How the Recent Introduction of the Innovative EX25 2D Multi Range Barcode Imager for ecom''s i.rocR Ci70 -Ex Handheld Computer PDA Enables New Levels of Efficiency and Safety for Companies and Onsite Personnel in Potentially Hazardous Locations

　　ASSAMSTADT, GERMANY Entrenched working practices can be hard to change, but when it comes to improving safety and efficiency the rewards are usually worth the effort, protecting your people and assets, and improving your bottom line results.

　　The increasing use of 1D/2D barcodes in the workplace to identify items, pallets, containers, storage locations and even yard locations brings the opportunity to improve safety by reducing the time the people are in a hazardous area, and improving efficiency due to the speed and accuracy of item/location identification and data capture.

　　However, with some barcode solutions, the operator still has to descend from the forklift to scan the pallet barcode, or has difficulty reading the barcode from a distance for the pallet stacked on the top shelf of the warehouse rack. Similarly, reading the barcodes on containers located in the laydown area may require the deckhand to be close to the container -- adding to the potential risk if the crane is operating at the time.

　　Damaged barcodes, or those barcodes which are printed on reflective material or indented into metal items, can also cause user frustration when they can''t be scanned -- reducing the user experience and leading to manual keying in of the item identifier, resulting in potential human error and lost time.

　　Likewise, when tracking radioactive sources and explosives, the operator often needs to be close to these items to scan the item barcode, increasing their exposure and personal risk. And, an intrinsically-safe camera may be needed to take a picture of any damage found on these received items -- however the user must remember to manually save these pictures against the correct incoming material and shipment, which can be an onerous task.

　　With the recent introduction of the EX25 2D Multi Range Barcode Imager for ecom''s i.roc® Ci70 -Ex, these concerns can be relegated to the past. The ability to quickly and accurately read a wide range of 1D and 2D barcode types -- even hard to read barcodes -- from any angle up close and from a distance allows you to avoid these issues when you need to identify and track items. With the protection to operate safely in hazardous areas and offering the flexibility to scan barcodes and even take a photo in both poorly lit areas as well as bright sunlight means you can use it without restriction.

　　Connected to the i.roc® Ci70 -Ex PDA as an integrated head module, the EX25 head retains the same streamlined and well-balanced features of the i.roc® Ci70 -Ex, avoiding protruding "add-on" modules which can be difficult to use and can snag on ladders and other infrastructure -- potentially causing a safety incident.

　　User-friendly ''Aim and Scan'' capabilities further improve the user experience due to the speed and ease of use when scanning barcodes, from any angle and orientation. Setup of new devices is also equally fast and simple using the automated ''Scan N Go'' capability.

　　Typical applications for this device include item lifetime track & trace, tool management, temporary equipment control, warehouse inventory management, supply chain logistics, and inspection/maintenance/repair.

　　Further benefits for the workforce include: reduced user fatigue and improved user experience; improved real-time visibility and control of containers, materials, equipment and inventory; improved accuracy of the item''s cradle-to-grave history; improved decision making and accountability; and higher profitability.

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　　Brief profile of ecom

　　ecom instruments is a leading global provider of mobile devices for use in potentially explosive areas found in industries including chemicals and petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, oil and gas production, mining, power generation, and the environment.

　　For over 25 years, ecom has set the standards and gathered comprehensive expertise in explosion protection for daily use in hazardous industrial areas across the globe.

　　In its four core disciplines of communication, mobile computing, portable hand lamps and measurement calibration, ecom instruments offers a wide variety of innovative and proven solutions.

　　Further information on ecom instruments can be found at www.ecom-ex.com

　　Press contact:

　　ecom instruments GmbH

　　Christian Uhl

　　E‐Mail: christian.uhl@ecom‐ex.com

　　Telephone: +49 6294 4224‐990

　　Fax: +49 6294 4224‐100

　　Internet: http://www.ecom-ex.com

　　harvard - good relations group GmbH

　　Hermann Aulinger

　　Account Manager

　　+49 089 / 53 29 57 46

　　[email protected]

　　www.harvard.de

　　ecom instruments GmbH

　　Industriestr. 2

　　D‐97959 Assamstadt

　　Internet: http://www.ecom-ex.com/

　　E‐Mail: sales@ecom‐ex.com