Special Direct Thermal Label Material is Alternative to Thermal Transfer
Challenges with print ribbons? Consider this direct thermal alternative
Thermal Transfer Quality from Direct Thermal Printers?
With recent tariffs causing havoc with supply chains, impacting costs and availability of the print ribbons needed for thermal transfer printers, you may be interested to know that there is a new alternative… there are special direct thermal labels now available with a special ink coating that eliminates the need for a ribbon. This enables you to obtain thermal transfer-quality labels from a direct thermal printer.
Do you have a need for higher quality labels from your direct thermal printers?
Are you having trouble with print ribbon cost or availability and need an alternative?
CSSI can provide you with samples to evaluate these special direct thermal labels.
Contact us to speak with a print expert, whether you are interested in label and print media options or new durable printers. We’d be happy to quote labels for you and suggest alternatives.
April, 2025
Software Developer to support B2B programming solutions
CSSI Technologies LLC is seeking an experienced SOFTWARE DEVELOPER to create and customize programming solutions for our diverse customer base of manufacturers, distributors, logistics companies, and more. We are open to both full-time and part-time candidates.
At CSSI Technologies, we are experts in the sale and integration of mobile computers and auto ID technologies (barcoding & RFID). We guide our customers in the selection and deployment of hardware and software to improve productivity and profitability. Our custom software development team enables us to create highly effective, custom-fit solutions.
We develop applications for multiple platforms (web, desktop, and mobile). Past solutions have included inventory / warehouse management (WMS), proof of delivery, quality control, and electronic forms.
Design, program and implement new applications and features.
Work with customers and internal team to develop project scopes
Deliver all projects and deliverables on-time and on-budget.
Maintain and debug code that is already deployed on production systems.
Resolve client inquiries and issues in a timely manner; communicate resolution effectively through email and phone communications.
Attention to detail. Document and record all aspects of client interactions in our service management system to promote transparency and understanding of technical issues and project status.
Delight customers in all phases of project execution.
Other duties which may be assigned.
Candidate Profile & Qualifications
A passion for solving puzzles, learning how things work, and helping people.
Ability to prioritize and complete multiple tasks and projects in a fast-paced, technical environment.
Ability to work independently as well as part of a small team.
Ability to interact effectively with both non-technical and highly technical users.
Willingness to research and figure out complex software and IT systems.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written, verbal, and phone skills).
Can-do attitude with a service-oriented approach.
Work Details
Work is primarily performed from CSSI’s Lewisburg office. Very occasional travel to customer sites for meetings may be required.
Developer will be required to utilize CSSI’s ticket- and time-tracking systems and will adhere to CSSI’s efforts to document customer interactions and critical information.
Benefits
CSSI offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health insurance, and a 401k retirement plan with company matching.
Please email your resume and cover letter to resumes@cssi.com and list the position in the subject line.
IT Leaders Have a Lot On Their Plate
IT directors, particularly those at small-to-midsized businesses, have found themselves increasingly overburdened due to a combination of resource constraints, complex IT environments, and increasing cybersecurity demands. Consider just a few of the factors:
Small Teams, Big Responsibilities – Many small-to-midsized companies have lean IT departments, sometimes consisting of just one or two people. The IT director must juggle multiple roles—network administrator, help desk support, cybersecurity lead, and even software developer—all at once.
Fragmented Technology – IT leaders wear many hats! Manufacturing and warehousing firms often rely on legacy systems, such as outdated ERP software, on-premises servers, and older industrial equipment. Multiple operating systems may be in play: Windows, Android, IOS, and perhaps Linux.
Cybersecurity Risks – Today’s always-online businesses are prime targets for hacks and cyberattacks like ransomware. IT directors may lose sleep at night trying to keep bad actors at bay with OS patches, security updates, and sufficient device security.
Mobile Devices are Multiplying… As are the Management Needs
Computing endpoints have multiplied dramatically in recent years, and this growth will continue into the future. Laptops, tablets, handheld computers, and vehicle mounted computers are all used in the modern enterprise. In managing these devices, IT leaders must contend not only with larger quantities, but also with devices which are mobile and thus dispersed across the facility or even across many facilities.
This means that relying on getting hands-on to update and manage devices is a bad plan, due to the time and hassle of simply tracking down all of the computers. Enter mobile device management (MDM) software as an enabling tool for efficiently handling these device fleets. When well-implemented and managed, MDM is a significant enabler for the IT team, creating an efficient way of managing and supporting large fleets of devices. (Read our past article: Is mobile device management a fit for you?)
The challenge for the IT team: the MDM software becomes yet another responsibility added to the IT plate, often without any increased resources to match. This is where CSSI’s mobile device support experts can step in to help.
CSSI Offers 3 Types of Mobile Device Support Options
The CSSI support team offers expertise in mobile device management, particularly SOTI MobiControl. We offer flexible options for how we can help you manage your devices and thereby reduce the burden on your IT team:
1. You Manage Your Devices
If your IT team is both knowledgeable about MDM and has sufficient bandwidth, you can use CSSI for sourcing your MDM software and providing services to support your initial MDM rollout. You take it from there and only contact us when needed.
2. You Manage Your Devices with Our Support
Your IT team may have a reasonable amount of MDM knowledge for day-to-day needs, but may lack the blocks of time needed for annual upgrades and major changes. In these cases, you may choose to use CSSI on an as-needed basis to provide you the necessary additional bandwidth. There are no contracts or time commitments necessary, you would simply pay for the support time you need.
3. We Manage Your Devices
It’s possible that your IT team may either a) be unfamiliar with MDM software and Android mobile devices in particular, or b) may lack time to support mobile devices. To help our customers in these situations, CSSI created Device Lifecycle Management, a contracted support package. Under this program, CSSI can manage your mobile devices from initial provisioning to annual patches and updates and can provide user technical support and trouble-shooting along the way. You can rest assured that your devices are patched and secured.
Contact Us To Discuss Mobile Device Support Services
Handheld computers are valuable for more than inventory management and data capture
Many companies acquire rugged mobile computers to use in inventory management and warehouse/logistics applications. That makes sense, because integrated data capture / barcode scanning capabilities allow your team to use mobile computers to pick orders and receive shipments. With better inventory management, the company can track inventory levels in real time, reduce stock discrepancies and prevent overstock or shortages.
However, if that’s all your company uses handhelds for, you are missing out on high-value opportunities…
Additional Tasks for Your Handheld Computers
1. Communication and Collaboration
Communication is a constant challenge in almost all organizations. In large facilities, workers can waste substantial amounts of time seeking one another out, or trying to find task-critical information which may be held by a teammate. For remote workers required to carry multiple devices (for example, a handheld scanner and a cell phone), the company must acquire and support more devices than necessary.
Did you know that the same mobile device used for data capture and inventory management is also capable of communications? Mobile computers can function as two-way radios or messaging devices, enabling instant communication between warehouse workers, drivers, and supervisors. This helps streamline coordination, reduce errors, and improve response times to issues.
Options are available for devices which offer cellular, as well as messaging and video capabilities. Software products such as Zebra Workforce Connect and Honeywell Smart Talk make it easy to add secure communications ability to both your in-house and remote devices.
2. Quality Control and Inspections
What happens when quality issues are discovered? Instead of relying on paper-based checklists, your team can report damaged goods and document findings with cameras. They can capture photos, log data, and integrate with quality management systems. This allows your team to get the right information to the right people to avoid customer impact.
3. Electronic Forms
Most organizations are riddle with paper forms and clipboards, to the extent that management may not even have a complete list of all in use. Paper forms are prone to error and incorrect use, and any data to be gleaned only comes after form data is manually transcribed into a spreadsheet. As opposed to paper forms, electronic forms allow you to capture data immediately, at the source, and immediately direct it to the correct place. The mobile computers which you already have in use for other tasks can easily become data capture stations. CSSI can help you by designing electronic forms and integrating with your systems.
4. GPS and Route Optimization
In logistics and fleet management, mobile computers with GPS capabilities help optimize delivery routes, track shipments in transit, and provide drivers with real-time navigation. This reduces fuel costs and improves on-time deliveries. There’s no need to pay for additional mobile devices or take the security risk of using your employees’ personal phones. The same device you are using to track deliveries and receipts can also be used for routing and directions.
5. For Management: Employee Visibility and Productivity
With device management tools, such as mobile device management (MDM), or authentication software (Zebra Identity Guardian), managers can gain visibility into the whereabouts and activities of both devices and team members. Reduce your device losses, ensure devices are charged and ready for service, and provide remote support to employees who require it.
Learn how to Implement High Value Workflows Using Your Rugged Mobile Computers
New Intrinsically Safe Tablet PC Option from Aegex
If you are searching for a tablet solution rated for stringent hazardous environments, we have an attractive new option for you. The 100M tablet from Aegex is a powerful Windows 11 tablet which is certified for C1D1 and ATEX Zone 1 and Zone 0. It’s loaded with useful features for users in hazardous environments, including a capacitive touch screen, tough aluminum case, and Win11 OS.
Key Features of the Aegex 100M Tablet PC
The 100M tablet will accommodate your software and your working requirements:
Certified ATEX/IECEx Zone1, Zone 0, and Class I, Div 1
Windows 11
8GB RAM
Rated for operating temperatures -20C to 55C!
Capacitive touch screen for gloves or pen
Ergonomic design improves grip
Suitable for Hazardous Industries
Aegex understands the needs of hazardous environments. Deploy the 100M tablet in:
Struggling with Management of Your Shared Mobile Devices?
How do your users access their mobile computers and tablets? Is there a mobile device access and security solution in place which prevents unauthorized access? Is the security profile based upon the user’s role, or is it set by device? Many companies have found that typical device management practices leave the organization at risk for device loss, waste, and security challenges. In this environment, Zebra created Identity Guardian, an authentication solution which is specifically targeted for enterprise users.
The Challenges with Shared Mobile Device Authentication
In most warehouse and industrial environments, devices are shared by users across different shifts. The same user will likely use a different mobile device each day. So how do your users sign into devices? The typical approaches each have shortcomings:
No device passcode – Complete lack of device control
Shared PINs – Loss of accountability for individual users
Complex PINs and passwords – Difficult for users to remember, encourages ‘workarounds’
Biometrics – Support single users, not shared users
Storing data in the cloud – Creates liability concerns around users’ personal information
How Identity Guardian Works and Adapts to Your Organization’s Device Strategy
Zebra Identity Guardian resides on your mobile devices. The authentication process is simple, and slightly different depending on whether you have shared or personally assigned devices:
Shared Devices
If your organization uses a pool of devices, with users randomly picking a device for each shift, you will benefit from a solution which can authenticate individual users rather than using a shared password. This graphic shows the Identity Guardian process for shared device authentication:
Individually-Assigned Devices
If your organization assigns specific devices to specific users, Identity Guardian can adapt to create a secure yet user-friendly authentication process, as shows below:
Identity Guardian Creates Visibility to Your Devices
From an IT management perspective, Identity Guardian provides a huge benefit of easy visibility into which devices are being used by which users. This will save time and effort in locating and trouble-shooting device issues and also creates accountability for your users if devices are lost, not returned, or damaged on their watch.
Sample screen from Identity Guardian management interface:
Primary Benefits of Identity Guardian Solution
Accountability – Better understand user activity and track device sign-ins and sign-outs
Data protection – Multiple layers of protection keep your user and company data secure
Application support – Integrated with IdPs to simply authentication by leveraging single sign-on (SSO).
Familiar user experience – A common login makes it quick to train users
Increased visibility – Gain a clear view of all devices in or out of service and all user profiles
Convenient and secure – Zebra seamlessly merges biometric authentication with multifactor login protocols
Earn Cash Back When Upgrading to New Honeywell Mobile Computers & Printers
As you plan your 2025 purchases of handheld computers and printers, it’s good to know that, if you are upgrading from older equipment, you have the ability to reduce your overall purchase cost with trade-in rebates. We’re pleased to announce that Honeywell has implemented a trade-in program for 2025. You can receive cash back when purchasing new Honeywell equipment by trading in qualifying old devices. Your old equipment can be Honeywell or competitive brands.
Examples of 2025 Honeywell Trade-In Rebates
Rebates vary depending on the new device you are purchasing. Savings can be substantial. Here are a few examples:
$200/unit when purchasing a Honeywell CW45 wearable mobile computer
$350/unit when purchasing a Honeywell Industrial label printer
Please refer to the trade-in program data sheet below. If you’d like to discuss your options with Honeywell’s line of mobile computers and label printers, please contact the Honeywell experts at CSSI to get started!
Better Management of Mobile Device Fleets with Zebra’s Storage Solution
As businesses acquire growing fleets of mobile computers and tablet PCs, effective management of these devices presents challenges. Enterprises often struggle with ensuring devices are adequately charged, tracking who has last signed out devices, and maintaining security to keep the company assets safe.
These challenges can lead to increased operational costs: worker downtime due to devices which aren’t adequately charged, and economic costs due to device loss or theft. Zebra Technologies addresses these issues with its Intelligent Cabinets product line, offering a comprehensive solution for device storage, charging, and management.
Challenges in Managing Mobile Devices
Companies deploying numerous mobile computers face several hurdles:
Device Tracking: Without a centralized system, keeping tabs on each device’s location becomes cumbersome, increasing the risk of loss or misplacement.
Charging Management: Ensuring all devices are charged and ready for use is critical. Inconsistent charging can lead to downtime, affecting productivity.
Security Concerns: Unauthorized access or theft of devices can compromise sensitive data and lead to financial losses.
These challenges not only disrupt workflows but also escalate costs related to device replacement, repairs, and operational inefficiencies. That’s where the Intelligent Cabinets storage solution steps in:
Zebra’s Intelligent Cabinet Solution
Zebra’s Intelligent Cabinets provide an integrated approach to these challenges by offering:
Secure Storage: Customized cabinets and racks ensure devices are stored safely, reducing the risk of loss or damage.
Efficient Charging: Built-in charging capabilities guarantee that devices are powered and ready for use at the start of every shift.
Automated Management: The system automates device tracking and access management, streamlining operations and enhancing security.
By consolidating devices into a centralized system, Zebra’s solution enhances device readiness and operational efficiency.
Key Features of the Intelligent Cabinet Product Line
Configurability: The modular design of Zebra’s cabinets allows businesses to customize storage solutions to fit various device types and quantities, ensuring optimal space utilization.
Device Monitoring: Integrated software provides real-time insights into device status, including battery levels and usage patterns, facilitating proactive management.
Charging Options: The cabinets are equipped with power distribution units, ensuring that all stored devices are charged simultaneously, eliminating downtime due to uncharged equipment.
Security: Enhanced security features, such as key barrel locks and the Zebra Access Management System (ZAMS), control and monitor device access, reducing unauthorized usage and potential theft.
Ensuring User Accountability with ZAMS
The Zebra Access Management System (ZAMS) is a pivotal component in promoting user accountability. This software solution automates device access management by:
User Authentication: Requiring personnel to authenticate before accessing devices, ensuring that only authorized users can retrieve equipment.
Usage Tracking: Recording which user has taken which device and when, fostering a sense of responsibility and enabling quick issue resolution.
Battery Status Monitoring: Providing visibility into device battery levels, allowing users to ensure devices are adequately charged before use.
By implementing ZAMS, organizations can significantly reduce device loss and damage, leading to a lower total cost of ownership.
Hardware Requirements for ZAMS
ZAMS can run on Zebra Tablet PCs such as the ET60, or the Zebra CC6000 Kiosk computer. The device is mounted on the outside of the cabinet, and as seen in the screen graphic above, it provides at-a-glance visibility into quantities of devices which are available, in use, or missing, allowing managers to quickly remedy problems. Behind the scenes, ZAMS keeps track of device usage, enabling audits and accountability if devices go missing.
Learn More About the Intelligent Cabinet Mobile Device Storage Solution
Honeywell has just announced the latest update to its Granit line of super-rugged industrial barcode scanners. The Granit Ultra 2100i is the new best-in-class for demanding environments. It boasts exceptional scan performance, ultra durability, and high-capacity battery performance to keep your team productive all day long.
Key Features of the Granit Ultra 2100i
The Granit Ultra 2100i is packed with valuable features:
Reads a broad range of barcode types and sizes – both standard and low definition, 1D/2D
Range of scanning distances – SR model for ‘standard range’ / close range, XLR for extra long range scanning – scan the top rack from the floor
Option to read multiple barcodes simultaneously – helpful based on your task and workflows
Intuitive use – Green LED aimer dot makes it easy to see where you are pointing the scanner
Rugged – 10′ drop spec, and IP65/68 sealing
High-capacity battery – Use scanner for multiple scan-intensive shifts on a single charge!
New Wi-Fi & Cellular Mobile Computer from Datalogic: Memor 12 & 17
Are you seeking mobile yet rugged computing power at an attractive price? Good news: Datalogic just announced the Memor 12-17, an excellent device choice for your mobile work staff who need handhelds which can stand up to the bumps and drops of day-to-day use.
This newest member of the Memor family includes Datalogic’s famous scanning technology, along with computing power which will carry you all the way through Android 18. Datalogic has been making big strides with its recent product launches, so it’s well worth a look for your next mobile computing project. The team at CSSI are mobile computing experts and can guide you in your device selection.
Key Features of the Memor 12-17
In addition to excellent scanning capability and Datalogic’s patented ‘Green Spot’ aimer, the Memor has attractive features for its price point. A few highlights are:
Display: 6″ Gorilla Glass 7 screen
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6e (Memor 12) and 5G or Wi-Fi 6e (Memor 17)
Rugged ‘enough’: 6-foot drop spec
Future-proof: Supports up to Android 18
Download the data sheet below for the full device specs.
Great Applications for the Memor 12-17
The Memor 12-17 shines in field/remote use applications where you need mobility and scanning capability along with reasonable durability, but don’t require the more extreme rugged construction of pricier models such as the Memor 30-35. Test it out for:
Transportation & Logistics: Proof of delivery, last-mile delivery, field service
Healthcare: Admittance, bed care, electronic medical records
Contact CSSI to Set Up An Evaluation
The best way to evaluate the new Datalogic Memor 12-17 handheld is with an evaluation unit. Contact CSSI to discuss your application and schedule a test of this powerful new mobile computer!
