Hardware Installation/Configuration

Configuration and Installation

If you don’t have the labor or time to set up your devices, we have a service to configure your new equipment, so your off and running as soon as you receive it. We can configure scanners, terminals and printers. We can activate sim cards, perform image and software loads as well as burn in and test. We can also help after the equipment arrives installing your hardware and applications.

American Barcode and RFID (AB&R) offers the ability for end users to take any type of scanner out of the box, plug it in and begin working. Typically, a keyboard wedge, usb, or any other type of scanner needs to be configured before it can begin to be used. A user who scans into notepad would not likely need to configure the scanner as it reads and writes straight information. For users who are scanning into business systems from SAP to Quickbooks the need exists to ensure data is entered into the proper fields automatically without having to tab or mouse click.

For a scanner configuration that is serial or rs232 AB&R can configure port settings on the scanner to match the settings of the computer it will be plugged into. Common configurations that require adjustment are Baud Rate (bits per second), Data Bits (start and stop bits), Flow Control (hardware, software). Unlike a keyboard wedge or usb type scanner rs232 requires proper settings in order for any data to be shared between the device and your computer. AB&R will deliver a unit that will truly plug and play.

For handheld devices such as a pda, portable data terminal, mobile computer, or any scanner with a screen configuration must be done before they can be used. Wireless devices require the registration of an IP address, SSID, Encryption, and any other common network settings common to a standard computer. Device drivers, firmware and installed software applications all must be configured prior to use. A battery maintenance program will provide companies with the assurance or longer uptime and greater battery life.

Printers require configuration of all the items listed above such as network and serial port settings, firmware, and wireless or wired settings. The media sensor on a printer senses the mark on the label such as a gap, notch or a “black mark”. Adjustments must be made to the printer to ensure barcodes print at the correct locations on each label. A thermal transfer printer uses heat to transfer ink to the labels; if the heat is set incorrectly (hot or cold) the printer may print unreadable labels and if too hot may “break” ribbons. Some printers require proper pressure settings on the printhead to produce readable labels.