Holiday Rush & Leasing Equipment

Stacked packages in the back of a truckThere is no time to waste, the holiday ordering and shipping rush is already in full swing. And for the inventory management industry, that means all hands on deck for the next several weeks.

In other words, this is the time of year in which you cannot afford to fall behind. So many of us gear our entire calendar around the holiday rush, as it is the timeframe which can stretch your resources and make or break your warehouse management systems. If you have any misgivings about the data collection equipment on which you rely to get your job completed efficiently and successfully, then there is no time to waste. Whether you simply need more devices or need to step up the technology you have on hand, you must sort out the situation immediately – or face potentially disastrous consequences.

The good news is that, thanks to Bar Code Depot’s leasing options, there is no need to purchase more data collection equipment than you would normally require. In fact, leasing may represent the most sensible option for any inventory management organization, especially during busy holiday months.

There is no value in unused equipment, and that most certainly includes data collection equipment. So, let’s say that previous holiday rush deadlines and volume proved too much for the equipment you have on hand to handle. The natural response is to go out and buy enough equipment to ensure that you do not get caught short again. But what happens when the holiday rush is over? What service do all those extra business tools provide to you when they are not needed? Sure, it’s great to know that you can handle oversized jobs when tasked. But, otherwise, you’re wasting money by purchasing equipment that may prove unnecessary for months at a time.

Whether it is scanners, handheld and/or vehicle mounted computers, or printers, there are so many options that could provide the technological boost and support that you need to ensure a smooth holiday season. And, once the holiday season is complete, you simply return those unnecessary pieces of equipment.

It is also important that you find the exact equipment that you seek, as well as the brand and quality that you trust at a price point that makes sense for your budget.

At Bar Code Depot, we understand all of aspects of the inventory management industry. In fact, we’ve built our business on providing the most cost-effective and flexible solutions for warehouse managers. And that is why we offer leasing options that can provide every remedy that you need – at the price and timescale that makes the most sense for you. Even if you require large amounts of equipment, we can handle the demand. In fact, we even offer special discounts for bulk orders.

We offer leading options on a whole range of data collection equipment manufactured by the leading names in the industry, including Zebra/Motorola, Honeywell/LXE and Datalogic. And because we understand the strains experienced by warehouse managers during this time of year, we are always happy to work with you to get exactly what you are after – both in technological capability and cost.

No matter your needs, you can rest assured that you will receive equipment capable of handling the job, as all warehouse inventory tools that we sell or lease come with a guarantee of service.

Do not let the holiday rush overwhelm you. No matter your needs, we are here for you. Contact us and get back on top of your inventory now. We built our reputation on customer service, and one call or email to our service department will reveal why. Contact us today!

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How to Repair Common Zebra QL420 Plus Mobile Printer Issues

The Zebra QL420 Plus is a great mobile printer for many business applications where you need a tool that can be versatile in the field. This little printer can be mounted in a number of ways to different vehicles or held by hand, and it has an LCD screen with a monochrome interface. Businesses use it for printing shipping labels, making inspection documents, and a host of other uses. Other features for this printer include Secure several wireless options, IP address monitoring, and it can print direct thermal.

Area shot of a warehouse

It’s also not a device that will be outdated anytime soon because it maintains a

variety of connections and interfaces, including the following capabilities:
• USB
• Bluetooth
• 802.11b/g
• Serial

 

But if you’ve got one of these and your business depends on it functioning properly, it may be worth your time to familiarize yourself with a few easy fixes. In some cases, you can get it up and running yourself.

 

Common Issues and Troubleshooting Assistance
There are some easy and obvious things you should try before you pay for a technician to help you fix your printer. Many of them you may be able to resolve yourself. First, it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with these icons below Zebra support page. These tables and symbols can help you better analyze what the issue is and what to try next.

Table 1: Symbols

Picture of symbols of a bar code scanner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table 2: Blinking Signals

Studying these charts and signals may be able to help you troubleshoot common issues and play around with the settings. For more detailed information, visit the Zebra support page for more troubleshooting, specs, or driver downloads.

Picture of symbols of a bar code scanner

 

 

 

 

 

Driver Issues
We all know that a device is only as good as its software and driver. And they need to be updated and compatible with any other devices you’re using it with. Some user reviews online have found the install software challenging. Others have said it is kind of slow at times. Depending on what type of connectivity you are using (USB, 802.11x, etc.), make sure all your devices are powered on, have an ample power source, and that all the correct software is installed. It’s possible the driver is the problem if it’s not connecting properly. Make sure that you have the most up-to-date and accurate driver for your printer, and those drivers can be found on Zebra’s support page here:

Keep in mind that for some older models, Zebra may have phased out some of their support.

How to Load Paper for the Zebra QL 420
It sounds simple, but if this is the first time you have loaded paper to your printer or are having trouble re-loading paper, here are 8 basic instructions for how to load a new roll of paper to begin or resume printing:

1. Power on
2. Enter password (found in manual)
3. Set the media type
4. Push the release button and open the printer
5. Make sure you have the correct paper roll (with black timing marks)
6. Load labels between adjusters (think about a toilet paper roll)
7. Close printer with some extra paper hanging out
8. Next, calibrate the tool on the settings/home key

Calibration Errors
If you’re having trouble with paper messing up, the labels skipping, or printing in the wrong location, it’s possible you have the printer mis-calibrated. It’s also possible that it’s calibrated correctly but for a different media type. Effective printing must match the media type. In order to check on the current configuration settings, do the following:

o Turn off printer
o Press and hold feed button
o While still holding the feed button, press and release the power button
o When it starts to print, release the feed button
o The device will print 2 reports.
o If it doesn’t print a 2nd report, then no application is loading

For some newer models like the QLN 420, you can calibrate the printer another way. From the home menu, scroll through to the following:

o Set up menu
o Tools
o Scroll to the right
o Label length calibration
o Start button

Mounting Issues with Your Zebra QL 420
Let’s say you want to mount your printer to a forklift or work vehicle. Or perhaps you realize that you put it on quickly to a vehicle and it’s not easy to service or provide maintenance because of its location. You want to make sure you install the mount correctly so the printing is easy and not blocked. The mounting accessories are sold separately from the printer, and it can be positioned vertically or horizontally. The main two issues to watch out for are that you need to mount it in a location and angle that allows ample space for loading and reloading paper, and that you can open it up and clean it from time to time. If you are having a hard time reloading paper or using your device on a regular basis, you may want to find a mounting location that better suits daily use.

Broken LCD Screen
The screen is an essential part of this printer, so if it’s cracked but still usable, that’s one thing. However, if it seems glitchy or you can see it well enough to use your device (or make changes on the menu keys), it’s best to let a professional technician fix it.

Conclusion
There are many simple things that a user can do on their own, including checking the power supply, re-calibrating the machine, loading paper, updating drivers, and even mounting it to your vehicle. But for more advanced functions or software problems—or maybe you’ve tried all these and you’ve simply exhausted your energy or time trying, give us a call and we’ll be happy to get your machine up and running again. These little printers can provide years of great service if you keep them well-maintained.

 

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