Bar Code Direct Archives - Bar Code Direct - Barcode Solutions

Happy Holidays from Bar Code Direct

Bridget Banta — Sun, 26 Dec 2021 16:50:25 +0000

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Bar Code Direct Has Moved

admin — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 14:10:21 +0000

Exciting News! We have moved our operations from 41 North Main St., North Grafton MA 01536 to 9 Beaver Brook Rd., Littleton MA 01460.

Please feel free to reach out to us directly with any questions. You can also email us at info@barcodedirect.com if you need any additional information.

Thank you for your continued support as we embark on this exciting new endeavor.

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Sole Source-Backed Peak-Ryzex Acquires Bar Code Direct

admin — Thu, 20 May 2021 19:26:36 +0000

Transaction Marks Sole Source’s Third Add-on Acquisition Since Acquiring Peak-Ryzex

SANTA MONICA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Sole Source Capital LLC, an industrial-focused private equity firm today announced that its portfolio company, Peak-Ryzex, a value-added reseller of barcoding and data collection solutions to customers across North America, has acquired Bar Code Direct. The acquisition of Bar Code Direct adds to Peak’s ability to serve its expanding array of client segments and is Sole Source’s third add-on transaction for Peak-Ryzex, following the purchase of Optical Phusion Inc. (OPI) and Inovity Inc. earlier this year. Terms of the Bar Code Direct transaction were not disclosed.Headquartered in North Grafton, MA, Bar Code Direct is a value-added reseller of AIDC solutions for the manufacturing, retail, consumer, and healthcare end-markets. Since 1994, Bar Code Direct’s solutions have increased productivity for warehouse workers, freight truck drivers, field service technicians, in-store associates, package delivery and sales personnel.Peak-Ryzex supplies industry-leading automated data collection solutions to Fortune 500 customers along with small and medium-sized businesses that enables them to become more efficient and responsive to their customers. The acquisition of Bar Code Direct allows Peak-Ryzex to continue strengthening its solutions portfolio for in premise supply chain operations while expanding capabilities into fast-growth markets like health care and field-based mobility applications. Bar Code Direct Co-Founders Chris and Ash Richardson will join the Peak-Ryzex team.“We are very excited to join Peak-Ryzex, which will provide us with access to additional resources, scale and expand our geographic coverage to continue helping our customers meet their business challenges,” said Chris Richardson, President of Bar Code Direct. “In addition, we would like to thank the Sole Source team for their strong collaboration and commitment throughout the process to get the transaction completed.”“Bar Code Direct is another perfect fit for the Peak portfolio, with its unwavering commitment to high levels of service for its customers and a deep appreciation for its talented employees. Bar Code Direct will provide us with new capabilities in adjacent markets that when combined with our two previous new portfolio companies, OPI and Inovity, enables us to continue to build an unrivaled platform in the AIDC industry,” said Juliann Larimer, President and CEO of Peak-Ryzex.

“Bar Code Direct has a proven, strong commitment to providing innovative solutions from a team of experienced and knowledgeable resources—and will be a great complement to the Peak portfolio, strengthening our coverage and capabilities in the Eastern U.S.,” said Dewey Turner, Partner, President of Operations at Sole Source Capital.

About Sole Source Capital

Founded in 2016 by David Fredston, Sole Source Capital is a private equity firm that thematically invests in fragmented, high-growth industrial subsectors. Sole Source seeks founder-owned businesses or corporate carve-outs that will benefit from the team’s operating and M&A capabilities. The Firm has a strong operating heritage that enables it to execute a buy and build strategy with significant downside protection. The Firm is headquartered in Santa Monica, California. For more information, please visit www.solesourcecapital.com or contact investor.relations@solesourcecapital.com.

About Peak-Ryzex

Headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, Peak-Ryzex is a North American value-added reseller of barcoding and data collection solutions. With over 35 years of supply chain, field mobility and retail services expertise, Peak-Ryzex has an insider’s perspective of the market; its origins, participants, and dynamic forces of change. With extensive application experience across industry segments, Peak-Ryzex is able to provide objective consultancy on business processes, software, hardware, as well as turn-key solutions for equipment repair, life cycle support, technology, vertical/application and business services. For more information, please visit www.peak-ryzex.com.

About Bar Code Direct

Established in 1994, Bar Code Direct is a value-added reseller of AIDC hardware and accessory equipment for the manufacturing, retail, consumer, and healthcare end-markets. Utilizing data automation technology, Bar Code Direct develops custom enterprise wireless mobile computing systems, from barcode and label printing solutions to mobile scanning networks and fully automated and secure asset management systems. Bar Code Direct is headquartered in North Grafton, MA. For more information, please visit 158.106.137.214/~bridgetb.

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The BCD/Bar Code Direct Test Lab

admin — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 13:37:20 +0000

This is a test:

1. Point your phone at the sign

2. Go to camera app.

3. Welcome to THE BCD TEST LAB.

Rugged mobile devices made by Zebra and Honeywell have been through a lot of tests but the BCD Test Lab conducts several tests yet to be done.

Watch Zebra’s Rugged L10 Tablet vs a Friendly Game of Paintball, Zebra’s MC9300 Cold Storage vs Ice Sculpture & H2O, Honeywell’s CK65 vs Gravity and many more. Also Check out Honeywell’s demo of the CK65 Cold Storage and R1o Tablet.

Call a BCD team member at 1-800-343-1750 or schedule a live demo today!

LP - HEALTHCARE DATA MANAGEMENT

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The Future of COVID Testing

admin — Wed, 28 Apr 2021 12:57:32 +0000

COVID 19 testing has been a critical component to keeping the pandemic in check throughout the world over the past year. With the emergence of effective vaccines and new variants, there have been questions about the role of COVID testing in the future. The good news is that most tests currently have been efficient at recognizing variants. And as variants continue to be discovered, the science behind the testing will also evolve. But even as more people get fully vaccinated, the need for testing will continue for the foreseeable future, to ensure that possible outbreaks are monitored and contained. At Bar Code Direct our school COVID testing offer also continues to expand. We have successfully helped two major Eastern universities establish and manage self-testing programs with a suite of hardware and software products including touch free mobile printers, scanners and millions of custom labels. Research has proven that one of the easiest ways to keep the virus under control, and at Bar Code Direct we promise to provide innovative solutions to help make testing easier.

Call us at 1.800.343.1750 to right solution for your school or drive through location. Learn more about our COVID-19 School Testing Solutions.

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Converting the storefront to a fulfillment center? Keep these tips in mind.

admin — Mon, 22 Feb 2021 15:29:10 +0000

With over 80% of customers willing to pay more for same-day delivery, businesses have searched for more cost-efficient ways to bring order fulfillment closer to consumers. As a result, many vacant storefronts are being converted into fulfillment centers, and while the ample space makes the decision seamless, there are a few challenges to keep in mind before making the switch.

Unlike traditional warehouse spaces, retail storefronts are generally cheaper and located closer to potential customers enabling faster delivery times and lowered TCO. In doing so, faster delivery can help increase team productivity, enhance competitiveness, strengthen brand identity, and even double year-over-year sales. However, despite these benefits, the challenges of effective order fulfillment persist in the converted storefront. As more and more retailers make the switch, businesses now find themselves in a unique opportunity to mitigate issues before they arise.

How to prevent the top 3 order fulfillment issues from entering the new storefront:

To help businesses make the most of their new storefront space, Bar Code Direct and Zebra Technologies explore the common warehousing issues transitioning into retail.

Maintaining accurate inventory management for incoming shipments – Research has shown that traditional store inventory is about 70% Lack of inventory visibility can lead to product shrinkage, misplacements, and longer pick routes as workers struggle to find products. To resolve this issue, real-time visibility solutions such as Zebra’s RFID locationing devices work alongside your workforce to track in-motion inventory, providing a 99.99% accuracy rate in your inventory management system. Simply tag incoming items as they arrive to the receiving dock and track them via your RFID handheld manage movement, storage, and any incoming updates for less surprises.
Preventing backorders and out-of-stocks – Backorder costs can reach as high as $20 per order, and that doesn’t factor in the incalculable cost of a negative customer experience. To prevent out-of-stocks, stock counts must be readily updated and visible to your team before dropping below a set threshold. Technologies like modern touch computers provide a cost-effective connectivity solution as workers are able to seamlessly update stock counts with streamlined data capture and processing through one device.
Simplifying reverse logistics for seamless returns – Inconvenient returns discourage at over half of shoppers from completing a purchase. In addition to locationing and sustained connectivity, businesses have also turned to wearable and hands-free technologies in order to accelerate processing while preserving scanning accuracy, worker comfort, and affordability. Furthermore, hands-free order processing is relatively easy to use, eliminating worker confusion for faster deployment and optimization. This allows your team to quickly process returns and lower instances of wasted labor as items are stored properly.

For more information on how to tackle the challenges of post-pandemic retail, contact Bar Code Direct for a careful assessment of your current workflows to pinpoint optimization opportunities in your operations.

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Automotive Warehouse Inventory Solution

admin — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 18:35:48 +0000

A regional tire distribution warehouse needed some help. They operated 16 forklifts, and the drivers needed to input inventory details into a device while they were getting in and out of the vehicle, lifting tires with two hands, and trying to balance a fragile tablet. Bar Code Direct stepped in and created a system featuring Zebra ET50 tablets and DS3608ER Scanners. They mounted the tablet directly to the forklift, allowing the operator the freedom to get in and out of the machine without worrying about dropping the tablet.

The ET50 screen was bigger, and the tablet was far more rugged than their previous device. In addition, the Pro Clip ET50 Locking Power Mounts draw their power from the forklift’s battery, meaning the operator didn’t need to constantly re-charge the device in a remote docking station, creating a time savings, and a more efficient shift.

Another benefit of the forklift mounted device is that the operator is free to use both hands to pick products when necessary.

This customized solution from Bar Code Direct saved money, time and allowed the warehouse to operate more efficiently and helped the operators do their jobs more safely.

Call us at 1.800.343.1750 and learn how BCD can help your warehouse operate more efficiently.

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Happy Holidays from Bar Code Direct

admin — Tue, 22 Dec 2020 13:51:16 +0000

This has been a challenging year for all of us. We thank you for your continued support and we appreciate the opportunity to serve you and your company. This year we have decided to donate on behalf of the company and all our customers to the COVID relief fund at UMASS Memorial Hospital. The Bar Code Direct Family has experienced first-hand the dedication, compassion and professionalism of the front-line healthcare workers at UMASS.

+UMass Memorial Health Care (http://www.umassmemorialhealthcare.org/umass-memorial-medical-center/giving) is the third largest health care system in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the only non-profit hospital in the region. They are a leader in the response to the COVID-19 crisis with innovative treatments such as convalescent plasma, extensive testing, and the creation of the first-in-the-state field hospital designed to meet the needs of COVID-19 patients. The field hospital was recently recommissioned to aid in the response to the increasing number of cases this winter.

We are giving to their COVID-19 Response fund to support these efforts and to recognize those healthcare workers on the front lines. We wish you all a healthy and happy holiday season, and we look forward to working with you again in 2021.

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Bar Code Direct & Zebra’s Printer Comparison Guide 2021

admin — Mon, 21 Dec 2020 16:31:07 +0000

Before selecting a printing solution, you’ll need to know what type of printer is best for your business.

Industrial vs. Mobile: Industrial printers are designed for, well, industrial environments. Down and dirty spaces require a printer that can sustain a fair amount of wear and tear. These models stay in one place and print thousands of labels a day. Mobile printers, on the other hand, are not designed for the same volume. Depending on your business needs, a mix of industrial and mobile printers may be your best solution.
Direct Thermal vs. Thermal Transfer: With barcode printers, you have two types of label options. Direct thermal labels are best for short-term application, as they do not maintain well in heat or sunlight. Thermal transfer labels last longer and are more durable, but cost more.
Wireless Communications: How you plan on communicating with your printer (hard-wired vs WiFi-enabled) will help determine the best solution for your needs.
Volume: Will you be printing thousands of labels per day or a handful per hour?
Features: What add-ons does your printer need? Peeler, Roll Rewind, Cutter, Wireless, Remote Management—all serve a purpose and may be beneficial to your business.

ZEBRA ZT PRINTER COMPARISON

Zebra’s ZT line is the gold standard of industrial printers, built to withstand the most demanding environments. To help you select the best model for your business, our efficiency experts tested each series below, ranking them from starter to premium. Have a look:

ZT200 Series: ZT200’s compact design makes it ideal for constrained work areas. The entry-level printer boasts an effortless setup, intuitive user operation, and ease of maintenance. Because of its size, it cannot produce the same volume of labels as other ZT models. However, ZT200 is a solid choice for a beginner bar code operation.
ZT400 Series: ZT400 are our most popular printers, and for good reason—the mid-range models are built to last. The ZT411 was born out of Zebra’s extensive research on customer pain points, making it more user friendly than previous generations. Both ZT411 and ZT421 are designed for small spaces, but with a tolerance for higher speeds and resolutions. Increased processing power and grow-as-you-go features include RFID and media capabilities, plus Link-OS compatibility. These printers are made for small-label applications.
ZT510: This premium printer is designed for high-volume output within the most challenging industrial environments. The model can operate 24/7, making it ideal for companies who need a workhorse printer without a premium price tag.
ZT600 Series: If your business requires a high volume of labels and a high tolerance for industrial surroundings, the ZT600 is your best match. Precise registration and print line adjustment allow for labels as small as 3mm {think circuit boards and chips}. What’s more, compatibility with other printing systems makes for simplified integration and management within your barcode ecosystem.

ZEBRA ZQ MOBILE PRINTER COMPARISON

ZQ600 Mobile Printers: Improve inventory management and customer service in your store with the ZQ600 Series mobile printer. Taking the popular QLn Series and making it even better, the ZQ600 Series delivers advanced technology and an innovative and portable design that drives productivity, ease-of-use and manageability to a new level.
ZQ600 Healthcare Series Mobile: With the ZQ600 Healthcare Series mobile printers you can improve accuracy, patient safety and staff productivity by completing specimen labeling at the point of care. Building on the popular QLn Healthcare Series, the ZQ600 Healthcare Series is designed specifically for healthcare to withstand constant disinfecting and delivers advanced technology in an innovative and portable design that drives productivity, ease-of-use and manageability to a new level.
ZQ630 RFID Mobile Printer: Print and encode RFID tags and labels when and where you need them. Premium features, advanced technology, industry-leading battery and innovative design—now with RFID. This mobile printer drives productivity, ease-of-use and manageability to a new level.
ZQ300 Series Mobile Printers:With class-leading battery power, versatility, durability and easy remote management at an affordable price, the ZQ300 Series mobile printer comes in two designs to meet your business needs.
ZQ110 Mobile Printer: Print receipts and tickets on demand and on the go with the ZQ110 mobile 2-inch receipt printer. As Zebra’s smallest and most affordable mobile receipt printer, the ZQ110 is equipped with key basic features and offers a selection of competitive accessories.

ZEBRA ZD DESKTOP PRINTER COMPARISON

ZD510-HC Wristband Printing Solution: The ZD510-HC Wristband Printing Solution combines the reliable ZD510-HC direct thermal printer with easy-to-load cartridges containing the only antimicrobial-coated wristbands on the market – Zebra’s Z-Band® wristbands. Also capable of printing wristbands for amusement, water-park and entertainment applications, you get dependable wristband printing that increases patient safety and staff productivity.
ZD620 Series Desktop Printers: When print quality, productivity, application flexibility and management simplicity matter, the ZD620 Series delivers. Available in both direct thermal and thermal transfer models, the ZD620 desktop printer advances the legacy of the industry-leading GX Series printers. These premium models bring advanced industrial printing quality to a compact desktop printer — offering the fastest print speeds, print quality and manageability in its class.
ZD420 Series Desktop Printers: Building on the legacy of the industry-leading GK Series printers, the ZD420 Series delivers features and functionality that take deployment and management simplicity, ease-of-use and application flexibility and total cost of ownership to a new level. The ZD420 desktop printer is available in both direct thermal and thermal transfer models. And, the ZD420 ribbon cartridge version is the easiest thermal transfer printer to load, period.

Your business is unique, and so are your printing needs. At Bar Code Direct we’ll evaluate your current system, and customize a more efficient printing solution.

Email us at printingsolutions@barcodedirect.com for FREE Printer evaluation or call us at 1.800.343.1750.

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E-GROCER STARTUP

admin — Thu, 12 Nov 2020 14:38:49 +0000

THE CHALLENGE:

Help a start-up E-Grocer compete in the volatile Online grocery category. Many stores rely on labor-intensive methods to complete Online orders. Without a traditional brick and mortar footprint, or the reach of a competitor like Amazon, the start-up needed an innovative, cost-effective, and contactless way to fulfill orders.

THE SOLUTION:

The E-Grocer built a collection of automated micro fulfillment centers where most work was completed through robotics. However since some critical picking needed to be done manually, we created a custom solution that included arm-mounted Android mobile computers integrated with ring scanners. This allowed the manual process to be fast and efficient, which kept costs down and allowed the start-up to compete with established services

THE TOOLS:

ZEBRA TC25 Handheld Units

Wearable Barcode Scanner

Custom Arm Mount Holder

SOTI – Enterprise Mobile Device Management

Lifecycle & Asset Management

“We worked closely with this innovative start-up from their inception to ensure their picking tools were the perfect fit for their processes. Their growth has been remarkable, and they are working with the largest names in the grocery business.”

PETE GRIMES
VP Marketing & Sales
BAR CODE DIRECT

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