The rate at which mobile computing and printing technology advances continues to accelerate. This pace of innovation puts at risk companies which delay investing in business equipment which maximizes productivity and reduced cost. However, expensive investments can be hard on cash flow… luckily, this is one business area where astute finance strategy can directly benefit the business.

Equipment leasing is a ‘have your cake and eat it too’ strategy. Instead of laying out large sums of cash for new equipment, your business can use a technology leasing program to gain immediate access to cutting edge tech. Protect your balance sheet, while gaining operational improvements.

See Our Quick Explainer Video On the Benefits of Equipment Leasing

Companies Confront Challenges in Refreshing Tech Equipment

There are common difficulties companies face when contemplating a major technology refresh. Available cash, working capital, and the ability to fit the purchase within a capital budget are often the largest issues. Fortunately, the financing option can resolve these issues for you.

How Do You Benefit From a Capital Lease?

There are many benefits to a leasing program. Some of these include:

• Don’t delay essential and strategic investments in new mobile computing, scanning, or printing technologies which can provide immediate benefits to your business
• Don’t parcel out equipment acquisitions over years in order to minimize cash impact – get the benefit of a complete tech refresh immediately
• Pay your monthly payment out of operating cash flow instead of tying up precious cash in the equipment asset.
• You may be able to classify the monthly payment as an operating expense, and keep the leased equipment off your balance sheet (check with your accountant).
• Tie the capital lease term together with the useful life of the product, and upgrade to cutting edge tech upon lease expiration.

Never A Better Time For Equipment Financing?

Leasing equipment has become a standard practice for many leading companies. Options for equipment financing have become increasingly friendly to the business owner or lessee.

• A historically low interest rate environment translates to lower monthly payments. Obviously, lower payments translate to improved operating cash flow.
• The typical equipment lease agreement is easy and fast to execute – leasing transactions can be executed almost as fast as a traditional cash equipment purchase.
• The lease period will match up closely with the typical usage of the technology leased. This sets you up to stay current with technology improvements rather than falling behind with wholly-owned equipment.
• Choose from a fair market value or dollar buy-out leasing option.

Equipment Leasing Company Recommendations

Whether you are a large corporation or small business owner, CSSI can connect you with a lender experienced in technology finance for business equipment, many of whom coordinate with each equipment vendor used by CSSI. This will lead to a faster and smoother leasing process.

Contact CSSI using the form at right to discuss an operating lease today.

Special In-Person Lunch & Learn Event

CSSI Technologies is pleased to announce a special in-person lunch & learn event on June 17 at our Lewisburg office with a representative from Verkada. The Verkada expert will demo, explain, and answer any of your questions about this remarkable product line.

What Does Verkada Offer?

Are you frustrated with out-of-date, difficult to use video surveillance equipment or access controls? Verkada offers a cutting edge line of equipment packed with next-generation features!

• Cloud video surveillance – Verkada’s remarkable cameras are powered by just 1 cable (power over ethernet), and provide powerful AI search capabilities, incredible storage, and the ability to easily search historical footage.
• Access controls – improve your level of access control, and easily trigger alerts or make access changes.
• Environmental sensors – detect air particulates, vaping, temperature and more, and easily access and trigger alerts through Verkada’s cloud-based software.

Details:

We hope you can join us in person at CSSI for a close-up demo of the incredible Verkada product line.

When: Thursday Jun 17
Time: 11:00am – 1:00pm
Where: CSSI Technologies, 145 North 15th St., Lewisburg, PA

The event date is now passed — but you can complete the form at right to discuss Verkada video surveillance with a CSSI rep.

CSSI Technologies is pleased to become a member of MASCPA, the Manufacturer’s Association of South Central PA. MASCPA is a partner and advocate for manufacturing, production, and logistics in Pennsylvania and Maryland.

With over 350 members, this organization provides a wealth of training, networking, and learning opportunities for manufacturers within its growing territory. As a VAR and integrator specializing in technologies for data capture and printing in manufacturing and warehousing environments, CSSI looks forward to offering its insights and expertise to MASCPA members.

To learn how CSSI can support your organization, please contact us.

Zero Touch Provisioning For Android Enterprise Devices

Manual provisioning of new corporate owned Android devices can be time-consuming for your IT staff, and bears the risk of setup errors as well as significant difficulty in maintaining a standard configuration. CSSI is much more than a device reseller – we are your technology partner, ready to assist you in deploying as well as maintaining devices throughout their lifecycle.

Zero Touch Deployment – CSSI Provisioning

We created zero touch deployment in order to solve a problem – our customers were challenged by unfamiliarity with Android, and unpreparedness to manage the rapidly changing Android OS on each corporate owned device. By offering device management and deployment support, CSSI’s mobile device experts take the burden off your internal IT team. Your mobile devices arrive at your facility ready to deploy to each user right out of the box!

With our Android zero touch deployment, you can say goodbye to:

• Complex and slow new device distribution processes
• Laborious manual device configuration
• Lack of attention paid to lifecycle management – applying updates and patches as necessary

CSSI provides varying levels of deployment support, ranging from assistance in establishing enterprise configuration standards, to zero touch provisioning of devices, to complete management of each managed device throughout its lifecycle.

Contact us to learn about supported devices, how we can help you to create a default configuration, what capabilities we have each device manufacturer, and the benefits of employing an MDM solution (mobile device management).

Click to learn more about how CSSI can support you with:

• CSSI Device Lifecycle Management
• CSSI Android Device Provisioning

Upgrade Your Barcode Scanning Power

Upgrade your scanning power with CSSI and rugged, enterprise-grade barcode scanners from Zebra. Don’t struggle to keep your inventory count updated with out-of-date scanning technology. CSSI can pair you with the latest easy-to-use scanners offered by industry leader Zebra Technologies.

Select Features of Zebra Barcode Scanners

• Capture multiple barcodes at once – reduce scanning effort and for your users
• Wifi-friendly mode – keep your wireless scanners connected and your workers productive regardless of where they roam in your facility
• 50% more battery capacity – keep the team active on the floor with scanners which last an entire shift

CSSI Technologies is the leading supplier and integrator of rugged barcode scanners, mobile computers, tablets, and printers. We’d be happy to consult with you to help you determine your best options for reliable data capture. Contact us to start today.

Please note if your business relies upon printed labels and barcodes:

CSSI has encountered growing lead times for labels and print supplies. Industry sources warn that lead times may increase sharply in the first half of 2021. It is our understanding that delays are driven by 3 factors:

1. Production delays caused last year which have not quite been caught up.
2. Sharp growth in demand as certain industries have experienced pandemic-related growth.
3. Recent weather challenges in Texas which impacted some of the chemicals used by label producers.

We have seen label producers warning of potential production delays of 4 – 12 weeks!

CSSI Technologies’ advice is:

1. Review your on-hand label inventory.
2. Consider temporary changes in your reorder trigger points – would you be capable of continuing production in a scenario where your next label order were delayed by 2-3 months?
3. Place reorders now to build supply buffers and get ahead of the problem.

The advice above is even more urgent if you rely upon customized or non-standard labels since our ability to rapidly source from other suppliers is limited in these cases.

We are standing by to help you navigate any supply delays. Please contact your CSSI account representative or customer service for further support or to answer any questions.

CSSI Offers Lumber Tags & Labels for Reliable Lumber Identification and Tracking

It’s a difficult task… lumber tags and labels must be designed to withstand the elements and affix to every rugged wood surface regardless of its condition. CSSI offers all types of labels and tags for the mill, lumber yard, or wood product manufacturer, including customized wraps for load identification and bar code application.

Your lumber tag can help you identify data for classification and tracking, allowing you to keep accurate records of your lumber production. We provide labels that are tear-resistant and that withstand outdoor conditions. CSSI has all your needs covered including fade-resistant inks, permanent or removable adhesives to handle all types of surfaces and environments and coatings that are resistant to UV exposure, heat, sub-zero temperatures, water, grease, oil and chemicals. Tags can be applied to treated wood, treated lumber, finished lumber, raw wood, and any wood or lumber product.

Our Process For Lumber Tag Selection

• The CSSI team are tag, label, and print supply experts.
• We will consult with you to evaluate your application requirements, and will work with you to select an ideal quality solution for all your lumber operations. We source your log tag or end tag from a range of suppliers, and can thus choose the best solution for your application. Custom sizes are available.
• CSSI can help you reduce your material and labor costs, all while meeting lumber industry criteria such as those from the American Lumber Standard Committee.

CSSI also provides barcode labels for horticultural, furniture, forestry, and a wide variety of other specialty applications.

Lastly, CSSI supplied rugged mobile computers, fork truck-mounted computers, and bar code scanners which can stand up to tough outdoor usage.

Contact us today to learn more.

Want to maintain accurate inventory count? Here’s what to do:

Previous studies have consistently suggested that only a little over half of inventory is ever properly logged and updated at any given time. This directly contributes to product shrinkage either through misplacements, spoilage, and surprise out-of-stocks. When inventory counts aren’t readily updated, stock numbers reflect inaccuracies, complicating workflows and impairing customer retention. However, maintaining timely stock updates often requires you to confront the following challenges:

• Manual Data Processing – Many businesses still rely on some form of manual data entry, slowing down productivity and leaving room for human error.
• SKU Proliferation – Multiple SKUs for similar products require more time from your workforce to be processed and stored.
• Inventory Movement – Sudden demand spikes may cause inventory to move faster through the supply chain.

Whether you are facing one or more of these issues, automation is the key to accelerated inventory management. As a Zebra Solutions Partner specialized in efficient modernization, CSSI dives into the usefulness of Zebra’s most rugged scanners, the DS3600, as a cost-effective path to secure real-time visibility.

Hasten Workflows with Digitized Data Processing

Over time, small repetitive tasks such as data logging, wait times, and reporting consume a lot of time from your operations. Zebra’s DS3600 Ultra-Rugged Handheld Scanners have been designed and thoroughly tested to fit neatly into your high-demand workflows without infrastructure changes to your current technology.

• Capture multiple codes at once – Scan up to 20 barcodes in a single trigger pull with Multi-Code Data and specify capturing order and format to simplify reporting.
• Scan labels in any condition – Zebra’s intelligent scanning engines are optimized to capture scratched, small, dirty, fading, and frosted barcodes. This eliminates wasted time spent on rescanning depending on your work environment.
• Accelerate data capture with Bluetooth 4.0 – Thanks to WiFi-Friendly mode, DS3600 scanners can operate faster with maximized energy efficiency, all without WiFi interruptions.
• Ensure shift-to-shift efficiency – Developed with 50% more battery capacity than competing models, the DS3600 scans up to 100,000 per charge, so your workforce doesn’t have to worry about sudden downtime from empty charges.

How to upgrade Your Scanning Capacity

As part of the GO Zebra Trade-In Program, DS3600 barcode scanners are eligible for cash-back rebates when you upgrade your legacy devices before December 31^st, 2021. To get started on your upgrade, you must:

1. Purchase your upgraded barcode scanner
2. Submit your reclaim form within 90 days of the invoice date
3. Trade in barcode scanners for cash rebates up to $25 per device

To see which DS3600 best fits your needs, contact CSSI today for a free assessment of your workflows.

Rugged Mobile Computing for the Mobile Worker

Today’s tablets need to be built to survive the harsh, always-on work environments of the mobile worker. But they also need to be built for the job — your job! From screen size to weight, battery life, and accessory options, such as bar code scanners, they should have the right combination of mobile computer capabilities to serve your team in every moment. CSSI has years of experience in rugged mobile computing, and can say that Zebra’s family of rugged tablet configurations are ready to do just that.

Windows Tablet or Android Tablet?

Depending on your business requirements, you may desire either Windows or Android operating system. There are Zebra tablet configurations to accommodate both. CSSI can guide you to the right rugged device choice for your business.

Are you migrating from Windows to Android? CSSI can also assist with Android app design and migration of applications from Windows to Android.

Zebra’s Rugged Tablet Line Includes:

Zebra ET51 and ET56

• Super light enterprise tablet that can be taken anywhere.
• Thin and sleek, just over 1 lb.
• Hot swappable battery.
• Select your operating system: runs Android or Windows.
• Optional barcode scanner and many accessories.
• 8″ and 10″ screen options.
• ET56 adds connectivity – both LTE and Wifi.
• 8″ and 10″ screen options.

Zebra L10 Rugged Tablet PC

• Powerful rugged design for the toughest industries. This ultra rugged tablet line includes Zebra XSLATE L10, XPAD L10, and LBOOK L10.
• Includes rigid handles
• Integrated barcode reader.
• Choose your operating system: runs Android or Windows.
• Capable of morphing into a laptop.
• Multiple USB ports and options.

Zebra XSLATE R12

• 12.5″ screen with exceptional brightness.
• Runs Windows operating system
• Expansion bar
• Self-charging keyboard
• Vehicle docking

Get Your Tablet Upgrade Started Today

Which Zebra tablet is the right mobile device for you? Consult with the mobile computing experts at CSSI to discuss your usage environment. We will work with you to select and configure the perfect Windows or Android device for your application. Contact CSSI today.

Your Source for Microsoft Access Migration in Pennsylvania

We regularly interact with clients who have outgrown critical applications which were built using Microsoft Access. It’s a common story because Access is a handy tool which non-IT users love to use to quickly put together a small application. However, the company grows, the number of users expand, the data expands, and a day comes when everyone realizes it’s time to move up to enterprise-grade software.

CSSI’s experienced software development team can assist you in achieving a successful migration, upgrading your software to a more robust platform. But first… why migrate?

Why Migrate From Legacy Access Applications?

Perhaps the question is more ‘when’ than ‘why’. MS Access is a handy DIY solution until it isn’t. What are some of the factors which may cause you to realize you’ve outgrown Access?

1. Your business requires a more robust database — this is the basic catch-all answer. The relatively simple Access solution was the right choice at one point, but changes and growth in your business are causing you to run up against the limits of Access, which can no longer grow with your business
2. Multi-user environment — you may have started with a single user, but as the business grew, you started to have multiple users. This causes a cascading set of issues with Access, chief among these, a slower performing application.
3. Users in more than one location / geographically dispersed users — while you may have once operated from a single location, now you have multiple locations and/or mobile users who need on-demand application accessibility.
4. Need for an improved front-end — If you have need for more control, options, and features in the front end of your application, you may realize that Access no longer fits the task.
5. Microsoft Access is somewhat obsolete — While it is not true that Microsoft intends to end Access, it is true that the world of software development has changed over the years. There are now a broad range of tools which can be used to create ‘programming-lite’ applications, and immediately solve many of the shortcomings of Access. In short, you have more choices today – CSSI would be happy to help you evaluate.
6. You’d like to make use of web development and a cloud environment such as a MS Azure SQL database or AWS.
7. Security is a growing concern. With a more robust front end and SQl server back end, we can improve your overall security.
8. Application performance speed has deteriorated as the program has become more complex.
9. Database size has expanded dramatically — You may have started off with a relatively small amount of data, but over the years, data has grown and slowed down your app performance — time to consider a data migration project.
10. You wish to have remote users with mobile devices connect to your application. CSSI can help with applications well suite to mobile device usage.

Not convinced? Check out: 10 reasons why IT pros hate Microsoft Access

CSSI Database Migration Service and Application Rewrite

For an application or database migration away from Access, there are 3 options which Microsoft partner CSSI can propose:

1) Maintain your existing Access front-end, and migrate the target database to the more robust Microsoft SQL server.

2) Perform the Microsoft Access database migration and also use the migration process to rewrite/redesign the application front-end with a more robust framework.

3) Migrate your application to a light-code application solution. In some situations, depending on your application and migration scenario, we may recommend using a rapid application development tool.

Contact CSSI today to discuss Access database migration.