Ubiquia.Blog - Mobile Devices

Choosing The Right Scanner For Your Business

nospam@example.com (Steve Villacres) — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 10:59:20 -0700

Package tracking begins and ends with a bar code scan, and depending on your business a variety of scanners are available with a wide range of capabilities and prices. Under-equipped systems can leave you stuck with the same problems you wanted to solve. Conversely, a system with more equipment than necessary can easily cost 30% more than it needs to, trading one shortcoming for another. Choosing the right equipment for your package tracking needs will insure that your system does everything it should without costing more than it has to.

Corded Scanners: Scanners such as the Symbol LS2208 are hardwired to a computer at a specific location. Similar to what you see at many retail check-out counters, these scanners are fast and extremely inexpensive. They are strictly used as pass-through devices which report the fingerprint of a specific bar code during receiving, delivery, etc. If you simply need to recognize a bar code at a fixed location, go no further.

Blue Tooth Scanner: Wireless scanners such as the Symbol LS4278 are ideal for environments where mobility is needed. These scanners send a wireless signal up to 50 feet to a receiving base hardwired to a computer. This allows you to scan a heavy packages without having to move them. Like corded scanners, these are strictly pass-through devices, not for storing data but great for scanning bar codes. Blue tooth devices cost more than a corded scanner but both options are still very cost effective, even when teamed with (recommended) electronic signature pads. If you're simply scanning items in and out of a single location, this may be the best option.

Mobile Computers / Data Collectors: Hand held data collectors such as Motorola's MC55 are the most versatile choice for a system. They scan and pull data from most 1D and 2D bar codes. They use a full keyboard to input data, can take pictures of items, and their touch screens serve as signature pads to capture proof of delivery. These devices store data and use your wireless network to transmit that information to SQBX. Cellular capability is available on certain models. Think of these as mobile computers that pass a four foot drop test. These devices are the most expensive option, but they allow you to do much more than other scanners and add a level of flexibility to your system that can't be matched using a manual system.

You know your needs better than anyone else. Make sure to explain your process in detail when considering a package or mail tracking system, so your provider can include the equipment that best fills your needs and keeps your accounting department happy. Or at least not mad.

Scan ID Cards Using This Snap On Card Reader For Motorola MC55s and MC65s

nospam@example.com (Dale Swanson) — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 19:33:52 -0700

Here's a handy gadget you can use with your Motorola MC55 or MC65 series computer. The MSR5500-100R snap on magnetic stripe reader let's your MC55 or MC65 scan ID cards, loyalty cards, and even credit cards. We tested this device and it works a treat in a proof of delivery environment. If you're delivering packages to employees or college students and your organization issues ID cards, this might be a great way for your recipient to acknowledge receipt of their package.

Choosing the Right Hand Held Device for your Application

nospam@example.com (Joe Trovato) — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 08:29:18 -0700

With all the hand held devices available for inbound tracking, it can get pretty confusing choosing the most appropriate device to best meet your needs. There a few basic questions that you must answer. It is important to lease or purchase the right model because certain features cannot be changed later on. For example if your inbound tracking process requires taking a picture of damaged packages then you need to get that feature initially with your device, because it can not be added later on. For example, when using mobile computers in an inbound tracking process ask yourself the following questions:

Do I need or want cellular capability on my device?
With SQBX Inbound Tracking Software it's not required because data can be synced only when needed. But if you're going to use SQBX for external delivery routes and fleet management or if the device needs to have real-time capability outside of your building, you're going to need this option.
What carrier will I be using with my device? Hand held devices only work with certain carriers.
If you do choose cellular capability with your mobile computer be mindful of the carrier to hardware relationship. I'm sure you're aware that Verizon phones do not work on T-Mobile networks and the converse is also true.
Do I need a camera in my device?
Handy if you want to document the delivery process with photos...for example damaged packages.
Will I be scanning one or two dimensional bar-codes?
The Motorola MC55 offers 1D scanning (UPS labels) or 2D scanning (FedEx labels). The FedEx 2D barcode has additional information embedded in it. Of course there is a 1D barcode on the FedEx label as well.
What environment will I be using my device? Warehouse, Mail room, Office, etc.
This question can help determine how rugged your device should be.
Will I need Wi-Fi capability?
If cellular connectivity is not required the device must be docked in a cradle to exchange information. All Motorola MC55 and MC70s have wireless networking capability which may allow you to exchange data via the wireless network instead of having to dock the device in the cradle.
How long is the battery life needed for your task.
A single battery can provide 3-5 hours of usage. If you'll be using the device in the field longer than this consider a 1.5 or 2 times battery size.

Motorola MC55 Makes A Great Signature Capture Device

nospam@example.com (Ryan Murray) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:49:13 -0700

If you’re company makes deliveries and wants a rugged handheld computer
capable of capturing electronic signatures look no further than
Motorola’s MC55. Combine the MC55 with a program like SQBX and
you have a simple, fast, and enterprise wide solution to make route
deliveries and record a proof of the recipient’s signature. All MC55
mobile computers come with wireless capability and some models include
cell phone features so that data can be accessed while your on the
road. You can even use the MC55 as a cell phone.

Motorola MC55

nospam@example.com (Ryan Murray) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 11:02:54 -0700

We are please to announce that the Motorola MC55 is a certified mobile computer for our software solutions!

Sleek yet rugged pocket-sized lightweight form factor
Built for year round use in nearly any environment, with IP54 sealing and the ability to survive 4 ft./1.2 m drop to concrete.

Powerful microprocessor designed for mobility: XScale PXA270 @ 520 MHz
Desktop-like performance with lower power requirements.

Microsoft’s latest operating system: Windows Mobile 6.1

Increased interoperability with existing enterprise infrastructure;
enhanced security features; more flexible development platform;
improved mobile messaging collaboration.

802.11a/b/g WLAN connectivity with flexible VoIP (VoWLAN) support (MC5590 only; MC5574: 802.11b/g)
Cost-effective voice and data connectivity in the office and hot spots

WPAN: Bluetooth® v2.0 Enhanced Data Rate (EDR)

Wireless connectivity to modems, printers, headsets and more; v2.0
provides additional throughput, improved security and additional
profiles for expanded connectivity to more device types.

High-quality speakerphone, microphone and transducer
Superior voice quality and performance.

Multiple voice modes: handset, speakerphone and Bluetooth headset
Flexibility to use the right mode at the right time.

Multi-mode
data capture: 1D/2D bar code scanning plus 2-megapixel, auto-focus,
flash-enabled optional color camera with decode capability

Ability to capture high-quality pictures, documents and signatures as
well as 1D and 2D bar codes improves workforce automation, increases
productivity and reduces data errors.

3.5 inch color high definition QVGA display (320 x 240)
Easy to view in virtually any lighting.

Mobility Platform Architecture (MPA)
Enables easy and cost-effective porting of applications from many other Motorola mobile computers.

IEEE
1725 compliance for the entire MC55 system — including all models, all
batteries and all power-related accessories (such as cradles and
charging cables)
Mitigates battery system failure, bringing a new level of reliability, quality and safety to the entire MC55 system

Multiple keyboard options

Flexibility
to use numeric, QWERTY, QWERTZ, AZERTY and NAV PIM (5590 only)
keyboards allows MC55 to meet diverse user and application needs.

User accessible microSD card slot
Provides additional memory and expandable functionality.

128MB RAM/256MB ROM
Provides memory space required to enable robust performance for database applications.

2.5G WWAN: GSM/GPRS/EDGE broadband connectivity over the cellular network (MC5574 only)
High performance wireless broadband with the world’s broadest voice and data footprint for workers outside the four walls.

SQBX Offers Janam XM65 Handheld Support

nospam@example.com (Dale Swanson) — Thu, 28 May 2009 15:16:55 -0700

We're pleased to announce that our SQBX Mobile Package Tracking System now supports the Janam XM65 mobile computer. The Janam XM65 is a mid-range rugged mobile computer with the following features:

Pocketable Ruggedness
Freescale™ MX21-266MHz
Windows Mobile 5.0 Premium
802.11b/g WLAN
Bluetooth
2.17 x 2.95in QVGA Color Touch Screen
1D or 2D Scanner

The SQBX Delivery Management system is a web based receiving system that allows mobile collection devices such as the Janam XM65 to receive, route, and deliver packages and important mail. The recipients signature is easily captured on this device. The Janam XM65 is another powerful addition to the easiest and fastest receiving system available!

Ubiquia Deploys First Panasonic U1 Mobile Computer

nospam@example.com (Dale Swanson) — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 08:53:22 -0700

We're pleased to announce that we've deployed the first Panasonic U1 mobile computer to our customers. The Panasonic U1 is a military grade rugged mobile computer. If you're looking for a bully of a computer for your warehouse operations, this little guy can withstand drops of up to 4 feet and is water resistant. With many add-on features like support for 1D and 2D internal scanners, a camera, and broadband connectivity this device is perfect for usage with SQBX and Zenventory. The footprint is a little heavier and larger than our mainstay Motorola MC70.

Mobility Through Technology - Panasonic Toughbook U1

nospam@example.com (Ryan Murray) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 08:18:35 -0700

In today's high paced business environment speed and accuracy matter. That is why Ubiquia teamed up with Panasonic to take our applications mobile through the use of the new U-1 TOUGHBOOK UMPC (ultra mobile PC). By eliminating redundant business processes like recording data from a package manually then re-keying it into a spread sheet, an organization can quickly impact worker productivity through mobile computing.

The Panasonic TOUGHBOOK U-1 UMPC combines the ruggedness to stand up to harsh conditions that may exist in your industrial environment along with the feature rich functionality of a full blown laptop.

A powerful solution for an ultra-mobile PC, the U1 comes with the Windows Vista operating system (Windows XP available), a solid state drive, 1GB of memory and the Intel™ Atom™ Processor Z520. In addition, the Panasonic Tougbook U1 is ultra-rugged, four-foot-drop approved and provides a sealed, all-weather design. The CF-U1 also features integrated Wi-Fi; USB and SD card slots; backlit QWERTY keyboard and a 5.6" WSVGA sunlight-viewable touchscreen.

Integrated features:

Integrated Fingerprint Reader
Integrated Magnetic Strip Reader
Integrated Camera (2 Megapixel)
Integrated GPS
Integrated Bar-code reader (1D & 2D)

Take the device outside the walls of your facility by conecting to the Verizon, Sprint, or AT&T broadband networks. This gives you the capability to get real time info on or offsite. Why wait to see what is going on within your organization? Through the use of mobile computing you will enable your staff to help provide the visibility required to drive your business. The Panasonic TOUGHBOOK U-1 coupled with powerful Ubiquia solutions will take your organization to the next level.