With growing use of  information-dense bar codes—such as twodimensional (2D) versions that store information both horizontally  and vertically, and compact GS1 DataBar (formerly known as RSS,  reduced space symbology)—additional information can be stored in the mark. Application identifiers contain more information than ever before, such as serial numbers, lot numbers and expiration dates that yield better product identification, quality control and traceability.

The on-going goal of improving both profitability and customer return visits is constantly on the minds of restaurant owners and manаgers. While numerous articles and opinions have focused on how to use loyalty programs, aggressive (and smartly applied) promotions, and advertising through social media, these are not the only strategies that operators need follow in the pursuit of their goals. Handheld wireless ordering, which has remained under the radar as a way to realize tremendous costs savings and increased profitability for some time, is rapidly coming to the forefront as more proprietors recognize the value of such solutions. 

For instance, because the handhelds enable servers to send orders while still at the table, this has led to five dramatic operational improvements which are impacting the bottom line, while raising customer service levels.

There are special challenges in labeling assets that have been installed and in use for many years, or even decades, and setting up a continuous scanner-based tracking system integrated with new and legacy databases. These assets are often quite varied and geographically far-flung. In spite of this, vital information regarding details of enterprise assets such as original purchase date and price, asset manufacturer, current location, repair frequency, or upgrade status often resides in files on different computers running dissimilar operating systems. Regardless of this, a true fixed asset tracking and reporting system will have to provide timely reports to many inquirers across a broad category of financial and physical details.

Consequently, many automated systems have been developed to perform this data entry task. Together these systems are referred to as automatic identification (“Auto ID”) systems.

Workstation computers may be ideal for sharing instructions with operators who remain in one place. But when it comes to materials handling, products and operators are on the move. Mobile computers that communicate wirelessly with a host computer system over a facility's Wi-Fi network enable associates to receive work instructions and capture information in real time wherever the work gets done.