Posted by Kate Sparks
Change keypads in minutes with Motorola MAX Keypad!
A family of six interchangeable keypads makes data entry easy for any type of application. If your data entry requirements change or the keypad is damaged, the modular architecture allows you to change the keypad in minutes.
Learn more about the different keypads available for Motorola's popular industrial mobile computer, the MC9190 series.
- Utilizes the same keypads as the MC9090-G
- Meets the needs of virtually any application – from heavy text entry to calculator-style numeric
- Keypads can be swapped in your back room in minutes
- Quickly swap and service keypads in the unlikely event of keypad damage
- Upgrade keypads to accommodate new business areas
Download a datasheet for Motorola's MC9190-G.
Take your pick! Motorola's family of six interchangeable keypads:
Contact us and learn more about the different options for your rugged mobile computers.
Posted by Rachel Keller
Usually when you hear the term “tablet” you think of the iPad, Android tablet, or another brand of consumer media tablets. Although tablets are often used for a consumer’s personal use, they can be used in your business as well.
Lucky for you, Motorola recently came out with a new tablet called the ET1 Enterprise Tablet. Unlike the iPad or other consumer tablets, the ET1 has been built to handle everyday business use while supporting enterprise class features.
Features & Benefits:
- Ultra-strong 7 in Gorilla® Glass touch screen
- High-speed Cellular/Wi-Fi wireless connections
- Options to easily add and build applications
- Built for multiple users with feature-level control
- Data is encrypted and secure whether on the devices internal drive or on removable media
- Enhanced Android Operating System
ET1 Examination – Outside to Inside
On the outside, the ET1 is extremely durable. It can withstand drops, spills and bumps. There is built in protection against cold temperatures in the winter and hot temperatures in the summer. The screen on the ET1 is made with Gorilla glass, making it virtually impossible to damage. So, even if you drop it, the screen will not shatter like a consumer grade media tablet. The iPad, for example, is notorious for having a cracked or shattered screen. While the screen is tough, it is still a touchscreen. In cold weather when the user may be wearing gloves, the touchscreen capability will still work.
There are several accessories that go along with the ET1.
For easy operation, the ET1 has an efficient and unique swivel hand strap allowing you to operate the tablet with only one hand. There are multi-slot charging cradles and battery chargers which are great for saving space and keeping your devices charged and ready. The ET1 also has user friendly replaceable and rechargeable batteries. 
When you have a large workforce or limited budget, sharing devices can often save your business money. The ET1 has a multi-user log in option, a useful feature when you have multiple workers with different job functions or shifts.
If multiple people are using the same tablet, you'd think there might be a memory problem? A tablet is such small a device, that having a lot of memory space seems close to impossible. However, the ET1 can support extremely graphic intensive applications. You can also have up to 32GB of memory using the micro SD card slot.
The ET1's barcode scanner is able to capture information quickly and accurately. It takes less than one second to capture a barcode, which is faster than some barcode scanners themselves, let alone consumer tablets.
The ET1 also keeps your data secure. All information, whether on the devices internal drive or on removable media, is encrypted so it is safe and secure. With Bluetooth and wireless support, this tablet allows for easy communication with other people and devices.
The newest feature of the ET1 is its capability to connect to Wi-Fi and high speed cellular towers. It can connect to the high speed 4G network, and the 3G network. You can choose to use one or the other, or both! This feature does require a data plan, but it’s well worth it to have the high speed connection to enable maximum performance for your workforce.
So, where can I use this tablet?
This tablet can be used in a vareity of work envrionments including retail, transportation and distribution, mobile workforce, and even healthcare.
If you would like more information about the ET1 Enterprise Tablet, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Posted by Rachel Keller
WERC (Warehousing Education and Research Council) is the Association for Logistics Professionals that offers different resources to professionals in the distribution field. WERC hosts a yearly conference that consists of different facility tours, presentations by speakers, discussion sessions, and trade shows.
RMS Omega will be attending the 2013 WERC Conference in booth #112. Stop by and ask us about Android! 
This years annual WERC Conference is located at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel from April 28 – May 1. We will be featuring Zebra printers as well as Motorola’s MC45 and ET1 mobile computing solutions. Make sure to stop by our booth and ask us about running Android on your mobile devices!
In addition, RMS Omega's unique wireless services, such as Analysis & Optimization can improve your wireless connection. For more information, read about our specialized Analysis & Optimization services on our blog!
We hope to see you in Dallas!
Here's why YOU should attend the 2013 annual WERC Conference:
Posted by Kate Sparks
RMS Omega has a New Corporate Headquarters!
RMS Omega's Hilton Head Island office has relocated to a larger facility in Bluffton, SC. The new location includes additional office space as well as a small warehouse to accommodate our growing South Carolina family. Along with the move, the new Bluffton location has been designated the company's Corporate Headquarters.
RMS Omega's customer service, finance, and operations departments operate out of our South Carolina location. Click here to read the full press release.
Please note: All phone and fax lines will remain the same. The company's remit to address, for payments, will also remain the same. RMS Omega's sales, marketing, and professional services division is located in Baltimore, MD.
New Corporate Headquarters:
RMS Omega Technologies Inc.
365 Red Cedar Street, Suite102
Bluffton, SC 29910
Remit to address: (Payments only to this location)
RMS Omega Technologies Inc.
PO Box 64014
Baltimore MD 21264
Sales, Marketing & Professional Services Office:
RMS Omega Technologies Inc.
9635 Philadelphia Road
Baltimore, MD 21237
Images of RMS Omega's new corporate headquarters in Bluffton, SC:
Posted by Rachel Keller
Motorola has come out with yet another great mobile computer – the MC 45. While the MC 45 is perfect for your mobile workforce it is also suitable inside the warehouse. It is very affordable and can give your workers the necessary real time information to get their job done efficiently and effectively. Its accuracy and quickness is ideal for busy workers on the go, and its durability is perfect for industrial environments.
Some features and benefits include:
- True field durability
- Advanced laser scanning technology
- GPS services in more areas
- Inside-Outside wireless connectivity
- Built-in support for OS-agnostic applications
MC 45 in the Warehouse and Beyond
Motorola’s MC 45 can be used and stored in warehouse environments. It can operate in temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 122 degrees Fahrenheit, and can be stored in temperatures ranging from -40 degrees to 158 degrees Fahrenheit. Great for trucks with refrigerators or warehouses with cold storage.
This mobile computer can also withstand drops and tumbles. It can survive multiple 5 foot drops and 500 1.5 foot tumbles.
In addition to drops and a large temperature range, this device can also handle dust and rain. It has a protective coating to protect it from any spills or dust that may get trapped inside. The device can also withstand vibrations that may happen on forklifts or other machinery within a warehouse.
The MC 45 has the best battery power in its class. The battery can last throughout an entire shift in all environments – even if it is constantly used.
Oftentimes in busy environments, it is difficult for the user to know when a barcode is actually scanned. To let the user know when the barcode has in fact been scanned, the mobile device will vibrate and light up so the user knows they have a positive scan. With this feature, there is no wondering whether something has been scanned or not, and it can prevent one item from being scanned multiple times.
In addition to the many features that make the Motorola MC 45 an effective solution, this particular device is also very affordable. More of its features can be found here. If you have any questions, please contact one of our experts!
Posted by Rachel Keller
Why it’s a good idea to have your current system analyzed before purchasing new equipment. You may already have what you need!
Is your wireless system working for you? Many people believe they can obtain good wireless coverage by just mounting an Access Point (AP) in the ceiling. Unfortunately, that's rarely the case.
At RMS, we’ve found there are a lot of wireless networks not living up to their initial expectations when first installed. In many instances, due to work-a-rounds, under coverage or even over coverage, the systems are actually making it harder for workers to get their jobs done. So how do you go about fixing this? Start by asking your workers. They know when your facility's wireless network isn’t up to par, especially when they depend on it to do their jobs.
When experiencing issues with your system, setting up a new system or expanding your wireless network, do not assume that adding another Access Point will increase your coverage. Believe it or not, when placed in the proper locations, you may only need a few. It's different for every facility of course, but once you start adding more AP's and your deployment becomes more complex, there are many factors that come into play and difficulties that can occur. This is especially true when using the free radio frequency spectrum.* Some factors that can affect the radio frequency spectrum include free-space path loss, the attenuation of the material stored, the stocking level of your space, and the amount of traffic using the wireless. Did you know that your neighbor’s wireless signal could be affecting your system as well?
If you’re having trouble and your devices are not connecting properly, consider having an analysis of your current system. It can make a world of difference. At RMS Omega, we provide a specialized wireless service called Analysis and Optimization. Using a collection of highly sophisticated test equipment, we first analyze what coverage you have and then go about determining what it would take to make it work better for you, instead of against you. Once your report is completed, our engineers are also capable of making any necessary adjustments to your equipment.
In a typical Analysis and Optimization report, you will receive a heat map showing the wireless coverage throughout your facility. Below is an example from an A&O the RMS services team recently performed. The first image shows the systems original coverage. It was very poor in some areas and operated inconsistently. Workers in the facility were extremely frustrated. They had a difficult time doing their jobs, and sometimes intentionally damaged wireless equipment and handheld devices due to their frustration.
The second image shows how the system operated following the adjustments noted in the completed A&O report. The change was so drastic that the users came up to the engineer performing the A&O and personally thanked him for his work. Very rewarding for him but in the long run it will be a much bigger reward for the company.
Happy employees working in less stressful environment = More productivity.
Explanation of RF Coverage
During the analysis of your facility, our technicians will produce a Heat Map of actual RF Coverage. Below is an explanation of what the various colors indicate. For each range, the darker shades of blue indicate a stronger signal.
Before Analysis & Optimization:
After Analysis & Optimization:
As you can see in the second Heat Map, the overall wireless coverage was drastically improved. And believe it or not, our team actually removed most of the company's original Access Points. There was no need to purchase any new equipment! The unnecessary APs were removed and the existing equipment was relocated to provide optimal coverage.
Have questions about wireless?
Contact us! We have a team of Wi-Fi experts that are more than happy to help answer your questions.
*What is the free radio frequency spectrum?
The free radio frequency spectrum includes the radio frequencies that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) does not require the user to have a license and is free of costs. Wi-Fi is an example of one of the free radio frequencies.
Posted by Kate Sparks
When making an investment in mobile or wireless technology, it's important to make sure your devices are going to work, and work well. As the number of your IT assets increase, you'll want to know where they are and whether they're functioning properly to ensure your getting the most from your investment.
Mobile device management should be necessary for all companies. And, it should be done in a way that is both secure and efficient. But keeping track of all your IT assets can become a daunting task for an already over worked IT staff.
If you're team is already on overload, ask your IT provider about Managed Services. When it comes to tracking mobile IT assets, a Managed Services Team can to log into any of your systems mobile or wireless devices for remote repairs, support, or scheduled maintenance. In addition to maintenance and support, you can keep track of device locations and operating history. Managing your devices remotely can prevent you from physically sending hardware back to the manufacturer when it’s not necessary, ultimately saving you time and money.
At RMS Omega, our managed services team utilizes Wavelink Avalanche, an award winning software program for managing mobile devices and wireless infrastructure. Avalanche allows our team to provide device management to customers who prefer to focus their internal IT resources on daily business needs. With Service Level Agreements for monitoring, alerting, reporting, and issue resolution, we’re able to keep a mobile and wireless ecosystem running smoothly.
Benefits of Avalanche Device Management:
- Quick and easy implementation – Get up and running right away.
- Schedule provisions, system updates and reports.
- RMS help desk and support are available when unexpected issues occur.
- Comprehensive security is ensured by Avalanche so there is constant monitoring and managing of security protocols and settings.
Learn more about Managed Services for Mobile and Wireless Devices, contact RMS Omega's services team.
Posted by James Budniakiewicz
Timely, accurate information will give you a competitive edge for your food distribution operation. If you know the status and where your products are at all times, you will be able to ensure on-time deliveries and product freshness. Mobile supply chain software is a tool allowing you to do real time tracking and management of products throughout the distribution chain. This efficient operation results in reduced delivery costs, decreased late or lost deliveries, and continued customer satisfaction.
Potential Problems in Food Distribution
However, even the best operation can experience a serious problem which requires an immediate response. In the past few years there have been many instances of massive product recalls because of real and potential health issues like salmonella and E. coli. Milk, nuts, romaine, lettuce, spinach, tomatoes and peanut butter are only a few of the recent high profile recalls. The unnecessary publicity in these situations has had significant negative impact on consumer confidence in individual companies and in the industry as a whole. There is often a public outcry for more regulations and stricter inspections.
Public health and safety are high priorities for any level of government or regulatory agency. Legislators now require manufacturers to be able to trace their food products. Associations of producers are leading this movement by developing standards for tracing food products throughout the entire supply chain. The intent is to trace the source of food contamination quickly once a problem is identified anywhere in the distribution system.
The Solution for Tracking Food Distribution
You need to rely on cost effective electronic technology to track products through your food distribution operation. Mobile supply chain software offers solutions for better tracking and visibility of produce, with more efficient operation and inventory control, as well as the capability of improving delivery of quality products to the retailer and, ultimately, to the consumer. This capacity for tracking begins with a bar code applied to cases of produce packed by the grower or processor. Additional transactional databases will track the product information as it continues to journey from the field or plant to the distribution facility to the points of purchase.
No matter where you are positioned in the food distribution chain, you need mobile devices which not only meet the requirements for tracing produce, but are also capable of being integrated into your existing IT system. What you need is a mobile computer which will provide a complete solution, from voice to scanning and running mobile supply chain software that can control all aspects of your shipment. The Honeywell Dolphin 9900 Series mobile computers provide this capability.
The Honeywell design of the Dolphin 9900 Series mobile computers incorporates a complete range of technologies which allows maximum productivity and efficiency for the user:
• High performance data collection technology captures digital images and electronic signatures
• The rugged design provides reliable service in any environment
• A flashlight and pistol grip makes the device easy to use for long periods
• An integrated multi-mode wireless technology provides real time voice communication and data exchange
• Long battery life enhances productivity
• GPS is built in to improve control of all field assets
The rugged, full featured and user friendly design of the Dolphin 9900 mobile computer is the right choice for any company installing mobile supply chain software.
Posted by Kate Sparks
Consumer-grade Phones vs. Industrial Mobile Computers: Finding a Compromise with the New Dolphin 70e Black.
Consumer-grade smart phones don’t always measure up to the demands of a field-based work environment. Battery time isn’t long enough, they can break easily from drops and tumbles, and phone cameras don’t typically work well for scanning barcodes on a daily basis. And while a smart phone is often smaller and cheaper than a rugged class device, frequent replacements quickly add up. Honeywell Scanning and Mobility has designed a new enterprise hybrid device to offer mobile workers a new option.
Meet the New Dolphin 70e Black!
Honeywell’s new rugged smart device brings the look and feel of a smart phone to the mobile workforce. The Dolphin 70e Black provides an intuitive touch screen display, internet access, enterprise-class barcode scanning, and up to 12 hours of battery life. With an IP67 rating, the device is completely dust proof and allows for submersion in water.
Field professionals can take the device from warehouse to job site without concern of drops to concrete or exposure to the elements.
Input from current customers helped drive the 70e Black’s development, including the following features:
- IP67 rating allows for submersion in water and is completely dust-proof
- Enterprise-class area-imaging scanner
- Large 4.3' capacitive touch display that can be viewed in direct sunlight
- Up to 12 hours of battery life with a user replaceable battery
- Lightweight and compact design - At 7 ounces and around ¾ inches thick it's small enough to fit in a worker’s pocket
Stay tuned for more details! Devices will begin shipping with Windows operating systems and Android™ operating systems in February 2013. Click here to read Honeywell's press release. And, please feel free to reach out to us for more details.
Posted by James Budniakiewicz
Smart managers realize that small improvements in employee routines can produce significant improvements to the bottom line. Real savings can be found in improving efficiency for even simple tasks which are performed many times during the day. Equipping your mobile workforce with field service mobile computers can save even a few minutes for each task which adds up to a useful block of time for other work. Multiply the saved minutes by the number of times that job is done every day and the number of employees to understand the time available to use for increasing profits.
Identify Areas for Improvement
A first step is to identify the repeated routine tasks in a worker's daily schedule. For example, an employee in a parts distributor might work through the following steps many times a day:
• Preparing work orders according to customer's telephone or email orders
• Locating parts in warehouse
• Stocking the delivery vehicle
• Completing the paperwork to give to the driver for confirmation of receipt
In this kind of situation, you realize quickly that it takes time to complete paperwork by hand, that the employee has to check various places to locate the necessary parts, and then he has even more paperwork for the driver in order to track delivery.
Any kind of work involving locating goods, tracking deliveries and drivers, and filling in forms for orders and invoices can be made more efficient with computer assistance. For example, track the warehouse inventory with bar codes to save three minutes in a routine a worker does 12 times a day. Install a GPS system to shave off four minutes in travel time to each of eight customers. This is over an hour saved, perhaps sufficient time to include another customer service appointment.
Also, the order and product information is more complete, accurate, and up to date, preventing incorrect orders and late deliveries. The employee knows exactly what he is looking for, where it should be, and has all the information for delivery. Perhaps it is time for you to find a business solution which not only saves time and money, but increases profit as well.
The Scanphone Solution
There are many useful devices such as bar code scanners, smartphones, VOIP, tablets, two way radios and GPS systems. However, the Honeywell Dolphin 6000 Scanphone combines the functions of all these devices into a single, rugged, and cost efficient pocket-sized device. Check out its features:
• Light and compact design allows comfortable single handed use for scanning bar code
• Integrated GSM/GPRS cellular, Bluetooth and GPS technologies, and WiFi allow real time access to critical data wherever business is being conducted
• Integrated GPS technology allows location-based services like navigation, mapping, geo tracking, geo aging, and route optimization
• Automated processes replace manual work by using the scan engine, color camera and display screen
• Enhanced voice technology eliminates the need to carry an extra phone device
Choosing the Honeywell Dolphin 6000 Scanphone helps the smart manager decrease the time needed for routine tasks and provides more accurate, accessible information. Your mobile workforce will appreciate the user friendly functionality of the Scanphone. Your business will profit from its investment in best of breed field service mobile computers from Honeywell.