IDAutomation Newsletter: March 2009

by Nate SchubertIn this issue: *New Product: QR Code Font and Encoder for Windows *Barcode Label Software Update *Press Releases New Product: QR Code Font and Encoder for WindowsQR Code Font & EncoderIDAutomation.com, Inc. announces the release of their new QR-Code Barcode Font and Encoder. The QR-Code barcode fonts make use of Vertical Interleaved Technology which allows printing of high-density QR-Code symbols with TrueType, PCL and PostScript fonts. Includes the Windows COM and .NET Framework DLLs. QR-Code is an area efficient two-dimensional...

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TBarCode Update! Barcode Software Component V9.1

Just a short notice:A brand-new TBarCode update is available: Version V9.1 of this barcode generator features automatic check-digit validation. This means, that TBarCode validates check-digits entered by the user. Wrong check-digits are rejected with an error message. For custom check-digits this behaviour can be disabled by changing the check-digit computation method to "None". In addition to this improvement some bugs got fixed. For details see the version history or download TBarCode V9.1 n...

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Ignore the Economy

The March issue of BusinessSolutions published a great article, "Ignore the Economy." Rather than paraphrasing what I want to point out, here is a clip from it (author, Mike Monocello):I’m not denying that the economy isn’t struggling. It’s now a sad reality. However, I don’t think things are as bad as most people think. I’m not alone. For instance, at the NRF (National Retail Federation) BIG Show 2009 in New York City, I had the opportunity to speak with more than 20 lead executives from a variety of manufacturers in retail. Nearly all of them...

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American Apparel's Profits Rise

Our client American Apparel Q4 profit rises 30%Clothing maker American Apparel Inc's fourth-quarter profit jumped 30 percent, helped by growth in retail sales at its U.S. Retail, Canada and international business segments, but forecast 2009 sales below analysts' estimates.The company, which plans to open 25 to 30 stores in 2009, said it expects net sales of $575 million to $600 million in 2009 and income from operations in the range of $55 million to $65 million.The company -- known for its brightly colored basics, pro-labor policies and racy marketing...

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Free Barcodes for OpenOffice

Part 2: How to generate barcodes with OpenOffice. Also check out part 1: Using Barcodes in Google DocsIntroductionOpenOffice is a free software suite which mimics (more or less) Microsoft Office. In Microsoft Office bar-code creation is possible via various methods (using barcode fonts, pre-created barcode images or by using a barcode add-in like TBarCode). Until now no quality bar-code add-ins are available for OpenOffice and 2D barcode creation...

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School Asset Tracking Solution

Expensive pieces of teaching equipment, furniture, computer hardware and scientific equipment regularly travel between classrooms & department blocks without being returned to the place from which they were taken.Did you know that there is a Government-lead move to ensure that LEA’s provide inventory registers which can locate and value all of the schools’ assets within the Authorities? We can help you to be ahead of the game with a cost effective...

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Barcode Studio V9.1 is coming!

In a few days TEC-IT will release the new version of Barcode Studio (V9.1). The most important new features are:* Data List for Multiple Bar Codes* Improved File Import* Better Serial Number Generator* Improved Bar Code Export* Improved Bar Width Reduction* HP SmartStream Designer Integration (more details are available from HP) Barcode Studio was released on 03/25/2008! Download Barcode Studio here: Barcode Creator Softwa...

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Clovers Natural Market Replaces POS System

One Step Retail Solutions and Clovers Natural Market of Columbia, Missouri are happy to announce the implementation of CounterPoint SQL by Radiant Systems point of sale (POS) software in these popular mid-west markets. Clovers will be replacing all of their POS systems with Radiant Systems hardware and CounterPoint SQL software, supplied by One Step.Scott Kreisberg, CEO of One Step stated, 'We are pleased to be a part of this long-established, thriving natural products market and their continued expansion. We are always happy to support retailers...

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Retail Boom Forecast

Phoenix historical economist forecasts surprise retail boom in 2009A combination of legislative mandates, the Stimulus Plan, reduced competition and new consumer savings and income could result in surprisingly robust retail sales by the Fourth Quarter of 2009.H.L. Quist says, "I'm not an expert on retail but I do have an excellent track record of analyzing economic and political trends and forecasting future events. An unusual confluence of factors are coming together which could bring a pleasant surprise to the devastated retail industry."H. L....

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Retail Store Making Right Decisions

In a recent case study by One Step Retail Solutions on Pump Station in Santa Monica, CA, the store increased its sales 20% in the last three years. A second store opened up 3 years ago in Hollywood, CA, watching sales go up 83%. Two more stores are being planned to open up this year, 2009.Pump Station COO Cheryl Petran attributes their growth and continued success to point of sale technology which allowed them to forecast sales and manage inventory better.With better financial planning and profit goals, Pump Station owners have been able to gain...

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Pidgin 2.5.5 RPM for Ubuntu 8.10 (x86)

As of today no pre-built binary for the Instant Messaging client Pidgin 2.5.5 for Ubuntu 8.10 was available on the internet.A colleague of mine just compiled the latest release of Pidgin and published a RPM.Download it here: pidgin-2.5.5-0.i386.rpmInstall it with rpm -i pidgin-2.5.5-0.i386.rpmEnjoy!P.S.: No guaranties, no warranties, no support. Download at your own risk on...

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Lost Privacy?

Compared to the remaining entries of this blog, this one is completely off-topic: it covers the Google service Web-History, Google's Chrome browser and privacy. Personally, most of the time I am using the Chrome browser and I am logged on with my Google account. At some time in the past I have decided to try Google's Web-History service (in German it is named Google Webprotokoll). A few days ago I checked the entries in the web-history service. Surprise, surprise - the service works as expected ;-). Google lists each search term I have entered...

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Technology Pavilion at MAGIC

One Step Retail Solutions was in the Technology Pavilion at MAGIC in February. The pavilion offered free cappachino and a Wifi center. See photo montage:Here are some phot...

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The Specialty Retailer Advantage

With the recent government numbers showing specialty retailers down 19 percent, the focus for these retailers has shifted to being more promotional, buying smarter and not piling up on inventory. They are also making deals with vendors to get flexible deals. And they are moving toward improving their retail management technology in an effort to re-organize and become more efficient.In all the changes an independent retailer faces, bringing customers to their store is the primary goal. Obtaining loyal customers is bringing them back. When people...

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Free Online Label Printing

Are you working in the automotive industry? Maybe in the area of supply chain logistics? If yes - chances are high that you are in the need for printing barcode labels like VDA 4902 Warenanhänger, Odette, Galia and AIAG labels. For all other readers I'll describe how to print QR-Code business cards for private use in a future post.Free Online Application for Barcode Label Printing!This online label generator provides pre-defined label templates....

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