – “We are waiting for new data and are National Retail Federation is launching Consumer spending has recovered from still assembling puzzle pieces for the a nationwide consumer education the coronavirus pandemic more quickly 2020 holiday season,” Kleinhenz said. campaign called “New Holiday than expected, but forecasting 2020 “I am cautiously optimistic about the Traditions” to encourage consumers holiday sales is like assembling a jigsaw fourth quarter in terms of the economy to shop safe and shop early amidst the puzzle without all the pieces, National and consumer spending, but the out- coronavirus pandemic. Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack look is clouded with uncertainty pivot- Kleinhenz said today. ing on COVID-19 infection rates. The “This is going to be a historic holiday recession appears to be behind us and season and while some memorable “Completing a puzzle is highly probable the re-opening of the economy over the traditions may change, the tradition of given patience, having all the pieces past several months has created mo- retailers supporting their customers and and having the picture on the box to mentum that should carry through the their communities is stronger than ever. guide assembly,” Kleinhenz said. “But fourth quarter. The test is whether con- That is why we encourage consumers it’s not the same when attempting to fit sumer spending will be sustained amid to adopt two new traditions this year – pieces of the economy together in to- wildcard puzzle pieces including policy shop safe and shop early... day’s environment. Many of the pieces surprises, the election and a resurgent are missing.” virus.” Continue reading >>

Continue reading >> Q4 2020 | 9 | New Graphical Workflow Interfaces Create Labeling Process Efficiencies

by Michael Leo, Senior Product Marketing Manager, BarTender® by creating and manipulating shapes, rather than text. software Graphically based workflow management systems offer a Workflows and Efficiency more user-friendly experience, an intuitive system that maps naturally to the way people visually navigate their daily lives. Organizations that don’t use workflow tools to manage their labeling processes have increased potential for unnecessary In such a system, you can see and alter each step and transition, confusion, longer time to market and human error. from beginning of the process to the end. Adjustments can be made in real time as needed, with changes cascaded If a manufacturing company needs to create a product label throughout the workflow instantly. that requires approval but doesn’t have the proper workflow infrastructure, there is no clear way to discern if, or by whom, With a graphical workflow you can see, at a glance, the an approval was generated. Having to track down approvals business process model represented in states and transitions, is inefficient. Label creation is time-sensitive, andthe creating natural user interactions with the system. There is an uncertainty can impede on-time delivery. ease of use that isn’t available using a text-based workflow management system. Workflows put a process in place where every person involved in the design and approval of the label can access Graphical workflows are easy to learn, requiring little training and understand where each project is in the creation process. and no coding or technical knowledge, and they leave fewer opportunities for human error because they install By implementing a workflow that streamlines the approval safeguards for consistency and accountability. Managing process, a label moved down the line and marked for labeling with graphical workflows labeling helps create production has to be approved before being routed to the consistent and streamlined end-to-end processes, enabling next step. Not only is it clear that a label design has been quick advancement of a label from one step to the next, approved, there is an easy-to-access paper tra­il showing who impacting overall productivity. initiated the approval. By using a graphical model, users can set and see each step Labeling workflows also ensure a rejected label design is and understand where they fit in. Organizations can clearly properly routed back to the appropriate state in the creation define each activity, resource and role for every employee process. A workflow streamlines production — email alerts in all departments. It also makes clear the expected outputs can be generated each time the label is routed to a new step, along the way, reducing frustrations caused by antiquated preventing stagnation. systems and processes.

These digital, interactive charts provide a precise description Going graphical of what comes next and who is responsible for executing that task. No confusion. No ambiguity. A modern efficiency that Because form-based user interfaces have limitations, global sets clear expectations, reduces the amount of production industry is transitioning to graphically based workflow oversight required by management and creates more time for systems, a visual system of building and managing workflows strategic planning.

| 10 | Q4 2020 Continue Reading >> RECENT BARCODE NEWS

Epson Launches New Low-Cost, High-Volume Bar Code Labeling Solutions Epson LabelWorks, the US-based sales • Automatic winding of high-vol- office for Seiko Epson Corporation, has ume print batches to keep large announced the availability of two new quantities of labels neatly orga- industrial label printers explicitly de- nized during and after printing signed to address the need to quickly print high-volume batches of industrial • Faster label management in the labels and bar codes of up to 2-inches field due to Epson’s exclusive half- (50mm) wide. cut technology that makes peeling individual labels from the roll easier The Epson LW-Z5000PX and the Epson and faster than competing printers LW-Z5010PX printers offer innovative features to simplify the creation of la- 67% savings compared to competing • Faster label design using Ep- bels for a wide range of industrial ap- printers) son’s easy-to-use color touch- plications, including bar codes and QR screen technology and intuitive La- codes, sequential alphanumeric coding, • Bulk label supply rolls that provide up bel Editor software and mobile apps and unique symbols for safety, electri- to 146 feet of material per roll cal and other requirements. Both print- • Lower total cost of operation with no ers are enabled by Epson’s Label Editor • Faster print speeds for labels ranging extra charge for software and licenses software (included), while the Z5010PX from 1/6” to 2” wide (up to 50 mm/sec) also includes a full keyboard and col- Cross-compatibility with all existing Ep- or touchscreen for designing barcodes son LabelWorks PX cartridges and labels on the go. Both printers offer the following features and benefits: • Cross-compatibility with all exist- Continue Article • Lower cost per printed label com- ing Epson LabelWorks PX cartridges pared to competing offerings (up to

Honeywell’s New Extended Flexrange™ Scan GoDEX Americas Releases Engine Integrates Easily For Improved Data New Thermal Printers Capture Performance

The EX30 2D Imaging Scan engine de- barcodes or packaging labels from as livers flexibility in data capture devices close as 4 inches and up to 66 feet away reading barcodes at near and far dis- using an innovative auto-focus lens tances switching seamlessly across the mechanism that enables it to change full scanning range focus within milliseconds.

Charlotte, N.C., Oct. 14, 2020 -- Hon- The Extended FlexRange EX30 2D eywell (NYSE: HON) today announced Scan Engine uses the latest technology the new Extended FlexRange™ EX30 for a fast auto-focus lens mechanism 2D Scan Engine that offers the most that allows for the quick capture of near GoDEX Americas has released two flexible solution for OEM applications and far range images without latency. new thermal printers to improve your whether you need to scan near or far. By enabling fast, accurate and efficient applications and production. The new EX30 has a slim form factor, scanning, seamlessly between distanc- is easy to integrate and is perfectly po- es, this new scan engine helps improve The new DT4L Linerless desktop sitioned for the next generation of mo- user workflow performance and allows thermal printer with cutter is now bile devices, handheld scanners, kiosks for efficient execution of a variety of available for shipping. or medical diagnostic devices. tasks from one device. Continue reading >> It allows operations to seamlessly read Continue reading >> Q4 2020 | 11 | Labeling for the Future: Streamlining Supply Chain Processes in the Cloud

Article courtesy of NiceLabel

In just a few short years, cloud technology has become ubiquitous across countless industries worldwide. And with a broad range of benefits, from operational efficiency and scale to greater financial value, it’s no surprise that businesses of all sizes are adopting cloud solutions at an increasing rate. In fact, even before COVID-19, the cloud SaaS market was projected to jump 17% during 2020, reaching a whopping $150 billion in 2021. The recent pandemic has only added fuel to the fire.

Labeling, on the other hand, has historically been slower to adopt new technologies and practices. In fact, many For businesses that depend on a plethora of suppliers, the companies today still rely on legacy label management impacts of an inefficient legacy labeling system become more processes like paper-based record keeping and QA practices, pronounced. One reason is that dated systems often require manual data entry or physically transferring data via a the use of multiple labeling standards. For example, when removable media like a USB drive on the factory floor. different suppliers all have their own custom-made labeling system, warehouse personnel may be forced to painstakingly But the threat of new challenges is quickly changing this identify products for themselves, leading to delays like dynamic. Consumers demand rapid delivery of essential increased stock turnaround time, missed deadlines, and goods, the need to operate virtually has never been greater, misidentified products. and global supply chains have been in turmoil. As the world digitally transforms across all business sectors, Though new challenges often bring frustration, they also surely this leap forward should also be applied to labeling to present the opportunity to proactively improve for the future. improve warehouse efficiency, reduce inventories, and speed And there’s no better place to start than considering cloud- up supply chain operations. based labeling as a tool to streamline supply chains.

Legacy systems and the need for a digital The benefits of a cloud-based solution revolution For those looking to digitally transform labeling systems, the best choice may be moving to the cloud. In terms of labeling, Regardless of the industry, competition is fierce and growing the cloud can be a key enabler of standardized, consistent stronger by the day. Businesses can no longer afford to labeling by storing label information in a central location ignore the legacy systems and processes that hinder their and extending it out to suppliers over the web. Additionally, profitability, increase costs or simply add time to delivery. when all of this data is hosted in the cloud, it greatly reduces This is doubly true for industries like ecommerce, where IT security and quality assurance concerns. margins are small and delivery expectations can be near instantaneous. Continue Reading >>

| 12 | Q4 2020 RECENT BARCODE NEWS

Janam Introduces State-of-the-Art Inovity Acquires ADC Integrated Systems Inc. to Rugged Gun Expand Tennessee Presence WOODBURY, New York – October 29, future OS versions, XG4 is part of Goo- Inovity, an Atlanta-based business 2020 - Janam Technologies, a leading gle’s “Android Enterprise Recommend- process improvement company and provider of rugged mobile computers ed” (AER) program which provides an specialty IT systems integrator, has and contactless access solutions,today industry-best extended lifecycle. entered into a definitive agreement to unveiled the newest addition to its XG acquire ADC Integrated Systems Inc. series of gun-shaped, rugged mobile With a brilliant, 4.3-inch, capacitive (ADC), a Memphis-based corporation computers. Built to thrive in scan-inten- touch screen protected by Gorilla Glass specializing in automated data sive applications, XG4 features a sleek, 3 and a choice of three highly function- collection hardware, software and lightweight and ergonomic design and al and ergonomic keypads, XG4 is spe- systems. is the world’s most affordable industri- cially designed for organizations that al-grade rugged mobile computer in its seek a versatile tool for capturing busi- The private acquisition of ADC allows class. ness-critical data. Inovity to broaden its diverse offering of workflow-automation solutions and Optimized to turbocharge workflows in XG4 is ideal for mobile workers per- extend its geographical footprint in warehouses, manufacturing facilities, forming line-of-business applications Tennessee. By adding the expertise distribution centers, plant floors, load- across the supply chain, including in- of the entire ADC sales and technical ing docks and back-of-store retail, XG4 ventory management, stocking and re- team, Inovity also improves its ability to helps businesses exponentially increase plenishment, shipping, receiving, cross serve its customer base with increased productivity, streamline processes and docking and e-commerce fulfillment, staff. improve profitability. among others. According to Inovity owner and KEY FACTS Executive Vice President, Steve George, Continue Article “We couldn’t be more... Powered by Android 9 (Pie) with Goo- gle Mobile Services and upgradeable to Continue reading >>

Rufus Labs Releases Rufus Cuff Pro and TEKLYNX Print Automation Solution, SENTINEL, ScanGlove2 Helps Entertainment Earth Create Their Ideal Labeling ply chain. WorkHero is compatible with Environment most warehouse management system (WMS) software and replaces exist- SENTINEL label print automation ing scanning technology, reduces pick software automated entire printing speed and labor cost by up to 60%, process with a seamless integration and gives a never-before-seen level of with SQL LOS ANGELES, Oct. 23, 2020 / worker visibility into warehouse opera- PRNewswire/ -- Rufus Labs, which pro- tions. The Rufus Cuff Pro now includes TEKLYNX International, the world’s duces intelligent wearable warehouse the Android 9 operating system, a larg- leading barcode and RFID labeling technology and workforce analytics er screen, swappable batteries, and du- software developer and solutions software, today announced the release al-band WiFi capabilities. provider, today reported an of its Rufus Cuff Pro and ScanGlove2, implementation of advanced barcode the second generation wearable hard- The Rufus ScanGlove2 is a lightweight, label creation software, CODESOFT, ware suite. durable, and flexible inventory manage- and print automation solution, ment glove-barcode reader (1D, 2D, SENTINEL, helped online retailer The Rufus Cuff Pro is a ruggedized, UPC, QR.) ScanGlove2 connects to the Entertainment Earth.... lightweight, Android wearable com- Rufus Cuff via Bluetooth... puter, with Rufus WorkHero software Continue reading >> at its core, forming the most advanced Continue reading >> connected operator platform for sup- Q4 2020 | 13 | EDGE COMPUTING Improves Data Accuracy

Article by Rich Eicher Sr

Data are Validated On-Device Before Syncing to the Cloud

Posting bad data to cloud-based or local area servers can create costly accuracy problems. Consider logistics applications that rely on accurate barcode reading and data entry. A typical toolset would include:

The Cost of Bad Data: A Logistics Example • A database stored on-device to validate every scan. If a database isn’t available, pattern validation can be For asset tracking, it is often critical for logistics providers to used with regular expressions. Pattern validation will scan and accurately read the right asset barcode along with invalidate captured data if the result doesn’t meet the a location barcode and a dispositioned quantity. Otherwise, specified pattern. the wrong asset could be delivered to the wrong location in • Smart scanning technology with rules for what to capture the wrong quantity with potentially serious consequences. and what NOT to capture. • Duplicate checking to stop scanning the same barcode Let’s look at a specific, real-world example. A codeREADr twice. customer, Lily Transportation, received a contract from one of • On-device database validation item-by-item for kitting, the world’s largest grain companies to design and implement picking, packing, assembly, etc. a tracking system for grain deliveries. • Matching a barcode scan to a subsequent barcode scan. If matched, the result is valid. In nor, the result is invalid. Why? Because another provider’s driver delivered the wrong • Alter Scan technology to match scans to the data formats grain to a silo. That one mistake caused the unfortunate death used. of many cows, inflicting a loss of $250,000. To stop that from • Artificial Reality (AR) to visually target the right barcode happening again, Lily implemented a barcode tracking system and select it once visually identified as the correct to not only collect data but also to validate that the right grain barcode to capture. is loaded into the right silo. The Future How Can Edge Computing Help? Smartphones and tablets are powerful computing devices Edge computing (sometimes referred “On-Device Validation”) ideally suited for edge computing. They offer fast processing, works with or without Internet connectivity. An invalid scan data storage, and an entire ecosystem of native applications. or entry can be ignored by the receiving server, or it can even This will help drive edge computing technology forward over be blocked from being captured and posted to the cloud. the coming years.

Read article on our site | 14 | Q4 2020 RECENT BARCODE NEWS

Socket Mobile’s SocketScan S550 Contactless Reader achieves Apple Wallet compatibility Socket Mobile, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCKT), erated payload from the mobile pass, a leading innovator of data capture and then transmitting this payload over se- delivery solutions for enhanced produc- cure Bluetooth to an iPad or other de- tivity, today announced that the Sock- vice running a connected application. etScan S550 Contactless Membership Card Reader/Writer has passed Apple “The S550 delivers an engaging, con- Pay “VAS” (Value Added Service) certi- tactless, and frictionless experience for fication process. The S550 now com- your customers and guest using mobile plies with Apple’s NFC VAS Protocol to passes. The Capture SDK provides our select and retrieve mobile passes from developers with the tools to use the the Apple wallet resident on iPhones magic of the Apple VAS eco-system. and Apple Watches. infrastructure of iOS VAS, enabling or- We’re excited to be at the forefront of ganizations and companies to deliver these new mobile pass capabilities and Mobile passes are virtual cards, or dig- exceptional user experiences. their ability to improve customer expe- itized cards, that are stored in a user’s riences,” says Vince Coli, Staff Director, Apple wallet. These mobile passes can Socket Mobile’s focus is loyalty cards, Technical Product Marketing. be used for loyalty programs, mem- memberships, and other customer-re- bership cards, event tickets, coupons/ lated services. The S550 can automat- Socket’s Capture SDK enables its app offers, check-in/checkout. The required ically request the appropriate mobile developer community to build connect- mobile passes can be activated by sim- pass for the franchise, store or event ed apps using the S550 to unite this ply tapping the iPhone or Apple Watch you are attending to ensure a fast and ecosystem. on the S500 reader. The end-user tap- convenient end-user experience. ping experience is similar to the Apple Pay process. However, instead of in- While the user interaction is simple, the teracting with the payment process, S550 provides a high level of security Continue Article it interacts with the vast ecosystem by capturing a cryptographically gen-

Digimarc Welcomes Alicia Syrett and Riley McCormack to its Board of Directors Digimarc Corporation (NASDAQ: Voices in Startups and Entrepreneur- “I am incredibly excited to join the Board DMRC), creator of the Digimarc Plat- ship” (LinkedIn), “30 Women in Venture of Digimarc, a company with a long his- form for digital identification and de- Capital to Watch in 2018” (Business tory of innovation. I believe Digimarc’s tection, announced today that Alicia Insider), “Five Next Generation Lead- Platform will be transformative for Syrett, Founder and CEO of Pantegrion ers Emerging from Tech” (Virgin), “25 leading retailers and consumer brands, Capital, has been elected to its Board of Angel Investors in New York You Need improving automatic identification in Directors, effective October 27, 2020. to Know” (AlleyWatch), “7 Inspiring retail and in supply chain, and breaking Leaders” (Womensphere) and “40 under new ground in addressing the global Ms. Syrett is an accomplished venture 40” (Wharton Magazine, The Wharton plastic recycling crisis,” said Syrett. capitalist, author, instructor at Colum- School at the University of Pennsyl- bia University, public speaker and a vania). Before Pantegrion, Ms. Syrett “I am looking forward to working with regular guest on various financial net- was the CAO and Managing Director the team by contributing strategic, work television shows. She is also a of Mount Kellett (now part of SoftBank operational, and media expertise and highly sought-after advisor to startups, Group) and the CAO of Farallon Capi- assisting the Company in achieving its early-stage, hyper-growth companies, tal. She began her career at Donaldson, growth potential.” and women-led organizations. She is a Lufkin, & Jenrette in Investment Bank- member of The Economic Club of New ing. Ms. Syrett currently serves on the Riley McCormack, Founder of TC- York, was on the Women in Asset Man- boards of NewAge, Inc., the New York M|Strategic.... agement Awards “Woman of the Year” Tech Alliance, and EnerKnol, an inno- shortlist, and has been named a “Top vative energy policy and data analytics Continue reading >> company. Q4 2020 | 15 | Best Warehouse Practices: 5S and Your Warehouse

Article By Don Voltaire Seiton (“Set in Order” or “Straighten”) emphasizes the need to organize the workspace to streamline the process and to Were you the messy kid in school? Are your parents still have all tools required to do a job available and ready at all nagging you to pick up after yourself (and you already have a times. family of your own)? For many companies, this step may mean organizing the For many, being clean and staying organized is part of every warehouse to keep work-in-process materials separate from day life. But there are others (you know who you are!) that finished goods. This could be accomplished through the use are organizationally-challenged where messy rooms have of color-coded labels or signs identifying WIP versus Finished translated to messy workspaces which can lead to inefficiency Goods. and, potentially, safety issues for those working in a busy warehouse or shipping department. For the shipping room work area, this may mean having clearly marked areas for tape guns, box cutters and binders The Japanese have practiced an organizational method called marking daily, weekly and monthly shipments. 5S for decades and focuses on five key areas: Seiso (“Shine”) emphasizes routine cleaning and inspection. Seiri (“Sort” in English) focuses on identifying the right Make your mother proud! Doing so will ensure that the work materials, the right equipment and the right people for your area shines and is ready for the next day with all tools in their warehouse. proper place and ready for use. Regular inspection will help identify when important equipment needs to be serviced or If your warehouse is dusty, are you using the right label and updated. adhesive that offers the right level of tackiness and adhesion? Not having the right materials for your environment or Employees also tend to have a greater sense of ownership products may result in added waste or mislabeled products and accountability when they believe the way they leave that may create negative customer perceptions. their work space is viewed as a reflection of them.

Not having the right materials for your environment or Printhead needs to be replaced? It’s better to find that out products may result in added waste or mislabeled products during inspection and cleaning instead of when you’ve got a that may create negative customer perceptions. rush order for your largest customer that needs to ship today!

Do you have the right personnel working in your warehouse? Seiketsu (“Standardize”) focuses on simplifying as much as Have they completed right back-safe and forklift training you can from processes to products. and had refresher courses to keep best practices fresh in their minds? Doing so will improve worker performance, Do you have two different brands of thermal printers that accountability while ensuring a safer environment and use different size ribbons and different roll sizes? Buy two of minimize your lost time and employee injury claims for your the same printer make and model and simplify by buying one organization. type of ribbon and one type of label.

Continue Reading >>

| 16 | Q4 2020 RECENT BARCODE NEWS

TOOTECH Launches Bar Code Label Printer ‘TTE-72FX’

TOOTECH (CEO Nam Eui-jo www. As it does not need a separate ribbon, tootech.co.kr), a manufacturer of the risk of information breach from the barcode label and label printer data left on the ribbon is reduced. The equipment, introduced its new laser low risk of faulty printing from not using label printer ‘TTE-72FX’, which uses ribbons and heads is another strength. lasers to print barcode labels. This new model is expected to expand the supply Moreover, the label printed by the laser of the products and popularize laser on the inner layer of the label is not label printers that are applied with their erased by substances such as alcohol own technology. It is also creating the or friction. This technology is patented new market for the laser label printers. in Korea, the US, Japan, China, and the EU (France, Germany, England, Italy, The key technology of TOOTECH’s Netherlands, and Belgium). The printer printer is that it prints the label on the boasts 2000 dpi, which is third times middle layer by shooting lasers on the higher than the conventional ink-based label directly. Unlike other label printers, label printer. “Since our foundation in 2003, we have It is an eco-friendly laser label printer introduced new models that reflect the that does not require consumables such Based on this technology, the printer client’s needs through field application, as ribbons and heads. is already widely being used in various test, and research and development. institutions and corporations such Hence, not using ribbons saves costs as colleges, accounting software and reduces industrial wastes by companies, and large corporations in preventing the generation of PET electronics. wastes associated with the part. Continue Article

BlueStar Appoints New Managing Director for Europe Operations

Manel Baranera promoted to Chief Board of Directors. European go-to-market strategies.” Operating Officer for BlueStar Europe Distribution B.V. He has an extensive background in “I am excited and honored to assume the IT distribution with over 24 years of position of COO for BlueStar Europe,” October 9, 2020 – Hebron, KY USA experience in the technology channel said Manel Baranera. “BlueStar has a – After eight years of service with both in Europe as well as the Americas. strong value-add offering to channel BlueStar, Keith Robinson is resigning partners, a high-quality customer base, from his position as Managing Director “We are pleased to extend this and an extensive line card. I believe of BlueStar Europe, effective October opportunity to Manel Baranera to direct with our solid business foundation and 8, 2020. We are extremely grateful for our European Operation,” stated Steve management team we will be able to Keith’s contributions to the company Cuntz, CEO/President of BlueStar.” expand our services and support to our over his tenure, and wish him the very “Over Manel’s tenure at BlueStar he has partners across Europe.” best in his future endeavors. been instrumental in the consolidation of 11 distribution companies into a Pan BlueStar is the leading global distributor Manel Baranera will be promoted European Business Model, as well as of solutions-based Digital Identification, from Chief Financial Officer to Chief leading our team in the expansion and Mobility, Point-of-Sale, RFID, IoT, AI. Operating Officer of BlueStar Europe management of our new Distribution AR, M2M, Digital Signage, Networking, Distribution B.V. effective immediately. Center and European Headquarters in Blockchain, and Security technology Manel has been with BlueStar for the The Netherlands. We look forward to solutions. BlueStar works exclusively past eight years, and serves on the Manel’s guidance and execution of our with Value Continue reading >>

Q4 2020 | 17 | RECENT BARCODE NEWS

PermaFlexTM Conforms to Curved Surfaces for Durable Identification

This identification is well shape once curved, they work with the suited for high value assets adhesive to remain attached. PermaF- lex can be attached to curved surfaces that have curved surfaces. as small as a 1” radius. Tag sizes are 3”(76mm) wide and range from 0.75” PermaFlexTM is the newest metal iden- (19mm) to 6.0” (152mm) long. Perma- tification tag to be added to - thePer Flex can be printed with one of InfoS- maLabel® family from InfoSight. Per- ight’s mill duty LabeLase® Laser Metal maLabel® is the scratch proof metal Tag Printers. tag that’s been the standard for dura- ble asset identification. InfoSight then InfoSight has always been committed to produced the PermaLabel® VI which providing identification and traceability added color coding for fast visual as- in the most difficult environments. Per- set identification. These metal tags are maFlex continues this tradition in offer- rigid and do not conform to curved sur- ing a tag for curved surfaces. faces very well. To request samples or find out more With PermaFlex, all of the durable information on InfoSight, visit www. properties and resistance of PermaLa- infosight.com or contact us at sales@ bel® exist, with the added benefit of a infosight.com. flexible tag that can conform to curved surfaces. Continue Article PermaFlex is attached to products with adhesive. Since the tags retain their

Barcode Test Announces AVD5 portable verifier

Android Verifier USB mini connection to the verifier’s Display with USB A connection is included. a 5” screen AVD5 is available exclusively from interfaces to Barcode Test LLC. It can be bundled all Axicon 1D with any new Axicon 1D verifier or verifiers. purchased separately as an aftermarket accessory. Axicon Barcode Test is a barcode quality developed specialist, offering barcode testing and released services, barcode quality training and their excellent consulting services. Android verifier software in Barcode Test LLC 2018. The 3297 Woodcreek Drive Charlottesville, Virginia, August 24, AVD5 is a Charlottesville, VA 22911 2020 Barcode Test LLC has announced complete solution, pre-loaded with their new portable display option for the Axicon Android. The necessary Axicon 1D verifiers. Named AVD5 for conversion cable from the display’s Continue reading >>

| 18 | Q4 2020 RECENT BARCODE NEWS

RFID Journal to Host Two Free Virtual Events

One program will focus on using RFID focused on how RFID and IoT tech- and IoT technologies to improve inven- nologies can be set up and used in the tory and warehouse management and warehouse. The program will focus on the other will educate companies on improving visibility of product move- how these technologies can improve ments and related transactions, as well food production and delivery. as increasing efficiencies, lowering la- bor costs, optimizing inventory levels, RFID Journal, the world’s leading source tracking assets and differentiating lo- of news and information about radio gistic services to gain a competitive ad- frequency identification and Internet of Heart of Any Supply Chain– Learn How vantage. Things (IoT) technologies, will host two RAIN RFID Makes it More Powerful.” virtual events in October. Both events Zebra Technologies is the Premier are free to attend. Parcel shipments are increasing dra- sponsor of the event and NXP is a gold matically as more people shop online sponsor. RFID and IoT for Inventory and Ware- because of the global pandemic. Good- house Management 2020 will be held land will explain how RFID technology RFID in the Food Chain 2020 will be on Oct. 27, from 11 AM to 1:30 PM can help to make parcel handling faster, held on Oct. 29, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 eastern, and will educate companies more cost-efficient and less prone to PM. This virtual event is designed to about how they can benefit from de- errors. educate growers, distributors of food ploying RFID and IoT technologies with- and food products manufacturers, as in their warehouse. James Goodland, Ygal Bendavid, a professor at École des well as systems integrators and other RAIN RFID Solutions Manager at NXP Sciences de la Gestion (ESG UQAM) in implementers, regarding... Semiconductors will be presenting a Montreal and an expert in RFID in the session entitled “The Warehouse is The warehouse, will present other sessions Continue Article

Epson Launches Next Generation Mobile-Friendly, Sleek POS Receipt Printers

LONG BEACH, Calif. – Aug. 3, 2020 – The new printers are perfect for Epson America, Inc., a supplier of indus- merchants such as full-service and try-leading Point of Sale (POS) solutions, quick-service restaurants as well as a today announced the new OmniLink® wide variety of retailers to help them TM-m30II-h, OmniLink TM-m30II-NT, deliver a superior customer experience. and TM-m30II compact POS receipt The solutions are available from Epson printers. These feature-rich, next-gen- authorized partners today. eration printers deliver the flexibility and convenience hospitality and retail “As mobile POS applications and online businesses need today. ordering continue to grow, today’s new products need to support the evolv- Smart interface connectivity, improved ing needs of merchants,” said Mauricio reliability1 across the product line, and Chacon, group product manager, Busi- New Solutions Help OmniLink technology provide numer- ness Systems Division, Epson America. Restaurants and Retailers ous benefits such as expanded USB “Customer experience is a big driver of Create a Better Customer POS peripheral device support, online our technology decisions. ordering, cloud printing, and network Experience connectivity to tablets in locations with Continue article>> wireless connectivity issues.

Q4 2020 | 19 | RECENT BARCODE NEWS

BlueStar Receives Bixolon’s ‘Distributor of the Year’ Award

BlueStar, the leading solutions- “Year after year, we have reported sig- based distributor, has won nificant growth from joining together these great companies [BlueStar and Bixolon’s 2019 ‘Distributor of Bixolon],” stated Paul Kim, “We remain the Year’ Award committed to strengthening our part- nerships with BlueStar as we move into BlueStar has been granted Bixolon’s the future.” 2019 ‘Distributor of the Year’ Award. According to Bixolon’s President, Paul “It is an honor to be given this award Kim, the ‘Distributor of the Year’ Award from Bixolon. Such recognition is a is granted to those who demonstrate humble validation of our Value-Added a heightened sense of year-to-year go-to-market strategy which enables growth and exceed performance goals resellers to grow their business,” says within reseller business development. Mark Fraker, Vice President of Market- ing for BlueStar. “We look forward to BlueStar has excelled throughout the growing the market with Bixolon and 2019 year achieving a growth of over supporting our customers to sustain 60% which stands as a peak record in and grow their business.” Bixolon sales. In support of the achieve- ment, many Bixolon resellers were able to leverage BlueStar’s Value Added ser- vices such as end user demand market- ing and financing to accelerate growth Continue Article opportunities. BlueStar’s proactive sales support structure also enabled partners though timely information, deal maintenance and solution builds. Vizinex RFID Makes Annual Inc. 5000 List of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies

Inc. magazine revealed today ruggedized construction to tackle asset that Vizinex RFID of Bethlehem, tracking and management challenges The 2020 Inc. 5000 companies are Pennsylvania, is No. 3,053 on its annual anywhere on Earth. This includes listed online at Inc.com, with the Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious tight spaces in data centers, extreme top 500 companies featured in the ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing temperatures in autoclaves and tough September issue of Inc. The 2020 Inc. private companies. The list showcases conditions in oil fields. 5000 achieved a three-year average the most successful independent small growth of more than 500 percent, and businesses in the U.S. “It is exciting to have Vizinex join fellow a median rate of 165 percent. The Inc. Pennsylvania companies like Netizen 5000’s aggregate revenue was $209 Vizinex RFID is the industry leader in and Signallamp Health in making this billion in 2019, accounting for more developing and manufacturing high year’s Inc. 5000 list. Being on Inc. than 1 million jobs in the past three performance RFID tags tailored to 5000 list reflects our team’s success years. specific applications and industries, at providing innovative solutions to such as healthcare and medical devices, customer problems. This has made For more information about custom or oil and gas, rental equipment, weapons, Vizinex the technological leader in RFID off-the-shelf RFID tags, contact Vizinex manufacturing and aerospace. Vizinex tagging solutions to a growing number at [email protected]. passive RFID tags utilize the latest RFID of businesses,” says Ken Horton, Co- chips, innovative antenna designs and Founder and CEO, Vizinex RFID. Continue reading >>

| 20 | Q4 2020 RECENT BARCODE NEWS

Axicon Barcode Verifier App for Android

Barcode-Test has an all in one, out of The app gives the linear verifier users clearly, with the ISO/IEC grade togeth- the box, Axicon linear barcode verifi- extra functionality, as they don’t need er with details of the individual parame- er connected to Samsung Galaxy J3 to use a PC or laptop to power the ver- ters. The saved scan files records can be smartphone using the Axicon Android ifier. If it is easier to take the verifier to transferred to a PC and form the basis software. Choose from the Axicon the product to check the barcode, then of any quality control system. 6000, 6500 or 7000 series verifiers. using the app with a tablet or smart- phone makes this very straightforward. Find it on Google Play phone connection is sufficient to power the verifier head, and you can see the The app software is based upon the Ax- www.Barcode-Test.com grade results immediately. icon PC verifier software, so the results of the verification are displayed equally Continue Article

Janam Unveils Most Affordable Temperature Sensing Kiosk

Guardian GT2 delivers As a first line of defense against contactless thermal detection COVID-19 and other contagions, GT2 screens an individual’s temperature to help businesses protect from up to 20 inches away and is more the health and safety of hygienic than thermometers that re- employees and guests quire physical contact. Available in pedestal, countertop and wall-mount- Janam Technologies, a leading provid- ed formats, GT2 easily integrates with er of rugged mobile computers and gates, turnstiles and door access con- contactless access solutions, today un- trol systems in sports and live enter- veiled the newest addition to its Guard- tainment venues, airports, hospitals, ian family of access management hard- retail establishments, restaurants, office ware solutions. With advanced thermal buildings, hotels, schools and virtually imaging and facial recognition technol- any organization that wants to reassure ogy, GT2 is an extremely affordable and staff and guests that they are entering a easy-to-deploy temperature sensing safe environment. kiosk that quickly and accurately reads the body temperature and confirms the Continue article>> identity of individuals entering a facility.

Q4 2020 | 21 | RECENT BARCODE NEWS

IAE Chooses NiceLabel’s Label Cloud to Vizinex RFID Introduces Flex- ible Tags for Asset Tracking Streamline Label Production and Works Vizinex RFID, the industry leader in de- Order Processes veloping and manufacturing high per- formance RFID tags tailored to specific IAE, a leading European manufactur- ing for a solution that could simplify the applications, recently introduced two er of livestock handling equipment, production process for users to print flexible, printable, on-metal tags that equestrian stabling, steel fencing and work in process (WIP) documents and offer strong performance at a reason- shelters, has implemented Label Cloud associated labels prior to starting a new able cost: 6012 Flexible and 6027 Flex- from NiceLabel, a leading global devel- works order. It was key to us that the ible. oper of label design software and label solution could help the user to identi- management systems. fy and pick all materials, assemble the Both RFID tags offer mounting flexibili- product and apply the appropriate la- ty, are durable and are IP67-rated, mak- IAE is using NiceLabel’s cloud-based La- bels.” ing them ideal for tracking many types bel Management System (Label Cloud) of assets in indoor settings. Asset track- to simplify and streamline its labeling The fact that IAE was able to get their ing in factories, hospitals, data centers and work order documentation pro- label management system in the Cloud and offices is easy and cost effective duction, enabling it in turn to save time was a key factor in their system selec- with the RFID tags. and resources. IAE decided to modern- tion process. “We’ve moved quite a few ize their label management process to of our systems to the Cloud. The fact With a flat, label-style form factor make updating this documentation eas- that we could have labeling in the Cloud and small footprint, the 6012 Flexible ier, and to ensure it could produce la- as well gave us a lot more flexibility in (60mm x 12mm x 0.8mm) is perfect for bels in parallel with the documentation. terms of integrations... small metal objects where the mount- ing footprint is limited and a low profile Jeremy Annable, Business Systems is desirable. Manager at IAE, said: “We were look- Continue Article Continue reading >>

BlueStar Adds Sneeze Guard Toshiba Spotlights New Rugged Product for POS Line Portable Printer at MODEX 2020 The POSShield, which acts as a sneeze Georgia World Congress Center in At- guard and limits the spread of germs, is lanta. Toshiba’s high-speed (up to six placed in between the cashier and the inches per second) FP2 printer delivers customer, and is comprised of a durable best-in-class performance producing steel frame and a protective plexiglass two-inch receipts, tickets and labels partition. for supply chain, logistics, material han- dling and retail applications. • Compatible with any existing POS or mPOS terminal A series of intuitive and ease-of-main- tenance features differentiate Toshiba’s • No countertop mounting or drilling newly launched printer. The FP2’s color required LCD enables clear visibility of battery levels, printer status and Bluetooth / • Lightweight and portable Wi-Fi connections. One-step, drop-in media loading optimizes productivity • Adjustable mounting poll Toshiba America Business Solutions will and efficiency while the printer’s alerts unveil its new rugged, lightweight and simplify maintenance and enhance per- Continue reading >> portable barcode printer at MODEX formance. 2020, March 9-12, booth 7324, at the Continue reading >> | 22 | Q4 2020 RECENT BARCODE NEWS

NiceLabel to provide free label cloud Vizinex RFID Adds Tags for Container and Pallet Tracking software to organizations fighting COVID-19

NiceLabel, a leading global developer of label design software and label man- agement systems, is offering free sub- scriptions of its cloud-based labeling solution and technical consulting- ser vices to organizations that have joined Vizinex RFID, the industry leader in de- the fight against COVID-19. veloping and manufacturing high per- formance RFID tags tailored to specific NiceLabel has launched the non-com- applications, recently added two tags mercial and non-profit-based initiative for non-metal containers to its prod- in order to help these organizations uct line. The 10325 Indoor Pallet and get much needed deliveries of medical on their new product lines to ensure 10326 Outdoor Pallet are for tracking equipment and supplies; respirators, that equipment and materials arrive on reusable wood and plastic containers disinfectants, masks or other critical the front line without delay. and custom transport packaging. supplies to those in need as quickly as possible. Organizations likely to qualify include The new RFID tags help manage con- manufacturers re-focusing on... tainers and the material they contain Having the cloud-based labeling solu- and are part of the product line that tion in place will enable these organiza- helps meet a range of a challenges for tions to produce new labels quickly and warehouse, yard and factory material rapidly add them to the packaging used Continue Article tracking.

The 10325 Indoor Pallet tag has a read range up to 18 feet and can be mount- ed with adhesive or screws. This low- cost tag is ideal for tracking material in Shift4 Payments Launches QR containers or on pallets in warehouses, stock rooms and other indoor environ- Pay, A New Contactless Payment ments. It offers durable, reliable perfor- Solution mance at a very low cost. The 10326 Outdoor Pallet tag is wa- payment terminal and completing the terproof and has a read range of up to transaction on their phone. There is no 19.7 feet \ for non-metal containers additional charge for Shift4 clients to exposed to indoor and outdoor condi- implement QR Pay at their business. tions. This tag offers a durable shell and a low profile, and it can be mounted Shift4 Payments CEO Jared Isaacman with the provided adhesive or screws. stated, “As businesses across the coun- try reopen, they will need to adapt to Both tags can be labeled (for a mod- changing consumer preferences includ- est additional charge) with a barcode Shift4 Payments (NYSE: FOUR), a lead- ing a new focus on contactless technol- or human readable information so that ing provider of integrated payment pro- ogies. We developed QR Pay to provide assets can be easily identified when an cessing solutions, today introduced a a completely touchless payment expe- RFID reader is not available. new, contactless payment technology rience that’s secure, safe, and conve- called QR Pay. The technology allows nient.” Continue reading >> consumers to pay their bill at restau- rants, retail stores and hotels by simply Continue reading >> scanning a QR code on the receipt or

Q4 2020 | 23 | BARCODE RESOURCES HISTORY OF BARCODES The bar code, also referred to as a UPC (Universal Product Code), although that is just one type of bar code, was invented for inventory tracking purposes in stores. Learn more >>

ALL ABOUT 1D BARCODES Have you ever looked at the black and white symbol on your grocery product packaging, or on the cover of a book that you just bought or even a department store receipt and wondered how the information is encoded in those bars and spaces? Read more >>

HOW TO GET A BARCODE So, you have a product, and you want to be able to sell it through retailers. Now you’re wondering how to get a bar code, or more specifically, a Universal Product Code (UPC). How to get a barcode >>

HOW TO CHOOSE A BARCODE READER OR SCANNER There are many considerations when choosing a type of barcode reader or scanner. Learn more >>

Careers in Barcoding, RFID, Supply Chain

Time for a new job? The Barcode and RFID industry is a dynamic and exciting place to work. These technologies continue to grow and penetrate every nook and cranny of businesses all over the world! Consider a career in a growing industry that adds value to everything it touches. This page lists technology careers that were either submitted to us, or that we have come across, and are subject to change without notice. We make no representation as to actual availability or consistency with the title and accept no liability whatsoever. Job seekers must conduct their own due diligence.

AB&R - American Barcode & RFID - Technical Sales Rep, Service and Repair Technician and mid-level .Net Software Developer

ScanSource.com - (SC, FL, AZ and elsewhere) assorted - finance, marketing, merchandising, sales http://www.scansource.com/en/careers/job-board

BlueStarInc.com (KY and worldwide offices) - assorted - business development, sales, warehouse http://www.bluestarinc.com/nl-de/about-bluestar/careers.html

Zebra (IL, GA, CA, MO, NY, RI and others) (about 60 openings posted) https://www.zebra.com/us/en/about-zebra/work/careers.html

GS1 - http://www.gs1.org/careers

Honeywell, Intermec (world wide - over 3,000 job openings posted) http://www.careersathoneywell.com/en/job-search-results/

Motorola Solutions (world wide - over 260 jobs posted) - http://careers.motorolasolutions.com/

Find more jobs here...

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MANUFACTURING PROCESS TRACKING WITH RFID pg 2 ARE YOU OUTGROWING YOUR BARCODE LABELING SOFTWARE? pg 4 MOVING PRODUCT PACKAGING PROCESSES FROM CHAOS TO CALM pg 8

Q4 2020 | 25 | BARCODE.COM is available for purchase or lease

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