Get ROI When You Match Your Barcode Printer to the Label Use

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There are no real shortcuts to quality, just smart choices. Your barcode label printing is no exception. You could try to use the same ribbons or media for a variety of label applications, but unless they all serve the same purpose, you’re wasting time and money. Avalon Integration’s experts remind you that you get ROI when you match your barcode printer to the label use.

Zebra 110xi4 Barcode Printer in a Warehouse with man pushing a dolly

There are literally thousands of options for thermal printer media, so you can pinpoint the perfect match that handles the way your printer operates and produces labels that withstand the conditions they face.

Here are the factors that contribute to choosing the right supplies for your barcode printer.

Barcode Printer Type

Make Sure you have the Right Printer for the Right Label

If you’re producing your labels on a thermal printer, you use either a direct thermal or thermal transfer printing technology. Direct thermal applies heat directly to the media, so you need labels that have been chemically treated to react to the heating process. Direct thermal is a good choice for short-term labels, but the print fades over time, even faster when exposed to sunlight or heat. Thermal transfer is a process that applies heat to a ribbon, which then transfers the ink to the media. The result is a more durable print that resists exposure to light and heat. The label media presents a wider variety: paper, vinyl, polyester, polypropylene, and polyimide. You must match the media to your printer’s technology. It’s not interchangeable.

Barcode Printer Speed

A Zebra Barcode Printer Printing a Label Very Fast

Each printer has a specified print speed. High-speed printers require labels and media that are designed for them. Be sure you know the calibration of any media before you use it in your printer. For the best quality in a high-speed thermal printer, choose a high-speed wax ribbon.

Barcode Printer Resolution

Zebra High Resolution Barcode Printer

The printer’s resolution is measured in dots per inch (dpi). The higher the dpi, the finer the resolution. For micro-labels, you probably print at 600 dpi, while many applications are fine at 203 or 300 dpi. Again, match your barcode label to the printer to ensure quality.

Surface Shape and Material

Zebra Supplies Are Versatile for Any Job

Is your label being applied to a flat surface or a curved one? Is it smooth, like metal, or rough, like cardboard? These are important considerations for your barcode label supplies. Choose a substrate that is designed to adhere to the surface you’re labeling so that you don’t have to worry about labels falling off—which is a costly error.

Environmental Conditions

Media Environmental Specifications

Think about what the label will endure. Will it be exposed to bright sunlight or extreme temperatures? To stay adhered to and readable for the life of the label, pay attention to the media’s environmental specifications.

Chemical Resistance

Zebra Printers are Chemical Resistance for any environment

Similar to the exposure to environmental elements, be aware of the chemicals that might come in contact with the label. Some synthetic substrates are engineered to withstand chemicals of different strengths, from alcohol and gasoline to acetone and xylene.

With all these factors that impact the quality of your barcode labels, make sure your supplier understands how you’re using the supplies. If you’re unsure, ask for samples so you can test the media before ordering a large amount. Avalon Integration strongly recommends Genuine Zebra Supplies because of its consistent quality. We know that every product has been extensively tested and meets the specifications.

There’s another reward for using Zebra supplies. You’ll never pay for another printhead replacement as long as you keep using Genuine Zebra Supplies. That’s about $400 savings per printhead. Enroll for free in the Printhead Protection Program. And when you need someone who truly understands how to make the most of your barcode label printing, talk to us at Avalon Integration.

Please don’t waste your money on bargain barcode printer supplies. They aren’t a bargain at all. Instead, contact Avalon Integration to make the right choice and we’ll pay you back with the Printhead Protection Program. It’s free to enroll and the rewards are substantial!

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Using the Right Supplies in Your Thermal Printer Delivers Long-Term Rewards

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It happens all the time. A customer calls us with a printer that isn’t working right. “The labels are smudged.” “The barcodes won’t scan.” “The printer keeps jamming.” And our first question is, “What kind of ribbon and media are you using?” Because Avalon Integration’s team has learned that the rewards for using the right thermal printer supplies deliver long-term rewards.

Zebra Thermal Printer Printing a Barcode in a clothing store

There are lots of “bargains” to be found when shopping for thermal printer ribbons and media. But those discounted deals come with their own hidden cost. Inferior products cause anything from poor print quality and adhesion to printer failure.

For example:

  • Dust and debris from subpar media are left behind in the printer. It leads to abrasion and build-up that gradually leads to a printer problem.
  • The adhesive oozes from the label and into the inner workings of the printer, creating a sticky mess that causes the barcode printer to seize up.
  • Inferior ribbons wrinkle or break, which requires the cost and time to replace them.

So, while you save money on buying the supplies, you spend those savings (and more) on printer repair, the waste of your IT staff’s help desk time, and the cost of replacing the low-quality supplies. In some cases, the use of cheap supplies on an ongoing basis will shorten the lifespan of your thermal printer, costing you in both ROI and total cost of ownership.

Is it worth it to save a few bucks now on Thermal Printer Supplies?

A Worker Peeling a Label in a Warehouse

When we recommend a product to an Avalon Integration customer, it’s our reputation on the line. One of the main reasons Avalon Integration recommends Genuine Zebra Supplies is that we know we can count on them for consistent quality. When you have a brand that works—whether it’s a barcode label or an automobile—you stick with it, right?

Zebra manufactures all of its labels, tags, receipt paper, and thermal printer ribbons according to strict standards. They test them with the same diligence. From one order to the next, you don’t have to worry about the quality, because they’ve gone to great lengths to ensure it.

When you commit to using Genuine Zebra Supplies in your barcode printer, you gain more than consistent quality and far fewer repairs. Zebra and Avalon Integration will supply you with free printhead replacements for as long as you own your Zebra printer. All you have to do is continue to feed it only Zebra supplies.

When you figure that an average printhead costs about $400, you’re reducing the TCO while increasing the quality, life, and reliability of your Zebra printer.

Get Premium Barcode Printer Consumables.

ZC100 Thermal Printer - Printing Card Closeup

Please don’t waste your money on bargain barcode printer supplies. They aren’t a bargain at all. Instead, contact Avalon Integration to make the right choice and we’ll pay you back with the Printhead Protection Program. It’s free to enroll and the rewards are substantial!

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Bridge the Gap Between Mobile Workforce and the Office

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You put your field workforce out on the road to increase agility and give your customers the rapid response they expect. But to make sure every driver and field tech can do their jobs without delays, you need to keep them connected—with the office and each other. Avalon Integration is always on the lookout for mobility solutions that bridge the gap between the mobile workforce and the office. The new Zebra TC77 touch computer handles that task quite nicely.

When Zebra introduced the TC77 as the next generation of the best-selling TC75, our tech staff decided to examine it to understand how it would benefit our customers. We saw that this new rugged handheld has maintained the sleek look of a smartphone (which we like) but provides more memory, speed, and mobility than its predecessor— which is saying a lot because the TC75 set a new standard in mobile workforce computing.

 

So, what can the TC77 handheld computer do for your Mobile Workforce?

TC77 Captures Delivery Confirmation at an airport

Capture delivery confirmation. Zebra enhanced the data and image capture features to allow for scanning a barcode, signature, text, checkboxes, and even an entire document in one scan, using Zebra SimulScan, which is pre-installed on the TC77.

TC77 can Validate any Condition

Validate proof of condition. The new mobile computer features a 13MP camera, and this adds great value to the device. Eliminate any questions by using the high-res camera to record a detailed image of any product or package with a date stamp.

Review schematics and other detailed documents with the TC77 from Zebra

Review schematics and other detailed documents. The device delivers speeds of up to 866.7 Mbps and features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 octa-core processor. When field service techs need diagrams, manuals, and schematics on-site, the TC77 is powerful enough to rapidly download the information and even run multiple apps at once.

With the TC77 the Mobile Workforce can do Video Conferences with ease from anywhere

Videoconference with colleagues. Your mobile workforce can use the video camera to provide close-up images of equipment problems or other issues to share with co-workers and help service techs in the field with diagnostics or troubleshooting.

TC77 Communicates Instantly with the Mobile Workforce

Communicate instantly. The Zebra TC77 also enables push-to-talk (PTT) for immediate response to questions and inquiries. PTT instantly connects co-workers and makes it easier to get answers quickly.

The TC77 Reduces Downtime for any Mobile Workforce

Reliable performance reduces downtime. Working remotely requires hardware that’s designed to handle tough environments. The TC77 has an 8-foot drop spec, withstands water, snow, ice, dirt, dust, and thousands of tumbles. The touchscreen and imager window is protected with Corning Gorilla Glass for the best prevention of scratches, cracks, and shatters. Plus, the PowerPrecision+ high-capacity battery delivers up to 15 hours on a single charge. But, if needed, the user can swap the battery without powering down the device, minimizing interruption.

The TC77 Simplifies route accounting for your Mobile Workforce

Simplify route accounting. As a purpose-built, rugged industrial computer, the TC77 features the functionality of high-performance computing in a smartphone-styled handheld. Data is easily entered and retrieved from the day’s activities as well as the backend system. At the end of a shift, the worker is no longer juggling piles of paper—manifests, work orders, invoices, sales transactions, and other documents. Instead, an accurate, fully updated report can be done in a fraction of the time.

Consider These Three Scenarios.

We want you to send your workers into the field with equipment that makes their jobs easier and more efficient. Click here to watch a full review of the Zebra TC77. Then contact Avalon Integration to find out how the TC77 supports your goals and delivers both a rapid ROI and lower total cost of ownership.

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Problem-Solving Starts with an Assessment!

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When you’re not feeling well, do you go to the doctor and tell him what tests and medications you want? Unless you have medical training, probably not. You seek out a professional when you need advice and an informed “diagnosis”. Problem-solving starts with an assessment. At the fast pace of technology’s advances, you should use the same approach with identifying your business needs.

Quite often, you see offers for a “free consultation” or “free assessment”. Do you ignore them? This is your chance to get valuable insight and to learn about your options. Think of it as a second opinion that either confirms what you suspect (or have been told) or gives you a different viewpoint. Either way, isn’t it a valuable use of your time?

When Avalon Integration offers a free technology assessment, it’s because we know that your business is different than anyone else’s. Your people, processes, and goals are unique to you and your operation. We can’t solve your problem the way we’d address another business’s issues. Sure, we can use our experience and knowledge as a basis for formulating an opinion, but the assessment allows us to dig deeper into how you work, and better understand your challenges and opportunities.

Order-Taker or Problem-Solver

Order Taker and Problem Solver

A (good) doctor wouldn’t necessarily prescribe the exact same treatment to a teenage boy as a mature woman, and the same goes for customizing a solution for a business. The technology that works for your competitor, for example, might be totally wrong for you. They have their own goals, workforce, network, facilities, location, and budget. As a competitor, you work on distinguishing your company from others, and the systems you choose should support that mission.

Consider These Three Scenarios.

Three Scenarios to look out for in your warehouse

You’ve been using Microsoft Windows Mobile for your enterprise operating system, and you know the support is ending, so you reach out to a couple of “technology providers” to figure out what to do.

One tells you that they can provide support for Windows so you don’t have to go through OS migration. They tell you, “We’ve done this for lots of people.” Another company says they can handle the migration and will get you everything you need.

A third one doesn’t offer a solution, but instead starts the conversation with a lot of questions. What are you using for primary apps? What legacy devices do you have and how old are they? Are you paying licensing fees for your software? What functions do you rely on most? Does your wireless network currently support your users, apps, and hardware?

The first company is an order-taker. You tell them what you want and they comply. The second one uses a cookie-cutter approach.

Avalon Integration Is Here to Give You an Assessment

Avalon integration is here to give you a free assessment

The last one—let’s call them “Avalon Integration”—is assessing the situation.

When a business offers you a free assessment, take it. You have no obligation to give them your business. They need to earn it. And the action of letting them show you how they approach problem-solving will provide useful insight into their value as a lasting partner.

So, Avalon Integration is offering a free assessment. We might be able to help you improve your operational efficiency or address your other goals. And we might tell you with all honesty that you’re already in great shape. We’re not going to sell you what you don’t need. When you’re ready for an honest evaluation, contact us to schedule it.

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Zebra TC77: What Does the Next Gen TC7X Touch Computer Deliver?

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There’s no question that purpose-built mobile devices are the right fit for the workplace. Not only are they tough enough to take hits without breaking, but they also include features and manageability that consumer-grade devices just don’t have. The new Zebra TC77 touch computer is a strong example of the value of upgrading to leverage this type of performance. Avalon Integration studied this rugged handheld computer so we could answer our customers’ question, “What does the next-gen TC7X deliver?

Just like its predecessor, the TC75, the TC77 touch computer looks like a smartphone and maintains the Zebra’s renowned ruggedness: 8-foot drop spec, IP 65 and IP67 sealing, and Corning Gorilla Glass on the display and imager window. This device is impervious to water, dust, and dirt, and continues working in the searing heat and freezing cold. Also, like the earlier version, the TC77 allows touchscreen input with a stylus, finger, and gloved finger.

Zebras TC77 Touch Computer being used in the Workforce

What Are the Improvements for the TC77 Touch Computer?

We admit that both the Avalon Integration team and the customers who adopted the TC75 have been impressed with that device. We weren’t sure that it needed to be improved—until we saw what Zebra did.

Rapid processing. The TC77 has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 octa-core, 2.2 GHz processor, a significant step up from the 1.7 GHz dual-core processor.

Increased memory. Zebra quadrupled the memory capacity in the new generation handheld computer, going from 1GB to 4GB of RAM and 8GB Flash to 32GB, so the new computer can handle today’s graphics-intensive apps without storage issues.

Faster data speeds. While you had been getting up to 150 Mbps in the earlier device, the TC77 shifts up to 866.7 Mbps.

TC77 Showcasing it's improved data speeds

Greater network flexibility. Zebra also improved the power of connectivity by incorporating simultaneous support for two carriers. The aggregated carrier support allows for faster upload and download speeds.

Better Bluetooth performance. Bluetooth 5.0 and BLE gives this device a greater range while using less power, which extends the battery cycle time.

More power The PowerPrecision+ high-capacity battery delivers up to 15 hours on a single charge, and the battery can be swapped without powering down the device.

Higher-resolution camera. The front camera on the TC75 offered a 1.3MP resolution. Zebra sharpened the view by going to a 5MP camera while keeping the rear camera at a razor-sharp 13MP autofocus, ideal for capturing proof of condition and other images that require more detailed definition.

TC77 being used by a Utilities worker

Zebra’s TC77 is the Next Gen of Touch Computers

The way apps, data, and users keep advancing, we need technology with the speed and intelligence to maximize the opportunities to work more efficiently. The TC77 definitely reflects these dynamics.

You can see and learn more about the Zebra TC77 touch computer with the video demonstration we developed. See what you think, and then contact Avalon Integration to schedule a demo.

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