Going mobile can save time and money by increasing efficiency. But what should you consider before making the plunge and choosing a mobile technology vendor?

In Barcoding Inc.’s most recent newsletter, an article by Bruce Redke, Business Development Manager at MobileFrame was featured.

In case you missed it, a summary of the article is below. View the original article and sign up to receive Eye on ROI, Barcoding Inc.’s monthly newsletter.

Top 10 Questions to Ask when Evaluating Mobile Technology Vendors
Many organizations are looking to see the benefits of going mobile, but what should you be looking for in a mobile technology vendor?

Ask yourself:

1. How is the application developed, and what level of expertise is required to write, edit and update current apps—will coding be needed?

2. Which mobile computers are supported and what kinds of devices will need to be supported— laptops, tablet pc’s and/or desktops? Can all data capture forms needed be used on these devices and will you need separate installers for each of them?

3. How will mobile workers receive backend data—is it an automated process?

Read the rest of this entry »

Wright Wisner Distributing Corp., a Rochester, N.Y.-based beverage distributor, recently implemented a mobile hardware solution in order to increase accuracy and efficiency for their delivery-side and intra-office processes. The mobile hardware solution was implemented by Barcoding Inc. and complements the distributor’s existing route accounting software, ecoStar by Rutherford.

Wright Wisner and its subsidiaries distribute nearly 8.5 million cases of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages from some of today’s most well-known suppliers. In order to utilize their software to the max, Wright Wisner realized that they needed a hardware solution that would be able to integrate back-office applications with mobile devices. That’s where Barcoding Inc. came in.

Barcoding Inc. was able to complete a mobile hardware implementation with rugged mobile devices and printers through automating data collection, enabling Wright Wisner to gain greater visibility in the field, and ultimately, improve inventory management accuracy, enhance customer service and expedite routes. By gaining more visibility into their operations through data collection, companies can learn to fine-tune their processes, and become more efficient, which saves time and money.

The mobile solution implemented for Wright Wisner, along with many other options, will be demonstrated at the National Beer and Wholesalers Association’s (NBWA) Annual Convention and Tradeshow, Oct. 16-19, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, booth #1225.

The demonstration, “Accelerating the Supply Chain,” will illustrate how Barcoding Inc. builds customized mobile solutions by leveraging the strength of our partners. The demonstration will show how mobile solutions can facilitate the tracking of goods from presale, to the warehouse, through delivery, highlighting the benefits of mobile devices and how they can increase efficiency, traceability, accuracy and visibility throughout the supply chain.

Learn more about the NBWA Convention and Trade Show, or read the release.

RFID technology is used across a variety of different industries. These days, everyone is looking to do more with less and increase their efficiency—even beverage-makers and distributors.

“Distributor consolidation and line extensions have upped the ante more mission-critical, route-based data collection, said Ken Currie, Barcoding Inc. director of business development and marketing. “Real-time communication and data capture equipment that drive route optimization and execution, route accounting and sales and merchandising operations are now ‘must-haves’ for distributors. There are more choices in available platforms than ever before and the management and integration of these platforms with legacy systems is a daunting task.”

Although upgrading legacy systems seems overwhelming, Barcoding Inc. makes it easy by using automated data capture and wireless technology to aid in the development, deployment and management of supply chain mobility systems. In addition to needing state-of-the-art for distribution center operations, field workers often need mixed systems, such as rugged mobile computers, smartphones, tablets and mobile printers for the most efficient route-based data collection process.

The use of RFID technology is constantly increasing and, “We don’t see the slow-down in platform proliferation happening anytime soon. In fact, the iPod and iPad generation will only make the new workforce more apt to use the technology that they are comfortable with,” said Currie.

Barcoding Inc. is noticing more and more opportunities available to beverage distributors in order to leverage their people, processes and technology, in addition to facilitating the forecasting process. With better forecasting, companies will be able to have, “…greater customer service, improved inventory turn and the ability to make real-time business adjustments to both,” concluded Currie. The ability to make real-time business decisions is priceless—workers need to be able to think on their feet, but now the technology is there for them to make informed decisions.

Learn more about Barcoding Inc. in the food and beverage industry.

This article was based on a feature on pg. 47 of the September 2011 issue of Beverage Industry.

Barcoding Inc. was recently featured in Business Solutions Magazine, which detailed a recent endeavor with Urban Hanger.

Urban Hanger is a laundry service targeted to apartment/office complexes and university settings where busy professionals and students don’t necessarily have time to drop items off at the dry cleaners, or keep up with laundry. In order to offer the highest level of convenience for their customers, Urban Hanger utilizes technology, offering a website and app to help manage and track laundry orders. To keep up with this constantly changing information, they needed a way to automatically track laundry pickups and deliveries in the field. That’s where Barcoding Inc. came in.

Barcoding Inc. was able to streamline Urban Hanger’s internal processes by integrating mobility and enterprise solutions, ultimately distinguishing them from their competitors and increasing their value proposition to potential building management companies.

The right mobile computer, paired with the right software, allowed the mobile solution to be a success and Urban Hanger customers can now receive real-time alerts. Learn how Barcoding Inc. was able to successfully pair the right hardware and software solutions for a successful implementation.

Do you need help with a business solution? Contact us, or learn more.

Learn how Barcoding Inc.’s Executive Forum: Accelerating the Supply Chain with Barcoding and RFID was a success!

On Aug. 15, Barcoding Inc., in conjunction with Motorola Solutions, Zebra Technologies and Ingram Micro, held an Executive Forum: Accelerating the Supply Chain with Barcoding and RFID at the Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor Hotel. The Forum focused on the latest advancements in mobility, barcoding and RFID for supply chain logistics, warehouse and transportation technology.

Automated data capture devices were placed to various locations throughout the hotel and upon registering, attendees were given a name tag featuring RFID technology. Once worn, the nametags tracked individual attendee’s movements throughout the event, showcasing some of the RFID capabilities that Barcoding Inc. offers to customers.

After registration, the Forum began with keynote speakers, Kevin Dunbar, president and CEO, Dunbar Armored; and Eric Olsson, senior director, Distribution Systems, Under Armour. Dunbar and Olsson, both from prestigious Baltimore-based companies, discussed leveraging supply chain technology over time to enhance success and best practices for integrating supply chain technology, respectively. Following the keynote speakers, representatives from Motorola Solutions, Tessco, Zebra and Barcoding Inc. presented on latest supply chain technology and best practices.

From there, attendees enjoyed a networking lunch and chose which sessions were most relevant to them—transportation logistics or warehouse and distribution logistics.

What better way to conclude the Forum than with a fabulous giveaway—tickets to the inaugural Baltimore Grand Prix!

View photos from the event and tell us what you thought by commenting below, or on our Facebook or twitter pages.