Motorola recently launched the MC9500, a new rugged mobile computer based on the MC9000 series with revolutionary design, data capture options, WAN technology and processing power, ultimately improving operational efficiencies overall.

The Motorola MC9500 was field tested in order to endure the most demanding environments in the transportation and logistics, parcel/post, direct store deliver, field service and public safety industries. Perfect for those looking for a versatile and rugged solution, the MC9500 offers a sleek, ergonomic design that also offers an unrivaled feature set. In addition, the Motorola MC9500 is the first mobile computer to ever offer modular 3.5G WAN with support for GSM HSDPA or CDMA-EVDO Rev A wireless broadband connectivity, all in one device! This capability allows users to select the network that is best for their needs.

Additional features include:

• Interactive sensor technology (IST)
• Windows Mobile 6.1 operating system
• Enterprise-level GPS capability
• 1D laser scanner or 2D imager
• 3-megapixel auto-focus high-resolution digital color camera
• Mobility Platform Architecture (MPA) 2.0
• 3.7 inch color high resolution polycarbonate VGA display
• 806 MHz microprocessor

In addition to all of the above features, Motorola has used the MC9500 in order to introduce their first universal accessory system. By implementing this system, Motorola is taking flexibility and modularity to whole new level, helping to maximize back room efficiency. This form of back room management system provides increased ROI and integrates a unique cradling approach that supports a variety of different Motorola mobile computers. This approach allows customers to easily upgrade to future models without having to replace or upgrade their backroom management infrastructure.

Overall, the upgrades made from the MC9000 to the MC9500 have been tremendous, and it will be interesting to see if Motorola’s new back room management system will encourage users to update their devices more frequently.

Watch the video below in order to see the feature-rich MC9500 in action!

Below are some additional resources about the Motorola MC95000:

Download the brochure: motorola mc9500 brochure.
Download the spec sheet: motorola mc9500 specifications sheet.
Learn more about the MC9500 for route accounting applications: motorola mc9500 for route accounting.

RFID has been being used more and more across a variety of different industries, but one industry that has particularly been increasing its use of RFID is the fashion industry. In fact, it is estimated that use of item-level RFID systems in apparel companies will triple in size by the year 2014.

RFID systems have become a key competitive advantage in the fashion industry due to the rapid ROI associated with them. Such money-saving items include increased sales, labor cost reduction, and inventory visibility. By having an RFID based system, what was inventory counting that was once a painful process can be done almost effortlessly. Because of this, item-level tagging in the fashion industry is predicted to soar sooner than later.

The growth of RFID in the fashion industry is not surprising. I recently wrote about an experiment at Bloomingdales that investigated the benefits of RFID. The study concluded that when RFID systems were used, inventory accuracy improved by 27 percent, with overstocks decreasing by 6 percent and under-stocks decreasing by 21 percent.

In addition to the obvious benefits to the retailer, consumers and clerks would also benefit to RFID in clothing and shoe stores. It would be much easier for personnel to easily find and locate an item for the customer, saving time for both the customer and worker.

Do you think RFID systems will be widely used in retail stores by the year 2014?

Motorola recently release the MT2000, a series of barcode scanners that function as a mobile handheld computer with the capabiliy of a rugged barcode scanner. The MT2000 is a data capture device that easily streamlines scan-intensive business operations, ideal for small to medium sized companies in the manufacturing, retail, warehousing, healthcare, and supply chain industries.

Within the MT2000 series, there are two basic models to choose from the MT2070, and the MT2090. Both models are offered with a choice of a laser or imager scan engine, allowing for the ultimate in application flexibility. In addition, both models support multiple connectivity modes, Bluetooth integration, and USB hookup. While the MT2070 is designed to be used in batch mode, the MT2090 does support integrated 802.11 a/b/g wireless connectivity.

Overall, the MT2000 line is an ideal method of data capture for workers who do not require a fully featured mobile computer, allowing for fast and easy application deployment. The following features and options come standard with the MT2000 series:

• Comprehensive connectivity options — including wireless, cordless and corded
• Comprehensive data capture options — 1D, 2D, image capture, EAS
• Superior 1D laser scanning technology
• A new standard for 2D imaging
• Windows CE 5.0 operating system
• Pre-loaded MCL client
• Forward-scanning pistol grip
• Rugged design
• Compatible with Motorola’s Mobility Services Platform (MSP)
• High resolution high contrast color QVGA display
• 21-key enhanced keypad
• Microsoft .NET development environment
• Optional Intellistand
• Multiple indicators: beeper mode, pager mode and LEDs

Home Depot had ignored its supply chain for a long time, as it was not a focus of the company. While the company had rapidly expanded and was very successful, the downturn in the housing market caused construction and credit to slow, forcing Home Depot to cut expenses by streamlining its operations.

It was time to stop ignoring the logistics side of their business and start a formal distribution network. After conducting an in-depth distribution network study, Home Depot came up with a strategy for rebuilding their distribution process and controlling costs by centralizing operations, rather than being so store-centric.

Their new strategy focuses on 24 rapid deployment centers, or RDCs, that will be strategically located throughout the country, each serving approximately 100 stores.
The centers will act as a gateway distribution facility, designed for quick cross-docking of large volumes of merchandise, so very few items will actually be stored there.

Although only about a third of the RDCs are up and running at the moment, Home Depot has already reaped enormous benefits such as flexibility, improved replenishment, and less forecasting errors. By upgrading their technology and implementing a better method of distribution, Home Depot was able to greatly improve their supply chain, going from almost non-existent to superb.

If your supply chain could use an upgrade, you may want to look into some solutions that will help streamline your operations and improve efficiency.

Recently, I’ve received a lot of questions regarding the check digit, or last digit in a UPC barcode. In order to calculate the check digit, which is based on the previous eleven numbers in the UPC, the following needs to be performed:

• Add all of the digits in odd-numbered positions together and multiply the sum by three
• Add all of the digits in even-numbered positions
• Add the two sums together

The check digit will be the number it would take to round to the nearest multiple of 10. If the sums of your digits was 66, then, 66 + x = 70, where x represents the check digit and 70 represents the nearest multiple of 10. In this case, the check digit would be 4.

If all of this still seems confusing, then no need to worry. The GS1 has put together a GTIN and SSCC check digit calculator, also including an informative chart on how to calculate it manually.