Top Technologies to Look for in 2020

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Ride-hailing apps, 4K television, interactive smart speakers, online streaming services, and self-driving cars are just a few of the ground-breaking technologies that did not exist ten years ago. As a matter of fact, access to LTE services and 4G network speed has only been popular since 2015. While the world of efficient automation has redefined the past decade on the consumer front, it is also reshaping the industrial landscape.

Using a Zebra Tablet While Loading a Pallet into a Delivery Truck

Using a Zebra Tablet While Loading a Pallet into a Delivery Truck

Working closely alongside warehouses of all shapes and sizes, Avalon Integration has implemented the most revolutionizing technologies of this decade. From rugged mobile computers to intuitive printing software, modern-day enterprise-technology has integrated greater degrees of accuracy, productivity, and visibility from packing to shipping. However, we know well there is no limit to innovation. That’s why we look forward confidently towards the opportunities the new decade will bring. While we can’t predict the future, there are several technologies worth keeping an eye on within the coming years.

Revolutionizing the World of Modernization

TC77 Warehouse Technologies

The TC77 from Zebra Is Used to Improve Warehouse Technologies

Research conducted by Zebra Technologies has outlined numerous challenges modern warehouses can expect in the future, such as:

  • Technology usage
  • Efficient labor
  • Capacity utilization
  • Integrating quality warehouse management systems
  • Inventory management within omnichannel shopping

Standing as a practical and cost-effective solution to these issues, warehouse automation brings the promise of streamlined operations, efficient labor, and lowered operational costs. A few examples of successful automation tools include:

  • RFID Technology – Expanding visibility beyond the four walls, RFID tags, and readers allow workers to track moving assets throughout the warehouse floor. Furthermore, RFID scanners minimize scan time by correctly documenting several codes with one trigger pull, allowing your workforce to process more orders accurately.
  • Internet of Things – Much like the consumer world, enterprise technology can also be connected and managed at a large scale through the Internet of Things. This means your warehouse can manage devices, battery life, security updates, and much more without impacting workflow.
  • Power Carts – Omnichannel retail brings the opportunity for more complex supply chains, ultimately demanding more from your workforce. Mobility solutions such as Newcastle’s Power Cart alleviates bottlenecks and long travel routes while also reducing labeling errors by 90%.
  • Wearable Technology and Voice Picking – Further boosting worker mobility and versatility, wearable technology such as Zebra’s WT6000 wearable computer increases productivity by 15% and can be easily paired with Bluetooth technology to create an efficient voice picking solution.

Get a head start in efficient modernization with Avalon Integration. Count on 20 years of experience when you contact us to learn more about how these and other technologies can maximize productivity and ROI within your operations.

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Chill, We Have the Solution that Handles Cold Storage

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Whether in or out of the warehouse, cold temperatures can create challenging environments for people and inventory alike. However, when it comes to cold storage, low temperatures are unavoidable, and unfortunately, even enterprise-grade devices may not survive drastically low temperatures as they face:

  • Wide temperature swings as workers move between a freezer and non-freezer zones
  • Thick gloves that impair ergonomic features
  • Unadaptable batteries that may not function in the cold
VC8300 Cold Storage Showing App Dashboard

VC8300 Cold Storage Showing App Dashboard

Moreover, cold temperatures also affect your consumables, creating frost or condensation, thus leaving your barcodes nearly illegible. Simply put, efficient cold storage requires durable technology capable of enhancing productivity in harsh environments. In our mission to bring the next edge of innovation to our clients, Avalon Integration partners with Zebra Technologies to integrate consistent efficiency back into cold storage with the 3600 Series ultra-rugged barcode scanners.

Nothing Like the Rest

Worker Scanning Part for Cold Storage with a 3600 Series Ultra-Rugged Barcode Scanner

Worker Scanning Part for Cold Storage with a 3600 Series Ultra-Rugged Barcode Scanner

Unlike competitor’s handhelds, Zebra’s 3600-class scanners have been engineered for the harshest conditions with a working temperature range between -22o F to 122 o F (corded) or -4 o F to 122 o F (cordless) and 30% more working range. Secure data- capture accuracy and continuous visibility with the next level of rugged technology.

  • Enhanced data-capture capabilities – Enjoy more first-time scans for your 1D and 2D barcodes. Reach the farthest warehouse racks with long-range data-capture that extends as far as 70ft.   
  • Readily rugged design – Venture into the harshest conditions with an environmentally tested device that withstands pouring rain, condensation, dust, and up to 5,000 tumbles.  
  • Secured connectivity that fits your workforce – While other Bluetooth cordless scanners can impair connectivity, the 3600-Series come with Zebra’s WiFi Friendly mode, eliminating workflow disruptions.
  • Simplified device management – Complimentary tools such as 123scan and Scanner Management Service facilitate scanner deployment and maintenance, monitoring battery performance, and overall device health. Lower TCO with less downtime and maximized device lifespan.

Pair your ultra-rugged scanner with ultra-rugged labels, designed by you and for you when you customize your Zebra consumables to fit temperature requirements. Choose from over 300 pretested materials to develop quality labels that preform flawlessly beyond the moment of application.

Not sure how to start your solution? Contact Avalon Integration today for a close walkthrough on how to strengthen your workforce with the most durable technology available.

To see the full capabilities of Zebra’s 3600-Series Scanners, download our application brief here.

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Measuring Productivity with Mobility DNA

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An efficient tracking system can be the only thing standing between you and complete operational chaos. For example, an enhanced asset management system can yield unparalleled benefits such as:

  • Seamless productivity as workers know where and when to find assets
  • Maximized profits backed by accurate stock quantities
  • Increased customer loyalty

From dock to doorway, inventory must be accounted for in order to mitigate overstocks and/or product shrinkage. Furthermore, while durable hardware and labels are vital in establishing a reliable tracking system, complete visibility also depends on intelligent software. 

TC77 Utilizing Zebras Mobility DNA Reliable Tracking System

TC77 Utilizing Zebras Mobility DNA Reliable Tracking System

As a Zebra Premier Solutions Partner, Avalon Integration sets a higher standard of inefficient inventory management with data capture and computing software – all designed to strengthen your ergonomic device. When it comes to enhanced inventory management, Avalon equips the workforce with Mobility DNA, Zebra’s line of intuitive applications dedicated to maximizing warehouse visibility. 

Intelligent Visibility Leads to Intelligent Actions with Mobility DNA

TC51 Uses Mobility DNA to Simplify Common Tracking Tasks

TC51 Uses Mobility DNA to Simplify Common Tracking Tasks

Maximizing accuracy through Zebra’s next generation of Android devices, Mobility DNA applications simplify common tracking tasks such as:

  • Scanning – Experience the next edge of automation with SimulScan by capturing up to 20 barcodes with one trigger pull, eliminating extraneous hours of individual scanning.
  • Data entry – Reduce the errors associated with manual data entry through DataWedge. Simply capture data via scanner, camera, NFC, or peripherals to share it to your open applications.  
  • Workforce communication – Clean communication channels enhance visibility as your workforce can better operate as a team. Applications such as Workforce Connect transform your Zebra devices into efficient push-to-talk communicators with minimal backend configurations.

Plus, with WorryFree WiFi delivering enhanced connectivity, your applications stay running anywhere within the four walls, providing easy access to your inventory’s information at all times.

From RFID tags to rugged handhelds, Avalon Integration is committed to equipping you with the best solutions available. If you are not sure how to start enhancing your tracking system, get a free assessment of your current workflows for a customized visibility solution centered on your business’ unique needs.

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Final Countdown: 10 Ways Custom Labels Optimize Your Business

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It’s that time of year again where we’re encouraged to look to the past and envision the future. Within the past months, Avalon Integration has been investigating the various purposes custom labels bring to multiple businesses, and as the year comes to a close, we are glad to remind you of the top ten ways Zebra’s certified custom labels enhance productivity. Forget smeared and torn labels and start optimizing your workforce with Zebra custom labels.

Zebra Custom Labels Reliable from Start to Finish

MC3300 Scanning Zebra Custom Labels on Pallet

MC3300 Scanning Zebra Custom Labels on Pallet

Meticulously crafted with a 23-point inspection, all Zebra consumables begin their journey with one goal: maximizing efficiency. As your provider of quality supplies and solutions, Avalon Integration equips your future with a variety of benefits, including:

  1. Consistent printing quality using unsubstituted inks and varnishes
  2. 2,000 hours saved in the packaging when you switch to read-to-stick adhesives
  3. Customized quality crafted from over 300 pretested materials
  4. Surpassed standards achieved with UL/cUL and CSA approved labels
  5. Customized texts, shapes, and sizes
  6. Heightened brand awareness created with up to 12 water-based colors, 8 UV colors, and PMS color matching
  7. Optimized tracking systems backed by smear-resistant labels
  8. Maximized label longevity, retaining longevity up to 3 years after the initial print
  9. Increased printer lifespan thanks to premier labels that minimize residual pileup
  10. Free printhead replacements ensured through Zebra’s Printhead Protection Program

We invite you to see the final results for yourself and implement your production line with Avalon’s Free Ship Program. Complete your order of Zebra’s custom labels by December 31st and get free fast ground shipping anywhere within the continental U.S. and Canada.

Zebra Custom Labels on Electronics in a Warehouse

Zebra Custom Labels on Electronics

Don’t get stuck repeating the past. Explore the many uses of Zebra’s rugged line of consumables designed to implement your warehouse productivity down to the smallest assets. Replace inefficient consumables for superior supplies when you choose Avalon Integration as your provider for quality label solutions.

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This Is How RFID Is Changing the World

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With over 15 million tags deployed worldwide, RFID technology continues to revolutionize multiple industries across the globe, establishing an $11 billion industry of its own. Technology researchers at IDTechEX forecast a continuous increase in RFID solutions as new implementations emerge such as:

  • Improved baggage management for airlines
  • Threshold management in healthcare facilities 
  • Automated (cashier-less) shopping
  • Enhanced athlete and sport tracking

Set with endless possibilities, RFID technology has also found its way into warehouses and distribution centers, redefining the meaning of efficient visibility.  The same technology that tracks 100mph baseballs can be seamlessly integrated into modern supply chains to eliminate 100% of human-attributed errors. From maximized customer satisfaction to diminished product shrinkage, Avalon Integration implements RFID solutions designed for optimal success.

What does Enhanced Visibility Look Like

FX9500 Warehouse RFID Scanners are best in class from Avalon as your RFID Solutions Provider

FX9500 RFID Scanner is the Enhanced Visibility Solution

No matter what solution you need, durability should always be a crucial deciding factor. That’s why we use Zebra Technologies’ RFID scanners and tags since they are built to survive and thrive in the most extreme conditions. Going beyond standard tracking systems, new RFID technology can:

  • Improve pick paths – With read ranges as accurate as 4ft, RFID readers can help optimize pick paths since asset locations are visible at a glance. Furthermore, tags can also help track moving assets and employees, providing you with real-time visibility to inefficient pathways and bottlenecks.
  • Automate restricted areas – Because RFID tags can retain more information than standard barcodes, they can be used to restrict hazardous workspaces. Simply add clearance codes to employee badges and profiles.
  • Track seasonal trends – Providing more asset details, RFID tags can offer better insight into new trends and implementations. Whether you are tracking deployed devices or holiday inventory, RFID labels store the actionable intelligence you need to strategize your workflow.
  • Uphold compliance standards – Since RFID enhances visibility, maintaining industry standards becomes easier as needed information is readily available with one scan.

Take a closer look at Zebra’s Quality RFID Labels


Don’t just take our word for it. See the benefits of efficient RFID technology when you contact us for a free demonstration at your convenience. From cost-effective tags to ruggedly ergonomic scanners, let RFID come and change your world with unmatched productivity.

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RFID on Metal is Finally Here

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Since its inception in 1948, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) has revolutionized tracking operations across multiple industries. Developed to identify ally and enemy aircrafts during World War II, RFID technology has no permeated in several industries. Tracking pharmaceutical specimens, warehouse stock deliveries, maintenance records, and everything else in between, today’s RFID labels have been optimized through the years to adapt to new application requirements, yet this insightful solution seems to constantly run into one nemesis: metal. 

Supplies ZT410 Labels RFID on Metal

Tackling on-metal applications with ease, Zebra’s new ZT400 RFID printers set a new standard in asset tracking with on-demand metal-friendly tags

From costly scanning equipment to manufactured inventory, warehouses face a challenge when it comes to labeling metal assets. Acting as a conductor, metal reflects RFID signals, hindering read performance. While regular paper-based barcodes may serve as a viable solution, Avalon Integration is proud to work alongside Zebra Technologies in implementing the next level of RFID efficiency. Tackling on-metal applications with ease, Zebra’s new ZT400 RFID printers set a new standard in asset tracking with on-demand metal-friendly tags. 

On-Demand Solutions for the On-Demand Market

RFID experts aim at extending these benefits to metal assets with the ZT411

RFID experts aim at extending these benefits with the ZT411

Integrated into retail, RFID tags have been reported to lower inventory shrinkage by nearly 55%. Equipping warehouses with the correct printer, reader, and scanner, our RFID experts aim at extending these benefits to metal assets with the ZT411. See how Zebra’s latest RFID printer maximizes visibility while lowering operational costs.

  • Tag crucial devices throughout the supply chain: Instead of only tagging inventory, metal-friendly RFID tags can track mobile computers, tablets, and other enterprise devices to prevent shortage and downtime.
  • Secure reliable identification in harsh environments: Thicker than typical RFID tags, metal-friendly labels are still strengthened to survive the harsher conditions metal encounters, such as extreme temperatures, water, and rust.
  • Amplify printer functionality with compliant labels: Whether it be national or global requirements, Avalon makes sure your entire solution meets standards with an easy-to-adjust solution.
  • Create crisp tags at faster printing speed: This plug-and-play solution redefines agility with 14ips printing speeds, delivering up to 300 dpi to create resistant yet flexible tracking tags.

To learn more about Zebra’s newest industrial printer, download our brochure here.

Maximize uptime with the most versatile and durable RFID printer on the market, made the demanding environment of today’s warehouses. Start optimizing warehouse visibility when you contact us for an assessment of your inventory tracking system and schedule a free demonstration of the ZT411.

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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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9 Ways Quality Labels Maximize ROI

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If time is money, then it’s fair to assume no one wants to spend more time than necessary working with faulty labeling systems. From scraping misprinted labels to reprinting incorrect tags, inefficient labeling systems can drain time -and money- from your supply chain. While many factors can impact label efficiency, Avalon Integration focuses on a cost-effective and durable solution: Zebra Certified Printing Supplies. 

Thoroughly pre-tested for continued performance, Zebra’s quality consumables aggregate several unmatched benefits that simplify workflows. Ready to face wear and tear, Zebra labels go beyond eliminating extraneous labeling costs by reducing ownership costs in nine budget-friendly, eco-conscious, and brand-centered ways.

1. Maximize Printer Lifespan and Insure Zebra Quality Consumables

Maximize Printer Lifespan and Insure Zebra Quality Consumables

Designed with printers in mind, Zebra’s consumables are careful as they run through your printer, reducing printhead wear and premature printhead failure, which could cost productivity loss with surprise downtime. 

2. Reduce Return Charges from Inaccurate Work Orders

Reduce Return Charges from Inaccurate Work Orders

In 2016 the United States Postal Service reported 140 million returned packages, contributing to approximately $113 billion spent in returned online purchases. Inaccurate labels impact work orders since barcode information may not be readily legible. Made with resilient coating, Zebra labels remain legible throughout your supply chain.

3. Faster Replenishment

Faster Replenishment

Erase replenishment wait times since Zebra keeps over 400 synthetic labels and tags ready to ship within 24 hours. Maintain continuous uptime with rugged labels crafted for hard-to-label applications.

4. Print Only the Labels You Need

Print Only the Labels you need

The average American can use up to 650 pounds of paper per year. Though small, reducing the number of unnecessary labels printed can impact your company’s carbon footprint. Eliminate wasted paper with Zebra’s Continuous label to use up label surfaces intelligently.  

5. Create Strong Labels Without Harmful Plastics and Papers

Create Strong Labels without Harmful Plastics and Papers

Cheap plastics and threads leave behind printer-clogging debris and can result in an easily torn label. Count on long-lasting label performance when you design rugged labels. Use over 300 pretested materials and create a label suitable for your environment in and out of the warehouse.

6. Lessen Product Shrinkage with Trackable Labels

Tracking Labels

The longer labels last, the more visibility your supply chain maintains. Monitor and manage your inventory’s movement with labels that survive the industrial landscape. Plus, label shelves and aisles to further boost the visibility of your valuable assets.

7. Implement worker safety with printed visual cues and direct quality control

Implement Worker Safety with Printed Visual Cues and Direct Quality Control

Maximized visibility is not only beneficial to your customers. Create visible compliance labels and safety signs with color labels. Using Zebra’s IQ Color technology, give your labels a new level of versatility as they direct quality control, work in progress, and more.

8. Streamline workflows to lessen worker stress

Streamline Workflows to Lessen Worker Stress

Aisle, rack, and floor labels can work in conjunction to direct workers through your warehouse with minimal confusion. Furthermore, unadulterated barcodes drive down worker stress as they lead to more first-time successful scans.

9. Secure On-Time Deliveries with Shipping Labels That Last Outs

Secure on Time Deliveries with Shipping Labels that Last Outs

As e-commerce sets a new standard for delivery, your customers expect faster shipping rates. Therefore, shipping labels must be accurate and durable to withstand wherever field services take them, for missing/wrong shipment orders can stain customer satisfaction, possibly costing customer loyalty.

Don’t waste time with inferior labels. Boost your ROI with Avalon Integration’s labeling solutions. Speak to our warehousing experts for a free label assessment to find a solution that perfectly fits your needs.  

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A Clean Printhead is a Happy Printhead

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Much like keeping up with car maintenance, preserving a functional printer is essential for your workflow and requires careful attention to small details issues before they become irreversible damage. Replacing a car filter is better than replacing a whole cooling system. Similarly, replacing low-quality consumables is easier (and better) than replacing a $900 printhead.

Unlike a broken car, damaged printheads cost an absurd amount of money in lost productivity, extended downtime, and constant reprints. If you want a happy functional printer, the answer is simple. Keep your printheads clean with quality consumables, now easily accessible with Avalon Integration’s Free Ship Program, and get free shipping for your label order from now till December 31st. 

Optimal Printer + Zebra Consumables = Perfect Marriage

Replacing Printer Printhead

Replacing Printer Printhead

Mitigate printhead failure when you feed your printers Zebra certified custom supplies, designed to keep printheads cleaner and operational with every run as they leave less adhesive and debris pile up. Plus, maximize printer value with guaranteed consistent quality designed by you, for you.

  • Create custom consumables from over 300 pretested materials
  • Set a standard of excellence with unsubstituted inks and varnishes
  • Enhance client engagement with labels designed specifically for your brand
  • Reduce printhead wear with thoroughly inspected supplies engineered for thermal printing
  • Enjoy free ground freight anywhere in the continental U.S. and Canada*

Undergoing a 23-point inspection, Zebra labels optimize your workflow from printer to shelving as they remain functional in extreme conditions, whether it be a hot printer or a freezing cold warehouse without smears or tears. That means fewer reprints, which ultimately extends your printer’s lifespan while giving you maximum return of investment.

Optimal Printer Zebra Consumables

Optimal Printer Zebra Consumables

Further your printer’s longevity with Zebra’s Printhead Protection Program when you choose Zebra as your exclusive consumables supplier. Ensure high-quality prints while getting free printhead replacements when the time ultimately comes for an exchange. 

Nobody has time for a faltering printer. A happy printer means happy employees, which really means happy profits for you and your workforce. Specialized inefficient solutions, Avalon Integration can help boost your printer’s performance when contacting a consumables specialist today.

*See program details for further qualifications.

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You are What You Eat…And That’s Why You Need Compliance Labels

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Labels matter. Such a small statement is constantly put to the test in supermarkets across the nation since labels serve as the deciding factor in allowing foods to fall into customers’ hands. Equipped with an extensive list of requirements and regulations, government organizations such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) studies product labels to make sure foods contain what labels say. As a result, inaccurate labels can cost more than ink and time.

The 2012-2018 litigation between POM Wonderful and Coca-Cola serves as a prime example of the damage a little label can cause. Minute Maid’s 99% apple-based Pomegranate Blueberry Juice could have cost over $10 billion in settlements for POM’s lost profits. Furthermore, inaccurate packaging can also impact storage and transportation, leading to spoiled goods and lost inventory, which can also result in recalls and illnesses. To avoid the pitfalls of navigating through compliance labeling, Avalon Integration helps minimize labeling costs and errors with versatile Zebra Certified Consumables, designed to expand asset visibility while meeting application requirements.

Protect Assets with Compliance Labels

Protect Assets with QLN420 Compliance Labels

Protect Assets with QLN420 Compliance Labels

Food processing labels have been subject to scrutiny for decades. As new trends emerge, warehouses and distribution centers must keep up with new compliance practices while updating labels to reflect changes. Adaptable and durable, Zebra Certified Consumables help secure proper handling with three top benefits:

  • Expanded label longevity: Tested for both high humidity and extreme cold storage Zebra labels retain legibility in harsh environments without smudges, allowing your workforce to better handle and store your inventory.  
  • Label customization:  Using over 300 pretested materials, Zebra labels can be designed to fit your application requirements. Change color, shape, text, and graphics to design custom labels that best represent your inventory and safety codes. 
  • Faster replenishment – Sourced from four labeling converter facilities, Zebra labels can be shipped quickly to any location within continental North America, so if a reprint is needed, new labels are readily available. 

Identification labels will only become more predominant with the appearance of new foods and best-practice policies. Implement efficiency and adaptability into your workflow when you start your labeling solution with Avalon Integration and maximize visibility and customer trust with a labeling system that values your customers as much as you do. 

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