The Magellan 1100i Scanner

The Magellan™ 1100i omnidirectional presentation scanner is a high performing and versatile data collection tool for a variety of applications.  It uses the latest Datalogic digital imaging technology to A revolutionary External Read Indicator (ERI) allows the Magellan 1100i reader to integrate with other third party RFID or EAS systems for a truly “future-proof” solution.  Datalogic’s Illumix™ intelligent illumination technology in the Magellan 1100i reader optimizes light levels to automatically capture images and read codes from mobile phones, PDAs, or computer display screens.  Illumix technology also provides incredible motion tolerance, far beyond most other 2D scanning solutions, enabling both sweep and presentation scanning techniques.

The Magellan 1100i reader’s compact size makes it the ideal solution for space-constrained environments.  With a precise reading area, it is perfect for hands-free or handheld scanning and helps reduce accidental misreads of items caused by stray laser scan lines - improving productivity and customer satisfaction.  Datalogic’s patented Green Spot good-read indicator improves user feedback by projecting a visual green spot onto bar codes just read.  The additional visual feedback makes it easy to use in noisy retail applications.  The Green Spot can also be used to target a single code from a group of codes or to position a single code inside the reading area.  A comprehensive multi-interface set and a powerful label-editing feature allows easy integration into existing or new host systems.  Magellan Value Added Features such as Diagnostics Reporting, Host Download, plus optional Productivity Index Reporting™ allow management to use data from the scanner to improve throughput and manage maintenance.  In addition, each scanner supports Remote Management Systems to streamline operations and ongoing support across an enterprise.

Note:  Reprinted from the Datalogic Web

Receipts As A Tool

Receipts provide an advertising and branding opportunity that reaches every customer of your store with little to no overhead cost.  In an economy where it is crucial to ensure your business is maximizing every outreach tool, there is no better time than now to revisit the content of your store’s receipts.

After seeing the same receipt messages day after day, it’s easy to overlook the potential for promotion and increased store efficiency that receipts can offer.  Consider the following when reviewing your current printouts:

·         Are customers aware of any online presence or promotions your store has to offer?

·         Is the store offering new products or enhancements that could be highlighted?

·         Do loyalty program customers see the savings and benefits they have received with every purchase?

·         Has your business marketed a consistent message through other venues that can be added to the receipts?

·         Is the store using excessive staff resources on store returns when a written policy on receipts would make the process more efficient?

You may identify any number of reasons to change or update your receipts.  Given the fact that receipts continually reach your most loyal customers and drive business to your store, it is worth the time investment to focus on your message.  Don’t forget, the STCR help desk is here to answer any questions you may have in personalizing receipt messages, call us anytime at (607) 757-0181.

Glen's Garden Market - Washington, D.C.

In April, Glen’s Garden Market opened its doors to serve the DuPont Circle community of Washington DC.  Glen’s is a locally sourced grocery store that only sells products that are grown and produced in states that touch the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. The construction of the store was done with all ecofriendly materials and high efficiency equipment.

As a new store opening, it was vital to have a solid POS system to help with throughput of customers. Danielle Vogel, owner of the store, says that one of the great things about the SMS POS system is that it is incredibly intuitive and easy to operate. She also added that the STCR Project Management team and ongoing support has exceeded every expectation.

Visa Alert Issued

While you are surely aware of the PCI issues and know at least some of the rules by now, you may not know about one of the many ways that your system can be accessed.  As everyone continues to tighten down their networks and network access, including remote access programs, hackers continue to find new ways to access your card data.  Visa sent a recent notification stating that, “Since January 2013, Visa has seen an increase in network intrusions involving grocery merchants.”  They also stated that, “At this time, it is known to affect only Windows operating systems.”  If you have a POS system that is running on a Windows operating system you should follow this link for some background information and several suggestions they have on how to prevent these attacks from occurring in your POS system.

Here is a link to this Visa Data Security Alert which contains several suggestions on how to combat Malware:  http://usa.visa.com/download/merchants/alert-prevent-grocer-malware-attacks-04112013.pdf   This page links to several Visa Alerts including this one: http://usa.visa.com/merchants/risk_management/cisp_alerts.html

Benefits of a Healthy Work Environment

A healthy work environment has lasting benefits to both employees and employers.  Safety and comfort in the workplace maximizes productivity, reduces employee stress and promotes a positive atmosphere.

Promoting a healthy work environment encompasses a variety of aspects which include, but are not limited to, optimizing workspace, utilizing scheduled breaks, workstation stretching, proper hydration and adequate sleep.

Optimizing workspace includes proper positioning of office hardware such as keyboard, mouse, monitor, telephone and chair and sitting in a position that promotes both comfort and good posture.  Break time is a perfect opportunity for a quick walk or light stretching.  Upper body stretching prevents workplace ailments such as back pain, muscle strain, Carpal Tunnel and eye strain.

 

Proper hydration by drinking at least 64 ounces of water per day improves brain function, fights workplace fatigue and promotes improved sleep patterns.  Improving sleep can be attained by staying active in the evening until bedtime instead of lying on the couch or in a chair, keeping to a regular sleep and wake schedule (including weekends) and reading a book instead of watching TV before bed.  Proper sleep assists the body with natural rejuvenation and repair.

Utilizing these tips promotes both a healthier work environment and better health overall.  This improved lifestyle will lead to improved productivity, reduced employee call outs and result in an overall healthier, happier employee.