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The Problem An Agricultural Machinery manufacturer required the location of all components be identifiable, throughout the entire cycle of a conveyor driven paint-shop process. At varying points within the process, temperatures can reach 180°C. Furthermore, excess overspray was a significant probability and would have rendered traditional, line-of-sight barcodes unreadable. Misreads could ultimately slow the process or at worst cause the system to stop, so a more advanced identification system was required. The Solution Maxim deployed RFID read/write with High Temperature High Frequency (HF) RFID tags and holders, capable of working in temperatures up to 220°C. Utilising the sensors, the customer was able to encode unique identifiers in the tags for identification of the product whilst in the paint shop process. The RFID tags would not be affected by heat, cleaning processes, or paint overspray.

Thermal labels are essential to the running of many businesses, supporting everything from shipping and warehousing to healthcare and retail. However, choosing the right label solutions is not always a straightforward task. Businesses must decide whether a custom label or an off the shelf label are the best fit for their business operations, whilst also understanding the differences between direct thermal and thermal transfer printing, and the most suitable ribbon choices for their application. In this blog, we will explain the differences between custom and stock thermal labels to help you to determine which label type would be best for your application. We will then give you a quick guide to Thermal Ribbons! If you would like to understand the basics of thermal printing technology, read our blog here! Custom Thermal Labels What are custom labels? Custom labels are specifically manufactured to meet a business’s application. Instead of using standard stock sizes and materials, custom labels can be tailored to suit your needs in almost all aspects, including: Label size and shape Company logos Brand colours Adhesive Type Material Selection such as polyester, polyprop, or tamper-evident Pre-printed information They are available for both direct thermal and thermal transfer printing systems Benefits: Improved workflow Pre-printed information, fixed barcode positions, or application specific layouts can streamline your process This reduces manual data entry, improved barcode readability, and minimises errors Specific Application Custom labels are perfect for specialised applications where quality and performance is paramount Materials and Adhesives can be selected for the toughest of environments such as: Freezer temperatures Chemical exposure UV Exposure Rough Surfaces Cost effective For businesses who require high quantities of labels, custom labels typically allow for price breaks at higher quantities making them more cost effective over time We also offer all inclusive contracts for custom labels, to assist with budgeting your media consumables, and ensure you are never caught without label media Brand Identity Custom labels allow you to personalise your labels to suit your business brand using company logos and brand colour themes Disadvantages: Set up cost Although custom labels can save you money at larger quantities, they can come with an initially high set up cost. This can be due to many factors such as Artwork costs Printing plate charges Material Sourcing Minimum Order Quantities Longer lead times As custom labels are made to order, lead times can be longer than off the shelf alternatives. This can be due to many factors such as Material Shortages Production Scheduling Design and Label Approval However, we offer All Inclusive Contracts which can be media only. We can work to a provided schedule to ensure your operations can keep running Off the Shelf Thermal Labels What are off the shelf labels? We typically refer to standard stock labels as “off-the-shelf" as they are usually more readily available in standard sizes and materials. Benefits: Cost effective Due to these labels being mass-produced, they are typically more affordable than custom alternatives at lower quantities There are also no set up fees or custom plate/artwork costs, so for businesses who do have room to move in terms of sizing and material, off the shelf can be a great option Shorter lead times Off the shelf labels are typically more readily available, reducing downtime. This is due to them being already produced, compared to custom labels which are made to order. Flexibility Standard size labels increase flexibility as businesses can switch between sizes and materials without committing to large quantities of custom stock. Disadvantages Limited branding opportunities Stock labels give a limited opportunity for personalisation as direct thermal printing is monotone only Although you could personalise your labels with your company logo, if you want to use colour you will be limited to the standard ribbon colours available, unless you look at bespoke ribbons – and it can cause delays in your workflow due to ribbon switches Limited size and material Standard labels may not have a size or material option that is suitable for your application Standard adhesives may not suit your environment Generic adhesive may not perform reliably in: Cold/Freezer temperatures Outdoor conditions Industrial environments where there may be an excess of dust Thermal Ribbons When utilising thermal transfer media, you need to use a thermal ribbon. There are a variety of thermal ribbon types to choose from, but not all of them will be compatible with your chosen label media. Below, we have outlined what ribbons are available, the label materials they are compatible with, and application examples. If you require support on finding what ribbon would be best for your unique application, reach out to our specialist team here! Zebra 1600 Economy Wax Ribbon Wax Wax ribbons are compatible with most uncoated and coated paper materials such as labels and tags but are not suitable for use with synthetic label materials. They work best in applications with little to no exposure to chemicals or abrasion such as general labelling, shipping labels, inventory and tracking, and retail tags. Zebra 3200 Premium Wax/Resin Ribbon Wax/Resin Wax/Resin ribbons are compatible with top-coated paper materials and matte synthetic materials. Due to their scratch and smear resistance, they can work in applications with moderate exposure to abrasion, chemicals, solvents, and water such as outdoor and chemical drum labelling. Zebra 5095 High Performance Resin Ribbon Resin Resin ribbons are compatible with matte and gloss synthetic materials. They provide excellent scratch and smear resistance on both types of synthetic materials, making them perfect for applications in environments that have harsh abrasion, chemical exposure, extreme temperatures, and excess moisture such as outdoor, circuit board, automotive, and healthcare labelling. Collection of Zebra Ribbons Image Lock Resin Image Lock Resin ribbons are compatible with matte and gloss synthetic materials such as Zebra’s Z-Xtreme 5000T and 8000T Image Lock materials. They provide excellent resistance to abrasion and solvents making them ideal for extreme environments such as laboratory slide labelling.

Thermal printing is a printing process that utilises a heated printhead to produce an image, the technology allows for media and application flexibility, whilst also being durable and low maintenance. There are two types of thermal printing methods, direct thermal and thermal transfer, which can produce prints that are ideal for industry use due to the accurate, high-quality print they produce. This blog aims to outline the two types of printers, their uses, benefits, types of printers, and their place in your business. But how does Thermal Printing work? Thermal printing is a process that utilises a heated printhead to produce an image. There are two types of thermal printers, direct thermal and thermal transfer. Direct Thermal: Direct thermal printers create the image directly on the printing media using a heat-sensitive media that blackens when passed under the thermal printhead, without the need for a ribbon, ink, or toner. Direct Thermal Printing Diagram. Source: Zebra Technologies Typical uses: Shipping labels, receipts, tickets, Patient and visitor identification. Advantages: Sharp, good quality labels Ideal for short shelf-life applications Usually a lower media cost Reliable operation and simple to operate Disadvantages: High sensitivity to environmental factors such as heat and light due to the heat sensitive media Thermal Transfer: Thermal transfer printing utilises a ribbon that when heated by the printhead, produces the print onto the label. The colour and density of the print is determined by the ribbon and printer resolution which aids in consistently producing a reliable print. To ensure a high print performance and durability, the label material and ribbon should be carefully selected. When the correct media-ribbon combination is selected, users can create printed labels that are suitable for a range of applications with various environmental factors such as, but not limited to, temperature extremes, chemicals, UV exposure, abrasion, and sterilisation. Our team can assist with media specifications to ensure you have the perfect selection, contact us here. Thermal Transfer Printing Diagram. Source: Zebra Technologies Typical uses: Circuit board tracking, asset labelling, Product identification, sample tracking, laboratory Specimens, cold storage and freezers, outdoor applications. Advantages: High-definition text, graphic, and barcode quality Ideal for long-life applications Large variety of label media stock and ribbon media stock Reliable operation and simple to operate Disadvantages: Media costs are higher than direct thermal due to the use of a ribbon The ribbon and media substrate must be compatible to produce the optimum print Types of printers: Mobile Printers Mobile Printer Product Family Mobile printers enable portable printing of barcode labels, RFID tags, and receipts increasing productivity with the ultimate flexible printer. Although they are direct thermal only, they are designed for convenient printing of high-quality labels and are equipped with advanced connectivity options to ensure seamless integration. Mobile printers are suitable for a variety of industry sectors including warehousing and logistics, automotive, retail, and healthcare. Desktop Printer Product Family Desktop Printers Desktop printers are compact and idea for fast, on-demand printing in small workspaces. Offering both direct thermal and thermal transfer options, with various printers for every price point, desktop printers allow you to have both high-quality prints without needing to sacrifice performance for savings. They are suitable for a variety of industry sectors including warehousing and logistics, automotive, retail, healthcare, and hospitality. Industrial Printers Industrial Printer Product Family Designed for harsh and demanding environments, Industrial printers provide users with rugged durability and adaptability that future-proofs your business. Industrial printers are also designed to provide 24/7 reliability for barcode and RFID labels. Providing options for both direct thermal and thermal transfer printing they are suitable for specialised printing needs in a variety of sectors, including Warehousing and Logistics, Automotive, Manufacturing, retail, and healthcare.

Barcode scanners are an indispensable tool in many industries and can enhance warehouse  productivity and efficiency while reducing errors. Choosing the right type of scanner, however, is critical to optimise your business operations, as wearable and handheld barcode scanners offer their own advantages while being suitable for different applications and settings. So, what is the best barcode scanner for your warehouse? To answer this question, you’ll need to consider several key points which, in this article, we’ll explore. Wearable Barcode Scanners Wearable barcode scanners offer unique benefits that enhance safety and efficiency in the workplace as they are an advanced, hands-free data capture solution. Wearable devices are worn comfortably on the hand, wrist, or finger, enabling staff to scan items instantly without the need to pick up and put down equipment significantly improving workflow efficiency and reducing downtime and the risk of misplacing devices as they remain securely attached to the user. While this may only seem to save seconds, the cumulative effect is powerful, with workflows operating more quickly and fluidly delivering substantial operational performance gains. Businesses can mobilise their workforce and allow users to achieve a hands free approach, improving the speed of their work and increase productivity. Ideal for high-volume operations in a variety of industry sectors including manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics, wearable scanners streamline processes, enhance accuracy, and boost overall productivity, making them a powerful investment for businesses looking to optimise performance and maximise return of investment (ROI). Suitable in the following industries: Manufacturing, Warehouses, Logistics Key Products: Handheld Barcode Scanners Handheld barcode scanners are durable and high-performance devices for healthcare, manufacturing, warehouse, logistics, and retail environments where reliability and longevity are essential. Built to withstand demanding conditions and everyday wear and tear, they enable fast and accurate data capture with intuitive touchscreens, integrated keypads, and clear displays to facilitate efficient manual input. Users can also access Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) for faster and more efficient working through seamless connection. Many handheld scanners use the familiar Android operating system, making them a user-friendly and easy-to-navigate solution that can be mastered with minimal training or specialist knowledge. In addition to their usability, handheld barcode scanners offer excellent cost-efficiency with both rugged and light industrial options, making them a great investment for businesses seeking to maximize their return of investment (ROI). Suitable in the following industries: Healthcare, Manufacturing, Warehouses, Logistics, Retail Key Products: Contact Us To Find Out More If you want to maximise the efficiency of your warehouse, contact Maxim Computer Services today. 📞 01543 272770 📧 sales@maximcomputer.co.uk

Printing is an essential part of many businesses from shipping labels in logistics to price tags in retail, or wristbands in healthcare. But unmanaged printers can quickly become a hidden drain on time and budget. Unexpected breakdowns, poor print quality, and emergency consumable orders can disrupt operations and inflate costs.  The good news is Maxim offer all-inclusive printer maintenance and label contracts that are designed to remove this headache. By bundling service, support, and consumables into one predictable package, you can reduce downtime and enjoy cost certainty.  This article outlines what can be included , why they are important , and how they can benefit your business .   What can be included?   Preventative maintenance visits - click here to learn about preventative maintenance! Unlimited repair service or priority dispatch  Replacement parts including consumables (Printheads, Platen Rollers, Belts, etc.)  Technical support and troubleshooting  Media Consumables (Labels, Ribbons, etc.) on a schedule/call off basis     Why these contracts are important for businesses:  All-inclusive contracts cover everything needed to ensure your printers perform at their best. Gain peace of mind knowing that your maintenance, repairs, replacement parts, and consumables are included. Maxim also offer automated supply deliveries of media consumables to ensure you have fewer disruptions, smoother efficient workflow, and bigger cost savings.     Which industries can benefit from an all-inclusive contract?  Many industry sectors can benefit, including but not limited to: Warehousing and Logistics High-volume shipping label printing Manufacturing Labelling products, packaging, or inventory Healthcare Patient wristbands, specimen's and samples, medication labelling, neonatal milk tracking labels Retail Shelf labels, inventory labels, price tags, receipts 5 Key Benefits:  Reduced Downtime:  Reduce operational bottlenecks with a pro-active service that provides quick response support times ensuring issues are resolved before they cause major disruption to your workflow.     Predictable budgeting:  A single monthly or annual fee eliminates unpredictable repair bills and last-minute consumable orders, ensuring an easier cost forecast.     Better Print Quality:  Regular maintenance to keep printheads clean, labels feeding properly, and barcodes scanning consistently.     Longer equipment lifespan:   A contract to meet the quality of your equipment, utilising preventative care significantly extends the life of industrial and desktop printers. Do you want to know more about why preventative maintenance matters? Click here!   Automatic Supply Management:  Stand-alone and integrated all-inclusive contracts allow you to have an automated media consumable contract which is based on your usage, removing the guesswork and last-minute disruptive orders. This is particularly helpful to businesses with custom labels, as we can provide bulk quantity orders, reducing costs and lead times ensuring you can receive your media next working day! *Ordered prior to 3pm, business hours Mon-Fri  One Partnership - One Invoice - Total Accountability     Frequently Asked Questions: Do I have to have my media consumables included?    No, not at all! Our all-inclusive contracts are designed to be flexible to meet your needs, the purpose is to only ever have one cost to budget for. However, if you choose to purchase labels or ribbons for any part of your printing assembly just let us know!   What if I bought my printer from another supplier?  Not a problem, we can still help you with ensuring the devices are covered, even after point of sale.   Can I buy the all-inclusive contract after I have already purchased the printer?   Yes, no problem, we would ask you to purchase a precontract inspection and rectify any faults of a none print quality nature, but we can support you through that process.  Can I add printers to my all-inclusive contract?   Y es, printers can be added to your all-inclusive contract pro-rata   How much do they cost?   Our all-Inclusive contracts are bespoke based on your printer make, model and size, your annual usage, the media you use (if included) however we will work with you to ensure we meet your needs and budget.    If you would like to learn more about all-inclusive contracts, or would like a quote based on your business assets... 📧 helpdesk@maximcomputer.co.uk 📞 01543272770 Our Printer Partners

Breakdowns can be a part of running a business, but a loss in productivity does not have to be - Managed Contracts can solve your problem! You’ve done everything right, you have the correct hardware, you streamlined your processes, trained you staff and everything is working efficiently…until something breaks. There are two main options available with our managed contracts and our breakdown cover can be tailored to meet your exact needs and minimise loss..  ​Keep reading to find out more or contact us for further details.   1. Configured device can be available and shipped to you next working day following a breakdown being logged with us, the broken device is repaired and ready to be swapped out again in the future 2. Broken devices are sent to us, we will take care of the repair and manufacturer agreements and return the device to you configured and ready for use.  You have paid for a repair service to minimise downtime, but are unconfigured devices sat on your IT desk for weeks? For mobile devices, Return to Manufacturer contracts are a popular and easy option. They allow you to simply log the fault with the manufacturer and return the devices for repair. However, a common issue is while they are returned repaired, they are wiped to their factory settings. An unconfigured device is an unusable device and reconfiguring can be crucial time out of the day for your busy staff.  ​ We understand the importance of minimising device downtime, which is why Maxim offer Managed RTM contracts. Any repaired devices are fully reconfigured to your specific requirements and sent back to you ready to use out of the box. The device can immediately be put back to work, and you are truly receiving the benefits from your repair services.  But what if you can't be without your full fleet of devices? If you simply cannot be without your full fleet of devices, a swap out contract may be for you! If your device breaks, all you need to do is swap it out with a device that is stored here at Maxim. Our engineers will take care of loading the correct configurations and you will receive a device that is ready to use.

Thermal printers play a crucial role for businesses who need to print high-quality and durable labels and barcodes, but it’s easy to be complacent and to forget that even the best hardware can, occasionally, suffer technical problems – especially if it is the mainstay of your print production. Unexpected breakdowns inflict costly downtime on your business, disrupting workflows and suppressing customer satisfaction, the long-term financial costs of which could be significant. In this article, we'll explain why preventive maintenance is important for your business’s thermal printers.   Protecting Workflow Efficiency Like other equipment, your thermal printers require regular care to ensure they run efficiently and produce the highest standard of output. By keeping the printers clean and addressing minor issues before they develop into major problems, you will ensure that your equipment operates at peak performance in the long-term, delivering fast and reliable printing. Maintaining High Quality Print Quality matters, especially when printing labels and barcodes. Any deviation can cause print quality to fall below acceptable standards, resulting in labels or barcodes that cannot be easily read or scanned. Printer preventive maintenance helps your thermal printer to maintain the highest output quality, as clean print heads and well-maintained components deliver clear, sharp prints and prevent problems such as faded text or blurry barcodes. Minimising Downtime Downtime is the enemy of productivity. If your business relies on a thermal printer to produce labels or barcodes, an unexpected breakdown can lead to lengthy unplanned downtime which disrupts operations, delays shipments, and causes frustration for customers. Preventive maintenance helps to minimise the risk of costly disruptions by keeping your printer in peak condition. Reducing Electronic Waste At a time of soaring concern about the environment, it is more important than ever to achieve sustainability. Extending the life of your thermal printer through preventive maintenance has many eco-friendly benefits, for example a reduction in electronic waste that can be damaging to local habitats and ecosystems if not carried out responsibly. By reducing the need for frequent hardware replacements, your business will play a part in protecting the environment. Take Action Now To Prevent Your Thermal Printing From Breaking Down! Instead of waiting for a breakdown that will disrupt your operations and cost your business money, act now to safeguard your thermal printers and ensure they deliver the long-term performance you need. To find out more about our thermal printer maintenance, please call us on 01543 272770 or speak to our team via live chat today.

Radio-frequency identification ( RFID ) automatically tracks and identifies objects that have been labelled with a tag.  RFID can be used in many ways, this blog post is going to discuss one of the systems that utilises RFID, a Location Tracking Software .  See below for our infographic video about RFID Location Tracking Software: There are two ways that the location tracking software can be used.  1. Fixed Location Tracking - this is where a 'portal' is used to identify objects that have passed near a stationary RFID reader.  2. Mobile Location Tracking - this is where handheld devices can be utilised to locate and identify tagged objects within the range of the RFID scanner.  How Maxim Computer Services can help Our process: Here at Maxim Computer Services, we have a software team that is dedicated to helping you improve your business procedures, which is why we offer a full end to end service for our RFID Location Tracking System. ​ The process begins with a site survey, this where the team can figure out the best places for readers and antennas, and how best we can support you in implementing a full RFID location tracking system. During the initial site visit, the team will note your processes and the way your business runs, to provide you with a bespoke system best suited to your business.  ​ Then comes the quotation stage. The team can provide you with a budgetary proposal so you can review the general estimated cost of the system, we can also provide a full proposal of the system including the hardware and software.  ​ We also offer demonstrations which can take place at your site or in our office. You can see the system running and ask any questions you may have prior to recieving the full proposal and quotation.  ​ What happens once you have decided you wish to go ahead?  The team will provide you with a final quotation and begin working on the software and hardware requirements. Every system is bespoke so if you have questions about our full process and how we can help you, please contact us here .  ​ Our team carries out the install of readers, antennas and ensures that everything is running smoothly. We will test the system to make sure it is working at it's optimum and train your staff on how to use and troubleshoot the system.  ​ Are you worried about the system having issues? Further to the training provided, we can carry out firmware updates when needed and offer a software support contract. If you would to learn more about our support contracts, please contact us here  so we can arrange a consultation. ​ Suitable Industries There are many suitable industries and locations for this system to be implemented into. Warehousing & Logistics: Warehouses and Distribution centres - Automates stock tracking and movement, removes human error  ​ Retail: Retail Stores & E-commerce - Inventory tracking, faster stock-tacking, better security and theft prevention Manufacturing: Manufacturing sites - Tracks components, parts and finished goods, provides hightened quality control ​ Healthcare: Hospitals & Healthcare sites - Asset and equipment tracking, patient monitoring Why should you use RFID? How does it work? The benefits of using RFID: Real-time Data Collection - RFID auto-logs movement, reducing the use of manual inputs  Better Accuracy - The use of RFID minimises human error through the use of automated logging systems Enhanced Security - RFID prevents unauthorised movement of stock and assets  Faster Operations - Due to the lack of manual input, the operations are sped up. There is no need for line-of-sight-scanning like when utilising barcodes. This allows your staff to focus on other areas of your business, improving productivity overall.  Scalability - RFID systems can work across multiple sites and be expanded as needed.  Data Storage - RFID stores more data than barcodes (e.g manufacturing dates, expiry information, etc) ​ How does it work? RFID includes a few components such as scanners, tags, readers and antennas.  The scanner sends out a radio signal which is received by the tags, the tags then send the data back to the scanner to be read, once the scanner reads the data it updates the records and then triggers the action.  Example products for your own system: Click the image for a datasheet Zebra AN610 Antenna Zebra FX9600 Fixed Reader Zebra Tags Zebra RFD40 Sled Zebra TC22/TC27 Scanner Maxim Computer Services, who are a Zebra Premier Business Partner and Location and Tracking Specialist

Thermal Printer failure can have a costly impact on your business, not only does the lack of available spare parts required for repairs cause delays with repairing your printer, but also within your production and the running of your business.  We have laid out below 5 reasons why it is important to upgrade your printers when they become end of life and end of service life.​ Future proof your business Seamless Integration Improve Productivity Maintenance Made Easy Zebra Print DNA Frequenty Asked Questions But my printer still works, why would I do this now? What other printers are available? Future proof your business and stay ahead of your evolving business needs: The flexible design allows for hardware upgrades* to be field installed should you wish to add upgrades later down the line, with new printers you can upgrade to printers that are built to last.    *include cutters, rewinders, and RFID encoders (Device specific) Seamless Integration: Choose a printer that fits right in with your current set up, the user friendly designs and displays makes it easier than ever to access and adjust printer settings so you can get back to printing     Not set up a new printer in a while? Not to worry, Maxim Computer Services has engineers available to help you set up your brand new printer in no time! Click here to learn more about our services  Improve Productivity: There are many benefits to new printers, a lot of them offer user friendly designs which creates a quicker learning curve for staff and decreases the downtime as parts are more readily available, unlike the now increasingly obsolete spares that we see with end of life printers.   Other features may include: Lighted, guided media pathways Colour-coded touch points Large colour touch display that changes colour to show printer status clearly at a glance Dynamic QR codes that link error-specific help videos Maintenance made easy We offer various support contract options and maintenance plans to keep your printers running at peak performance for years to come.  The multiple years of available support life that come with newer models means that you don't risk running into an issue with no available spare parts.  ​ Want to learn more about our support?  Click here to learn more about our services  ​ Zebra Only - Print DNA Software Suite Mobile Device Management integrates networked printers into Device Management Systems giving you the ability to access, monitor and update your Print DNA printers onsite or remotely with Printer Profile Manager Enterprise (PPME). You can safeguard sensitive data, block unauthorized access and shield your printers with Zebra’s PrintSecure  But my printer still works...Why would I do this now? We will notify you when printers are going end of life or end of support if you are subscribed to our mailing list . ​ The most current EOL announcements are the Zebra 110xi4 and 105SL which are being replaced by the ZT610* and ZT510 , and the TSC T6000 Gen 1 series , which is being replaced by the T6000 Gen 2 series.   ​ Ever thought about trading in your printer for an upgrade? Click here to Contact the team to find out if this is an option for your model.  If you would like to know more about the range of thermal printers available, take a look at our Thermal Printers or contact the team to discuss your requirements. *ZT600 Series to replace the 110xi4

Like any machinery, thermal printers experience wear and tear, but there are active steps you can take to protect the printer heads and ensure they deliver as long a lifespan as possible: 1. Clean The Thermal Printhead Regularly Dirty printheads affect all types of printers and result in a substandard print quality. In thermal printers, residue from the printing process may causes inconsistent heating or dissipation of heat onto the substrate. If you are wondering how to clean a thermal printer head, check your machine’s user manual. Contact Maxim for the supply of suitable printer cleaning products, or our onsite maintenance to service your fleet. 2. Use A High-Quality Printer And Thermal Transfer Ribbon Low quality supplies can wear down the printhead quicker so it is important to choose the correct type for your printer. We can help source and recommend the best supplies for your application that will help to extend the life of your printhead. 3. Choose The Lowest Speed And Heat Setting For Your Application Thermal printers offer a variety of print speeds and temperatures, and you may be tempted to opt for the fastest setting for quick results. However, higher print speeds and darkness subject the printhead to more wear, so select the lowest setting possible that delivers an acceptable print quality. 4. Operate The Printer At Room Temperature At lower ambient temperatures, a thermal printer requires more energy to be sent to the printhead dots to produce the print which will, in time, reduce the lifespan of the printhead and worsen print quality. Running the machine at room temperature will help to optimise energy use and protect the printhead from deterioration. Also, protect the machine from direct heat sources as this could cause it to overheat. 5. Reduce The Printhead Pressure Some thermal printers have an option to adjust the amount of pressure exerted on the printhead. Higher pressure will result in greater friction, so the printhead will wear more quickly; therefore, select a lower setting if possible. Replacing worn platens will also reduce the need to increase head pressure and extend the life of your printhead. 6. Annual Preventative Maintenance Servicing While your operators may do their best to clean the printheads, it’s not always possible or practical for businesses to dedicate the time to achieve this. A thorough clean and service via a trained printer engineer will help to extend the life of your printhead, saving costs in the long run and ensuring that your print quality is running at its optimum. Maxim’s onsite service customers benefit from one annual Preventative Maintenance visit, or this is available on an ad-hoc basis. Find Out More At Maxim Computer Services, we provide professional and reliable thermal printer repairs and maintenance to help you to get the best from your equipment. For more information, or to request a free, no-obligation quotation, please contact us by phone, email, or live chat. Printhead being fitted on a ZT231 printer.

In today's fast-paced industries, the ability to keep pace with technological advancements is essential. Upgrading to modern Android devices can play a pivotal role in enhancing operations across various business sectors. This blog post explores the key benefits of these upgrades, highlighting how they can streamline processes, improve efficiency, and foster innovation within your organisation. By embracing the latest in Android technology, businesses can not only optimise their workflows but also position themselves for future growth in an ever-evolving market landscape. Importance of Security Security is paramount when managing your enterprise devices. Devices running unsupported Android versions become vulnerable to threats and pose a risk to the business. Upgrading to devices with the latest Android versions ensures your security remains robust with: Extended security patch support, ensuring devices remain secure throughout their lifecycle. Enhanced data protection Prevent unauthorised software from running on your devices If you would like to know more about the security features of your specific devices, please contact us ! Stay Up To Date As your business evolves, your equipment needs to keep up and devices running older Android versions can become sluggish. Patches and upgrades are readily available for newer devices, enhancing your business operations and reducing downtime with faster processing and minimised crash issues. With access to higher and up to date versions of Android, you have the freedom to use the newest applications to enhance efficiency and productivity. Wi-Fi 6 Upgrading your devices means support for the latest Wi-Fi protocols, which offer enhanced speed and security to improve productivity and minimize downtime.  Futureproof Your Investment The very latest devices come with an enhanced Android migration roadmap. Committed to supporting versions all the way up to Android 18, this ensures the longest possible lifecycle for your device and protects your investment over the coming years. Ease of Migration Due to the wide range of compatible accessories and chargers for many new devices, implementing new devices into your current workplace is easier than ever. The latest devices have improved functionality and keep the end-user in mind with larger and enhanced keypads, larger screen sizes, and their familiar interface. This allows for faster training and further cost savings for your company. New Devices v Obsolete Devices When your devices become End Of Service Life, manufacturers no longer support repairs and parts are less readily available. They become obsolete overtime, leading to further delays with your repairs. There is also less support for the old Android versions, leading to less bug fixes and upgrades. Upgrade to the MC3400 Upgrade to the TC53/58

The need for speed and accuracy in your warehouse has never been greater, Zebra’s machine vision and fixed industrial scan ready solutions allow you to automate processes to move and track goods efficiently and accurately from the packing bench to the dock door, and everywhere in between. What Scan Ready Solutions are there? Scanners mounted in for-purpose tunnels provide data capture and data verification from multiple points, increasing your process speeds. Install scanners directly on your forklifts to verify pallets and products without having to stop, collecting data instantly for further analysis. Packing benches speed up your packing process, freeing up your workers hands with hands free scanning, increasing productivity and reducing errors. Ensure all outbound items are correctly accounted for by utilising dock door scanning, allowing for final verification of labels before the goods leave your facility. This blog post will explain how these scan ready solutions work, what they can help your business achieve, and the main benefits you can expect if you implemented one of these solutions into your process. Jump to a specific solution Dock Door Scanning Forklift Scanning Packing Bench Scan Tunnels Dock Door Scanning: A worker efficiently moves goods through a dock door equipped with advanced scanning technology, ensuring streamlined inventory management. How do they work? Two fixed industrial scanners are mounted in an arch on either side of the loading door. The forklift passes through the arch and fixed scanners capture barcode data at high speeds. The data is relayed to the forklift’s onboard computer which confirms that the correct pallet is being manipulated. Automated system accurately scans the labels, saving time and increasing shipping output   What can they help you achieve? Better Inventory Accuracy: Helps to reduce discrepancies and ensures accurate stock levels Efficient Order Fulfilment: Enhances order accuracy and speeds up the picking and packing process Simplified Compliance and Reporting: Machine Vision technology simplifies the data collection and ensures adherence to regulatory requirements Improved Operational Visibility: Smarter and more connected environments deliver better visibility, to aid in making informed decisions and improving business outcomes Greater Traceability: Fixed Industrial Scanners automatically identify and capture data on packages, pallets, and containers for real-time asset tracking Dock door benefits: ImagePerfect+ captures 16 data points from a single trigger, saving time and resources Liquid Lenses offer technological advantages over traditional mechanical lenses as they are designed to focus across variable working distances. They deliver dependable high read rates through the use of ImagePerfect+ Default out the box settings aids in reducing training time and improving deployment time IP65 and IP67 ratings for scanners and sensors, optimised for challenging environments in warehouses, distribution, and manufacturing plants. Redistribute your workforce, enhancing other areas of your business and improving overall productivity Forklift Scanning: A forklift equipped with a scanning device prepares to scan and move a large cardboard box in a warehouse, demonstrating advanced logistics technology. How do they work? Two fixed industrial scanners or smart cameras are mounted on the front of the forklift, allowing for hands-free scanning to streamline the scan process. When the forklift approaches the pallet, the scanners automatically scan labels and transmit the captured data to the forklift’s onboard computer. This helps to save time, reduce read errors, and improves loading efficiency. Scanners also connect directly to handheld and vehicle mounted devices. Data transfer is wired or wireless depending on the unique installation and requirements. What can it help you achieve? Improved Inventory Accuracy: Machine Vision equipped forklifts automatically capture data from barcodes, RFID tags, or visual cues. This helps to reduce the need for manual documentation and improvement of inventory accuracy Pick and Put-Away Efficiency: Machine vision technology guides operations to precision item locations, improving the picking and put-away process, reducing the likelihood of errors Labor reduction and Cost Savings: Reduce the need for manual inspection and handling, leading to cost savings and increased processing speeds Fewer Operational Errors: Improve data quality, accuracy, and streamline operations by reducing human intervention. Forklift Scanning Benefits: Default out the box settings aids in reducing training time and improving deployment time IP65 and IP67 ratings for scanners and sensors, optimised for challenging environments in warehouses, distribution, and manufacturing plants. Enhanced Optical Quality to assess barcode quality and ensure superior image quality at label edges, enabling verification and optical character recognition Easier troubleshooting and optimisation with Golden Image Capture and setup assistance. Minimise downtime and ensure your captured images meet best practice metrics, leading to more efficient operations. Redistribute your workforce, enhancing other areas of your business and improving overall productivity Packing Bench: How do they work? An employee effectively handling packages at an advanced packing station equipped with a stationary scanner. A fixed industrial scanner and a smart camera are mounted over the packing station, the operator places a box under the scanner, which will flash green and beep, providing both visual and audio cues for successful decoding in real time. Scanners can be plugged directly into the USB port of a workstation, tablet, or laptop to begin capturing data immediately. FS40 scanners also connect directly to handheld devices for even faster operations. What can it help you achieve? Greater Efficiency: Improves inspection capabilities such as package integrity and volume verification Better Speed and Productivity: Streamline the warehouse process by automating quality checks and reducing manual inspection time Reduced Label and Material Costs: Zebra’s range of printing technology supports multiple mediums, sizes and speeds. Go one step further with linerless printing, eliminating the need to peel labels, saving valuable seconds on every pack Enhanced Quality Control: Reduce costly returns and customer dissatisfaction through automated verification and content validation Fewer Operational Errors: Improve data quality, accuracy, and streamline operations by reducing human intervention. Packing Bench Benefits: Better power and visibility with Zebra laser aimers compared to LED aimers Cost of ownership reduction by elimination the need for extra hardware, reducing initial investment and maintenance expenses Enhanced Optical Quality to assess barcode quality and ensure superior image quality at label edges, enabling verification and optical character recognition Scan Tunnels: How do they work? Warehouse conveyor belt equipped with fixed industrial scanners that capture barcode data for streamlined processing and inventory management. One or more scanners or smart cameras are mounted to a gantry that spans the conveyor line. The array of cameras capture all sides of a parcel, reading barcodes and other machine-readable text. As the items move through the scan tunnel, the system captures data in real-time. The data stored in barcodes is decoded by intelligent software to route packages appropriately. The scan tunnel can reliably capture the data without stopping the goods regardless of package orientation and size, label location, or the number and type of labels. What can they help you achieve? Better Barcode Reading and Verification: Accurate code and label reading is crucial for tracking, tracing and inventory management. Scan tunnels quickly verify barcode accuracy which prevents errors in shipping and logistics Improved Product Inspection: Quality control and compliance is improved as scan tunnels inspect items for defects, contamination, or damage and automatically divert problematic products from the production line Labour Reduction and Cost Savings: By reducing the need for manual inspection and handling, businesses benefit from cost savings and increased production Redistribute your workforce, enhancing other areas of your business and improving overall productivity   Scan Tunnel Benefits: Capture image and decode barcodes at high speeds using ImagePerfect and PRZM Intelligent Imaging software tools ImagePerfect+ captures 16 data points from a single trigger, saving time and resources Liquid Lenses offer technological advantages over traditional mechanical lenses as they are designed to focus across variable working distances. They deliver dependable high read rates through the use of ImagePerfect+ Easier troubleshooting and optimisation with Golden Image Capture and setup assistance. Minimise downtime and ensure your captured images meet best practice metrics, leading to more efficient operations. Benefit from automatic assessment of captured images, visible from Zebra’s feasibility setup assistant    Contact us for further information.