Organization Background:

Space and Naval Warfare (SPAWAR) Systems Center San Diego (SSC San Diego) is responsible for development of technology to collect, transmit, process, display and, most critically, manage information essential to successful military operations. The Center develops the capabilities that allow decision-makers of the Navy, and increasingly of the joint services, to carry out their operational missions and protect their forces. SPAWAR Systems Center San Diego, Extremely High Frequency Satellite Communications (EHF SATCOM) branch, Code 2622, provides fleet engineering services to the warfighter.

Business Challenge:

SPAWAR EHF SATCOM branch needs to track high value government owned equipment and manage a very large configuration management database. One database contains over 10,000 stock parts. Their current configuration management software does not allow for efficient inventory and is quite time consuming. SPAWAR needed to reduce error, shrinkage, and tedious physical inventory processes.

The Solution:

IntelliTrack worked with Serco, Inc., a designer of innovative service solutions for the government, to bridge SPAWAR’s current configuration management software to work with Intellitrack’s Fixed Assets RFID for better inventory control. High value military parts and materials are tagged with a passive RFID tag and stored by location in the RFID system. As they are transferred to new locations or move through assemblies, inventories are updated using a handheld reader then imported through the existing software databases. Fixed Assets RFID allows for quick item location checks and allows the operator to change asset locations, reducing inventory time and human error. With the increased accuracy of SPAWAR’s parts database, fewer spare parts are purchased.

The Bottom Line:

IntelliTrack’s Fixed Assets application allows SPAWAR to use the machine readable portion of an RFID tag to complete their inventory processes, eliminating time consuming manual inventory.  SPAWAR is able to integrate IntelliTrack Fixed Assets RFID to its existing operational software and directly import data. By using RFID technology to inventory parts, error is reduced and inventory processes are made more efficient. “This, in the long run, will be a money saver throughout the years.” – Barry Jones, Serco, Inc.

Zebra Media Change Video

This Zebra Xi4 Label Load and Zebra Xi4 Ribbon Load presentation was done to help give you a guide for changing your Zebra Xi4
Labels and your Zebra Xi4 Ribbon. The video will be a much easer thing to watch than to follow instructions without pictures. 
If you need more detailed documentation Zebra Technologies website will have the
most updated manuals.   We do have labels, ribbons, printers, print
heads and all the parts you might need to repair a Zebra printer. 
Additionally, we can direct you to get a technician out, or set up a on-site or

Zebra Xi4 Labels Change

• Push Pause on printer
• Lift Side
• Flip up media supply guide
• Place labels on media supply hanger
• Loosen Thumbscrew and move media guide slide towards you
• Open Print head open lever counter clockwise
• Slide the Media supply guide to the edge of the label
• Thread under media guide roller
• Push Labels Forward Print head Assembly
• Thread Under snap plate
• Thread over platen roller
• Align Media guide up against labels and tighten
• If you are done and ribbon is not changed Close the Print head
  If not then proceed with ribbon

Zebra Xi4 Ribbons Change or Load

• if only ribbon change open print head assembly
• Align the ribbon supply spindle
• Loose end rolling clockwise(this feeds under the ribbon)
• Put the ribbon on the ribbon supply spindle
• Push the ribbon all the way on to the spindle.
• Tear off one label, peel it back so you can create a stiff piece that is at the
  end of the ribbon. Overlap the label with its backing and put the tail of the
  ribbon between the adhesive label and backing. This will help you guide it
  through the printer
• Thread under the ribbon guide roller
• Through the print mechanism
• Past Platen Roller
• Bring over the upper ribbon roller and to ribbon take up spool
  Roll ribbon on ribbon take up spool counter clockwise several time take out slack
• Close the Print head
• Remove the Pause button
• Ribbon Guide

Please watch the video for visual and verbal help.  Again the This
Zebra Xi4 Label Load and Zebra Xi4 Ribbon Load
presentation is a how to on threading and loading Zebra Media.

The 3D barcode is not like 3D cartoon or video. You cannot see the depth or back side of the image. Color is used to create the 3rd dimension. There are now all similar to QR codes. 3D tags are a type of 2D with more features. Microsoft tags can be a URL tag-access a web address, vCard Tag-address information, App Download Tag-download apps, Free Text Tag-open 1000 character text, or Dialer Tag-Dial a phone number on mobile device. The Microsoft also has a group of 2D tags that have similar actions in black and white. “Source Code”, the new Jacke Gyllenhall movie was released with a 3D Microsoft tag on it and interactive game. There are many things that can be done graphically with the the Microsoft 3D Tag.

3D Custom Barcode WebSite	3D Phone Dialer-on Some Phones

In the future, there will still be 1D Barcode Symbologies used, due to low cost of hardware of readers, printers, and verification equipment. By printers, I am saying the cost of programming is cheaper. Although an inexpensive barcode printer can print 2D it is a little more difficult or expensive to program. Color and 3D will be used in commercial print, but it is pretty costly to implement in manufacturing today, since most industrial barcode printers are 1 color.

2D Symbology is really growing, UID for government has chosen Datamatrix as a standard, and the Drivers license and Wristbands are mostly PDF 417, to name a few. We predict this trend to 2D and 3D will grow as the new standards will, so this is one you might want to get familiar with.

Questions? :Email Us at sales@a1bar.com call 800.798.2042 or our Website @aonebar.com

Get the Microsoft Mobile 3D Reader

Companies using the tag cited by Microsoft Tag

2D Barcode Symbologies

1D Barcode Symbologies

The advent of 2D Barcode symbologies opened up the ability to scan most 2D barcodes more reliably, even if  the barcode is partially missing, since the barcode is typically repeated across different sections of the barcode and not just in a linear fashion, like UPS.

Additionally, some 2D barcode symbologies were better for laser etching , like Datamatrix engraving it directly onto parts.  This etching on metal type items is called Direct Parts Marking.  Some 2D barcodes like PDF 417, were idea for storing large amounts of data like drivers license, identifications information, and shipping data, especially large amounts of information that does not change.  These are also seen along with a 1D barcode on Patient Wristbands.  The 2D on wristbands helps in identifying specifics about a patient, even when the network or systems are not operational, since all data vital to the patient is printed in the PDF 417 2D barcode.

Normally the amount of data, multi-use capability(like DPM), durability, or another specific proprietary use, determines the barcode type or symbology used for 2D.  QR barcodes have been a very popular 2D symbology the last few years, especially with companies using them for advertising.  This has been used extensively by the smart phone industry, to allow for mobile access to web sites via the URL on the barcode using a quick scan instead of typing.  Phone numbers can be dialed from scanning a QR, Information Address VCard Content, and even plain text can be imbedded in a QR code.  Some QR allow for color logos, graphics, and even pictures, to be used in the barcode.

QR 2D Barcode (Smart Phones) Dial Our Phone	QR 2D Barcode (Smart Phones) Website

PDF417 Drivers License/Wristbands	DataMatrix 2D with about 100 Characters

Simply put, there are many reasons one might utilize 2D barcodes.  Simplicity again is probably the biggest reason.  It is just endless with the extra barcode storage, greater room to store characters, and durability.  ROI-return on investment is even easier to prove.  For the AIAG above, one scan instead of 5 will read the same information. Every one has seen the QR, PDF417, and probably the Datamatrix, hopefully now you will have a better idea what they all are and do.  Phones, full imager tethered barcode scanners, cordless barcode scanners,  and even industrial handheld computers have these capabilities.

A1 Barcode Systems has a full supply of Zebra Printers, Labels, and Supplies

Barcoding technology has been around a while and for years only used a few symbologies in the linear 1D Barcode Symbology space.  1D symbologies are usually identified as the ladder style barcode technology. These symbologies are sometimes referred to as fonts, but really in 1D they are different lines and white spaces that determine characters. The main symbologies where 128, 3of9, UPC, and Postnet. All of these are still used today and a few more.

Linear 1D – Postnet Postal Code

Some symbologies like UPC used in grocery stores use are only numerical characters, and have a defined section for the provider ID and another for the product ID.  Most grocery items have a UPC for each product and sometimes more than one barcode ID on the same product, when size, color, and other parameters are necessary to identify. Obviously, as with most 1D items when scanned, the system looks up the number that is unique to a certain product. The product type, company, quantity, sizing, and price is determined by the scan. This has been highly successful in at least the ability to adjust pricing, and not have to retag items for every price change.  Really it is more important since it can help to control inventory and assets. The main items that most controllers are looking to control are Inventory control, inventory turns, and inventory reorders which are clear productivity enhancers.

Linear 1D Symbology -UPC-e	Linear 1D-3of9 Symbology

Two symbologies the 3of9 and 128 are used mainly in manufacturing.  The 3of9 allows for a larger subset of characters including letters and numbers mixed. Most manufacturing codes utilize at minimum a letter at the first of the barcode so programs can easily determine by a prefix code like P(Part) they are putting data in the right spot. With AIAG Labels in automotive, data is separated by this type parameter. P is for part, L for lot, Q for quantity and so on where Quantity 32 would be Q32.

Linear 1D Symbology -Simple AIAG In Automotive

1D Linear – AIAG with 2D

 Since this is not mean to be a primer on all 1D symbologies, but just an overview I will mention a few of the others. Postnet is used by the postal service, books have an abbreviated UPC type code called EAN, due to size constraints and other needs, and many others exist as well as variations. You will find 3of9 and 128 in stores and places where UPC is expected, but for the most part UPC will be in stores.

1D scanners must be read across through all the bars to be successful. 1D Symbology barcodes were almost entirely read by laser scanners for years. In the last few years, LED or linear scanning technology has really consumed much of the market once limited to laser scanners, due to cost, speed, and fewer moving parts. Laser is still used pretty effectively in groceries were orientation/position of the linear 1D is not known. Especially, in the in-counter scanners several laser orientations from different angles(called rasterizing), so you can get a read in most any orientation. Of course, if any part of the barcode is torn or printed badly it will not read. 2D addresses this much better.

In the last few years, 2d barcode symbologies and 3d barcodes symbologies have become available. It seems that 1D Barcodes will survive well into our future, due to the inexpensive cost of implementation, equipment, and simply the current investment in the technology. RFID is also a future technology to watch for, but again it is expensive to maintain and operate. The ladder style barcode technology, or 1D will be here a while longer. Please do read our other articles on 2D and 3D, and give us a call at 800.798.2042, if we can help you with any needs you might have.

2D Barcode Symbologies
3D Barcode Symbologies

All printable with a Zebra Printers and Media @ http://www.aonebar.com/zebra/

A1 Barcode Systems – WebSite  sales@a1bar.com

Barcode Software Programs

Barcode software includes barcode creation programs, and full function systems like Inventory Tracking and Asset Tracking systems. With these applications, the full functionality of barcode technology is realized.

Barcode Creation Programs

Barcode creation programs do exactly as their name implies, that and a lot more. The simplest of these applications is basically a drawing and design program, for designing barcodes both 2D and 1D and some even 3D(color is the 3rd dimension). Most of these programs have advanced versions called Enterprise or Professional. These versions can access databases or work as addons for programmers to facilitate easy barcode changes and design.

We suggest Niceware – Nicelabel or some of the specific software from the manufacturer of your printer.  Seagull’s Bartender is also a good choice.

Full Function Barcode Programs

Full function barcode programs can do a myriad of activities. Inventory, Storeroom, Point-of-Sale, and Asset Tracking are by far the most recognized shrink wrapped applications. Along this line combining these functionalities are Point of Care, Field Service, and many others including custom applications. These all use barcode technology or barcode and RFID to track product or people and their activities.

We suggest Redbeam or Intellitrack for Asset Tracking, Storeroom, or Inventory.

Scan To go to A1 Barcode Systems

LXE Marathon

Redbeam Software

The LXE Marathon and Redbeam Software is a natural fit. The LXE Marathon running XP is a perfect fit for the Standard or more inexpensive packages from Redbeam. Using this product and Redbeam Inventory, Redbeam Assets, or Redbeam Check In Check out, makes everything easy and more mobile than you probably imagined. The Standard version of the Redbeam products, will run easily on the LXE marathon with its Static Hard drive and available RAM at 1 GB or 2 GB.

Going mobile and using this as a front end is really adding a license and using this as a workstation. This eliminates going off-site you would probably imagine, since the database is no longer available. This is easily remedied by adding a VPN and Cellular connectivity to the LXE Marathon. The Camera, optional Barcode Imager/Barcode Scanner, 7″ display, full qwerty Keyboard, 2 USB ports, and WI-FI are other options insuring you will love the solution.

Imagine the cloud and remote capabilities this unit could have for future application and downloads of software upgrades.

Redbeam Software
LXE Marathon

Permanent Labels-RFID labels

The Zebra P4T mobile printer is the replacement for the PT403 the only printer that was available that could print Thermal transfer using ribbon and label.  It does this like most barcode printers by burning the ribbon on the label.  which allows for use of permanent Poly type labels in a mobile enviorment.  Devices that talk this printer using PDA’s, Telephone’s, Mobile Computers, tablet, or you laptop.

The Zebra P4T can do direct thermal also, for shipping and temporary labeling.  The Zebra RP4T can do mobile RFID tags that have labels on top.

We have a video below that can help you better understand the usefulness and simplicity of this printer.  Assembly of the printer with Ribbon Installation, Label Installation, and reassembly is shown. 

Many different choices are available in Zebra Technologies P4T Permanent Portable Printer

Zebra Technologies whole line is available on our site at A1 Barcode Systems

High Def Video Review

A1 Barcode Systems
Toll Free  800.798.2042 x0
For more info or email us at sales@aonebar.com

Redbeam Assets - LXE Marathon - Kit

The Problem: Many of today’s businesses are addressing the growing concern of tracking company assets to eliminate future costs of replacement. The problem with doing this on a large scale is that many times the assets are spread out throughout a large area. The company wants to track all the desks and computers at building A, but there are just as many in building B across the street that need to be in the system as well. With traditional asset tracking systems a worker would go out with a hand held computer and scan all the assets to report back to a bulky computer workstation that would need to be housed somewhere within the facility to run the asset tracking software. This takes up space that is not always available. Besides the space being an issue, the cost of a computer workstation and hand held computer can be quite high. Then there is always the printer, labels, and other accessories that are required. The cost to a company can be much more than they anticipate.

The Solution: A truly mobile asset tracking solution is now available. Using an LXE Marathon portable computer to run RedBeam Asset Tracking software takes the bulky computer workstation out of play. The LXE Marathon runs on a Windows 7 operating system and is fully capable of running the RedBeam software while also having the ability to scan the barcodes from the assets directly, effectively merging the hand held computer with the PC workstation, which will help to cut cost. If a separate USB scanner is desired then it is able to be connected to the Marathon also.

To complete the mobility solution a Zebra P4T portable barcode label printer from Zebra Technologies can be used to print the labels for the assets as needed within inches of the actual item being tagged. Because the
Zebra P4T uses thermal transfer print technology the labels printed can be as durable as you need them to be. You can print anything from paper to Polyurethane using the correct ribbon.

If a company is pushing technology to the next level and would like an RFID solution that can be managed as well. RedBeam has RFID Asset Tracking software and there is an RFID version of the Zebra P4T printer as well, the RP4T. Incorporate an RFID scanner to plug into the Marathon and all the bases are covered.

Any company getting ready to tackle the task of tracking their assets needs to take a look at a truly mobile asset tracking solution. The savings in time and money can be extremely beneficial.

For More information call us at 800.798.2042×0 or email at
sales@aonebar.com

Mobile Redbeam Assets-LXE Marathon Kit
Redbeam Assets
Zebra P4T
LXE Marathon

The LXE Marathon is a great choice for Field Service.  The LXE Marathon is a full Windows 7 Capable ruggedized handheld computer with touch screen, biometric mouse, integrated scanner, USB ports, and optional WAN Card and GPS, truely make this field ready.  Route Accounting and LXE Marathon are the new standard for a handheld with a 7″ screen, that can be read in the field.

LXE Marathon Video @ Youtube


The LXE Marathon can be used as a home base for syncing other handhelds, just as you would a computer that synced handhelds back in the office.
Some Features:

• Up to 12 Hour on a battery
• WAN & GPS Capabilities Option
• Field Smart Cradle Charger Option
• Integrated Scanner or Imager
• Integrated Mouse
• QWERTY Keyboard
• Mag Stripe Reader Option
• Touch Screen for Signature capture
• Syncing Capabilities when external Handhelds are used
• WIFI
• USB Connectivity for Printers and BlueTooth devices

Recently Approved also for use with Redbeam Software and the applications below for a complete solution.
Redbeam Assets
Redbeam Inventory
Redbeam Check In Check out

For more information all us at A1 Barcode Systems at
800.798.2042×0 or email us at sales@aonebar.com
our website at A1 Barcode Systems will also continually have new information the LXE Marathon and applications like Field Service

All purchases of the LXE or Redbeam are available for GSA Schedule or government purchasing.

To see even more uses for the LXE Marathon go to the LXE website