IDAutomation Newsletter: March 2009

by Nate Schubert

In 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 Windows

QR 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 (2D) barcode symbology capable of encoding large amounts of data. The data encoded may include letters, numbers, text and actual bytes of data, including extended characters, Unicode characters and small photos.

A demo version may be downloaded from www.idautomation.com/fonts/qr-code/ and includes fully functional examples. A single user license for the QR-Code Font and Encoder starts at $199 and a royalty-free Developer License starts at $1190.

Product Update: Barcode Label Software

IDAutomation Barcode Label SoftwareThis is an easy to use professional grade barcode label design and printing software application that also contains many advanced features. It contains a built-in, embedded database for creating custom values in labels and also connects to comma delimited text files, CSV files, Microsoft Excel and Access. Barcode values can also be incremented or determined by VB script formulas. Static data can be easily appended to the beginning or ending of any variable data. It accurately prints ANSI and ISO compliant barcodes on any graphics printer, including thermal printers.

The linear version of the Barcode Label Software includes several performance and compatibility enhancements and has been updated to support the office 2007 file format.

A fully functional evaluation copy may be downloaded from
http://www.idautomation.com/labelsoftware/download.html

2010 Sunrise Date for DataBar

DataBar 2010 MandateGS1 DataBar is a new barcode type approved for the retail supply chain where UPC and EAN symbols are currently used. GS1, formerly known as EAN International and Uniform Code Council, has set January 1, 2010 as the "sunrise" date for global adoption of this new barcode type. As of 2010, all manufacturers worldwide will have the option of marking their packages with GS1 DataBar codes – as an alternative to the EAN/UPC bar codes used today. Retailers must be ready to scan these packages at the point-of-sale and elsewhere within their logistics systems.

The following is a list of hand-held barcode scanners that read DataBar:

* IDAutomation USB Barcode Scanner with DataBar
http://idautomation.com/scanners/usb-barcode-scanner.html
* Metrologic USB VoyagerPDF Scanner
http://www.idautomation.com/laser/ms9544.html
* Hand Held Products IT3800PDF USB Scanner
http://www.idautomation.com/ccdreaders/pdf417ccd.html

IDautomation also offers the DataBar font at http://www.idautomation.com/fonts/databar/, Databar Windows Forms Control at http://www.idautomation.com/formscontrols/ and the DataBar Image Generator at http://www.idautomation.com/generator/.

PrimeCare Selects IDAutomation's SC5 Scanner as Preferred Bar Code Scanner

PrimeCare Systems, Inc., (OTCBB:PCYS) announced today that it has selected IDAutomation.com Inc., of Tampa, Florida as its preferred and recommended source for bar code scanners for use with its flagship product, the PrimeCare Patient Management System, Version Nine.

Read the rest of the press release at http://www.pcare.com/pcnews/pcare_introduces_sc5_idautomation_scanner.aspx

Product Updates and Priority Support and Upgrade Subscription Renewal

Priority Support & Upgrade SubscriptionIDAutomation's Priority Support and Upgrade Subscription allows you to receive the latest version of the product, unlimited phone support, priority Help Desk support during work hours and additional help desk support on evenings, weekends and holidays.

If the Priority Support and Upgrade Subscription has not been purchased or is expired, it may be activated from the appropriate link:

* Barcode Label Software (IDA71)
http://idautomation.com/cart/Priority-Support-Upgrade-Subscription-for-Barcode-Label-Software-P822.aspx
* Links for all products
http://www.idautomation.com/extended/about.html

If the Priority Support and Upgrade Subscription has been purchased:
If you have an active Priority Support agreement, log into the IDAutomation store and go to “Account” located in the upper right hand corner. On the Account screen, there will be a list of Recent Orders with a summary of what each order contains if there is more than one. Click on the "View Order" button of the order that contains the software to download. The download will be located under Digital Goods section of the online Invoice.

If the purchase was made prior to Dec 2005 through RegNow/Digital River, please contact us with your order ID number and we will send you the updated download link.

For customers who do not purchase the Priority Support and Upgrade Subscription, support is limited to our online knowledge base and the product support site. Product updates are only provided to customers with an active Priority Support and Upgrade Subscription.

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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 now.

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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 told me they haven’t seen the type of recessionary slowdown the media and analysts have been stressing over. However, many of these executives also admitted their companies are being very cautious. Chances are, you’re in the same situation of cautiously waiting things out. My question is, how long will you wait and keep your business in a stalled state? Or better yet, why wait?

He goes on to say that there is mounds of actionable information available to retailers to improve their retail business.

One Step can advise you on a course of action if you need some help. We also provide free business analytics.

Story source: http://tinyurl.com/d4kanw

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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 -- posted a fourth-quarter profit of $3.9 million, or 5 cents a share, compared with $3.0 million, or 6 cents a share, a year earlier.

www.onestepretail.com

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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 Docs

Introduction

OpenOffice 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 using fonts is terrible. So I'll outline a possibility to create bar-codes without any barcode fonts and without any additional barcode software.

How to Create OpenOffice Barcodes for Free

To generate bar codes (ALL barcodes - meaning linear barcodes, 2D barcodes like DataMatrix and GS1 DataBar codes) all you need is an internet connection. The basic idea is to insert an barcode image generated by the online barcode generator of TEC-IT. This barcode generator is customizable via the URL - so it is possible to create each bar-code as required.

Note: Works on Windows only!

1) Create the required barcode using the online barcode generator
2) Scroll down to the section "Free Use of This Barcode Generator". Copy the URL (see screenshot below) into your clipboard:



3) Start OpenOffice Writer
4) Create a new document (File -> New)
5) Insert a Picture from a File (Insert -> Picture -> From File)
6) Copy the URL as created in step 2 into the filename
7) Press Enter, FINISHED

That's all. Steps 5 to 7 are outlined in the screen-shot below.

How Does it Work?

The barcode image is created online at TEC-IT.COM, you do not need to store the image locally on your hard-drive (Windows takes care of this automatically), you do not need to install software - and you can trust the generated bar-code (it will be correct!). You can open this document on each computer, the bar-code will always be visible (and printable). Of course - internet connectivity is required.
Another point of interest: This method works for all programs part of the OpenOffice suite.

Optimizing the Barcode

In order to ensure perfect readability of the bar-codes you may need to play around with the settings (especially barcode resolution and module width). readability depends on barcode symbology, data density - and of course your output device. I recommend you to create the bar-code with at least 300 dpi. Important: Whenever possible DO NOT scale the resulting bar-code image in OpenOffice.

Example

URL used: http://www.tec-it.com/online-demos/tbarcode/barcode.aspx?code=DataMatrix&data=Powered+by+TEC-IT&dpi=300&rotation=0&modulewidth=fit
Barcode: DataMatrix ECC200

Interested?

If you like this method for barcode creation with OpenOffice you can use the online barcode generator for free (for non-commercial use only). For commercial users TEC-IT recommends a local barcode server in the companies intranet.

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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 and highly efficient

Asset Tracking Solution that you can implement quickly at a fraction of the cost of any system recommended by your LEA.

We have a comprehensive Asset Tracking Solution available to schools that uses barcode labels, hand held scanners & printers with user friendly software that will save you time and money.
As schools face tighter and tighter financial constraints, don’t allow the movement of equipment between various locations result in expensive capital losses for your school.

Redbeam Asset Tracking

School Asset Tracking Solution

See our step by step guide on video at: Asset tracking

Download FREE Trial software today!
(it’s free and there’s no obligation)

Keep Tabs on All Your School’s Assets!

Call Us Today and Let Us Help You …

For Free Advice Telephone: 0845 0045 465

Asset Tracking Products

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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 Software.

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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 like Clovers, who have the long term in mind, not only for themselves, but for the betterment of their customers and their community.'

After going through a complete Needs Analysis with One Step Retail Solutions and a thorough demonstration of the software, it became clear that CounterPoint SQL had the features that Clovers was looking for, including integration of a scale at checkout. Clovers also found that One Step could give them a level of support that they had been lacking with their previous system and that the 23-year history and experience of One Step would assure them of a stable business partner for years to come.

With two stores in Columbia, Clovers has been a part of their community since 1965 and specializes in organic produce, gourmet and specialty products, gluten free, sugar free, low sodium, frozen and refrigerated products, coffees, teas, books, incense, candles, with an extensive supplement selection including vitamins, minerals, herbs, and homeopathics.

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Retail Boom Forecast

Phoenix historical economist forecasts surprise retail boom in 2009
A 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. Quist is the author of "The Aftermath of Greed: Get Ready For The Coming Inflationary Boom."

Read full press release:

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2009/03/prweb2220824.htm

This news was also posted on the company’s new Twitter account: http://twitter.com/onestepretail

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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 insight into what is going on in their business and use the reports to make the right decisions.

Ms. Petran feels they are out-pacing the economic downturn by forecasting smart and managing the inventory to her forecast. “Being proactive means forecasting, facing the reality of it and dealing with it,” said Cheryl Petran, COO of Pump Station.

“If you can really look at where you think you’re going to be and be realistic about it, then you can survive. I have a POS system with history that I can use for expansion. With our POS system we can quickly evaluate if our decisions were good or bad. I learned many years ago to manage your inventory smart and manage your vendors smart.”

Pump Station is continuing to expand their retail business, despite the changing economy.

Note: One Step Retail Solutions installed Retail Pro point of sale software, robust POS hardware, and hand-held scanners. The system is integrated with POS QuickBooks.

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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.rpm

Install it with rpm -i pidgin-2.5.5-0.i386.rpm

Enjoy!

P.S.: No guaranties, no warranties, no support. Download at your own risk only.

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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 in Google. Thousand of entries were stored for my account - back till 2007.

Because of this huge amount of search terms I decided to delete them. I also found time to check out Google's privacy policy regarding the Web-History service in detail. Unfortunately the privacy policy of Google provides no details - it is quite unclear:

"You can delete information from Web History using the remove feature, and it will be removed from the service. However, as is common practice in the industry, and as outlined in the Google Privacy Policy, Google maintains a separate logs system for auditing purposes and to help us improve the quality of our services for users."

What does this mean? Is Google able to rebuild my search data from the mentioned log services? Is Google able to assign such a reconstructed search history to my Google account (and thus to my person)?

If the answer is NO: everything is fine because I am in control of the data. But what if the answer is YES?

Now to the second point. Chrome is the name of the superb browser from Google. It was already blamed in the past for sending data home (the data you enter in the address/search field of the browser).

Upon installation Google Chrome gets a unique ID. That means that Google is able to learn that this is your personal Chrome installation (e.g. by using Google Chrome to log on with your Google account).

What is the problem with this? Because of the unique ID Google is able to know that YOU are using the browser. This is possible at any time - even if YOU are not logged on at Google. If this knowledge is used by Google, YOU (and me too) should be quite uncomfortable with this situation.

So my question: Does Google ensure that data entered in Chrome will NOT be assigned to me (better: my personal google account) if I am not logged on?


This entry was not written to blame Google. I am fine with their services. But there are huge possibilities to misuse the logged data. And any inside information is of high interest.

P.S.: You can remove the unique ID of Chrome with the small software utility KillID (use at your own risk, maybe you are violating Chrome's license agreement!).

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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 photos:

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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 walk into a store, they want to know the people at the store. It's about relationships and that is what separates the independent specialty retailer from the big-box retailers.

In a recent Webinar with Kevin McAdam of One Step Retail Solutions, he talked about what a retailer should know about in surviving the current economy. He discusses retail Key Performance Indicators and how to read and interpret them, the various ways to use technology to increase profits, decisions a retailer has to make about their inventory, and how to overcome obsctacles during a recession.

Watch Webinar "The Truth All Retailers Should Know About Surviving in the Economy in 2009".

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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. You are not forced to design a label, start immediately with one of the available templates instead. 

The generated labels are perfectly suitable for production use - no demo restrictions whatsoever are applied.

Especially for low-volume label printing or for testing purposes this free online application is valuable. No additional software is needed, just select the required label and you are finished.

For those looking for custom labels TEC-IT also offers a solution. Download the demo of TFORMer Designer (TEC-IT's barcode label printing software), design your label and upload the templates to tec-it.com. Ready.

This online label generator is:
1) free for testing purposes (please contact TEC-IT for production use or high-volume printing)
2) not limited to industry labels
3) available as a web-service for portal integration

Enjoy!

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