Your company has been using the same industrial barcode printer for more years than you can remember. The printer itself is in great condition, only needing a few parts replaced and some maintenance servicing along the way. Now it’s getting harder to find needed replacement parts and service support is no longer available. Why?
Technological advancements create new and improved versions of the products you use. As advancements are made, old tech becomes obsolete often taking products out of service as they can no longer support the newer software programs. This can make your old industrial printer run slow as the software can no longer update, impacting your warehouse efficiency and, ultimately, your profit margin.
In this three-part blog series, we will cover what End of Life (EOL) is, why products reach EOL, Zebra’s exceptional Trade-In Program, and which Zebra industrial printers are at or near EOL with upgradeable options.
Technology is an ever-evolving situation for business owners. As new models of products are released, older models become obsolete even if they still work. Newer versions of software help enhance security and speed, often needing newer models of products that can handle the support the software needs to efficiently run.
Zebra helps businesses manage the expense of upgrading technology with their unique Trade-In Program. Refreshing your industrial printer fleet doesn’t have to be a costly venture to keep your business up to date with the latest technological trends and mandate requirements.
What Does End of Life Mean?
End of Life (EOL) is when a manufacturer stops making a specific product, stops making replacement parts, and stops servicing the product. As newer versions of a product come out because of technological advancements or competitive pressure, older products become less profitable for the manufacturer.
When a product reaches EOL, it becomes harder to find replacement parts as those are also no longer manufactured. Service support from a trusted expert becomes limited and compatibility with newer devices is limited. Software is no longer updated for old devices, creating security risks.
The amount of downtime an industrial barcode printer at EOL can cause will have a negative impact on profitability, functionality, and efficiency. An entire facility can come to a grinding halt when the technology that supports operations ceases to work. What is that cost to your business?
Industrial Printer End of Life
Your industrial barcode printers may still operate, but retaining an EOL industrial printer comes with challenges and potential downfalls. Most industrial barcode printers have a selling span of 3-5 years. Support is provided for 4-5 years after the end of the selling span. At the EOL, your business has a decision to make; continue using the old industrial printer, potentially risking operational efficiency, or upgrade your industrial printer to minimize downtime.
Industrial printer EOL dates will vary, depending upon items such as:
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- Component availability
- Technological advancements
- Profitability
- Compatibility with other technological devices
- Software compatibility
- Environmental sustainability
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The older an industrial barcode printer is, the harder it becomes to update their logic boards and power supplies. Security becomes a major risk factor when the software can no longer be updated against the latest malware. The longer your business waits to upgrade its industrial printers, the greater the impact on efficiency and functionality.
Replacing End of Life (EOL) industrial barcode printers isn’t always cheap and can sometimes lead to having old printers cluttering up your storage. That is one reason why Zebra Technologies created the GO Zebra Trade-In Program.
Regardless of the brand you currently own, you can trade in your old industrial printers for a cash rebate of up to $650 that can be applied towards the purchase of newer Zebra industrial printers. Zebra recycles the old devices, reducing landfill waste. It is a “win for you, your wallet, and the environment.”
Zebra’s industrial printers are designed to be self-reliant and durable, from set-up to performance-enhancing Print DNA software. Their industrial printers utilize the latest in technology to deliver autonomy, intelligence, and security to provide you peace of mind and protection.
Refresh Your Printer Fleet
Regardless of your industrial barcode printing needs, Zebra provides dependable performance with exceptional service. Your front line depends on the technology used in your facility. Industrial printers that are at their End of Life (EOL) can create errors, delays, and unnecessary downtime. Stay ahead of your competition with the GO Zebra Trade-In program.
Stay tuned for the next blog in this EOL series. It will address what intermediate industrial barcode printers are at or near EOL and the available options for upgrading.
Zebra Technologies is an award-winning company and Imprint Enterprises is a trusted partner for Zebra. They bring you good, better, and best options to help your business step forward while considering future possibilities. Ensuring the long-term use of your entire industrial barcode printing fleet is what makes Zebra Technologies the best in the industry and is why Imprint Enterprises is a Premiere Solution Partner with Zebra.
Contact Imprint Enterprises today to discuss Zebra’s industrial barcode printing options that are best for you.
