Barcode Technology and the Food Industry

Just a few short years ago, in 2009, 9 people were reported dead while another 22,000 became ill after consuming tainted peanut paste from the Peanut Corporation of America. New York Times called this event one of the most tragic outbreaks of food-born illness. In 2010, news of a single death and 76 illnesses broke out linking to salmonella infested ground turkey.

The biggest disappointment that comes out of these stories is that even after 50% of companies in the food industry are still failing to meet FDA standards to maintain records about food sources. In fact, the US has been ranked as the top five nations with the worst food safety by Changes.org in 2010. Whenever there is an outbreak, these records never fail to identify the cause and source of food tainting.

As a result of these incidences, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) now allows the FDA to issue food recalls while also increasing the number of inspections performed. The FSMA is focusing on not only improving food safety but also targeting financial ramifications that are caused by poor traceability when it comes to foods. The importance of traceability will allow the FDA to pinpoint recalls to specific batch numbers, which will in turn reduce the severity of these outbreaks as well as minimize the impact they have on the population.

Gaining consumer trust in food safety can only be reprimanded with effective food traceability solutions. Bad peanuts and salmonella-tainted turkey always prompt consumers to seek more information about where the food comes from, and as a result, stores are stepping up to answer these questions by using QR code technology to make it easy for consumers to trace back the exact location of tainted products.

Producers are not liable to create and retrieve food source information, which is easily done using bar code technology. Using bar code labeling for produce and food retailers allows the products to be traced back to the fields where the items were first picked. This way, retailers, consumers and suppliers have specific details on the origin of their products.

For instance, if a certain asparagus brand was tainted, it could be traced back to the exact row and exact farm field instead of recalling 10 million pounds of asparagus, retailers only have to recall 5,000 pounds. The ability to better trace back items reduces costs associated with recalls and increases transparency and protection of food chains.

By implementing a food traceability bar code system, there are also additional benefits like accurate lot controls, improved shipping order tracking, warehouse management, simplified returns management, improved dock productivity and enabling cross docking.

By giving consumers a reason to trust a brand, manufacturers are showing them where their produce comes from with bar code tracking for improved traceability. Read More...

Enterprise Labeling System: Combine Efficiency and Affordability

There are many brands of enterprise labeling system today. Sometimes, it is hard to distinguish the good ones from the bad ones. Different dealers will even make the decision making much harder. Most of the times, you will not only need to compare the brands within a single dealer but also the prices and offers of competing stores.
Most individuals or companies would surely want to have an enterprise labeling system that is efficient and affordable. To get such kind of system, you should learn how to choose and look at various aspects that make a labeling system.

First, you should look at the kind of software that the system uses. The first thing that you need to know is whether the software is appropriate for your enterprise or not. For instance, some softwares are much better for a manufacturing enterprise while others are better used by distributors and dealers. It should also be very easy to use unless your staffs who will use it are adept in computer and softwares. Another thing to consider when choosing a software for your system is its flexibility. Some enterprises want a custom label design and some softwares give more design options like font, size and images than others. In addition, it will be better if the software you will purchase is compatible with different labeling needs. Who knows if your enterprise may switch to barcodes from RFID in the future?

Second, you should choose the printer carefully. The first thing that you should consider is the printing quality. Will the printed labels last until you have dispatched or sold the item? You might also need to consider the speed of printing especially if your enterprise is always in a hurry. Lastly, you should check the printer's durability by checking other user's experience with the product especially if your enterprise will expose the printer to harsh environments. You may also want to consider mobility if you think the printer will need to be transferred to different rooms or buildings every now and then.

Third, you should evaluate the scanner. The scanners need to provide accurate and fast checking of items. They can be fixed or mounted on a table, desk, or counter. The scanners for time and attendance tracking systems are sometimes mounted on walls beside the door. Scanners may also be a simple handheld equipment that your employees can easily bring from rooms to rooms. You will be able to find scanners in different sizes, colors and shapes.

Fourth, you must look at the labels, ribbons and other supplies that the enterprise labeling system will require. Your items might need a label that can stand freezing temperature. You also need to consider the label's compatibility with the printer. You should also think about the availability of supplies like printer ribbons, batteries, chargers, cables, and print heads.

Fifth, most labeling system manufactures do not supply directly to the public so you will need to deal with dealers. Like shopping for a product for your home, you should also be very keen in choosing a provider of labeling system. Check for the differences of price offers in various stores. You should also think if brand new or reconditioned labeling systems will be better for your needs. Read More...

Industry's Requirements for an Enterprise Labeling System

There are many types of labeling systems today. You just need to think of your enterprise's needs and you will surely be able to find a company that manufactures one. Most individuals and companies would want an enterprise labeling system that has an easy to use software, high-speed printer, and efficient scanner.
You could also consider the modern wireless. You should also look for it that is compatible with labeling supplies that are easy to find. Depending on the kind of industry you are in, you may also have specific requirements for it. You can choose from a wide array including barcode and RFID systems.

Government

The government has a great need for labeling system. They need to track assets, supplier and vehicles. They also need it to ensure security and to ensure that records are in order and well kept. It can also be used for personnel tracking.

A government agency may have some particular requirements for it. For instance, it may need an above the average security measure for their assets or to ensure that the staffs are present and productive during work hours.

Healthcare

The healthcare industry also has a need for it. Some of the most known applications are patient wristbands, tracking of medical supply and administration management. Healthcare providers need to track medications, record and keep information about patients, and tag lab results or developed drugs.

Like in many industries, the healthcare industry needs it that will save everyone time and money but the most important thing is that errors - whether on the part of human users or computer - are eliminated especially if it will be of patient's expense. Thus, automated labeling systems are often the top choice. The top options are the ones that use RFID or barcode technology. It is also important that it complies with the HIPPA and JCAHO requirements.

Education

Schools and universities also have a great need for a labeling system. A wireless barcode or RFID labeling system can help in fixed asset tracking and inventory control. Some libraries even use barcode or RFID for check in and out of books.

Manufacturing Business

The manufacturing is no exemption in a need for labeling system. Some of the common requirements when buying a manufacture enterprise that are low price and efficiency. The system must help the manufacturers monitor the raw materials, track the operations, deliver the products to the right dealers on time, and to keep track of the expenses.

Distribution Business

A lot of distributors or dealers are looking for a competent labeling system, too. You should consider the kinds of products that you are selling. Do your products need to be kept in fridges? There are compatible with labels that can stand very cold temperature and there are ones that can stand extremely hot temperature. There are also some systems that are specifically designed for sensitive products. Read More...

Amazon Cloud Storage: Cloud Computing Explained

The term Cloud causes you to envision this huge white cream puff thing out there with all your stuff in it. However, one still has to wonder what is the Cloud and what exactly does it do?

On the surface one would believe that Amazon's cloud service is just a type of online or web-based storage service for consumers. However, it is much more than that. It is actually a web-based music player, called the Cloud Player hosted by Amazon and also a storage system called the Cloud Drive.

Consumers are able to store media including periodicals and documents on the Cloud. Music stored on the Cloud can be downloaded from a computer or purchased and downloaded from Amazon and then listened to through the Cloud Player.

The Cloud Drive is free for anyone to use. Amazon product buyers can use unlimited storage space for storing media and periodicals without having to use storage space on their mobile devices. In essence, consumers get unlimited storage space in the Cloud for content purchased from Amazon. The Cloud drive has been in existence awhile, but recently gained national attention with the recent debut of Amazon's new tablet, the Kindle Fire.

For example, with the new Kindle Color, it comes pre-registered with the buyer's Amazon account and all content on the device is backed up on the Cloud. Users can delete and re-download content any time. The other neat feature with Cloud storage is that if you are watching a video on your tablet, you can pause it and then resume watching it from an Internet supported TV or any Instant Video Compatible Device.

Anyone using the Cloud Drive gets 5GB of storage space for their Amazon purchases. Users will never be charged for the 5GB of space, but if you need more, you will have to pay for it. Amazon offers several economical storage plans up to 1,000GB of storage that can be paid annually.

Currently, for a limited period of time, Amazon is offering an additional 15GB of storage space to consumers in the United States that purchase music from the Amazon MP3 store. This means consumers can obtain a total of 20GB of storage space instead of the usual 5GB. However, purchasing Amazon's products is optional for access to the Cloud. All consumers have to do is obtain a sign on and then upload music already stored on their computer to the Cloud without having to pay anything for using it.

Regardless of your location, if you have an Internet connection, you can access the Cloud Drive. It also doesn't matter the number of devices you may use to access the Cloud including a smartphone or tablet. It is like accessing a membership site, but in this case you have a bit more control as far as being able to create folders, add and delete your personal files.

Consumers access to the Cloud works with any PC or MAC computer. Although, users have access to their files and are able to download them, they can only use a PC or Mac to upload content to the Cloud. Further, if accessing music to play or download from the Cloud Player or Drive, users will have to utilize their PC, MAC or an Android OS type device. Other mobile devices not equipped with the Android OS cannot access the Cloud at this time.

The most exciting features of the Color Kindle and Amazon Cloud Storage are geared towards the US only for now, because of legal issues. Pricing for additional Cloud storage is offered through tier based pricing. For example, 20GB of storage goes for $20 a year, 100GB for $100 a year and other tier pricing plans available to fit the needs of everyone. Read More...

How Exactly Can Virtual Desktops Make For Better Business?

There are numerous pieces of technology developed and offered to businesses around the world each and every day.

Some are of use to the mass market, others to niches and there are just as many that aren't of particular use to anyone.

One of the most recent pieces of technology that has been developed and offered to businesses is that which allows for businesses to utilize virtual desktops, also known as dynamic desktops.

In essence, software that provides organizations the ability to integrate virtual desktops into their business is software that gives organizations a tremendous amount of freedom, flexibility and future scalability.

There is much discussion around virtual desktops - and virtual IT infrastructures as a whole - as some organizations feel that their existing IT systems are more than suitable at present, with a move to virtual systems not necessary.

And to a certain extent they'd be right - high quality systems don't necessarily need a virtual replacement.

However, sub-par quality systems don't need a virtual replacement either - irrelevant of the existing systems that are in place, a virtual alternative isn't a necessity, but it is strongly recommended and if implemented, it can completely revolutionise the way in which your organization operates.

Look at those users that would be directly affected by an environment where virtual desktops were available. By giving users access to all of their individual settings, software and applications that they find on their desktop, anywhere in the world as long as they have an internet connection, it gives staff an amount of freedom that they simply won't have been able to utilize before.

Those members of staff within the organization's IT department, too - no longer will they be required to spend time travelling to a user's PC to solve a software problem or update an application across numerous machines one-by-one, as this can all be done remotely and en masse.

But then you've got those members of the organization who need to enter the office every day and who don't use IT extensively - sure, they aren't likely to see a direct, instant change in the way in which they work, but the by-product results of their colleagues' new activities, which are more than likely to result in more efficient, cost-effective ways of working, will soon be positively impacting upon all other members of the organization.

Implementing an IT infrastructure that gives you the ability to provide virtual desktops results in numerous better business processes. From optimising your workspace resources to automating your day-to-day IT tasks and from increasing service levels by making sure your applications are reliable and highly available to your employees to simply providing cost-effective workspace management, it is without doubt that virtual desktops can benefit all businesses tremendously and in a variety of different ways.

Leading Edge Technology and Network Solutions are hosting a free-of-charge RES webinar on 18th October 2011 at 3.00pm (GMT), providing all attendees with a greater understanding of how RES Workspace Management and Automation can have a positive impact on various IT and business processes within their organizations.
Read More...

You Don't Have To Be A Computer Geek To Be An IT Trainer But It Helps!

If you're a bit of a computer wizard and love nothing better than getting to grips with the latest desk top applications and internet browsers, then maybe you should consider a career in IT or even becoming an IT Trainer. If you like working with people and enjoy explaining difficult concepts to others, then this job could be extremely rewarding and satisfying.

What exactly is an IT Trainer? Basically IT Trainers create and deliver training programmes in information and computer technology. As well as their training skills they are well versed in one of two areas:

- IT Professional skills which covers technical training such as C#, applications such as SAP, process skills (i.e. project management) and various other specifics of IT such as anti virus packages and firewalls.

- User skills - this covers desktop applications such as Microsoft Office, internet browsers and a company's in house application.

In essence IT trainers are teachers and tend to work in colleges or training departments of large companies. In addition many software solution companies and training companies offer a training facility as part of an after sales programme.

What does an IT Trainer do? Typical activities would include the following:

- Analyse a client's training needs - Carry out assessments to ascertain the extra skills that people need to bring them up to speed with a desirable level - Design training programmes to meet those needs - Prepare learning aids, such as manuals, handouts and exercises - Deliver the training programmes in both a formal (class room ) environment and an informal (floor walk) environment - Evaluate the effectiveness of both the training programme and the learning outcome - Monitor the training programmes.

Skills and Knowledge

It goes without saying that an up to date knowledge of software packages and IT systems is required. A person should also be a good communicator and have great motivational skills. In addition time management is important as well as excellent presentation skills. They also need to have a confident manner about them.

It is also an advantage to hold a driving license and have a car to travel to off site training locations. Many IT trainer jobs involve a lot of travel and sometimes companies require staff training to done out of office hours or at weekends.

How do I get into it?

The Formal Way

You can obtain a degree in computing, business management or human resources which are all quite relevant to the profession. However, even with a degree it won't guarantee you a job. Overall, companies are looking for personal qualities and skills, such as good interpersonal skills and an aptitude for IT.

Pre entry experience is essential in either computers or training and a knowledge of a range of computing software will definitely hold you in good stead. Qualifications such as The European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) are beneficial as is any experience of working with people. If you're intending to enter technical IT training then technical qualifications and experience are key.

The informal way It is possible to become an IT Trainer without a degree but you will need to have extensive knowledge under your belt such as a portfolio of freelance work and testimonials of projects that you have done for other people using a variety of software packages.

Salary

As a graduate trainee you could expect to earn anywhere in the region of £15,000 - £23,000 depending on the location and the size of the employer. Senior or management levels can earn around £40,000 in the regions and £49,000 in London.

Hopefully this has given you an insight into the skills and knowledge required to become an IT Trainer. IT Trainers work in a vast array of work environments which can open up several doors for career development. This can take the form of moving up to a senior post, responsible for a team of trainers or setting yourself up as a freelancer or even establishing your own training company.

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Computer Recycling Helps To Save The Environment

Computer recycling is a way to prevent valuable parts from entering landfills by finding ways to reuse or restore them. Re-purposing computers prevents harmful toxins from entering into the environment. Environmental benefits are not the only benefits derived from re-purposing these machines. Despite these computers being outdated, recycled computer parts are very valuable. There are several things people can do to recycle their no longer wanted computers.

Recycling computers is helps to prevent valuable parts from entering landfills. Recycling or re-using computers involves finding new ways to use the various parts or the computer itself. The majority of recycling involves salvaging any usable parts from the machines. In other cases, the computers are fixed and end up donated or resold. Re-purposing takes a machine that is slated for the landfill and gives them a longer lifespan.

Re-using old computers is important to the environment. Computers are in the category of hazardous household waste. Millions of them end up in landfills and the incinerator. This adds toxic chemicals to the ground water, soil and air. Batteries are one of most common parts found in landfills. They contain cadmium, nickel and other heavy metals. Motherboards are known to contain chromium while cathode ray tubes are laced with lead. These are metals that people often advised to avoid.

There are several benefits to re-purposing computers. One benefit is the increase in their affordability. People are able to spend less on computers due to an increased availability of used computers for purchase. There is also a reduction in the carbon footprint of manufacturers. If there is no reason to produce as many new products, the companies will not make as many. This causes a decreased use of energy in their manufacturing processes.

Re-purposed computer parts have many uses. Most the parts of these machines are recyclable. These parts include cathode ray tubes, keyboards and plastic cases. The glass in computers has the lead removed and is used to create recycled glass. The plastic case used to house computers is turned into mixes to fix potholes.The metal parts are removed and sold for scrap. If the components are in working conditions, they become replacement parts.

There are several ways to recycle old computers. One way is donation. Non-for-profit organizations are a good way to help the environment and those in need. Many of the organizations refurbish the computers for use in schools and disadvantaged communities. Several office supply stores accept batteries and empty printer cartridges for recycling. Some office supply stores offer incentives for recycling. Municipalities offer home pick-up of these machines as a part of their recycling initiative.

The local and national governments of many nations have instituted policies to assist in the re-purposing of electronics.However, most do have laws mandating re-purposing. Japan is one of the few nations that requires manufacturers and sellers to recycle 75% of their computers they sell.

Preventing old computers from ending up in landfills serves several purposes. These machines are ideal for re-using and rehabilitating. Saving computers from landfills prevents the toxic chemicals they produce from entering the environment. Many of the parts are salvageable and usable in other applications. The benefits of re-purposing extends to environmental ones and beyond.

When looking for Computer Recycling solutions, count on Canada's technology company to provide a wide range of products such as Montreal Computer Rentals, projectors, and rental iPads. Read More...