The Barcoding Blog, purveyor of all things barcode, rfid and automated data collection, celebrates its 1,000th post!

Today, the Barcoding Blog celebrates its 1,000th post! Thanks to you, our loyal readers, we’ve been able to create such a plethora of content, building a library of resources and initiating the conversation among industry leaders and barcode enthusiasts alike. Today, we reminisce with some of our most read posts and pages through the years in order of their popularity.

1) Fun with Barcodes
Everyone likes to have fun, so it comes as no surprise that the “Fun with Barcodes” category page is our most viewed page (aside from the homepage). The most fun of all posts in this category was the highly popular post on QR code wrapping paper. If your presents weren’t covered in black and white squares this past holiday season, then you need to catch up with the times!

2) The iPad, Bluetooth Barcode Scanners and RFID: How They Will Change Your Life
While this post was written a year and a half ago, it’s interesting to see that this topic has exploded. Because of an increased desire for mobility, the iPad is now being used in retail environments and is being connected to much more sophisticated barcode scanners, such as the Honewell-LXE 8650 Bluetooth Ring Scanner.

3) QR Codes – Can They Be Reversed Out?
As QR codes have become increasingly popular in advertisements, marketers have been asking questions—and we’ve been answering! Our number three most read post explores the technicalities of reversing QR codes to white on black. Since the creation of this post, a lot has happened in the world of mobile barcodes. QR codes can successfully be read in all sorts of custom colors, shapes and sizes. Also, check out our posts on vector QR codes.

4) UPC vs SKU
Our number four post addresses an all too common issue—confusing a UPC barcode with a SKU number. Basically, the UPC barcode is numeric and a SKU number is alpha-numeric. But you’ll have to read the post for all the juicy details!

5) RFID Readers
Rounding out our top five, RFID readers were still quite an emerging technology back in 2008. However, the content of this post is still relevant today—all of the basics are covered. But, now that its 2012, if you still haven’t considered implementing RFID technology, you should.

So, there you have it. Our top five posts in a nut shell. Share your favorite post, or ideas for future posts by commenting below, or on our Facebook or twitter pages.

Where is the barcoding industry headed in 2012?

While industry night is always Monday night, we usually take this time to analyze how barcoding is affecting other industries, such as retail and healthcare. Tonight, we’ll focus on the Barcoding industry itself, and predictions for 2012.

As mobility continues to expand into the consumer marketplace, barcoding and automated data collection continue to thrive. Devices such as the iPad are already being used in the healthcare and retail sectors for automated data collection, and while the barcode industry is adapting, businesses are on the hunt for solutions that combine mobility and ease of use. In addition, 2D barcodes are becoming more widely used in both the consumer and enterprise business space.

Cedric Mollon of Intermec anticipates “…growth in the marketplace to be fueled by the rise of 2D Imaging.” While Al Quinn of Motorola Solutions feels that “…consumers’ use of mobile phones and mobile barcode will continue to flourish in the retail space.”

Between 2D barcodes and increased consumer mobility, the barcoding industry should have a busy 2012. Share your thoughts on where the barcoding industry is headed by commenting below, or n our Facebook or twitter pages.

Barcoding Inc.’s Executive forum, focusing on technology in mobility, barcoding, RFID and warehouse/supply chain logistics, features keynote speakers from Dunbar and Under Armour

On Monday, Aug. 15, Barcoding Inc. will be holding an Executive Forum, in conjunction with Motorola Solutions, Zebra Technologies and Ingram Micro. in order to showcase strategies for implementing new technology in mobility, barcoding, RFID and warehouse and supply chain logistics.

Today, our keynote speakers for the forum were announced—Kevin Dunbar, President and CEO of Dunbar Armored, and Eric Olsson, Senior Director of Distribution Systems will be sharing their tips of the trade. Designed for transportation, warehouse and supply chain executives, the event offers two tracks, “Transportation and Logistics,” and “Warehouse and Distribution Logistics.” Attendees will be given the opportunity to experiment with the latest Motorola handheld devices and even be entered to win tickets to the inaugural Baltimore Grand Prix!

Read the full release, or register for the Barcoding Inc. Executive Forum.

Recently, we discussed ANSI grades for barcodes. In order to determine how well a barcode will perform, a number of measurements are executed by a verifier to determine the final grade of the symbol. While a grade of C or better is passing, it is possible that there may still be issues with a barcode that makes the grade.

McNeilus Steel, one of the largest steel suppliers in the Midwest, needed to upgrade their warehouse processes to improve order accuracy inventory visibility. More specifically, customers began wanting more accurate proof of pull and ship, documentation that includes the chemical composition of the steel based on test reports from the mill. After searching for the answer, McNeilus discovered Barcoding Inc., a Solutions Integrator with expertise in providing complete automated data collection solutions.

In order to meet McNeilus’ needs, Barcoding Inc. decided on a solution that would integrate barcode technology with pre-existing IT infrastructure and warehouse processes by using the Zebra Z4M and QL320 thermal/thermal transfer printers in conjunction with the right mobile computers and software. After researching the environment, Barcoding Inc. recommended the Motorola MC9090 and MC9090k mobile computers because of their enhanced ergonomics, large screen and streamlined keyboard. In addition, McNeilus’ pre-existing software from Paragon Consulting was modified with the help of Barcoding Inc. in order to accommodate the new tools.

With their new upgraded system, McNeilus workers now receive advance ship notices from suppliers that include mill test certificates for each SKU, and items cannot be received without the document. From there, the data is used to receive the product, which is then marked with a barcode label printed from the Zebra Z4M printer, and then put away in pre-assigned location. Sales staff can also use the data to locate inventory in real time, allowing them to be confident that their items will still be there when it’s time to be picked.

When it comes to items being picked, picks are printed out on pick tickets, which Pickers take to the location and scan the order number, location and picked item. Since many stell products are cumbersome, pickers used to have to move one product out of the way to reach another, but now, rather than searching, workers can use their Motorola MC9090 to update the location in the database so that the item can be easily located for future orders. With over 50 mobile terminals and printer combinations, Barcoding Inc. also implemented Cloudsync mobile device management, a software tool that allows McNeilus to track the location, health and performance of all terminals and printers on the netowork in order to better monitor their devices.

In addition, Barcoding Inc. also helped McNeilus add a shipment verification step to their process before trucks leave for deliveries, making orders much more likely to go out correct and complete the first time.

Once everything was installed and running, McNeilus was able to achieve its goals:

• Order accuracy increased at least 2%.
• Productivity rose through more efficient processes.
• Order fulfillment rates increased.
• Customer satisfaction improved.
• Credits issued for mis-shipments decreased.

Interested in how McNeilus upgraded their processes? Take a look at the full case study here.