Feature-Packed Fixed Industrial Scanner to Boost Automation
Faster Path to Automated Data Capture with Zebra’s FS80 Fixed Scanner
Fixed industrial scanners are critical for modern automation of data capture processes. Modern scanners can capture a broad range of barcode symbologies as well as OCR. The FS80 is Zebra’s top of line fixed scanner. This is a peerless product which combines a powerful feature set along with fast setup capabilities which can get you online quickly. As an authorized Zebra partner, CSSI can help you test Zebra scanners for successful process automation. Learn more about the FS80:
Key Features of the FS80 Fixed Scanner
As Zebra’s top-of-line scanner, the FS80 offers a peerless feature set. Some key features include:
Variety of sensor resolution models: 5MP, 9MP, 12MP, 16MP
Bright integrated lighting, and red, white and infrared angles
Audible feedback helps in loud environments
Dual laser-aimer
360 degree decode and job status LEDs
Target Critical Workflows with the FS80 Scanner
There are an endless variety of key data capture jobs which can be tackled by the FS80. Consider some of these common tasks:
Scan tunnels
Tote and container ID
Forklift scanning
Batch and pallet reading
Learn More About the FS80 Fixed Scanner
CSSI is a certified Zebra partner. Contact us to discuss you
CSSI Technologies has attained certification as a Zebra Industrial Automation partner. The industrial automation specialization means that CSSI is a source for cutting edge Zebra automation products such as:
Industrial Automation Drives Business Productivity Gains
In the modern business environment, industrial automation products are critical for improving performance and accuracy:
Boost throughput
Increase accuracy
Optimize efficiency
Increase savings
Zebra’s industrial automation products include scanners & AI-powered cameras which are ready for rapid deployment in your automation efforts. As a Zebra partner, CSSI can work with you to analyze your project and recommend optimal products. We offer both pre- and post-sale support for your Zebra purchases.
New Desktop Barcode Label Printers from Honeywell: PC41e-D and PC42e-D
Honeywell has launched 2 new desktop label printers aimed at those with entry-level to mid-range printing needs. Compact design, attractive appearance, and advanced features such as cutter and peeler can streamline your label production, whether for inventory management,warehouse automation or retail promotions. If your print requirements are up to 1,000 labels per day, take a look at the Honeywell PC41e-D desktop printer and the PC42e-D desktop printer.
Key Features of PC41e-D and PC42e-D
These quality Honeywell printers are ready for productivity:
Max print speed: 8 ips
Flexible Connectivity: Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/ac
High Resolution Options: 203 and 300 dpi
Plus, select from optional accessories such as a cutter, peeler, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth module, and USB-to-serial connector.
All About Lumber Tags for Barcode and RFID Tracking of Wood Products
In the lumber business (production, treatment, distribution, and retail), accurate product identification is critical. Yet lumber isn’t like boxes or pallets—it’s a rough, outdoor product often exposed to weather, chemicals, and heavy handling. That’s why standard barcode labels just don’t survive. Instead, companies rely on lumber tags—durable barcode labels engineered specifically for wood products.
The RFID and barcode label and tag experts at CSSI can help you with specification and testing of lumber tags. Contact us to discuss lumber tags.
What Are Lumber Tags?
Lumber tags are rugged barcode labels made to attach directly to boards or bundled lumber for tracking and identification. These tags carry product data like:
Species (e.g., Douglas Fir, Pine)
Dimensions (e.g., 2×6, 4×4)
Grade
Moisture content
Batch or mill number
Treatment info (e.g., pressure-treated or kiln dried)
Inventory or SKU data
Depending on the application, lumber tags can be stapled to the end of a board, tied to a bundle, or applied using a specialty adhesive designed for wood surfaces.
For scanning lumber tags, you will want to choose a rugged mobile computer such as the Zebra MC9400 which is built to withstand outdoor use and challenges such as temperature and moisture.
Who Uses Lumber Tags?
Lumber tags are useful at all levels of the wood supply chain:
Industry User
Purpose
Sawmills & lumber mills
Identify species, batch, and grade during production
Planing mills
Track dimensions and finishing stages
Wood treatment facilities
Verify treated vs. untreated lumber
Wholesale lumber distributors
Manage large inventory across multiple yards
Building material retailers (Home Depot, Menards, builders)
Use barcodes for pricing and inventory
Exporters/importers
Support traceability documentation
Custom millwork shops
Track small-batch specialty wood
Why Are Lumber Tags Used?
Lumber tags solve several challenges unique to wood handling and tracking:
✅ Accurate Inventory Control
Tracking by barcode eliminates costly product mix-ups—especially when multiple species and sizes look similar.
✅ Traceability & Compliance
Thanks to regulations like the Lacey Act and FSC chain-of-custody requirements, it’s important to trace lumber back to its source.
✅ Faster Workflows
Scanning barcode tags is much faster than manually recording product details when loading trucks or staging inventory.
✅ Support for Automation
Modern lumber yards are increasingly using scanners, handheld computers, and even RFID systems to move quickly and reduce errors.
Why Not Use Standard Barcode Labels?
It may be tempting to try standard barcode labels, like the ones used on shipping boxes—but those labels simply don’t survive in lumber environments. Rough lumber surfaces can result in paper label tears. Moisture & humidity ruin legibility. Stains and preservatives break down tag adhesives. Outdoor storage enables UV light to fade printing.
Tags must be capable of surviving for weeks or even months without losing legibility or falling off, which means that the use of standard labels and tags is not advisable.
Special Materials & Adhesives for Lumber Tags
Lumber tags are made with industrial-grade materials like HDPE, UV-resistant vinyl, or synthetic stock that is both waterproof and tear-resistant. They’re built to handle temperature extremes, rain/humidity, sun exposure, chemicals, and difficult/rough attachment surfaces. Lumber tags use resin-based printing, which won’t smear or fade outdoors like standard thermal labels.
Types of Lumber Tags
Type
Best Use
Staple-on tags
Individual boards
Bundle tags
Banding or strapping for lumber packs
End grain tags
Applied to the sawn edge of boards
Adhesive lumber labels
For smooth or planed lumber
RFID-enabled tags
Advanced traceability and automation
Popular Barcode Symbologies Used for Lumber
One of the decisions which you need to make when implementing lumber tags is the specific barcode format (symbology) to be used. Here are the primary common choices:
Barcode Type
Why It’s Used in Lumber Operations
Code 128
Most common—compact, supports long alphanumeric strings like mill codes, dimensions, and grade info.
Interleaved 2 of 5 (ITF-14)
Used for bundle tracking and carton codes; scans well in dirty/outdoor environments.
UPC-A / EAN-13
Required when selling to big-box retailers like Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Menards.
QR Codes
Used for tracking digital certificates (FSC, PEFC) and compliance documents.
DataMatrix
Small footprint for small or cut pieces; used less commonly.
RFID EPC Gen2
Enables wireless scanning of full lumber bundles without line of sight.
Let’s Discuss Lumber Tags for Your Wood Industry Operation
The StayLinked SmartBrowser versus Consumer-Grade Browsers
In today’s enterprise IT landscape, more applications are shifting into the browser . Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), ERP solutions, inventory applications, and logistics workflows are now commonly accessed through web interfaces instead of native applications. For office workers, Chrome, Safari, or Edge are perfectly fine.
But for industrial users —those on rugged devices such as handhelds, barcode scanners, and vehicle-mounted computers—the story is very different. Consumer-grade browsers simply weren’t designed to handle the unique challenges of modern warehouse environments. That’s where industrial browsers like the StayLinked SmartBrowser come in.
Let’s discuss why consumer browsers fall short, and how the SmartBrowser industrial browser delivers enterprise-grade benefits for companies.
Why Industrial Workflows Need a Different Kind of Browser
Warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing floors create demands that consumer browsers can’t always meet:
Rugged hardware: Rugged devices often include integrated scanners, physical keypads, or unusual screen sizes.
Unstable connectivity: WiFi dead zones and intermittent connections are common in large facilities.
Legacy systems: Many operations still run older HTML or terminal-emulation apps that need precise handling.
High productivity requirements: Even small delays in scanning or data entry multiply into big costs at scale.
Security and compliance: Devices must be locked down to prevent misuse or data leakage.
Consumer browsers such as Chrome or Safari were not created to handle these types of challenges, and tend to lead to inefficiency, downtime, and higher support costs.
The Limits of Consumer-Grade Browsers in Industrial Settings
Consumer browsers shine in general use but pose problems in mission-critical workflows:
Limited hardware support: Poor integration with barcode scanners, rugged keypads, and custom peripherals.
Unreliable under poor connectivity: Lost sessions and unsaved data when WiFi drops.
Unnecessary complexity: Extensions, auto-updates, and consumer features can distract or even break workflows.
Weaker IT control: Enterprises must rely on mobile device management (MDM) for restrictions, which adds overhead.
Hidden costs: While “free,” consumer browsers require extra enterprise tools and support, raising the total cost of ownership (TCO).
Consumer browsers such as Edge, Chrome and Safari just weren’t built with industrial operations in mind.
StayLinked SmartBrowser: Built for the Warehouse
StayLinked SmartBrowser is a leading industrial browser, purpose-built for rugged environments and the modern warehouse. Here’s how it compares to consumer browsers.
1. Reliability Under Tough Conditions
SmartBrowser is engineered to run flawlessly on rugged devices from vendors like Zebra, Honeywell, and Datalogic. Unlike Chrome or Safari, which may lag or crash on lower-power devices, SmartBrowser optimizes performance with minimal latency for industrial workloads. Maximum uptime is provided for mission critical environments.
2. Smooth Migration from Legacy Browsers
Many businesses still rely on legacy browsers like Ivanti Wavelink. SmartBrowser includes tools to migrate without downtime, ensuring workflows keep running while IT modernizes the stack. Chrome and Safari often require costly app re-engineering to achieve similar results.
3. Optimized for Productivity
SmartBrowser supports features like dynamic DOM injection, improving page rendering and usability. That translates into faster scanning, smoother data entry, and reduced worker frustration. Consumer browsers, built for general browsing, don’t offer these workflow-specific enhancements.
4. Broad Device Compatibility
StayLinked partners with rugged device manufacturers to ensure cross-device reliability. Whether workers use handheld scanners, tablets, or vehicle-mounted computers, the experience is consistent. Consumer browsers may run, but often with quirks, driver issues, or inconsistent performance.
5. Session Management and Security
SmartBrowser includes advanced session management tools: IT can restrict access to specific web apps, enforce security policies, and prevent workers from drifting into non-work browsing. Chrome and Safari rely heavily on external MDM policies, which are less granular and harder to enforce.
6. Cost Transparency
With predictable licensing and no hidden subscription fees, SmartBrowser is designed for enterprise budgeting. While consumer browsers appear “free,” managing them at scale often requires expensive third-party tools and IT labor.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Category
StayLinked SmartBrowser
Chrome / Safari / Edge
Rugged Device Support
Built for barcode scanners, rugged keypads, and industrial tablets
Basic support; compatibility issues common
Connectivity Handling
Session persistence during WiFi drops
Sessions often lost; manual re-entry required
Migration from Legacy
Tools for smooth migration
Often requires rewriting or replacing apps
IT Management
Built-in session control and access policies
Relies on external MDM; less granular
Security
Locked-down environment for work apps only
Risk of extensions, updates, or non-work use
Cost Model
Transparent, enterprise-friendly licensing
“Free,” but enterprise management adds cost
ROI and Business Benefits
Adopting SmartBrowser can deliver measurable benefits for companies:
Higher worker productivity from faster, more stable workflows.
Reduced IT support burden thanks to fewer crashes, lost sessions, and compatibility issues.
Lower total cost of ownership (TCO) by eliminating the need for extra tools and avoiding workflow downtime.
Stronger security and compliance with enforced session and access policies.
Future-proofing by enabling migration from legacy browsers without breaking current apps.
For companies running warehouses, logistics hubs, or manufacturing facilities, these gains add up quickly.
Consumer browsers like Chrome and Safari excel in the office but struggle in the warehouse. Industrial environments demand specialized tools such as an advanced terminal emulation solution—and that’s exactly what StayLinked SmartBrowser delivers.
Haven’t Yet Moved Beyond Android 10? Be Aware of the ‘Scoped Storage’ Impact on Your Device Applications
We write this article when the most recent version of Android is 15. However, we know that enterprises often lag behind in migrating the OS on their mobile devices. There remain many companies which are still running older mobile computers and tablets which are on Android 10 or earlier. However, as time goes on, the aging mobile devices will have to be replaced… the internal IT team will at that time have to contend with newer devices which require more recent versions of Android.
We provide this background and write this article because from Android 11 onward , there have been meaningful changes which can play havoc with the software companies run on their mobile devices. Approach any software written for Android 10 or earlier with some suspicion and be sure to check if the concerns we address below are relevant. Here’s the issue: You may discover that you are unable to run your critical software on newer devices without software updates. This can delay your ability to update failing mobile devices if you have not prepared beforehand.
First some background… what’s with the Android OS updates?
Every year Google releases a new version of Android, bringing both new features and new challenges for developers and enterprises. For most consumer apps, these updates are a welcome sign of progress. But for businesses that rely on rugged mobile computers and custom-built apps, the changes can disrupt long-established workflows. One of the most significant updates came with Android 11, which enforced a new way of handling file storage called scoped storage.
For companies still running software built for Android 10 or earlier, this shift may cause compatibility issues when moving to newer devices. In this article, we’ll explore what changed in Android 11, why scoped storage was introduced, the risks it poses for legacy apps, and how enterprises can test their readiness for migration.
Why Android Updates Every Year — and What Changed in Version 11
Security: Closing vulnerabilities and reducing attack surfaces.
Privacy: Giving users more control over their data and app access.
Consistency: Streamlining APIs and platform behavior so apps run more reliably across devices.
Android 11 was a major milestone for privacy and data protection. It introduced:
Stricter internal storage permissions via scoped storage.
A new permission for “all files” access (MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE), limited to specific use cases.
Updates to the MediaStore and Storage Access Framework (SAF), encouraging developers to use standardized APIs for file access.
For enterprises, the biggest shift was the formal enforcement of scoped storage — a new internal storage model that fundamentally changes how apps read and write files on a device.
What Is Scoped Storage and Why Was It Implemented?
In earlier versions of Android, apps that had permission to read and write external storage could freely access nearly all shared files on a device. That openness led to two problems:
Privacy risks — apps could quietly scan, collect, or tamper with files they had no business touching.
Security concerns — malicious or poorly written apps could corrupt other apps’ data or expose sensitive information.
Scoped storage was introduced to fix this. Under scoped storage:
Each app has its own private storage folder for files.
Apps must use MediaStore APIs to add or retrieve shared media (photos, audio, video).
For arbitrary files, apps must rely on the Storage Access Framework, which requires user approval.
The broad ability to scan or modify all external storage is gone, except in rare cases where the special MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE permission is approved.
The intent is simple: protect users’ data while nudging developers toward safer, more consistent APIs.
How Scoped Storage Affects Older Apps
While good for security, scoped storage disrupts many older enterprise apps. Legacy applications often assumed significant leeway for device storage of images and data. They could:
Save files anywhere on external storage (/storage/emulated/0/).
Scan directories to locate data created by other apps.
Share files freely without user involvement.
With Android 11 enforcing scoped storage, these assumptions break. Common issues include:
Crashes or file access errors when apps attempt to open or write outside their permitted scope.
Missing data when directory scans no longer return expected files.
Compatibility failures when the requestLegacyExternalStorage flag (which helped on Android 10) is ignored on Android 11 and higher.
Publishing restrictions since Google Play only allows the MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE permission for specific app categories.
In short, workflows that depend on open file access — such as barcode scanning apps that export CSV logs to shared folders — may not work without significant code updates.
How to Test Your Software for Android 11+ Compatibility
Many organizations still run older devices with Android 10 or earlier. Before upgrading hardware, it’s critical to test whether existing apps can handle the scoped storage model. Here’s how:
1. Inventory Devices and Apps
Record the models and Android versions of all devices in use.
List all business-critical apps and their versions.
2. Check App Configurations
Verify each app’s targetSdkVersion. If it’s below 30, it may behave differently once rebuilt or updated.
Look for code or libraries that reference direct file paths like /sdcard/ or Environment.getExternalStorageDirectory().
3. Run Tests on Android 11
Install apps on an Android 11 emulator or test device.
Exercise all file-related workflows (import/export, sync, file scanning).
Use adb logcat to catch SecurityException or file-not-found errors.
4. Validate Business Workflows
Confirm that critical flows — such as data capture, exports, and sync — still work as intended.
If apps rely on shared files, test whether SAF or MediaStore integrations are required.
5. Plan Migration Strategies
Preferred: Update apps to use MediaStore or SAF for file handling.
Fallback: For in-house apps not distributed via Play, use MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE cautiously.
Interim: Migrate data flows so apps exchange files through app-private storage or user-approved exports/imports.
CSSI Technologies Can Help with Android Migration & Software Challenges
Organizations relying on rugged devices running Android 10 or earlier should proactively test their apps on Android 11 to uncover compatibility issues before upgrading hardware fleets. By auditing apps, running real-world workflow tests, and planning a migration path, businesses can ensure that critical applications remain reliable and compliant as they move into newer versions of Android.
You may lack the resources or expertise to tackle one or both of Android migrations and test for or correct issues with your in-house developed software. CSSI can help. We offer support services for mobile device management and OS upgrades, even on an ad-hoc basis. For software challenges, our team of developers is available to consult on updating your internal software to be compatible with Android 11 and up. We have built experience in navigating these issues with multiple clients, and can accelerate your upgrades. Please contact us at CSSI to discuss Android updates and scoped storage challenges.
What is Special About Non-Incendive Mobile Computers and Tablets?
For certain usage environments and industries, ‘standard’ rugged mobile computing devices will not suffice. For hazardous environments, there is a special category of intrinsically safe computing devices which must be used in order to operate safely. Learn more about these operating environments and how CSSI can help with suitable rugged mobile devices.
What Makes an Environment Hazardous?
Hazardous locations are those where an ignitable concentration of flammable substances (such as gases, vapors, dusts, or fibers) is present either continuously, intermittently, or under abnormal conditions. These atmospheres can turn ordinary electrical sparks or high surface temperatures into dangerous ignition sources.
Examples of hazardous environments include:
Oil and gas refineries – where hydrocarbon vapors are common.
Chemical processing plants – with solvents and volatile compounds in the air.
Pharmaceutical manufacturing – involving ignitable concentration of powders or fine particulates.
Grain handling and milling operations – where dust clouds can be explosive.
Paint shops or spray-coating facilities – where flammable mists are present.
Regulatory frameworks like the National Electric Code (NEC) in the U.S. or ATEX directives in Europe define hazardous locations by classes, divisions, and zones, depending on the type of material present and how frequently it exists in ignitable concentrations.es, depending on the type of material present and how frequently it exists in ignitable concentrations.
How Are Mobile Computers Made Non-Incendive?
A non-incendive device, also referred to as intrinsically safe, is one designed for safe operation in hazardous environments by ensuring that under normal operating conditions, it cannot release sufficient electrical or thermal energy to ignite a flammable atmosphere .
Key Design Differences to Achieve Non-Incendive Certification:
Electrical Energy Limitation
Circuits are engineered to keep voltage and current levels below ignition thresholds. This prevents sparks from having enough energy to ignite a gas or dust cloud.
Surface Temperature Control
Components are designed and tested to ensure that their surface temperature never exceeds the ignition temperature of surrounding flammable materials.
Sealed or Reinforced Construction
Casings are ruggedized to prevent ingress of fibers, dust or vapors and to ensure that any internal faults don’t expose dangerous sparks.
Certification and Testing
Non-incendive mobile computers undergo certification through recognized standards bodies such as UL, IECEx, or ATEX . Certification ensures compliance with safety limits for operation in specific classes/divisions/zones.
Battery and Power System Safeguards
Since the battery is a potential ignition source, non-incendive models include specialized power management and containment systems that mitigate risks of overheating or short circuits.
Why Non-Incendive Mobile Computers Matter
For workers in hazardous locations, safety is paramount. A standard mobile computer might offer all the functionality needed for scanning, data entry, and wireless communication—but if it risks sparking an explosion, it cannot be used. Non-incendive mobile computers bridge this gap, providing rugged, full-featured computing power with the critical safety certifications required to keep both workers and facilities secure when working in a hazardous area.
Several Examples of Non-Incendive Computers Available from CSSI
The Aegex 100M is a non-incendive rugged tablet PC rated for use in Class I, Div 1 and ATEX Zone 1 and Zone 0 hazardous environments.
The Zebra Technologies MC9400 is an ultra-rugged Android mobile computer with configurations suitable for use in a Class I, Div 2 hazardous area.
The Honeywell CK67 handheld computer is an Android device with configurations available for use in CID2 non-incendive / ATEX areas.
CSSI Can Help You Select and Test Non-Incendive Mobile Computers & Tablets
New Addition to Honeywell’s Mobility Edge Platform Supporting up to Android 19
Honeywell’s has launched its newest addition to its handheld computer line. The CT70 is a rugged and feature-packed choice for both frontline workers and in-house teams who require reliable mobile edge computing, flexible scanning, and a large 6-inch screen. Courtesy of Honeywell’s Mobility Edge platform, the CT70 will provide years of use… it is guaranteed to support Android 15 through 19.
Key Features of the Honeywell CT70 Mobile Computer
The CT70 is packed with features, here are several notable items:
Support guaranteed from Android OS 15 to 19
Withstands 6 foot drops (8 ft with rubber boot); IP65/IP68 rated for dust & water protection
5G and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity. Also supports private cellular/CBRS.
Wireless charging and hot-swappable battery
Optional integrated RFID reader
CT70 Technology Enables Diverse Work Tasks
The Honeywell CT70 mobile computer can be used for a wide range of workflows. A large 6-inch screen keeps plenty of data in front of your frontline workers. 2 barcode scanner options are available, including Honeywell’s versatile FlexRange scanner. The CT70 is even available with an integrated RFID reader for short distance data capture. Use it in the warehouse, logistics, field service, and transportation.
The CT70 is also ideal for unified communications… pair it with Smart Talk, Honeywell’s unified communications solution, which combines voice calling, texting, and media messaging in one handheld device.
Shipment volumes are rising. If your business handles packages of varying size, you likely contend with gathering accurate parcel dimensions for those items in order to charge the correct amount of freight. Traditionally, this has been a manual task, but with rising volumes and rising labor costs, that can lead to more workers, and more expensive errors.
As a result, companies have been exploring automated measurement solutions. Zebra has created a dimensioning solution which is integrated into the handheld mobile computers which your workers are already using. This allows you to quickly automate dimensioning without the need to add new hardware.
What is the Zebra Dimensioning Solution?
Zebra Dimensioning is a software/hardware solution by Zebra Technologies that allows users to capture accurate parcel dimensions (especially for shipping, logistics, warehouse, and related workflows) using a Zebra mobile computer with built-in sensors. The idea is to replace or supplement manual measurement and external measuring hardware with a more automated, accurate, mobile-capable instant calculation method.
There are two main variants:
Certified Mobile Parcel — this Zebra dimensioning service is certified by weights & measures authorities (depending on geography), meaning the measurements can be used “legal-for-trade,” such as to calculate shipping charges or fulfil regulatory requirements.
Mobile Parcel — this version has the same measurement accuracy but is not legally certified. It’s useful for internal operations: warehouse optimization, load planning, visibility of dimensions, etc.
Benefits of Zebra Dimensioning
Speed & Efficiency: Manual measuring (using tape measures, etc.) is slow, error-prone, and difficult when working quickly in the field. This solution boosts workforce productivity by letting workers dimension parcels with a click.
Accuracy: Especially with the certified version, good accuracy means less under-charging or disputed shipping charges; better load planning; better space utilization in warehouses/trucks etc.
Regulatory / Legal Use: With legal-for-trade certification, you can use these dimensions to charge customers, meet weights & measures regulations.
Cost Savings: Less manual labor, fewer errors, better shipping cost estimation, improved warehouse space usage, fewer returns/disputes.
Convenience & Mobility: Since it’s built into mobile devices, jobs can be done where parcels are — on porch pickups, warehouse floor, parcel shops, etc. No fixed dimensioning station needed, no extra attachments.
How Does Zebra Dimensioning Compare Against Alternative Package Measurement Options?
Zebra’s dimensioning solutions dramatically improves accuracy and speed when compared with manual measuring. Compared with other technology-based dimensioning solutions, Zebra offers a lower implementation cost, much flexibility, and provides additional value from your Zebra mobile computer investment. The ROI for Zebra Dimensioning will come both from labor savings as well as a reduction in costly item measurement errors.
Feature / Factor
Zebra Dimensioning
Fixed Stations
Snap-On Sensors
Manual Measurement
Mobility
✅ Full mobility
❌ Fixed location
⚠️ Semi-mobile (bulky)
✅ Mobile, manual
Accuracy
✅ High, certified
✅ Very high, certified
⚠️ Varies, often unsure
❌ Error-prone
Parcel Size Range
⚠️ Up to ~1 m
✅ Small to very large
⚠️ Small/medium parcels
❌ Limited accuracy
Legal-for-Trade Option
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
❌ Rarely
❌ No
Ease of Use
✅ Simple, built-in
⚠️ Training needed
⚠️ Adds complexity
⚠️ Simple, slow
Upfront Cost
⚠️ Moderate
❌ Very high
✅ Lower
✅ Lowest
Long-Term TCO
✅ Lower (fewer parts)
⚠️ High maintenance
⚠️ Medium (fragile)
❌ High labor cost
Applications for Zebra Mobile Parcel
There are many use cases where Zebra Dimensioning is particularly useful:
Shipping / Courier / Postal Services — using a Zebra device to capture accurate parcel dimensions at pickup or dropoff to compute correct shipping fees, reduce disputes.
eCommerce Fulfillment — optimizing packaging, reducing oversizing or underutilizing space, ensuring accurate dimensional weight calculations.
Warehousing / Distribution — for load planning, determining how many parcels/boxes will fit in a pallet/truck, tracking spatial usage.
Parcel Shops / Retail Outlets — when customers drop off parcels or return items, dimensioning on site.
Field Service / Last-Mile Delivery — mobile dimension capture during pickups, reducing need to return to facility for measurement.
Learn More About Zebra Dimensioning & Mobile Parcel
In order to learn more about Zebra Dimensioning and how it can benefit your options, please contact the Zebra experts at CSSI Technologies . We can help you arrange a trial of the technology to confirm its effectiveness in your business environment.
What is an Industrial Browser?
An industrial browser (also referred to as an ‘enterprise browser’) is a specialized web browser designed for rugged mobile computers used by mobile workers in warehouses, manufacturing plants, logistics operations, and other enterprise environments. Why choose an industrial browser? Unlike consumer-grade browsers such as Google Chrome, Safari, or Microsoft Edge, industrial browsers are built to support business-critical workflows that involve barcode scanning, RFID data capture, ERP/WMS connectivity, and secure access to enterprise systems and web applications.
Industrial browsers are available from most major enterprise device manufacturers (such as Zebra, Honeywell, and Datalogic), as well as from 3rd party organizations such as Ivanti and Staylinked. CSSI can help you test and deploy solutions from all of these companies.
Why Can’t You Just Use the Standard Browser?
Traditional browsers are designed for general internet browsing and lack the specialized features required for industrial workflows. Some limitations of these mainstream browsers include:
No native integration with data capture hardware (barcode scanners, RFID readers, industrial sensors). Users would need workarounds or middleware to feed captured data into web applications.
Limited control for IT administrators —consumer browsers allow unrestricted browser activity such as web surfing, which poses security risks, opens you up to cyber threats, and can lead to productivity loss.
Not optimized for rugged workflows —consumer browsers don’t handle custom key mappings, locked-down interfaces, or kiosk-like modes needed on the shop floor.
Inconsistent compatibility with enterprise apps—especially legacy or customized ERP/WMS/MES systems that rely on session persistence, scripting, or unique security requirements.
Advantages of an Industrial Browser
‘Industrial’ or enterprise browsers are designed specifically for enterprise application deployment. In the current world of web based applications, enterprise browsers bring significant business benefits and user experience improvements for your mobile workers.
Seamless data capture
Direct integration with built-in barcode scanners, RFID readers, and cameras.
Scanned data can be automatically parsed and sent into specific fields of web based applications—reducing errors and speeding up workflows.
Browser security & control
Lockdown modes prevent workers from browsing outside approved business systems.
Centralized management allows IT to enforce policies, configure settings remotely, and push updates.
Support for enterprise authentication (e.g., Active Directory, SSO, certificates).
Workflow Optimization
Ability to remap keys, customize UI layouts, and automate repetitive tasks.
Optimized session handling to ensure workers don’t lose progress if devices disconnect or reboot.
Compatibility with Legacy and Modern Systems
Many industrial browsers support both modern HTML5-based apps and older terminal emulation or proprietary enterprise web portals.
Businesses can modernize workflows without needing to fully replace backend systems.
Reliability in Harsh Environments
Stable performance even on rugged mobile computers that may experience intermittent Wi-Fi or cellular connections.
Fast reconnection and session persistence help maintain productivity.
