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:
Production delays caused last year which have not quite been caught up.
Sharp growth in demand as certain industries have experienced pandemic-related growth.
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:
Review your on-hand label inventory.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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 31st, 2021. To get started on your upgrade, you must:
Purchase your upgraded barcode scanner
Submit your reclaim form within 90 days of the invoice date
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?
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
You’d like to make use of web development and a cloud environment such as a MS Azure SQL database or AWS.
Security is a growing concern. With a more robust front end and SQl server back end, we can improve your overall security.
Application performance speed has deteriorated as the program has become more complex.
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.
You wish to have remote users with mobile devices connect to your application. CSSI can help with applications well suite to mobile device usage.
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.
Valuable Service Contract Extension On New Honeywell Equipment Purchases
CSSI is pleased to announce a 2021 Honeywell trade-in program… when purchasing qualifying new technology from Honeywell, you can trade in old hardware and receive valuable service contract extension on your new device.
Why Update Your Technology?
Mobile computers: Windows has ended support for the Windows Mobile & Windows CE mobile operating systems. A new generation of Honeywell handhelds run on the superior Android OS, and are packed with new features such as improved battery life, better scanners, and faster performance. Improve warehouse worker productivity and performance with the latest mobile computers.
Barcode scanners: Honeywell’s latest scanners are faster, more accurate, and more rugged than ever before.
Label printers: Honeywell’s printers continue to provide cutting-edge features and rugged design.
Several Product Categories Qualify for a Trade-In Incentive
Contact your CSSI account rep to learn more. Our company is a platinum Honeywell partner, and well-positioned to help you navigate updating your mobile device fleet, scanners, or printers.
Ease your path to new handhelds, scanners, and printers with technology leasing
Are you ready to update to the latest technology, but need to preserve your working capital? Equipment leasing can provide the solution. Instead of tying up large amounts of cash flow in new mobile computers, barcode scanners, or label printers, you can set up a reasonable monthly lease payment which enables you to achieve your technology refresh fast!
CSSI can help facilitate your technology leasing solution…
Technology Leasing Can Accommodate
New equipment purchases, such as mobile computers, handheld scanners, vehicle-mounted computers, and thermal label printers. Most all of the new technology supported by CSSI qualifies for equipment leases.
Services and maintenance contracts to support that equipment.
Rebates Up To $250 Available For New Zebra Device Purchases
CSSI is pleased to announce ‘Go Zebra’ 2021, a program which allows you to trade in an outdated mobile computer, barcode scanners, or an older thermal label printer and receive a valuable rebate towards the purchase of new devices. Boost productivity, migrate to a modern Android mobile computer, and get all the benefits of a reliable new Zebra printer.
Vehicle mounted computers such as the VC8300 or VC80
Barcode scanners such as the DS3608 standard range scanner
Thermal printer such as the ZT600 or a mobile printer such as the ZQ600
Replacement device batteries
Effectively:
We buy barcode scanners so you can upgrade
We buy mobile computers so you can upgrade
We buy back label printers so you can upgrade
Qualifying Trade?
Don’t settle for outdated technology and legacy devices. If you are updating a fleet of eligible products, you can receive sizable rebates. Zebra’s eligible products for trade include competitor devices.
Contact your CSSI account rep to check whether your mobile device or older thermal printer is a qualifying product to trade-in, and get started today. We can assist with your application.
CSSI partner Zebra Technologies has launched a line of electronic temperature sensors which represent a step forward for any application which requires evidence of temperature maintenance. Examples include:
This new Zebra sensor solution has 3 major points of improvement over existing sensor products:
Bluetooth connectivity – access data faster, without having to open packages or containers. Allows you to quickly determine temperature with less effort and without losing cold or heat.
Cloud-enabled – Automate data uploads to the cloud to provide data accessibility and easier reporting.
Customizable – configure sensors and alerts to fit your application needs.
The Edge temperature sensors feature a unique design with integrated mobile connectivity (via Bluetooth), and are perfect for monitoring temperature-sensitive items throughout the cold chain. Temperatures can be monitored without opening boxes or cases.
A family of sensors for every need
A variety of sensors are available to suit various applications:
EDGE S-400 – non replaceable 12-month battery, and temperature range of -30 to 70 celsius.
EDGE M-300 – watertight IP67 housing, replaceable battery, and temperature range of -40 to 85 celsius
EDGE M-300-P – similar to EDGE M-300, but with an external probe accommodating temperature range of -200 to 200 celsius.
Bluetooth sensors enable access through packing materials
It’s no longer necessary to make a physical USB connection in order to access sensor data. Zebra provides Bluetooth sensors, which let you monitor and record data through packing materials, containers, vehicles, cold-chain equipment and temperature-controlled rooms. This convenience makes it easier for users to quickly view temperature data without opening containers, thereby helping to reduce potential for human errors and limiting products’ exposure, which can cause product loss, deterioration of efficacy, and harmful effects to consumers.
Remote access delivered via EDGEVue app and EDGECloud
To round out the product family, Zebra’s EDGEVue app and EDGECloud™ services provide immediate, remote access to device data via the cloud. EDGEVue app enables easy setup, monitoring and tracking of sensors using Android or iOS mobile devices. EDGECloud™ services provide wireless, cloud-based data-sharing, storage, and reporting for compliance or analysis.
Customize temperature sensor settings to suit your needs
Zebra’s electronic temperature sensors are also among the most customizable in the market. Other devices which are preconfigured with monitoring settings require users to purchase different devices for different needs. Zebra devices, however, can be configured for each cold-chain shipment or storage environment, giving users a wide range of options and controls over settings, including start time, reading intervals and alarm limits.
To learn more about electronic temperature sensors, please contact CSSI today.
In your business, do you need to print a variety of high quality color labels on the fly? The Canon LX-D1300 color inkjet printer is up to the task for eye catching packaging labels and barcodes.
In the video below, we take a look at the LX-D1300. It has a small form factor and prints 2″ labels in vivid color. It’s one of several printer options in Canon’s inkjet family.
Canon LX Series of Inkjet Label Printers
The Canon LX series includes 3 printer options:
LX-D1300 – This dye inkjet printer (seen in our video) handles a 2″ label
LX-P1300 – This is a 2″ printer similar to the D1300, but this model uses pigment ink.
LX-D5500 – This dye inkjet printer uses a 4″ label, and is the best choice for larger labels.
Why Choose a Canon Color Label Printer?
There are several core reasons to select a Canon inkjet label printers for quality color labels:
On-demand printing
Canon inkjets eliminate the need to maintain inventory of pre printed labels. Instead, you can print labels as you need them, running different label jobs on the same device. Not only does this lower inventory management costs and reduce label ordering headaches, it also enables you to make label changes on the fly… perfect for businesses which use a variety of different labels!
Inks
Vivid colors produced by the LX series makes your product ‘pop’ on the store shelf! Canon gives you printer options using 2 different ink cartridge types:
Pigment based ink is UV stable, and thus will be more durable over time
Dye based inks offers a more brilliant color
Printer performance
Canon inkjet label printers are tough and ready to support your demanding operating environments. Features include:
High quality labels in vivid color… 1200 dpi resolution
LX-D1300 & LX-P1300 provide a compact label printer to save valuable space — footprint of just 5.3″x9.8″. LX-D5500 is slightly larger at 15.2″ x 22.2″.
Fast performance! LX-D1300 & LX-P1300 prints 4.7″/second. LX-D5500 prints 7.9″/second.
LX-D1300 & LX-P1300 print smaller label dimensions – labels up to 2″ wide on matte or glossy media rolls. LX-D5500 prints up to 4″ wide labels, and can accommodate roll or fan-folded media.
Auto cutter is built in.
Applications
There are a broad variety of applications for color inkjets. Some include product labeling, distribution & logistics labels, retail inventory, barcodes and signage for warehouse applications, and easily customizable coupons. Broadly speaking, packaging applications which would benefit from a sharp color label which can be printed on-demand are a good match. Canon also has card printers available which can be used for ID badges and similar. CSSI can assist you in selecting and procuring the optimal label stock for your printer.
Summary
CSSI’s print experts can help you to choose the correct label printer for quality and affordable color labels. You are no longer obligated to stock pre printed inventory labels and pre printed product labels. To learn more about the best Canon color inkjet label printer for you, speak to CSSI’s print and barcode label experts. We have years of experience supporting print needs in operating environments, and we’d be happy to consult with you on your project.
