North Central Sight Services had a problem… warehouse management software which was slowing the business down, and mobile computers in need of a refresh. With a workforce of people who are predominately visually impaired, there was also a need for a custom WMS solution which could better accommodate those users.

In the video above, we explain how CSSI consulted with North Central and created a winning solution by integrating:

• A customized warehouse management system (WMS) with screens specially customized by CSSI to adapt to the users’ needs.
• Zebra Technologies MC3300, a powerful and user-friendly mobile computer which enabled migration from end-of-life Windows Mobile devices to a new Android scanner.
• Integration with Microsoft Dynamics GP

With CSSI’s custom WMS, monthly inventory time was reduced from 1 1/2 days to just 2 hours!

CSSI’s solution was built upon a custom-designed set of screens with larger-than-normal text blocks of color which the users found easier to read.

CSSI also created customized messages to visually signal that scans were successful or unsuccessful. This has resulted in a reduction of inventory errors, and faster training for new users.

North Central’s WMS had to be tightly integrated with its accounting system, Microsoft Dynamics GP. CSSI is a certified GP partner with years of experience, and was thus able to integrate the WMS with GP — to tremendous effect for the customer. As noted previously, the time needed for monthly inventory was reduced from 1 1/2 days to 2 hours, while also making devices easier to use for the workforce, and easier to train on for new employees.

Do you need a warehouse management system, or do you have a need for custom programming? Contact CSSI today using the form at right.

About North Central Sight Services, Inc. (www.ncsight.org):
Based in Williamsport, PA, North Central Sight Service’s mission is to provide exceptional programs, services and employment to the blind and visually impaired as well as excellent education, prevention services and products to all customers. Through its AbilityOne Program, the company manufactures and distributes SKILCRAFT® products to the State of Pennsylvania and Federal government. Additionally, the company provides business services such as Document Management and Sip for Sight Bottleless Water Coolers to surrounding communities, creating jobs for Associates who are blind or visually impaired.

The Honeywell CK65 Android mobile computer is a powerful rugged device which will bring your supply chain operations to maximum productivity. It’s perfect for warehouse, freezer environments, manufacturing, and loading docks – you’ll improve productive uptime with a barcode scanner built for the toughest DC environments – even in hazardous locations where intrinsically safe devices are required.

The CK65 mobile computer is a natural upgrade option for any enterprise users of the Intermec CK3X, CK3R, or Honeywell CK75. The CK65 is powered by Honeywell’s Mobility Edge platform, a cutting edge technology platform shared with several in Honeywell’s newest line of products, such as the VM1A fixed vehicle mount . Products on the Honeywell mobility edge platform have the advantage of a common chipset, enabling cross-product software compatibility which can be valuable to companies which require several different rugged device form factors. The common chipset means that you can certify an app on any of the several Mobility Edge Honeywell devices and know that it will run on other devices in the family. Application portability will save you headaches and redevelopment investment in the long run.

The Honeywell CK65 mobile computer runs on the Android OS, and boasts an extended product lifecycle which will support Android O through Android R, giving you a guaranteed long usable life. (Ready to migrate from Windows Mobile to Android ? CSSI can make it painless). There is too much to speak about related to CK65 to fit on this page, but read on for some of the most notable facts.

Honeywell CK65 is Rugged:

• 8 ft [2.4 m] drop to concrete over temp
• Tested at 26 device orientations
• 2000 1 m tumbles
• IP64 ingress protection
• Gorilla Glass 5 touchscreen display
• Ultra rugged design can be used in challenging environments, including cold storage. The freezer version can operate as low as -30 degrees Celsius.
• In hazardous environments which require explosion proof or intrinsically safe devices, CK65 will meet Class 1 Div 2 specs.

This Dolphin CK65 Device is Powerful:

• 2.2 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 Octa-core – fast processor!
• 2GB/4GB DDR4 RAM + 32GB Flash
• The mobility edge platform will be upgradeable all the way to Android R
• 4″ WVGA display – 2.3x higher resolution than CK3X and a significantly larger screen
• 5100 mAh extended battery life: 14 hours, hot swap technology

Honeywell CK65 is Warehouse-Ready:

• Improved extended battery life – ideal in warehouse environments and manufacturing environments!
• Powerful 7th generation barcode scanner: N6703SR
• 13-megapixel camera
• Advanced network connectivity to improve worker productivity – WLAN: IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac; Wi-Fi certified 2×2 MIMO support
• Additional WLAN features: 802.11 d/e/h/i/k/r/w
• Select from several ergonomic keypad options, including alphanumeric and numeric F-key, functional keys
• Mappable side buttons
• Pre-licensed Staylinked SmartTE

Honeywell Dolphin CK65 is Backwards-Compatible:

• Compatible with Intermec CK3X accessories
• Uses batteries from Intermec CK3X, CK75, or EDA60K

Learn More

Ready to learn more about how CSSI can assist your easy deployment of this mobile device, even in the toughest DC environments? Improve your worker productivity today – complete the form at right to speak to CSSI about the Mobility Edge family and the CK65 mobile computer.

Check out Honeywell’s newest addition to their line of barcode scanners. The Xenon XP is an update and improvement on the popular and successful Xenon. Why? Honeywell reports these features and improvements:

• Better/faster barcode reading performance due to a one-megapixel sensor, 800mhz processer and improved firmware.  The scanner makes bad barcodes good.
• Same successful industrial design as the current Xenon 1900/1902.
• Backward compatible with existing Xenon accessories and software.  Even the Xenon 1902 charge base is compatible with the Xenon 1952 with a firmware upgrade.
• Same trusted Xenon reliability.
• New charge base options including a new horizontal base that can be mounted on a wall or in a drawer.
• Battery-free option available in both general use and healthcare versions – with one minute “charging” and no more batteries!

For existing Xenon users, note the following retirement dates for the Xenon 1900/1902:

• Last time buy for 1900 is July 31, 2019.
• Last time buy for 1902 is targeted for August 2019.
• Prices will increase for Xenon 1900s / 1902s as soon as May 1.

Please contact CSSI to learn more about the Xenon XP barcode scanner.

Honeywell Forklift Terminal On Mobility Edge Platform

Feeling pressure to ramp up your distribution and logistics speed while simultaneously reducing operating costs? Luckily, new technology is available to help in achieving your warehouse productivity goals in distribution center and forklift environments.

Independent research shows that inefficient processes and unproductive worker time cost the average distribution center up to $400,000/yr. That’s 3,000 hours!

Introducing Honeywell’s Thor VM1A

The Thor™ VM1A from Honeywell is a new, feature-packed vehicle mounted computer which operates on the Android Mobility Edge platform – it’s been designed to positively impact productivity in forklift environments. This vehicle mount computer will assist your fork truck operators to move and locate products faster – all while reducing errors and saving effort.

VM1A Is Packed With Numerous Breakthrough Features

It’s worth noting that the VM1A features a field-replaceable front panel – better investment protection since you can replace the most commonly damaged part of mobile device. Also, Honeywell’s exclusive SmartDock system enables quick swap-outs between vehicles without touching cabling – minimizing downtime and reducing the number of spare parts needed to be kept in inventory.

Attention users of the prior-generation Honeywell VM1: please note that VM1A is backwards-compatible with docks and cabling.

All of that translates into an extended product lifecycle and lower cost of ownership – keeping your forklift operators up and running and delivering better ROI to your bottom line.

Migrating To Android?

Are you ready to migrate from Windows to the Android operating system ? The VM1A utilizes Honeywell’s Mobility Edge platform with numerous breakthrough features. You’ll have support for the next 4 Android generations, from Android O to Android R.

Are you about to migrate from Windows to Android? Consult with CSSI for rapid Android migration for telnet, as well as our productivity-enhancing telnet screen modernization capabilities.

Capture Barcodes From the Forklift

With an accompanying barcode scanner , your operators can capture barcodes without leaving the forklift. We offer a broad rugged industrial barcode scanner range, as well as an Android mobile device range to keep your employees productive while on the move. These essential tools save your operators time and save you money.

Running a Cold Storage Warehouse?

The VM1A is available in configurations suitable for freezer warehouses , with features such as the optional screen defroster, and custom keyboards suited for use with gloves.

Benefits of Honeywell’s Mobility Edge Platform

Honeywell created the Mobility Edge platform with the concept of a shared chip architecture used across its Android mobile computer line. Mobility Edge has multiple customer benefits. Most significantly, you can achieve one-time application certification – an app certified on a Mobility Edge device will work as intended on any rugged computer in the program. This allows you to utilize multiple form factors within your operation, without incurring excess development expense.

CSSI Supports Your VM1A Deployment

When you work with CSSI, you’ll find that we support you in early-stage consulting and mobile computer specification as well as device deployment and provisioning. Further, we can support your mobile computer fleet across its entire lifecycle through our Device Lifecycle Management program. We ensure that all deployed devices adhere to a common configuration, and we push updates and keep you on a current version of Android.

Learn more about the Honeywell VM1A Vehicle Mounted Computer

Ready to learn more and accelerate your freight operations? Contact CSSI Technologies to arrange a VM1A demo today.

Contact us today to learn more — complete the form at right to get started.

Microsoft has announced that as of Dec. 10, 2019, Windows 10 Mobile users will no longer receive receive product or security updates and other support. Along with other guidance found in Microsoft’s FAQ (read it here) is a specific recommendation that Windows 10 Mobile users move to devices running Android or iOS:

Microsoft: “With the Windows 10 Mobile OS end of support, we recommend that customers move to a supported Android or iOS device. Microsoft’s mission statement to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more, compels us to support our Mobile apps on those platforms and devices.”

As discussed in our previous post “Windows-to-Android mobile device migration – are you onboard?“, the momentum towards Android for users of rugged mobile devices is real and accelerating. For those ready to migrate, a whole world of compelling new Android devices is waiting. CSSI Technologies is capable of supporting you throughout your migration, including if necessary the update of your custom Windows Mobile applications.

Software is increasingly the differentiator for most businesses. Data is power in the fast-moving marketplace, so the right applications can give you a competitive edge. CSSI Technologies offers an experienced team of full-stack developers adept in a range of programming languages and tools and particularly experienced with software used in operating environments (warehouse, distribution, delivery).

Some of the many skill-sets we offer are:

Languages	C#, JavaScript, SQL, CSS, HTML, Python, Powershell, VB.NET, Java, VBA, Perl, TCL
Development Frameworks:	ASP.Net, .NET Core, JQuery, Boostrap, Xamarin Android
Handheld Computer Specific:	Android SDK’s, Enterprise Browsers, and Javascript Libraries (Zebra, Honeywell, & Panasonic), Ivanti Wavelink & Speakeasy
MS Dynamics:	MS Dynamics GP eConnect

We can work with you in 3 ways:

1. Custom Application Design — The CSSI team will scope out and run your project from start to finish. We’ll work with you to assess your business needs, design a project plan, and execute the plan on schedule.
2. Fractional Programmer — Maybe you have a need for staff augmentation. You need resources but can’t add a full-time hire. We can provide an experienced professional to augment your team for a pre-determined (but flexible) number of hours. You get budget flexibility and immediate impact.
3. Ad Hoc Programming — Have occasional needs, but no need for a longer engagement? Give us a call and let’s see how we can help.

For further information on our programming capabilities check out the link below:

CSSI Custom Programming Services

Want to discuss a project? Contact us to get started today.

CSSI will be participating in and sponsoring 2 separate Manufacturing Day events held by NEPIRC (Northeast Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center). Come out for a great day of learning and networking with the manufacturing community. Click on the desired event for more information:

Tuesday October 2 – Hazleton Manufacturing Day

Thursday October 4 – Scranton Manufacturing Day

CSSI is seeking SALES REPRESENTATIVES with experience in barcoding / RFID / rugged mobile computers for east coast and mid-west territories. The sales role will facilitate the sale of equipment and services for barcode scanning, mobile computing, label printing, and print media.

You have a successful track record in technology sales. You thrive in a challenging, yet high-earning, uncapped commissioned role. You are passionate about auto ID technologies (barcoding, RFID) and mobile computing, and you are comfortable selling to middle market customers in industries such as manufacturing, distribution, warehousing, food processing and agriculture. You enjoy working independently and thrive on prospecting and visiting customers within your assigned territory. You are the face of the company in your assigned territory but play well with the company team which enables your success.

If the above statements are true for you, then you will love working with CSSI Technologies. We are experts in the sale and integration of auto ID technologies (barcoding and RFID). We guide our customers in the selection and deployment of hardware and software to improve productivity and profitability. We add a special layer of value through our custom software development team, which enables us to create highly effective custom-fit solutions.

We are seeking a Territory Account Managers who will develop sales within an assigned territory on the east coast or in the mid-west. In this role, you will work remotely from your home office, and will maximize time at customer sites in the territory.

Responsibilities

• Meet or exceed territory profitability targets
• Prospect for new customers and close business through face-to-face meetings and telephone sales.
• Cultivate lasting, consultative relationships with customers by delivering solutions and implementations which exceed expectations.
• Collaborate with the CSSI team, and with OEM and ISV reps, to win business and achieve great customer outcomes.

Requirements

• Demonstrated success in technology sales, outside sales, and territory development
• Require a minimum 3 years experience in the auto ID industry selling barcoding / RFID / rugged mobile computers
• Excellent skills in prospecting, communicating, negotiating and follow-up
• Willingness to stay abreast of technology developments in the auto ID industry
• Understanding of product positioning and ability to position solutions versus competitors
• Familiarity with the manufacturing and warehousing environments
• Ability to travel daily within the assigned territory

Benefits

CSSI offers uncapped earnings comprised of a base salary and sales incentive, comprehensive health insurance, and a 401k retirement plan with company matching options. Our employees can take part in our wellness program and take advantage of our flextime policy.

To apply: Please email your resume and cover letter to resumes@cssi.com and list Territory Account Manager in the subject line.

Let’s talk about Wearables and Voice Technologies – is is time to try these on in your business?

In the ongoing search for productivity gains via technology, manufacturing and warehousing leaders have moved from paper to scanners to powerful rugged mobile computers. Now the next phase is well underway…. the adoption of wearable technology and voice-direction as improved methods by which to interact with the computer.

‘Wearables’ is a broad category which, in the warehouse environment, includes devices such as finger- or hand-worn scanners.‘Voice’ tools enable audio interaction with the computer, either one-way (providing audio user instructions) or two-way (the user can also speak back to the computer).

According to Zebra’s 2018 Manufacturing Vision Study, between 2018 and 2022 the use of wearables will increase by 38% (from 40-55% of plant floors). Voice tool usage will increase by 13% (from 45-51% of plant floors).

The Need for Speed (and Accuracy)
What’s behind this increasing use of these technologies? The need for ever-increasing levels of speed and accuracy – shipping more orders per shift, with lower error rates.

The chart below lays out the primary factors driving wearable usage, as presented by VDC Research. The top factor driving wearable initiatives is increasing employee productivity by keeping users hands-free (59.6%).

Correspondingly, the impact of voice tools can be dramatic. As seen in the chart below, VDC Research reports that 87% of companies adopting voice report at least an 87% improvement in picking accuracy, while 89% report at least a 10% increase in worker productivity. Those are exceptional gains for any business!

The impact of wearable and voice technologies will generally be higher in high-pick-frequency environments. (The seconds saved per transaction will add up faster when there are more transactions.) These technologies aren’t right for every situation, but can be massively impactful in extremely active environments. Also worth noting: if pick error rates are high, voice can be an ideal tool for mitigating expensive errors.

How To Get There – CSSI Can Help
How do you assess whether wearable and voice tools are right for you? We recommend that you start with a conversation with CSSI Technologies. Our experienced team can explore your processes and help to determine the likely impact of these products.

To learn more, contact us, or be kept up to date by joining our email list.

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