Simple Warehouse ideas that will make a big difference.

What a challenge 2020 and 2021 brought. You had no idea what was shipping, how much you needed in stock, or if the doors would be open. 2022 will bring continued supply chain challenges. So what is a warehouse manager, or owner to do? As one of the largest suppliers of barcoding equipment and supplies in North America, we have some insight on what is coming.

Plan Ahead

Supply chain constraints will continue through most of 2022. There are shortages in labels, (adhesives, coatings, papers), and shortages in mobile computing and barcode scanning technology. The greatest challenges for hardware being charging cradles and communication cradles, due to a global shortage of this chip technology. Continuing closures of manufacturers in Vietnam and China will further stretch supply chain issues for manufacturers like Zebra Technology, Honeywell, Sato, Datalogic and most others in our industry. Shipping will continue to be backed up through 2023. Its not good news, but we are meeting customer demands by planning ahead. Help us help you by working your projects well in advance of a go live date.

Thermal Labels & Ribbons

Our media manufacturers are still experiencing shortages of their raw materials, especially with specialty synthetic labels. Thermal ribbon manufacturers’ have consolidated businesses to become stronger, but shortages of cardboard cores and resins have also affected their lead times. What does your current label stock look like? Lean-manufacturing works well of it’s not too lean. 

How to Prepare

• Maintain at least 6-months ahead supply of labels. We have good inventory of most stock labels. Custom materials can experience long lead times.

• Order case quantities only to save money per roll and on shipping. 

• Keep at least an 2-month supply of thermal ribbon or inkjet cartridges on hand.

• Don’t have the room to store this media? Ask about our Media Stocking Program. Depending on your usage, we can store labels, ribbons, or pre-printed labels at our facilities and ship them on-demand Now that’s lean.

Thermal Printers

Keeping a replacement printhead on hand is a great way to plan ahead and make sure your mission-critical printer is never down. Another thing to consider is upgrading to an industrial printer from a desktop model. They not only last longer but hold larger, and less-expensive media.  

How to Prepare

• Purchase at least one extra printhead and platen roller.

• Consider upgrading to an industrial thermal printer and save label cost.

• Always clean the printhead with 97% isopropyl alcohol after each full ribbon use.

• Run the printer with the cover closed, label dust will destroy printheads. 

• Consider a printer enclosure for rugged and cold  industrial environments.

• Consider an onsite or depot extended warranty. We offer services that include unlimited parts and repair and unlimited print head replacement. The cost is typically lower than a print head - a great affordable alternative to replacing your printers.

Organized Racks and Shelving

Rack labeling has always been the first and easiest way to identify what is where. Let us help you organize your warehouse operations with Retro-Reflective long range Labels or Full Color Bin Locator Labels Workers identify colors first before reading or scanning anything. See all of our rack labels.

How to Prepare

• Purchase colored magnetic rack labels or placard labels that use removable barcodes.

• Add vertical colored isle rack signs for quick identification.

• Larger warehouses install hanging retro-reflective barcode placard signs for distance scanning.

Upgrade your Scanners

The variety of scanner types ranges from 1D and 2D to short-range and long-range, all with different battery life cycles. The use of 2D barcodes (QR codes) is becoming more common because they can hold a great deal of information. If your scanners are 1D lasers, (the least expensive), they will not scan 2D barcodes. Upgrading to a 2D medium or long-range scanner will save steps, allow 2D barcode reading and offer improved battery life that lasts a full shift. See all of our scanners.

How to Prepare

• Consider purchasing a new 1D or 2D imager, the future of barcode scanning.

• Look into battery-free scanners that charge in a minute or less.

• If your scanners are being broken from falls, consider a rugged device, or a low cost unlimited repair/replacement warranty

Go Android on your Mobile Computers

The heart of your inventory is in your computer system. Using a safe and secure data collection device is paramount. The migration to the Android operating system on most mobile computers has increased security and operator interface efficiency. If you haven’t made the move from Windows to Android. Make 2022 the year you modernize your warehouse. See our Android mobile computers.  

How to Prepare

Consider upgrading your mobile computers to Android OS and benefit from the multiple new features designed by Zebra and Honeywell that are built into their mobile computers, tablets, and computers.  

Increase your workforce output by 50%

By removing a large percentage of “wasted-motions” by your current workers, workflow productivity can increase by as much as 50%. Newcastle Systems offers a free Motion Meter Application that will help you measure the cost of wasted motion using your current system. Making your barcode printer mobile, drastically reduces errors and saves time, and they can prove it. Learn More Here. 

How to Prepare

• Purchase a Mobile Printer Workstation.

• Turn your forklift into a mobile workstation with a rugged vehicle mount computer, scanner and mobile printer.