ProScan Systems, a leading distributor of barcoding, data collection, RFID, wireless networking and mobile technologies, recently announced the expansion into the local manufacture of thermal transfer ribbons in January 2005.
This follows ProScan`s move into the manufacture of thermal transfer barcode labels earlier this year after the company relocated to larger premises.
According to ProScan`s Managing Director, Andrew Fosbrook, the logical step after perfecting the label production process is to manufacture thermal transfer barcode ribbons.
"This means that we can now offer our customers OEM media supplies - both barcode labels and ribbons - at local, competitive prices, along with easy availability. Why we emphasise original supplies is that both the ribbons and labels are totally compatible with that specific printer brand, which means quality barcode labels, and in effect, a far smoother data collection system."
ProScan has set up a separate "clean" area at its plant in Jet Park to manufacture the complete suite of general purpose wax and resin ribbons for the full range of thermal transfer printers that the company distributes and supports.
"Like the label production facility, Intermec ribbons will be manufactured under licence and will include a free printhead warranty programme," says Fosbrook.
Besides bringing local original ribbons to its customer base, ProScan has acquired the exclusive licence for CleanStart in SA, which according to Fosbrook gives the company a competitive-edge in the media supply market.
Fosbrook explains: "Printer manufacturers recommend the cleaning of the printhead with an alcohol-based liquid after every ribbon change in order to remove the debris before build up to protect the printhead. Distributors estimate that only 20% of their customers regularly practice this habit. As a result, the printing quality deteriorates, which interferes with the data collection process, and the printhead eventually has to be prematurely replaced, which is an expensive exercise."
CleanStart is an exclusive feature of ProScan`s new wax and resin ribbons that makes it easy to maintain printheads and print quality with no additional supplies, extending the life of the printhead.
CleanStart is included in the ribbon manufacturing process and is inserted between the leader and ribbon. As a new ribbon is loaded into the printer, the CleanStart strip is pulled through the locked printhead, thereby automatically removing the residue.
Fosbrook adds: "Our locally manufactured ribbons combine all the necessary ingredients to take on the local market, such as OEM branding, competitive pricing, printhead warranty and the additional benefits of CleanStart."
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ProScan Systems is a leading distributor of a wide range of barcoding, data collection, RFID, wireless networking, GSM/GPRS communication and mobile technologies for a wide range of industries in southern Africa, including retail, fast moving consumer goods, transport and logistics, and manufacturing.
As the sole value-added distributor for Intermec and the preferred value-added distributor for Datamax for Sub-Saharan Africa, ProScan has the expertise and resources to deliver the best systems to a wide range of industries through its extensive accredited national network of channel partners.
ProScan markets and supports a complete line of data collection hardware, including retail and industrial barcode scanners, RFID products, barcode printers, labels and ribbons, wireless local area networks, mobile computers and GSM/GPRS data communications. The company manufactures a broad range of original barcode labels and ribbons for a wide range of barcode printers at the company`s head office in Jet Park, Gauteng.
ProScan has regional offices in Durban, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.
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