Bluestar Industry News

Retailers have felt a load of pressure ever since newer technologies have been adopted into their world to offer an enhanced customer experience. There’s the need to meet shopper demands for the convenience to switch between online platforms and physical Brick + Mortar shops – sometimes for the same transaction – in order to com...

It’s no secret that COVID-19 has played a massive role in transforming how restaurants and retail shops operate, especially when it comes to slowing the spread of this novel virus. They now have to place employee & customer protection and hygienic mandates at the top of their to-do list every day. The hospitality experiences tha...

No matter where you go shopping, receipts are often apart of the transaction, whether you opt for a digital receipt or a printed version. Although, we have adopted a vast amount of modern technologies that work to make the checkout process faster and more efficient, our reliance on technology can cause mistakes and errors that o...

Towards the beginning of 2020, the world was completely flipped upside down by the novel COVID-19 Pandemic. With millions of people affected worldwide, families and healthcare professionals alike have been left exhausted from the hurt and pain that this unforgiving virus has put forth. Nurses, doctors, and clinicians have tirele...

The role and functionality of kiosks in retail is constantly evolving, especially in time like the ones we are currently all living through this year. The checkout experience looks a bit different this time around than it has ever before. As the global pandemic has surged its way through the world, the retail world has had to ch...

As the energy and utilities sector continues to evolve, some of the trends that will emerge over the next five years are beginning to take shape. While seven out of ten companies report utilizing advanced analytics and machine learning to create work schedules that seek to maximize their resources in the field, the use of predic...

While some companies have already invested in new technologies such as AI-driven mobile applications, in-store retail robots, kiosks, and self-checkout devices, the pandemic has definitely thrown the remaining companies to the wolves. In the current state of retail, social distancing matters are required for many regions and tha...

You don’t think about how important food safety is until you’re the customer and discover a food recall shortly after you’ve consumed the expired item. Food safety is definitely a crucial topic for both consumers and food/beverage experts, because both can be greatly impacted by the outcome of spoiled products. Consumers are inc...

Behind every successful retail company is an accurate and organized inventory. Through managing one’s inventory, retailers are able to deliver superb customer experiences, while also minimizing the need costly safety stock. Without transparent visibility into the inventory system, retailers can fall behind on fulfilling orders a...

This year has been different, for sure, especially for those struggling to continue operating in retail environments. Thanks to the widespread COVID-19 Pandemic, many have resorted to limiting the amount of people in the premises at one point, or even shutting down entirely to help stop the spread of the virus. As we near the en...

In all times, especially the ones that we’re living through this year, Distribution Centers provide the lifeline to retailers, manufacturers, and end-users alike. As the demand for essential goods has become increasingly critical during these past, several months, Distribution Centers and Warehouses are responding at all fronts,...

It’s very common for the average consumer to strive to make more conscious decisions in the retail realm. In this year alone, much has come in and impacted the industry, causing many to shop online instead of in-store, and even alter movements walking through physical Brick + Mortar shops to help keep socially distanced from fel...

Navigating the supply chain can be quite the challenge during any normal season, but in the wake of the global pandemic, the state of distribution centers and warehouses has gone a bit awry. With general mass layoffs and furloughs taking place and employees still recovering from either the virus itself or the economic pushbacks,...

It’s no lie that the healthcare industry has experienced a load of dramatic change during what has grown into a mass global pandemic. With thousands of people dead, worldwide, COVID-19 has created a healthcare emergency, with a surge in demand for diagnostic drive-thru testing facilities, specimen collection and courier services...

Thanks to the effects of the Global Pandemic, consumer habits have unfortunately drastically changed. During the height of quarantine and lockdown periods, brick-and-mortar stores were forced to change their business operations and strategies, practically overnight. This decision left many independent fashion-based retailers to ...

There are many expectations placed on today’s warehouses and distribution centers to meet the needs of customers, both directly and indirectly. Features such as speed and order accuracy mean the world for customers and such attributes can lead to faster delivery and greater transparency into the supply chain. With this in mind, ...

AI and Machine Learning have been pivotal tools within digital systems of this era. Virtually both tactics have done much to impact various industries and vertical markets. There is much that comes along with the intelligent decision-making process that creates new and innovative services that are continually improving customer ...

It’s been found that countries are looking to find a balance between the variety of restrictions and keeping food and beverage businesses open. In many countries, restaurants are open, but with a limited occupancy and have enforced social distancing measures and guidelines. As they work to reinstate a ‘business as usual mindset,...

Before the COVID-19 Pandemic struck, healthcare staff were already some of the busiest individuals during their daily workflow. In order to grant their patients with the best quality of care, they need the best of the best when it comes to network connectivity and devices to get the job done. Each staff member needs to be within...

Thanks to COVID-19, humans aren’t the only ones who’ve been infected by the Pandemic. For many, their business functionalities have been placed on the back burner due to supply chains shutting down and experiencing delays. The food industry has received a large load of the burden placed on supply chains, because as regions are p...

In the current healthcare climate, hospitals and primary care centres are still struggling to get a grasp on the COVID-19 pandemic. With a vaccine hopefully lying on the horizon, there is still much to do to ensure that hospital operations stay consistent and streamlined to those who need it most. As patients continue to be admi...

With the “post-pandemic” realities kicking in, business leaders will soon learn the impacts of the disease will further promote a more digital environment in their workplace, as shifts begin to take place. COVID-19 was a huge trigger for how businesses everywhere are reacting and building their response plans for how to continue...

Pandemic has pushed Healthcare officials to pursue research partnerships and engage in data sharing opportunities. The Healthcare industry is essentially a large machine that has presented itself as working to achieve the goals of quality care, lower coasts, and improved outcomes for all. When it comes to data though, things are...

The Omnichannel realm always seeks to provide customers with seamless shopping experiences, whether they’re shopping online from a desktop or mobile device, by telephone, or even within the confines of a brick-and-mortar store. The COVID-19 Pandemic has restricted consumers from shopping in physical brick-and-mortar stores, due ...

The supply chain and distribution industries are well aware of the hurt they’ve experienced during the chaos of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Where a normal distribution centre would experience delays in receiving and shipping, this novel virus required many suppliers and sellers to shut down their facilities and lay off employe...

If you happen to be in the business of moving freight, you’re not a stranger to all of the complications and challenges that you’ve run into in this year alone. Within lockdowns taking place and people quarantining to promote health safety, consumers are ordering and demanding quick turnaround rates, a sense of zero tolerance fo...

In a time of so much confusion due to implications from the Coronavirus pandemic, retail is definitely not what it used to be. Thanks to the mass spread across several regions, many have been forced to quarantine and keep a socially distanced position, which has held a large impact on retail environments, specifically how consum...

To keep up with the ever-evolving digital revolution, the continuous expansion of e-commerce and fierce competition, Distribution centres are turning to automated solutions to up their game and supply to the needs of end-users. Paper and writing devices used to be the way warehouse workers would track and check inventory and in ...

The health and safety of everyone, especially those working in healthcare is so important to help flatten the curve and stop the spread of COVID-19. Many countries are already following and abiding by the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines for physical and social distancing measures, along with keeping devices and loca...

No matter what role you hold in a Retail environment, it’s obvious you’ll need to work with a good printer in your workplace. With today’s shopping climate differing per day, the normal queue lines are much more spread out and non-traditional. To maintain social distancing mandates, retail workers might need to complete a transa...

The statement “COVID-19 has drastically changed our lives” is an understatement to say the least. Several countries have moved toward a total lockdown of their economic standing, with massive restrictions for people’s movement, and to help stop the spread of this novel pandemic. Many vertical markets have been severely affected ...

As lockdown restrictions begin to ease up somewhat, the hospitality sector is thinking about how to protect their customers and staff under social distancing guidelines. Creating a safer and more contactless environment ironically goes against the very nature of hospitality, but from enclosed dining pods and frequent temperature...

As the demand for warehousing and transportation surges across the world, logistics firms have been working around the clock to continue supplying essential goods for the most important businesses in the channel. Due to COVID-19 and the mass furlough of employees across the world, many have been out of work, and companies unable...

With COVID-19 being the new normal for how we live our lives, sanitation and extra-sensitive safety measures have been placed in effect, as both a courtesy and a mandate to help stop the spread of COVID-19. In the same way, performing sanitising practices ensures customers with the confidence to shop at their own will and instil...

When it comes to seeing where the food in your local grocery store comes from, there is a way to track its origins using food traceability tactics, through various stages of production, processing, and distribution. Traceability is able identify the source of all food inputs including raw materials, additives, ingredients, and p...

We are all experiencing rapid changes within the Healthcare Industry which is creating challenges and roadblocks for healthcare professionals everywhere. There are loads of technology updates that need to take place in order to move us on up, digitally. The Digital Transformation is taking place right now within the Healthcare I...

eCommerce is heading its way towards exponential growth when it comes to warehousing, transport, and logistics, especially when combined with customer service virtues. The increased demand for certain products, PPE equipment, the need to ensure social distancing protocols for workers has significantly impacted supply chain proce...

The recent public health crisis has highlighted the need to minimise the risk of the virus transmitting through various touchpoints. As things go back to “normal,” it’s critical to keep shared surfaces (such as touch screens and self-checkout counters) regularly sanitised to prevent the spread of the virus and offer a greater se...

Amidst the developing Stay-at-Home guidelines, last-mile deliveries have surged, especially when it comes to essential goods. Couriers are under extreme amounts of pressure to deliver critical orders, whilst adhering to new safety measures and protocols, such as contactless delivery at the doorstep, to ensure driver and customer...

In today’s healthcare realm, technology is more important than ever. The availability of data can raise efficiency and at the same time secure patients’ rights, while also assisting their caretakers and doctors to make the right decision. When Electronic Health Records (EHRs) fully integrate with mobile computing and point-of-ca...

In today’s environment, where we’re constantly bombarded with bad news and are separated from our friends and colleagues, it’s easy to adopt a negative view of the situation. Each day seems to present itself with a new COVID-19-related news headline – and yet another restriction upon our daily lives. The world is changing around...

If you’re familiar with warehouse operations, you’ll know that inventory management is widely the most important task at hand. Keeping a managed inventory space is keeping not only your workspace clean, but you’re ensuring that everything is in place if/when orders are processed. Sometimes, this is the that’s so mundane and tedi...

When it comes to our current habitat under COVID-19, many of us are running around panicking with a bottle of hand sanitiser, just trying to avoid any interaction with germs. According to the CDC, current evidence finds suggests that COVID-19 related germs may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces made from a variety of ma...

Our healthcare industry is facing an incredible amount of pressure and challenges in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic. While many businesses have shut down due to the social distancing guidelines, hospitals and healthcare facilities are still operating to help relieve and treat patients suffering from this rapidly spreading ...

Everyone knows the role of a Printer in the restaurant environment, to run express on orders and to keep tally on customers, making sure they are satisfied along the way. In a technology-centered world, it’s really common for the device itself to hold way more responsibilities making it such a valuable co-worker on the line. Fro...

Did you know that RFID and Barcode Identification technologies complement each other? RFID is often touted as a replacement to barcoding, but the reality is that both technologies are often used together, and both will be around for years to come.  They should not be viewed as competitive technologies, rather a conscious choice ...

Retail is an ever-evolving environment and as it continues to roll out, customers continue to expect and demand more seamless shopping experiences, across the channels. Brick + Mortar stores and the digital scene continue to merge into one entity for the view of the customer, inventory, and pricing. The POS system serves as a ba...

In these ever-evolving times, there is a lot of pressure placed on warehouse workers who are just trying to make their deadlines and make sure all challenges are handled. The ongoing inventory management processes require the correct tools and equipment for data collection, so they can avoid any interruptions to core tasks and j...

It’s no secret that COVID-19 has held a large impact on several industries so far, but it’s definitely affecting how retail is transforming itself to meet the common need and expectation. For those who haven’t been able to operate physically, within their brick + mortar location, they’ve either had to adapt their offerings and m...

As the Digital Transformation is moving its way through the retail supply chain, consumers haven’t been able to stand back from the expectation of the Internet’s endless ability to buy, buy, buy, and receive when they want. Companies like Amazon and Target are promising huge claims, what with same-day and even next-day delivery ...

Reusing old passwords is nobody’s business, but tricky cybercriminals, unfortunately. It fits you and everyone you know in your company to add additional security measures to your accounts and memberships. It’s time to throw out “Password2019!” and invest in more promising tactics, like Multi-Factor Authentication. Here we’ll di...

Businesses, Institutions, and Government departments are looking to accomplish tasks and keep up with social distancing mandates through the usage of robots, drones, and even automated devices to combat this COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare workers, especially, are working around the clock with an intense workload to fight this vir...

For those working in a warehouse or distribution center, the act of managing some or even all of the inventory is a huge task at hand. Being able to track the location, condition, timing, accuracy, and speed of the incoming and outgoing inventory, equipment, and even staff members in real-time simplifies the process for everyone...

As COVID-19 continues to unfold itself to us, many are afraid to visit their favourite dining spots, for fear of catching the virus. In this light as well, many restaurant owners are hesitant to open their locations, even for carryout, due to the shutdown backlash. Though some businesses are opening their doors (with restriction...

Warehouses all throughout the world are looking for the next big change-up to help orders get fulfilled more efficiently and successfully on a daily basis. Fast, personal, and often unattended delivery has become the newest, key competitive differentiator for businesses seeking to enhance their overall customer service experienc...

Looking further into the energy and utilities sector, there is much progress to be made for the mobile technology usage. It’s predicted that in the next five years, companies will begin to utilise machine learning and advanced analytics processes to assist with creating work schedules that maximize and enhance the number of reso...

When it comes to keeping up with retail enterprises, the devices are really where it’s at, when it comes delivering a higher customer satisfaction rate. Powerful and ruggedized, a new and advanced line of mobile PDA computers can work to access enterprise networks and public networks at the same time, empowering one’s workforce ...

Retailers are familiar with the concept of Click & Collect, Click-list, Curbside Pickup, because we were all just getting friendly with the ideas of BOPIS. BOPIS or Buy Online and Pickup in Store was popular for grocery stores with shoppers who just didn’t have time to wait in those long check-out lines for fight their way throu...

COVID-19, or Coronavirus has flooded our globe and in no time at all transformed its impact to Global Pandemic status. As if there’s already not enough medically staffed individuals working on the frontlines in a normal environment, this pandemic-centered world has left healthcare providers overwhelmed. That’s an understatement ...

With a rapidly changing warehouse, standardised labelling processes can help achieve the accuracy and efficiency goals of Lean and Six Sigma programs to provide the interoperability that’s crucial to delivering essential value in today’s build-to-order and JIT supply environments. Supply chain and warehousing are key businesses ...

Due to the current COVID-19 conditions circulating around the world, many quick service restaurants and ‘dine-in’ restaurants have either been temporarily shut down or have been presented with service restrictions. Due to those complications, many are struggling to keep the money flow pouring in, so online ordering and many othe...

With the most current times raging around us, many healthcare organisations have reverted to more automated functionalities, so that we all can stick to the 6-feet-apart, social distancing mandates that have been enacted due to this global pandemic.

A Smart Factory or Smart Manufacturer, however you'd like to refer to it, is thought to be the so-called factory of the future, introducing some intelligent technology strategies and activities to the picture. Smart Factories are considered to be an important income for the fourth Industrial Revolution, or Industry 4.0. It's a s...

Millennials and members of Generation Z aren't strangers to the ways of mobile payments processed on their smartphones and mobile devices. Whether by a digital wallet or a brand's loyalty program/consumer-facing app, 42.2% of people prefer to make their payments via a mobile device. 

Telemedicine and Telehealth are both growing increasingly more popular as time goes on. In just a little time from 2014-2018, telemedicine popularity jumped up by 1,400%, which is incredible! Although many patients are still unaware of such healthcare access and practices, there will likely be a massive surge in usage comfortabi...

From the produce section to the frozen treat aisle, IoT is all around you, even if you can’t seem to see it. IoT works in accordance with tiny little sensors that work to collect and detect insights to later benefit shoppers’ behaviours going forward. These sensors are always busy at work. It’s found that IoT works to monitor fo...

  Nowadays transport and logistics are playing a fundamental role in everyone’s life, facing a great challenge. More and more people are strongly recommended to stay home, so the demand for deliveries is increasing at a hectic pace. It is possible to optimize the various phases of transport and logistics, both critical to the ov...

NRF, Retail’s biggest show, was a huge success this year, focusing on how Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things tools are connecting people all around the globe. The following in-store processes have shown significant evidence of how point-of-sale solutions are impacting the physical brick and mortar stores that we stil...

When it comes to wireless charging, typically speaking, the class of enterprise-based rugged devices has always relied on docking stations or charging cradles, to charge handheld computers and barcode scanners. Used for both industrial and commercial purposes like warehouses and distribution centres, these environments often are...

In this modern age of brick & mortar retail, shoppers are interested in quickly moving through the aisles, leveraging their smart phones and mobile devices to get the task done. This expectation is pressuring retailers to provide the perfect shopping experience for their customers. From stand-alone checkout experiences, efficien...

The state of the supply chain is highly impacted by digitalization, even though it’s not yet spread throughout the channel. A study conducted last year revealed that 85% of retailers still don’t have their supply chain management automated from end-to-end. Furthermore, a staggering 46% of those claimed that they still mainly dep...

There is no systematic pattern to how cyberattacks are showcasing themselves to enterprises. Since no one can know how to prevent this danger or prevent when hackers will attack, there needs to be some action put into place to provide those insights. For businesses that want to stay safe, choosing preventative measures is the be...

Whether you’re picking, packing, or receiving packages and goods working throughout the warehouse floor, you’re going to require the vital equipment devices necessary for performing your job and completing your tasks. Normal legacy devices with Windows® operating systems were developed before the great e-commerce revolution, so ...

In any warehouse or distribution centre, there are several essential needs put in place that help manage logistical processes. From receiving to final shipping, stock transfers, order-picking, inventory management, and more, these tasks all require consistent movement by forklift drivers and operators, from Point A to Point B in...

Whether you’re working in the Quick Service Restaurant industry, where you’re struggling to keep up with the rapid onset of orders coming in both through mobile devices and over the phone, or if you’re a Sous Chef waiting to perfectly plate an exquisite meal at the 5-Star Hotel Restaurant that you’re working at, the power of a g...

As retailers take the big steps towards reducing their impact on the environment, retail technology has a very important role to play. Paper and waste, in particular, is a big issue, but paper receipts hold some necessity and even a fiscal obligation in some countries, as well as serving as a valuable marketing tool to provide c...

The future of healthcare operations in the United Kingdom is definitely visible on the horizon and it’s safe to say that the improvement that has been concluded to take place, is projected to show a positive overall approval rate from patients and doctors alike. Studies have shown that there is a higher demand for services and s...

Almost all businesses require some length of security measure, in some aspect. Connected devices and workflows are all around us and we are often exposed to the potential of security risks and breaches. Learning more about how one can benefit their enterprise best and armour up to defend your private data is essential.

Are your ID card printers leaving your organisation vulnerable? This is an important question to ask yourself. One would trust that their array of printers will stay connected and protected to prevent hacks or access from unauthorized users searching for high-value data. Though it’s often overlooked within enterprises and corpor...

The retail market changes are a consequence of a liquid market, adjective from Bauman’s notion of “liquidity”, the new socio-cultural dynamic taking place in contemporary retail. The main target is to constantly keep improving the business but today the opportunities of development and cost maximisation in the retail world is th...

A day in the life of a nurse is no simple one. From replacing catheters and IV drips, to staying wide awake and alert for nightly rounds, reviewing lab results, discharging patients upon vitamin consumption, and keeping patients calm during stressful times. Nurses are the heart of hospitals for they can be seen wearing many hats...

With the rise of contactless, PayPal One Touch, touch ID, and mobile payments such as Apple Pay, customers are becoming more accustomed to a fast and efficient transaction process, especially online. Having to fill out long forms online is guaranteed to make a customer click the X button and leave the checkout process. It's impo...

Retail is evolving and so are the needs of your store operations. Your customers expect shopping to be fast, easy, and convenient, and self-service can enhance their shopping experience.  At the same time, you should always try to enhance security while keeping an intuitive user interface. Below you can find our tips and tricks ...

Warehouses often face several difficulties on the stock floor throughout the daily workflow. From picking and packing products to shipping and receiving accordingly to an inventory management standpoint, there is a lot to manage on and off of the floor. What your warehouse needs is a scanner that allows its users to move product...

Trying to know which RFID solutions is best for your company is difficult. So, we have provided three successful case stories that show how RAIN RFID can elevate your business and bring operations into the future. RAIN RFID is a type of passive (battery-free) RFID that connects items to the internet enabling IoT solutions to imp...

The automotive industry is a competitive place and has become more innovative in the last decade. And thanks to globalisation it has led to a fierce competition between the automotive companies worldwide. The choices given to consumers, to be able to personalise as much as possible, has become the normality. This is creating gro...

Technology has become such an essential part of our world. It is used both in entertainment and helps improve efficiencies in companies. And it is finding its way into all aspects of companies. It is no surprise, with how quickly technology has taken over our world, that it has become such an imperative device to grow and mainta...

The automotive industry has come a long way, and it keeps on trucking forward, pun intended! From hybrid and electric cars that stray away from gasoline and other fossil fuels, we've pushed into connected cars and self-driving vehicles. But what are connected cars?  

In the hospital, there are countless demands on your time – from locating patient forms to EHR data entry. What these hospitals need then is pioneering technology that smooths disruptions and improves clinician well-being while simplifying cumbersome tasks – so you can focus on what's important – patient care. 

Hundreds of businesses are jumping into what blockchain has to offer. Early investors have come to find that there is tangible proof surrounding the positive benefits of how blockchain is integrating itself into supply chain management. Companies using blockchain will likely save more money, by losing fewer products/items and be...

As high school students are heading into examinations, they can only be dreaming of their futures to come. Maybe they’ll head off to university or pick a more trade-oriented pathway post-graduation. Whatever their goals, a good student program can go a long way when it comes to integrating and cultivating that new experience. Mo...

When it comes to mobile devices being used in cold conditions, you will find that they won't always perform well. In extreme temperatures, you will find that the functions of the mobile devices will become impaired, particularly if they are constantly moved in and out of a normal environment and cold environment. But when it com...

As a retailer, getting your customers to be loyal to your brand is the holy grail. However, in an increasingly mobile centric world that has fundamentally changed the way consumers shop, does the traditional points scheme still tick the boxes or is loyalty dead?  

According to project44’s survey on the Delivery Economy, delivery has moved from a peripheral consideration in the customer experience, to a core component of meeting modern consumers’ expectations. 

Smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Oh my! This isn't the eighties; most workplaces today are extremely modern with their technical equipment and device queries. When dozens of employees are sharing the same network with their plethora of devices, security threats will tend to come into play, placing a set of vulnerabilities on t...

The path to purchasing items for shoppers is more complicated than ever before. With shopper preferences and multiple channels, it is harder for retailers to track this process than it used to be. Many retailers and grocery stores have introduced the use of price checkers in their stores, allowing their customers to find out the...

Out with the old and in with the new. Traditionally speaking, the days of laser scanners reading linear barcodes is nearly out the door. Though this advancement greatly simplified the checkout experience, there are new updates around the corner, especially with the massive power of Area-Imaging scanners and how they are taking o...

Decontamination services are a vital support function within healthcare and enable the proper cleaning and sterilisation of reusable surgical instruments. Being able to ensure full traceability of devices and to comply with the new unique device identification (UDI) regulatory requirements being introduced by the EU in 2020 is b...

Hospitals are investing in barcode applications, both clinical and non-clinical, within the hospital setting. Healthcare barcodes have become the most optimal way of managing and tracking medical records, supplies, equipment, patient care, and internal logistics. Anything in a hospital which can be tagged or labeled can be barco...

The days working out in the warehouse have come a long way over the years, especially as accommodating equipment gets an upgrade.

With the mobile payment market still growing well, some people asked us “Do you have anything less breakable than an iPad for payments?”. The answer could not have been anything else than “of course”!

In convenience stores, fast food restaurants, pharmacies, jewellery stores, and boutiques counter space is limited. To complete the transaction, cashiers lean on their experience and decide to move the items to the scanner or grab the scanner and move it over the items. Simple, right? In theory, yes. However, making a scanner th...

The omnichannel fulfilment service is continuously growing and has started to become popular thanks to the development of e-commerce. However, because it is becoming so popular, the operational requirement of a distribution centre is more demanding than ever. Bruce Stubbs, director of supply chain marketing at Honeywell Safety &...

Digitization of warehousing operations is today rapidly becoming necessary for businesses not only to improve efficiency but also to stay competitive. With the advent of digital commerce and modern technology-enabled enterprises, there is an increased need for the warehouses to be smart, intelligent, and automated. 

Businesses are having to rely on fluid labour in retail and warehouse, drawing more and more often from a pool of seasonal, foreign, or student workforce that have no time or skillsets to learn about technologies. While most consumers may only think of the in-store employees and cashiers at the POS as the face of retail, there i...

Warehouse operators are constantly trying to look for more ways to reduce costs and improve productivity. At the same time, they are striving to maintain customer satisfaction expectations and continue to keep overall profitability. 

Mobile payment is a dream come true. Having the ability to pay bills, make transactions, and resolve orders online is the simplest resolution in retail. Could it all be too good to be true? The mobile payment technology is rapidly evolving, but how do the consumers know what to do when it comes to securing their information, or ...

Collecting data throughout the supply chain is vital to manage the flow of items from factory to shop. At every step, the single most important thing is to have absolute and reliable information on the amounts of items on the move through the supply chain. In short, this means visibility to what’s going in and out of DCs and oth...

Small and midsize retail supply chain trends state that there's always a push to get orders out and off the shipping dock in an efficient manner. The goal is to ensure that shipments go out without a major costly expense. SMBs must become nimble, especially when it comes to the warehouse, distributions centers, and other in-hous...

The cycle of change in retail today is accelerating faster than ever before. Retail stores are always trying to compete with internet shopping, which provides customers with faster access to the products they are looking for and is more accessible. 

For most shop owners, the sound of the cash register opening is music to their ears. But today most stores have changed from the original cash register and moved to "Point-of-Sales" (POS) system. The reason POS systems have grown so popular in today’s retail world is that they do not just ring up sales. POS systems keep track of...

Retailers must continuously adapt to shoppers needs and desires to stay relevant within the industry. Associates have to acquire new skill sets. Technology must contain in-store and supply chain updates to keep customers interested. You need to be the hero everyone needs, and work with your retail-faced end users to ensure they ...

The field-operations function has progressed over the past decades, keeping up with constant changes in technology. The new technologies available to field-operations are dramatically improving efficiency, effectiveness, productivity, and customer experience.  

Mobile technology has streamlined many activities and changed the way people do business, and it's not just about communication, but productivity has improved immensely from mobile technology.  

The role of retail employees is quickly evolving. Basic administrative activities are being reduced with the use of automation and self-service technology. This then allows retail associates to focus more on providing outstanding customer service and increase product expertise. Mobile devices help achieve these goals and their t...

In today's world, the reality is that both healthcare providers and patients want access to their data at anytime and anywhere. Plus, healthcare clinicians are continually trying to deliver safe and cost-effective patient care. Which can be a challenging task considering healthcare systems are not alleviating pressure. 

The healthcare landscape is continuing to change dramatically. While technology advances rapidly, the industry itself has been described as ‘increasingly fractured’, with various disciplines and departments across Europe operating in isolation. This means it’s more important than ever to adopt technology that puts efficient proc...

IoT provides the pharmaceutical industry with several new opportunities for growth and progression in various healthcare institutions. Healthcare professionals and pharmaceuticals are now able to keep track of drug manufacturing processes, utilize preventive maintenance of equipment, all while promoting an improved supply chain ...

Look at where we've come from the days of scavenging through aisle upon aisle of products and waiting in a long line at the checkout counters. We've entered a more modern age of shopping with the best of the best technological advances popping up around every corner. According to a 2019 study by Store of the Future, approximatel...

Individual labelling schemes are more sought-after than ever before. They optimize workflows, save costs, reduce errors, and provide the required transparency within the production and throughout the complete supply chain. This has been demonstrated impressively by a unique auto ID solution developed by a reseller of TSC printer...

Large amounts of packages are received or shipped by logistics centres every day. The main issue with today’s ever-growing e-commerce is that warehouses need to try and fulfil their services. Especially when 1-day deliveries have become so popular. In conventional warehouses, the warehouse employees need to manually pick every i...

Today, many organizations have disparate devices in multiple form factors for many uses, a myriad of applications for different tasks, and complex IT infrastructure. If your customers are still wondering whether they should combine all these separate devices into one unified hardware and software platform, we present you the fou...

Knowing a product is in stock is a major influence for online buying decisions. Inventory accuracy comes to e-commerce systems and supply chains systems from information provided by hand held bar code devices used by warehouse workers. These workers operate in a scan intensive environment that taxes hand held scanners and mobile...

Wi-Fi has become a standard in our daily lives. While customers and employees wonder around on their smartphones or other wireless devices, you need to allow them access on your Wi-Fi network. But what about the security risks that can transpire when involving Wi-Fi? Have you ever thought about the danger that can be involved wh...

In Denmark they are building the first of several “super” hospitals. The first super hospital being built will be capable of holding 4000 patients daily and having 9500 employees. These hospitals will have the latest technology with the state-of-the-art equipment to keep up with constantly evolving healthcare systems.  

RFID comes with a substantial set of advantages and new levels of efficiency. RFID technology enables the customer to maximize productivity and with that, to ultimately save costs. To achieve this, an affordable option to use this technology is desired, such as a handheld computer, allowing you to increase your productivity and ...

E-commerce has expanded in the last several years, but we can safely say that physical stores are not wavering. Brick and mortar stores are teaming up with technologies resources and gaining momentum. RFID and loT have helped encourage physical stores to get smart and to re-strategize their engagement efforts. By doing this, the...

With the booming of e-commerce, which makes purchasing items faster and with better deals, more and more customers try to buy most things online.However, physical stores are still going strong due to consumers want to see and feel the products they are purchasing. Even though, physical stores are struggling to keep up with the e...

No matter the type of business you are working in, hospitality, retail, or something else, your main goal is to keep you customer satisfied by making the order and check-out process as convenient as possible. In an era where almost everything can be purchased online, you need to provide ultimate customer service in order for the...

Both physical and online stores have their strengths and weaknesses. Online, you can’t touch and feel merchandise; offline, it’s harder to compare products and prices between limitless brands and choices. With mobile, you can always be connected to the two channels, but sometimes these channels don’t connect experiences or conte...

Create an ideal retail experience by breaking down barriers. From the moment your customers’ customers interact with their marketing campaigns, throughout their store, until the point-of-sale, and product pickup or delivery, they need to provide an unforgettable experience. How? By employing the right IoT tools and data insights...

Below we present to you the 7 top trends in the retail tech, which will help you stay ahead of the game. 

Self-service is growing exponentially in all areas of retail, hotels, restaurants, healthcare, and banking environments. Customers increasingly expect self-service technology options and traditional brick-and-mortar stores are no exception. Retailers are looking for ways to implement technology to enrich customer experiences by ...

It has been a popular idea that mobilising your workforce can improve significantly the efficiency of your warehouse. If you are still doubting, we are presenting you the case of Haitoglou Bros SA, who by enabling real-time data distribution beyond the desktop significantly reduced lag time in data collection and distribution. 

When a natural disaster strikes, an economy collapses, or conflict erupts, some non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are there to help, by trying to cover all urgent needs for food, water, and shelter.  In order for NGOs to provide all the help they can to the in-danger areas they need to gather money and make secure payments f...

Enterprises rely on couriers to keep merchandise and materials moving efficiently while maintaining security and traceability. When merchandise is being loaded dimensioning solutions, sensors, and vision systems track parcels onto the carrier and support exact cargo loading. Mobile computing and handheld scanners can ensure visi...

Are you wondering how the landscape within healthcare will look like, and how technology will transform healthcare operations and the patients experience? A 2022 Vision Study sheds light into the matter, which provides much needed information to help healthcare facilities improve their overall performance and patient care. The t...

Mobile devices are more and more used in the healthcare industry. When creating a software for these healthcare devices apart of making sure that personal data and intellectual property is secured, ISVs need to follow certain trends and be on top of the game! 

Where urgency is paramount and time as well as resources can be limited, it's important to improve efficiencies within the healthcare industry that not only save money and boost productivity, but also improve overall patient care. That is why hospitals use several barcode applications for various occasions. Studies have shown th...

What is social selling?   Social selling is the process of creating an online relationship and supporting potential customers on various social platforms, with the purpose of directly helping individuals to purchase your product. The biggest key in being successful in the last part of the sales funnel is through social selling. ...

Innovation is a constantly evolving process, a way of taking the everyday things we currently have and making them better and more efficient. The use of RFID technology will never go away, we will always need badges to authenticate experiences. But what will evolve is the way in which we use those badges. Bluetooth technology pl...

Android is rapidly becoming the standard OS of choice in the enterprise, 72% of all enterprise rugged handheld devices are expected to ship with Android by 2020. Devised originally with the consumer in mind, Android is now loaded with features and capabilities that appeal to the enterprise customer, with one exception; OS securi...

Daily life brings risk in many forms. With criminals and hackers constantly finding new ways to breach users’ systems and steal from their pockets, individuals are switching to more modern means of protecting their property. ISVs can benefit off of the chaos by constructing software services that accommodate end-users’ needs and...

Major disruptive forces of online shopping and increasing consumer connectivity have combined to establish a new on-demand retail economy that is blurring the lines among manufacturers, transportation and logistics (T&L) firms and retailers.  That leads to significant changes in these industries, highlighting the importance of m...

Portable thermal printers offer the flexibility needed for many receipts and label applications. For the mobile workforce, point-of-activity printing is a significant way to boost accuracy, efficiency and worker productivity in retail, healthcare, hospitality, and warehouse management. While portable printers are a boon to effic...

Mobility in an enterprise means that employees’ productivity is increased while operations are being simplified and profits are increased. However, there are still companies that rely on less technological means for their day-to-day business transactions. This has as a result the processes to be delayed, the employees to feel le...

  Identity access and management (IAM), the IT security discipline dedicated to ensuring that the “right persons have access to the right resources at the right time for the right reasons,” has been around since the early 2000s. At that time, organizations and their IT teams were responding organically to the need for managing i...

The great e-commerce expansion has blown up in the past several years, but it’s safe to say that Brick and Mortar stores aren’t faltering. These physical retail stores are teaming up with technologies resources and are gaining momentum. Technologies such as RFID and IoT have pushed physical stores to get smart and re-strategise ...

Today's connected consumers have higher expectations than ever before. They want seamless and enjoyable experiences, and they want to choose how they research, shop, and fulfil their purchases. While the retail industry is witnessing the undeniable rise of digital channels, the physical stores remain at the heart of the shopping...

When it comes to retail, trends keep changing and evolving, and sometimes they take you by surprise finding you unprepared for the new reality. That is why you always need to be up-to-date and ready to face any new challenges. Below you can find the 4 top challenges in retail and suggested solutions, which will help you determin...

  The way that we shop is changing and consumers simply do not want to have a purse or wallet full of loyalty cards anymore. Customer loyalty needs to go beyond having a points-based scheme, it needs to have the customer front and centre. In a world where 85% of us have a smartphone, the whole concept of swiping a card at the ti...

In Europe, the EU Falsified Medicine Directive (FMD) came into play for all EU member states in February 2016 to fully harmonise the use of unique identifiers across the EU. The directive ensures that safety features for medicine, pharmaceutical, and medical device packaging are incorporated onto labels and packaging since Febru...

At-home healthcare is a trend that is vastly growing. Mobile software and hardware solutions are making it possible to provide a multitude of healthcare solutions from the comfort of one’s home. In the long run, this is a better experience for all customers. Providers are searching for the most appropriate ways to make at-home h...

For many years now Microsoft systems have been ruling the computing world. However, lately, Google’s Android platform has taken over as the standard operating system for enterprises. But the battle between the two is not even close.

E-commerce is currently growing rapidly, and it is expected to continuously grow 3 times the industry rate and make 4.5 trillion dollars in sales globally by 2021. This e-commerce growth goes together with the increased expectations of the customers for product availability and service, meaning that there should be many products...

Organisations, challenged with running large IT infrastructures with limited resources, are becoming aware of technologies such as radio frequency identification (RFID) and their capability to ensure asset optimisation and enhance profitability. Many companies are turning to technology to handle the extra workload because it ena...

Will software applications remain as relevant as the digital workplace evolves? This is a question that many ISVs find themselves asking as we push forward in the digital age. As a demand for updated software and hardware solutions is heightened in the workplace, ISVs will need to find ways to allow end-users to conduct business...

Managing the ID program of your company is not an easy job. Which are the key things you should keep in mind? How can you improve the efficiency of your employees and at the same time keep them secured? Below we present to you the main features that the cards you use in your company should have in order to provide a great and se...

Do your workers suffer from ‘communications disconnect’? If your workers use multiple devices to reach the data and people they need throughout the day, then they most probably do suffer from ‘communications disconnect’. That means that they are forced to waste time switching between different devices to get the job done, and fo...

The ECR Community Shrinkage and On-shelf Availability Group (OSA) together with NCR launched a comprehensive report that assesses the potential impact of self-checkout (SCO) technologies on retail loss and provides best practices and guidance on how to address and balance risks. This report identifies a variety of best-practice ...

Complete visibility of processes are the foundations for efficient planning and control procedures. At any given time, there needs to be visibility and traceability of components and materials including their processing status and location. This, however, is only possible if the objects are uniquely identifiable and tracked at e...

A common problem of our century is the tons of food wasted around the world every year. Specifically in France, there are 10 million tons of food lost or wasted on a yearly basis, according to the French Agency for the Environment and Energy (ADEME). That is why Comerso, a food services specialist, decided to help to prevent foo...

Protecting children has to be everyone's top priority. Especially when it comes to educational centres, parents need to feel entirely sure their children are in safe hands. Whether it is in the school or on a field trip, it is very important to have all children’s data gathered in one place.

Today’s society shares information at incredible speeds. However, this doesn’t come without any risks.  A technologically advanced world requires a very secure front door, which is the secure identification. Even if a lot of information is shared online, there are still plenty of data protected physically and should be of limite...

Remember the days when cold calling and print advertising were the only viable options for finding new leads? The internet has changed the way that businesses market their product and services. While it is ultra-competitive, most companies have found ways to leverage the internet and drive sales leads into their organisation. A ...

In a previous article, we have discussed several ways to overcome resistance to RFID when it comes to prospective buyers. However, it has been a rather difficult sell for many end-users. There a few reasons that might be affecting the consumers’ decisions to buying RFID solutions.

Research conducted by our partner Zebra shows that almost two-thirds (64%) of shoppers want an improved shopping experience. Some within the organisation may understand the benefits of self-scanning hardware but will be less familiar with the additional benefits of a fully integrated Personal Shopping Solution (PSS). The gathere...

The range of cloud printing applications is endless and can include customer online ordering within retail and hospitality as well as corporate print tasks such as warehouse order picking:

The challenge As everything is being digitally transformed and becomes more modern, any industry and store need to keep up with these changes and adapt to new technologies. The same was the thought process of a UK high street retailer, who decided to modernize its price markdown system.

A common problem in hospitals is the manual labelling of the sampling tubes during the blood test and the re-labelling by laser printers in the laboratory. During this process, there is a high risk of error when it comes to labelling of the patient’s tube, which at the same time is rather time-inefficient for the nurses involved...

There are only two months left until the European Union Falsified Medicines Directive (FMD) is rolled out. Starting in February 2019 EU citizens will be protected from falsified or counterfeit medicines. However, this change is going to have an enormous impact on the entire pharmaceutical supply chain.

Healthcare facilities have an equipment problem. In 1995, the average patient had eight medical devices at their bedside. With advances in technology, by 2010 that number had grown to 13, and it continues to grow.

Migrating mobile apps to next-generation platforms is an essential process all organizations need to undergo, to meet modern enterprise demands. However, the move is filled with complexity. To begin with, let's discuss the driving force behind this revolution; the changing enterprise technology landscape.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Middle East FZE knows the way in the warehouse environment and operations.  Fiat Chrysler Automobiles includes automotive brands such as Jeep, Dodge, Fiat, Chrysler, RAM, Alpha Romeo, and more. FCA Middle East is responsible for supplying partner accessories to eight different countries in the mid...

Selecting a warehouse printer can be rather difficult as such a printer needs to meet various requirements. Below we present the most essential traits of a warehouse label printer, which you can keep in mind when you are looking for a new warehouse printer. 

Before going into how a smart city can be built, let’s first try and explain what a smart city is. Although there is no precise definition of a smart city, there are some components that are vital for one. A smart city first and foremost should engage the society. There is no smart city without an engaged citizen. A smart city a...

In an "always connected" world dispatch operations rely on dynamic real-time management via location and status tracking of their field technicians. Why? Because it's essential for any company to be able to respond to their customers’ orders on the fly or to quickly navigate capacity and resource issues.

LCD and LED screens are always a handy feature to have when using any printing device, especially a mobile one where you are inevitably disconnected from a stationary computer or laptop. They make diagnosing and solving printer errors far simpler than if you had a screen-less device. Mobile printers require these screens in orde...

It wasn’t long ago when purpose-built hardware was the only consideration for companies looking for mobile computers. But that all changed rapidly when consumer-grade smartphones became a viable option as a mobile computer in the enterprise world. For a moment, it seemed that the original enterprise mobile computers would be com...

Companies in a wide variety of industries invest substantial capital in their inventories of returnable transport items (RTIs); the durable and reusable cartons, bins, pallets, wheeled trolleys, cages, and other containers used to pack and move goods from site to site. Properly managed, RTIs can be a powerful tool to support eff...

With increasing demands from buyers and suppliers, it becomes more apparent to have a quick process of picking and sending. With buying large quantities of products such as apparel, chips or food, scanning and picking one-by-one is not the solution. But RFID can step in to help.

Over seven and a half billion mobile phones are in service around the world. With more mobile subscriptions than people on the planet today, the mobile phone is the one device that virtually all your customers of all ages carry, all of the time. Your customers are always looking for new ways that this little device can make thei...

Traditional POS systems have been proven very beneficial for any industry. However, as technology is evolving so do the needs of both businesses and consumers. Part of this next-generation way or working is also the cloud-based POS. More than 35% of operators have stated that “cloud POS is a priority for their next POS upgrade”....

Based on the Goldilocks principle, everyone keeps looking for things that are “just right” for them. Similar to Goldilocks, who within the family of bears tries to find what she considers “just right” for her, every customer seeks an experience that fits perfectly in their lives and expectations. As the role of physical stores i...

Digital transformation is the single most disruptive driver of retail change. In this age of digital transformation, retailers are increasingly faced with the challenge of delighting and engaging customers “at the moment” by providing a seamless experience — both online and in-store. A research conducted by Honeywell and YouGov ...

Ready or not, Gen Z is taking over college campuses. They're digital gurus, expert multi-taskers, fiercely individual, extremely influential and have short attention spans. They're quick to share their lives through images and ratings on social media — putting their school's brand and reputation on the line in one Snap, Tweet or...

Tablet use in enterprise markets is on the rise. The use cases are just as varied and unique as the tablet designs themselves. Restaurants install them table-side for efficient ordering. Retailers use them as a medium for consumers to browse inventory, access product information, and place orders. Banks install them in kiosks to...

Counterfeit goods are a growing problem in the supply chain. Surveys have showed that 47% of brands have experienced lost sales due to counterfeiting, estimating 2.5% of world trade is counterfeit. Counterfeit goods eat into company’s profits and can destroy brand reputation since customers are paying premium price for substanda...

More than 400,000 pharmacies in Europe will be impacted by European Directive 2011/62/EU, ratified by the European Parliament in 2016 and effective in February 2019. The intent of this measure is to prevent the introduction of illegal medicine into the legal supply chain. This means pharmaceutical industry players must consolida...

Modern surgery is often done in a hospital using surgical instruments, an operating table, and other equipment. The environment and procedures used in surgery are governed by the principles of aseptic technique: the strict separation of "sterile" items from "unsterile" or "contaminated" items. All surgical instruments that have ...

Hospitals and senior citizen homes can benefit significantly by using medical patient identifier wristbands. Hospital ID wristbands contain a barcode, which can be scanned using a barcode scanner. This barcode provides vital information about the patient, such as their name, medical history, allergies, and medicine dosage. Hospi...

Pharma fraud is a term that describes several illegal activities involving the manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of pharmaceuticals. One of these activities involves counterfeit prescription of medication.

“When creating solutions, always keep in mind that everything is and should be connected. That is what takes the customer experience to the next level. We, in Google, are creating an Operating System, partners are creating the devices, and the key in this solution is how these can be used together to be able to deliver better ex...

For years, Microsoft systems ruled the computing world. But Google’s Android platform is taking over as the standard operating system for enterprise computing nowadays.

In a perfect world, the supply chain wouldn’t need warehousing. But since that perfect supply chain doesn’t exist, the warehouse is an excellent solution to make a company more profitable. But how can you make sure that your warehouse moves along with increasing demand? 

Working in a warehouse means printing big amounts of labels in a harsh environment. Printers used in a warehouse need to perform high volumes of work whilst still being hard-wearing, long lasting, and simple to operate with minimal user training. At the same time, they need to be cost-efficient and be small in size in order to s...

In a retail situation where price changes occur every day, employees need to be able to print new labels quickly using effective mobile devices.

Enterprises today have a huge amount of choice when it comes to mobile technology to support their operations.

Dr. Susana Val, the Director of Zaragoza Logistics Center (ZLC) – Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Global Scale, explains that you cannot have a smart city without the smart mobility trait. Smart mobility is the concept of improving transportation infrastructure. This concept is not only limited to the citizens but al...

Making the decision to move from paper-based systems to mobile computing is a key method of achieving better efficiency for delivery fleets. Reynolds, a UK-based supplier of foodservices to some of the country’s leading brands, decided to invest in mobile computers to improve its own service and better manage deliveries.

Thanks to thermal printing solutions, many organisations are finding that their printing requirements are no longer a challenge. Take Twickenham Cricket Club for example, where spectators expect to see quick deliveries on and off the field.

No matter what environment a mobile printer is deployed in, users need to be certain they can rely on the technology they invest in to get the job done. Whether users are in a warehouse, at a customer’s site or in a healthcare or retail environment, BlueStar partner SATO has a history of delivering mobile printing solutions to p...

Did you know that only 12% of organisations with field service workers are ‘very satisfied’ with the technology they use? It’s a shocking statistic, especially as field workers are crucial to achieving two corporate goals: growing the profits of the company and strengthening the customer experience.

Companies that sell technology solutions know that our industry is driven by change and innovation. One of the more crucial technologies to be aware of is networking. If your company isn’t offering networking solutions, there are plenty of reasons as to why you should change strategies tomorrow.

Mobile devices are changing how businesses operate through automated data identification and capture, making processes more efficient and data collection more accurate. In fact, a study by Enterprise CIO shows that BYOD can boost productivity by 16% over a 40-hour week.

Migrating mobile apps to next-generation platforms is an essential process that many organisations will need to undergo to meet modern enterprise demands. However, the move is often filled with complexity and businesses will likely turn to a trusted advisor to discuss the reasons for app migration, the process they need to go th...

Pop-up stores represent a huge opportunity to VARs, but they also need a personal touch. These types of shops – also known as flash retail – are great ways for small business owners to put their products on display to a wider audience by finding small venues, like coffee shops or markets, and selling in this location for a limit...

In environments where worker assignment optimisation is vital if managers want to meet and exceed expectations, the ‘start of the day’ process should not be overlooked. So, what platform best equips them to optimise worker assignment and dynamic scheduling to meet service level agreements (SLA) with customers?

Tallink pioneers self-service check outs on board its ships Tallink, one of the largest passenger and cargo shipping companies in the Baltics, has adopted the Datalogic Joya Touch Device and Shopevolution 7 in its on board retail stores. Tallink has included the solution on its ships after it became concerned passengers were not...

Tablets are revolutionising the way in which we do business. However, typical tablets are not designed for the commercial marketplace. Most tablets are just not built to withstand the rigours of everyday commercial use. However, in many cases, there are simple and effective steps that users can take to transform a tablet into a ...

The ability to add card transactions and receipt printing options to Android and Windows 10 devices is a real game changer in today’s mobile world. These ‘off the shelf’ devices mean that anyone who needs to add payment functionality to a mobile device can easily do so. From a delivery driver taking payment on a doorstep to a st...

In recent years, rugged handheld devices have become just as intuitive as their consumer-grade counterparts. This shift in the rugged mobile device landscape has been accelerated by a need to increase productivity, efficiency and accuracy in the workplace.

Many retailers currently handle price markdowns inefficiently, relying on pre-printed labels as they do not have the right mobile labelling system in place. The cost of pre-printed label systems This inflexible approach results in, at best, non-uniform price reduction information being communicated to customers and, at worst, lo...

Did you know that around 25% of the average forklift driver’s time is spent in receiving and put away workflows?

Not so long ago, the dominant systems in the mobile computer world were mainly Microsoft-based.

Established in 1940, SATO is a pioneer and leader in barcode printing and RFID labelling solutions. Committed to ongoing innovation SATO invented the world’s first-hand labeller and introduced the first thermal transfer barcode printer. Customers rely on SATO for accuracy, labour efficiencies and resource savings – which in turn...

Giving field workers the best device to fit their needs is a key challenge for many businesses.

There’s no doubt about it that over the past few years, the trend of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) and using consumer devices for professional needs has grown exponentially.

Either working at a university, a healthcare institution, or a governmental organization, printing IDs and badges is a necessity. Except of selecting the right hardware for card printing, it is important to find a software that matches your unique needs and keeps your data secure. Below we present the most valuable concepts that...

Being in the hospitality industry most probably means that you deal with printing cards for various reasons. Either it is for an event, of for the buffet of the restaurant, these cards need to be in the best shape and form, be cost and time efficient, and most importantly they need to meet the EU regulations on allergens and on ...

“There are two types of companies when it comes to breaches; those who have been breached and those that don’t know that they have been breached yet.”

Universities possess personal information of thousands of students and faculty, all of which are collected and printed into individual ID cards. These ID badges provide them access to a myriad of services and applications, from physical facility and logical network access to cashless payment and tracking time and attendance, thu...

Even if the modern credit card is an American invention, in the twenty-first century Europe has led the way in the credit card technology. More than thirty years ago the first smart cards, equipped with their own computer chips, known as EMV cards (Europay, MasterCard, Visa) showed up in France and they have created an irreversi...

The spectrum of available secure issuance solutions from multiple vendors can seem overwhelming at first glance, but by understanding the technology options and taking some parameters and factors into consideration, you can narrow your selections. The following considerations may help to find the decisive factors for the evaluat...

The new style of working – large data volumes, mobile workers equipped with mobile devices – poses new challenges to identification processes in companies of all sizes and industries. Employee and visitor badge requirements, for example, are variable, depending on how many people and what physical and digital assets need to be r...

Most of us know the NFC technology through buzzwords such as “tap and pay” and “contactless payments". And the growth of the NFC applications shows, that Near-field communication (NFC) is shaping the future of mobility and is becoming the system of choice for many mobile payment transactions. There are a number of mobile payment...

Businesses across the world print and encode millions of smart labels every year. Most problems that do arise occur because of a few common conditions that are easily resolved. Many problems can be avoided entirely by training associates on the leading causes of smart label failure, such as due diligence in selecting proper medi...

Built on 20 years of proven direct-to-card printing expertise, the HID® FARGO® DTC1500 card printer/encoder offers the convenience and lower cost of high-throughput consumables along with a comprehensive feature set – enabling organizations to routinely issue highly secure cards and IDs at a fraction of the cost without tradeoff...

Network security is an integral part of business today, and with hacking and identity theft concerns taking center stage of many network-related discussions, helping customers to feel more secure is indispensable. There are things VARs can do when consulting with customers to help them build the security network that fits their ...

With headlines in the news about terrorist attacks, shootings at schools and hospitals, and rampant identity fraud, security has become top of mind. Some sort of identification is required – whether it’s a passport, driver’s license, employee credential, student ID card, or proof of insurance.  To prevent fraud, ID cards are get...

The EZ-ID system by Datacard® is a cost-effective out-of-the-box solution offering everything that companies need to print ID cards. The UV ribbon is a real benefit, adding the possibility to create security badges using an entry-level solution. High quality for low volumes 

What are the hallmarks?  What are the crucial quality features today when it comes to ID card printing for ID and access control, employee badges or personalized membership or loyalty cards? What requirements must be met when printing smart cards for the tourism, gambling, and entertainment industries? In professional printing, ...

Some considerations from HID Global 

Measures for efficient management of access to printers not only affect the bottom line, but also reduce data loss and security risks. 

In 2016, a government agency in the Sub-Saharan Africa region was seeking to upgrade its voter ID system. With elections forthcoming in the summer of 2017, the agency was aiming to increase the number of citizens eligible to vote by issuing voter IDs in a short time frame.

Continuously changing work processes demand ever new and practical card solutions – currently there is an unstoppable need for applications with ID cards; the capacities e.g. for customer and member cards tend to hit their limits. Integration of the solutions into existing IT structures is likewise a growing challenge.

Accessories and consumables for ID cards, such as card covers, punch pliers, individually printed lanyards, carry straps and price tags are used in many fields. They are used in health care, in access control and time recording, in banking and in event and parking lot management. 

Monochrome and colour printing on one side and/or on both sides – Datacard SD360 card printer has been designed for small and medium production quantities of ID cards and identity documents. The high printing speed is impressive:  The TruePickTM card intake draws in standard cards as well as cards with low thickness at any time ...

Food labels provide important information for the consumer, such as product ingredients, nutrients, use-by date as well as details on allergens. Today, the customer assumes that the labels, signs and colour ribbons are food-safe and are approved for direct and indirect contact to foodstuffs and packaging. He or she trusts in the...

Files, folders, records, charts, books, photos, tapes, CDs and DVDs, evidentiary exhibits – in many industries, some form of physical media is central to the process of doing business. Information is gathered, retrieved, referenced, filed and moved from location to location for various types of processing. Some of these physical...

Today’s disruptive technologies are displacing established ways of working and are making the retail environment more competitive than ever. According to Dun and Bradstreet, the retail sector accounts for 13.6% of annual business failures globally, and only 47% of new retail businesses are still in operation four years after sta...

Have you ever engaged in a conversation with prospective tech buyers that simply do not comprehend RFID and the fact that RFID is for businesses that want to gain a competitive edge in their industries? Then you know the struggle! That is why we provide the following three ways to overcome objections and get your audience on boa...

Barcode scanning revolutionized retail and logistics forty years ago. Today, the RFID technology provides huge advantages and additional values within many applications in different vertical market segments; e.g. Inventory, Retail, Industrial Automation, Transport and Logistic. RFID can track and identify objects, animals, and p...

If customers are dissatisfied, these days they leave the store and look for their desired items at the competitor’s – and: Frustrated customers are unforgiving. When are customers dissatisfied? When their expectations are disappointed; when they cannot find the items on the shelf that they would like to buy; and when the items o...

Honeywell offers mobile readers, fixed readers, vehicle-mounted readers and a comprehensive line of RFID antennas. Honeywell’s mobile RFID readers include mobile computers with integrated RFID reading capability and a separate RFID sled that can be attached to several models of Honeywell mobile computers. The mobile readers are ...

Speedy Services is the UK’s leading provider of equipment, rental and support services to a wide range of clients across the construction, infrastructure, industrial, rail, manufacturing and facilities management sectors – as well as to local trades and industry. Speedy has a network of over 320 depots across the country, from w...

Recently in Spain, the local agency entrusted with protection of the wild vultures had a problem with the monitoring of the birds’ population in a very specific nature reserve.   Traditionally, they had been monitoring the vulture population by banding the birds with leg rings with numbers or printed barcodes. However, it proved...

Today’s Internet-savvy shoppers can virtually buy anything, anywhere at any time. With a world of choices, they need a compelling reason to buy from a brick-and-mortar store. Yet, too often, they are disappointed with the in-store experience.  Why customers are not happy? 

SATO, a leading company in Auto-ID solutions that streamline operations and empower workforces, has recently integrated its SAP-based track and trace technology into a tractor production operation with positive results. SATO has cooperated in this project with BlueStar Finland, which is very experienced in the conception and imp...

On any given day, in hospitals around the world, doctors, nurses and administrative staff move medical equipment around in their facilities as they go about the work of taking care of patients — equipment such as infusion pumps, telemetry packs, blood gas analyzers, patient monitors, hospital beds, gurneys and wheelchairs.  Heal...

The future impact of RFID technology Interview with Ian Bayly, Director of Sales EMEA and APAC, RF IDeas

Plant Access is growing its competitive edge using an industry-first RFID solution. Plant Access provides its services utilising a unique steel stillage design used to pick, cross-dock and deliver nursery plants to Bunnings Warehouse locations across Victoria and South Australia. 

In today’s world of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) capabilities, interactivity is becoming very impactful in reaching audiences. Utilizing RFID technology in print marketing can enhance the impact of a marketing message and offer the consumer a bridge from a print ad to a digital interaction. How can this be acc...

Adopted on April 14, 2016, and scheduled to enter into force on May 25, 2018, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is an overarching data protection directive that defends European Union (EU) citizens in the event of a data privacy breach. For example, if a company's data are hacked and an EU citizen's information is di...

The challenge grocery stores are facing today is to maximize profitability while keeping customer satisfaction high.

The time window between a delicious hot meal and a cold or lukewarm dish is small, and restaurant operators know that winning and keeping happy customers means operating within this timeframe. However, in larger restaurants, or self-seating locations, offering timely table service is not always easy. To keep diners happy and ord...

Today, business life is characterised by quick processes and fierce competition. High flexibility, on-time delivery and undamaged goods go without saying. Efficient work processes, intuitive applications and current technologies are coming to the fore more and more.

RFID tags can do much more than the user can imagine. In many vertical applications, RFID technology opens up new possibilities for perfecting process sequences and for organising them better.

RAIN RFID automatically identifies and tracks shipments moving in and out of dock doors. The system recognises items passing through dock doors at a distance of up to 30 feet, even without without direct line-of-sight. The core of this application is the platform using RAIN RFID technology, which monitors all processes and ensur...

Introducing an automated system into a retail store represents a cutting-edge project that needs the right technology in place if it is to be a success.

Adapting to meet customers expectation through the latest checkout solutions is a key goal for many businesses.

Did you know that four out of five customers use a smartphone while they shop? And that 80% would prefer a more mobile-optimised shopping experience?

It’s becoming well known that tablet POS offers the advantages of versatile cloud-based software alongside compact, low cost hardware.

Think of us your warehouse as we work with you, so you can concentrate on your key goals.

Operational intelligence doesn't happen in the cloud – it happens on the ground. In your business, every minute of every day. Not only do you want to get there, you want to get there smartly. Honeywell delivers the solutions that get you to your goals. In a connected world, our ergonomic, high performance devices work together s...

Did you know that physical stores still account for more than 90% of retail sales, according to Forbes? It’s a surprising statistic given the rise of online shopping, but it does demonstrate how traditional stores are still at the heart of the best retail experiences.

Did you know that Star Micronics has replaced its TSP143U printer with the new TSP143IIU ECO? The TSP100 futurePRNT series from Star Micronics successfully combines a high-performance POS printer with ground-breaking software, four-year warranty including print head and cutter.

Retailers and merchants are looking to invest in business intelligence and analytics technology solutions to take data insights to new heights. For example, did you know that 73% of retailers in a Zebra survey rated managing big data as important or business critical? Or that 58% of retailers surveyed are budgeting for big data ...

Making a short shopping experience as quick and enjoyable as possible is a big challenge, but Estonian shipping company Tallink found an effective solution. Tallink is one of the largest passenger and cargo shipping companies in the Baltic Sea region and operates the fast ferry Star, connecting Helsinki (Finland) to Tallinn (Est...

Although 2018 is well underway, it’s still useful to take a step back and look at some of the big Point of Sale (PoS) trends over the past year. It’s a useful exercise and will help to understand issues that have grown or expanded into more complex solutions, such as the continuing trend towards mobility and cloud-based solution...

In today’s omni-channel world, retailers must rise to customers’ expectations immediately, or risk losing sales in the process. The challenge is made tougher as in many cases the customers are already omni-channel experts. How many times have you seen a customer in front of a product display tapping her smartphone screen? Is she...

The introduction of tablet Point of Sale (POS) devices has had a significant impact on all sorts of businesses, from high street retailers to pop-up stores and restaurants. Reduced investment costs, easy setup and flexibility to immediately react to market changes, not to mention greater efficiencies, are just a few of the undis...

Enhancing customer experience through the latest RFID solutions is a smart way to boost your business In fact, the best strategies being used in today’s retail environment are implementing RFID within an omni-channel approach, offering customers a more satisfactory experience. This also allows the retailer to provide a much more...

In today’s retail world, customers are more demanding than ever before, and it's unlikely they will be willing to wait more than a couple of minutes to checkout. In the past, they may have been willing to wait longer. But with customer experience so key to creating positive shop vests and locking in loyalty, retailers need to mo...

There are over seven and a half billion mobile phones in service around the world, representing a massive opportunity for the mobile barcode market. In fact by 2021 75% of retailers say they will know when their customers are in store, and 79% expect to be able to personalise the store visit. But retailers have work to do to cat...

A key challenge for retailers in 2017 and beyond is creating a joined-up shopping experience for their customers. After all, we're all now more connected than ever before and we expect a similar experience whether we are in-store or online, or even a combination of the two. It’s almost become second nature to check prices online...

Anyone in the retail business will tell you that the shopping experience is key if you want to secure customer loyalty and build a brand. But with competitors, online shopping and flash sales to compete against, how do you go about offering a personalised experience? After all, many shoppers now make the majority of their purcha...

Shopper demand for integration between online and offline channels is continuing to grow, increasing the need for retailers to install digital touchpoints in-store. This digital revolution is leading retailers to look for new ways to integrate digital options into their stores to offer customers the experience they are looking f...

The introduction of exciting new technology over the past few years has meant that the world is more connected now than it ever has been before. In fact, the word ‘connectivity’ has become a buzzword associated with almost all new technology. But it’s true that the latest devices have made a huge difference to the way retailers ...

Omnichannel is a revolution that is impacting retailers and the different technologies they currently use as well as those they are considering investing in for the future. What is Omnichannel? Omnichannel means a better integration of technology to improve the customer journey, and above all to provide true continuity in the sh...

In the past, a customer may have been willing to wait five minutes at checkout. Today, he or she is likely to tolerate less than two minutes. As a result, the speed and accuracy of retail scanning are critically important to the customer experience.

In order to cope with the pace of change in 2017, retailers are having to reassess their business models and customer service processes.

In cooperation with iZettle, BlueStar provides taxi payment solutions for black cabs in London to help drivers comply with recent regulations.

Retailers today often have to choose between traditional fixed Point of Sale (POS) solutions or the newer and more innovative tablet POS, which has taken great strides in providing more flexibility and mobility – especially in hospitality environments.

Today, nearly all retailers understand the reasons why they should offer a Click & Collect service, which include increased online conversion, the opportunity to sell an extended product range online and the chance to upsell at point of collection.

Sitting in between an old-fashioned cash register and a full ePOS (Electronic Point of Sale) system, mPOS (Mobile Point of Sale) technology creates a fully mobile solution that offers huge flexibility to businesses of all sizes.

Matching the right patient to the right medical history, medications and doctor's instructions is critical to providing the right care.

The consistent and accurate identification of patients has long presented a challenge for healthcare organisations across the globe. But with today’s technology, why should it?

In healthcare environments, accurate data and traceability isn’t just a target, it’s a requirement. Users need to be sure they have the best solution in place for dealing with issues where accuracy is of paramount importance, such as blood and plasma bag labelling.

The use of automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) technology in the healthcare industry has grown rapidly in recent years. As technology evolves, the industry has a multitude of opportunities to grow and change through adopting new methodologies and devices. Manufacturers are continually improving the features of scann...

Specimen labelling has recently come under greater review, as it could be the next big opportunity to improve patient safety in healthcare environments. It’s always unfortunate when specimen collection labelling errors contribute to wasted time. But there is also a possibility of a much more alarming outcome, as one mistake coul...

A great solution is one that not only solves an problem but reduces the costs associated with that issue.

In healthcare, there is a huge opportunity to automate the collection of information and the quality of patient care. In fact, automation within the healthcare industry can help to reduce errors and risk in the field, especially in hospitals where thousands of people receive care each day.

In healthcare environments, patient safety is always goal number one. But on top of this requirement, patients also want assurance that they are receiving the right care, in the right way, based on the right information.

Healthcare facilities have an equipment problem. In 1995, the average patient had eight medical devices at bedside. With advances in technology, by 2010 that number had grown to 13, and it continues to grow.

Medication administration is often put in the spotlight as a key area for improvement in order to boost patient safety. So it’s no surprise that that ensuring accurate administration is a priority for healthcare providers around the world.

Did you know that nurses are spending more than 30% of their time in non-patient-care activities? With ever-increasing government regulations for improved clinical documentation, in combination with a constant flow of new medical devices, it may come as little surprise. But more than any other hospital staff member, nurses have ...

A common requirement in most healthcare facilities is the ability to secure access to stores and supplies. After all, healthcare fraud is a significant problem and one that potentially involves a large cost. 

One of the key challenges that healthcare providers have faced in recent years is providing patient-focussed healthcare with safety and real-time information at its heart.  To achieve this, providers need to easily access relevant patient data at the bedside as well as having the ability to perform a wide variety of daily tasks ...

Whether working in the public or private sector, healthcare providers face multiple challenges. From maintaining accurate medical records and reducing data errors, through improving security, to continually enhancing the standard of care, they have their work cut out. Clinical errors simply aren’t acceptable and it’s why governm...

Ensuring patient safety, managing medical devices efficiently and labelling pharmaceuticals correctly are three key pillars in any healthcare environment.

An uncomfortable truth for many healthcare providers is that around half of their mobile equipment fleet is likely idle at any one time. This is not only hurting their budget, but also putting patient care at risk. Putting the cost of idle mobile equipment into context

It will come as no surprise to hear that, like many other vertical markets, digital transformation is revolutionising the healthcare and medical market.

Nurses at the bedside must balance hands-on patient care with an ever-increasing need to manage medical technology, all while electronically documenting every activity and observation.

Counterfeit medication has become a major problem that can lead to people taking medicine that does not contain the correct ingredients or, even worse, toxic substances.

It’s no secret that healthcare professionals are facing growing challenges. Tightening budgets and overwhelming demand leads to increased pressure, and having to rely on outdated systems can be a costly issue when it comes to time and money.

Mobile computers, barcode scanners and printers are often used in healthcare settings for supply chain and management workflows. After all, maintaining, distributing, and tracking medical supplies and inventory is critical for patient care.

It’s absolutely crucial that efficiency is a priority in any hospital setting. But maximising the capacity of the whole value chain whilst providing a tailored service to the needs of each client can be a tricky balancing act.

Did you know that worldwide online retail sales are expected to hit $4.058 trillion in 2020, representing 14.6% of all retail spending that year?

Developments in today’s technology has led to many warehouse businesses transitioning to devices built on Android and from keypad-centric devices to full touch screen.

The idea of Internet of Things, or more widely known IoT, can be summarised as everything is connected through the cloud, providing constant monitoring to all the data. Although this concept can be perfectly understood, what is important to grasp is the business opportunities generated from IoT. Pedro Pina, Domatica’s VP of Busi...

Having a reliable printing solution in a warehouse environment is essential to ensuring a smooth and efficient operation. Combined with wireless hand-held terminals, BlueStar partner SATO’s lightweight PW2NX mobile printers print both picking labels and shipping labels to improve the picking and checking operations in the wareho...

The growth of omnichannel shopping and demand for faster deliveries is redefining how warehouses operate. A shift in how consumers buy from multiple sources — from desktop computers, mobile devices and in-store — has created the need for smart warehouses to serve today’s connected consumer.

Like any company, Google continually changes and updates the way it functions and ranks websites. The Google algorithm, sacred and highly secret, is the key to creating quality SEO organically, but there’s always an air of uncertainty to it. Some changes come along because they are improving their techniques. Some are because th...

Barcode printers provide a significant advantage to users in the warehouse and logistics sectors. Not only do they replace the manual handling of data, removing the risk of human error and improving logistics flexibility, but they also offer users immediate control of stock and shipping – from cargo withdrawal to delivery – by l...

There has been a shift in the mobile operating system landscape over the last few years, and it’s clear that the transition from legacy Windows is well underway. While there remains several distinct choices on the roadmap, the trade-offs and compromises associated with each have become clearer.

You probably already know that barcodes are the primary tool used by enterprise to track and trace assets all over the world. It’s the global standard for companies worldwide, regardless of size, industry, or location. Government, hospitality, retail, wholesale, logistics, manufacturing, security, transportation, utilities, and ...

Each new day often brings a new buzzword, so it’s important we fully understand new terms as they quickly become part of our language and used on a daily basis. One such term that has joined some of the big buzzwords like IoT and Big Data is ‘smart city’. But what does a smart city actually look like?

The role of the warehouse is changing. But operating across multiple channels – retail, catalogue and Internet – creates a new set of logistical challenges. No longer just a space to store inventory, today’s warehouse operation is fast-paced and often decentralised. Inventory turns faster than ever as retailers and manufacturers...

If your partners have been wondering how they can harness the power of the IoT in their own business, the Visual Warehouse could be the solution they have been waiting for. In fact, you may have heard of SATO’s Visual Warehouse - a virtual warehouse director that fully streamlines storage, picking and route navigation for enhanc...

Wearable devices being used in a business environment isn’t anything new. In fact, it’s been going on for more than 20 years. These handy devices are usually deployed to enhance employee effectiveness in the warehouse. They allow users to move around hands-free and pick product quickly and effectively.

If you’re an ISV and have decided that it’s time to broaden your business opportunities and grow your business then you’ll no doubt be considering the channel. The channel is a great way to look for new business through dedicated partnerships, and can bring great long-term success.  But it is highly competitive so it’s important...

Businesses today face unrelenting pressures to reduce operating costs, better manage the workforce and deliver perfect customer service. But did you know, for example, that 54% of the average distribution centre’s workforce is consumed in the picking workflow? This makes workflow performance gains in picking very valuable to war...

Here’s how Russian business Fissman significantly optimised its warehouse operations and increased transparency with the Falcon X3 mobile computer. Fissman, a leader in glassware and household items, had a history of carrying out warehouse operations on a paper-based system. Storage locations were not indicated, causing numerous...

Simple and extremely cost-efficient, stand-alone barcode stations can provide an effective solution to increasing productivity whilst driving down costs. That’s why BlueStar, in cooperation with German Software company MSC, has developed a stand-alone barcode station capable of copying an existing barcode onto a new label. The s...

Did you know that enterprises are set to make up 18% of tablet purchases in 2017, according to the Global Business and Consumer Tablet Forecast? For some, it may not be a surprise to hear that tablet use in enterprise markets is on the rise. After all, the settings in which tablets are used are often just as varied and unique as...

Having a reliable printer in the warehouse is a necessity for most modern businesses that value flexibility and efficiency. But the latest printers have gone a step further. SATO’s next generation of thermal printers offer advanced support for barcodes, character sets and RFID encoding. The NX Series incorporates value-added fea...

Logistics is big business. Did you know, for example, that in the US it accounts for 8.2% of GDP and 15-20% of finished product cost? At the core of this trillion-dollar sector is the warehouse, where minor missteps can have a major impact on the supply chain. Today’s warehousing professionals are looking to new technologies to ...

To appeal to the individual needs of warehouse managers, resellers need the ability to create new applications for mobile devices in short spaces of time and without the need of a technical expert. Why are mobile apps needed in the warehouse environment?

The internet changed the world; It touches all aspects of our lives. It allows us to connect on social media, video chat with friends and colleagues and even read this blog right now. Now, there is a push to connect every device to the internet. While this provides new functionality and convenience, there are also some potential...

In most warehouse environments, the speed and accuracy of receiving and putting away goods makes all the difference to workflows downstream.

Space is a major issue for modern warehouses. Order patterns, volumes and speed of delivery have all gone through rapid changes in the last five years and older warehouses may struggle to keep up unless they utilise every inch of available space as efficiently as possible. 

BlueStar Services offer another significant opportunity for our partners to improve margins and gain a competitive edge on hardware sales.

Every business student knows about the ‘blade and razor’ model - the idea that when you’re selling razors, you can just about give away the handle because you make your real money on the blades.

All warehouse managers know that speed and reliability when managing goods and tracking merchandise can help to improve efficiency while reducing costs.

All of your warehouse customers know that when it comes to outbound workflows, much like inbound workflows, it is vital to keep the flow of material on the dock fluid and moving.

Choosing the best mobile devices to fit a specific business is a task which can take months of careful planning and review, often including testing different models and gaining user feedback.

Every year, there are new trends to examine, new ideas to consider, and fresh perspectives that can affect a business.