Incorporating barcode technology provides greater accuracy in real-time. You can grow your business with the ability to process more inventory and data to create more orders in less amount of time, while ensuring safety and compliance are addressed every step of the way. Why wouldn’t you want to speed up processes to gain more clients and grow your business?
Food manufacturing businesses must be able to keep up with changing regulations, technological advances, and increasing omnichannel shopping. In fact, in today’s climate, food manufacturing productivity and effectiveness are greatly affected by their ability to keep up with the demands of regulations, clients, and the economy.
Zebra Technologies and Imprint Enterprises have the tools, knowledge, and expertise to help you move forward with the future of barcode technology, including which barcode scanners are best for your manufacturing facility.
What’s Important to Know About Scanning
It's important to know what kind of barcodes your food manufacturing SMB is needing to scan to determine what kind of Zebra scanners are best suited to your needs. There are different forms of barcodes, depending on the product it is placed on and the lifecycle requirements of the barcode itself.
1D, or linear, barcodes can only hold approximately 20-25 characters. 2D barcodes can have a higher data density in a smaller space. 2D barcode labels use patters, shapes, and dots to encrypt more data information and can include images, website addresses, and binary data.
In most food industries, such as manufacturers and retailers, use 1D barcode labels. With Zebra Technologies, you can have the option to be able to scan what you need, whenever you need to. Most scanners are rugged, and some even have the ability to withstand sanitization and sterilization measures to minimize contaminations.
Once you know what kind of barcodes you will be scanning, it’s important to determine if you will need tethered scanners or cordless scanners. Tethered scanners are typically connected to a host computer via USB cable, which powers the scanner. Cordless scanners are portable and typically connect via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to host computers.
An Option for Any Stage of Business
Zebra has options to support any stage of business growth. From just starting out to facilitating a growing demand, Imprint can help walk you through Zebra’s barcode scanner options.
Starting Out Options
For food manufacturing SMBs that are just starting out, the following scanners are good options:
-
-
- Scans 1D barcodes only
- Reads 13 mil 100% UPC barcodes up to 30 in (76.2 cm) away
- Reads 26 mil 200% UPC barcodes up to 55 in (139.7 cm) away
- IP42 Sealing
-
DS8100 Series Handheld Imagers
-
-
- Tethered and cordless options
- Scan 1D/2D barcodes
- Reads 13 mil 100% UPC barcodes up to 24 in (61 cm) away
- High resolution imaging sensor
- Zebra’s exclusive PRZM Intelligent Imaging technology
- IP52 Sealing
-
Durable and Flexible Options
For food manufacturing SMBs that are looking for options that provide greater flexibility and durability, the Zebra DS4600 series provides a better option:
- Capture laser etched direct part marks, high density and low contrast codes, and 4-in wide barcodes
- Reads 13 mil 100% UPC barcodes up to 8.5 in (21.5 cm) away
- 800 MHz microprocessor, megapixel sensor
- Zebra’s exclusive PRZM Intelligent Imaging technology
- IP52 Sealing
Long-Lasting Options
For food manufacturing SMB’s that are wanting professional and long-lasting solutions, and scanners that can withstand sterilization and sanitization measures, the following are the best options to choose from:
-
-
- Ultra-rugged tethered scanner
- Scan 1D/2D barcodes up to 5 ft (1.5 m) away
- High resolution imaging sensor scans damaged barcodes
- Zebra’s exclusive PRZM Intelligent Imaging technology
- IP67 Sealing
- Drop Spec 8 ft (2.4 m) drop to concrete with 5,000 tumbles
- Extreme temperature rating
-
-
-
- Ultra-rugged cordless scanner
- Scan 1D/2D barcodes up to 5 ft (1.5 m) away
- High resolution imaging sensor scans damaged barcodes
- Zebra’s exclusive PRZM Intelligent Imaging technology
- IP67 Sealing
- Drop Spec 8 ft (2.4 m) drop to concrete with 5,000 tumbles
- Extreme temperature rating
- Sealed rugged cradle with IP65 sealing
-
Barcode Labeling is an Interconnected System
When you incorporate a complete Zebra Technologies barcode labeling system within your food manufacturing business, the process becomes more simplified which enhances operational efficiency. Every aspect of barcode labeling technology creates an interconnected system that can help your company thrive and grow into the future.
Zebra Technologies & Imprint Enterprises have over 30 years of experience each to help move your SMB food manufacturing company into a technological future that is more efficient. Zebra is an expert in the barcoding technology field with their rigorous testing of their own products. Zebra has multiple R&D facilities to test their products and is one of the largest converters in the USA for barcode labels.
Imprint Enterprises is a Premiere Solution Partner with Zebra Technologies. Imprint is a company that grows with you, providing your food manufacturing business with a total, competitively priced solution. Imprint builds a lifelong relationship with you and your company that is based on quality and trust.
With Zebra & Imprint, there are multiple options to suit your growing needs and your budgetary requirements. From just starting out to a long-lasting solution, Imprint’s specialists can help you determine what it will take to get you where you want to go. You can have a comprehensive barcoding solution that will decrease overall costs, increase efficiency, and achieve higher levels of customer satisfaction.
Contact Imprint Enterprises today to discuss Zebra’s barcode labeling solutions that are best for you.
