SATO, a leading global provider of Auto-ID solutions that empower workforces and streamline operations announced it launched its new PW208NX IoT-equipped rugged mobile printer designed for the printing of markdown labels, price tag labels and delivery labels in heavy use front-line operational environments.
With an estimated market size of $2.29 trillion worldwide, the e-commerce sector has seen remarkable 23.2% growth in 2017, quadruple the rate of traditional retail. Double-digit growth is expected until at least 20211. Widespread e-commerce usage requires retail and logistics providers to adopt ever more sophisticated technology to enable their workforces to handle the load.
The new 2-inch mobile printer features robust connectivity, with support for SATO's unique AEP (application enabled printing) enterprise label printing platform which enables smart and connected apps for versatile accessibility and expandability. It has also been designed to support the cloud-based IoT maintenance service SOS (SATO Online Services) to identify issues before they become critical, which helps to prevent downtime.
With AEP functionality, NFC and iOS support, the printer enables expandability and flexibility of use, which is key for a wide range of uses both indoors and outdoors at QSR outlets, food production facilities, distribution centers and on-the-go for deliveries.
With its polycarbonate body, the PW208NX features high shock resistance and impact absorption when dropped. High quality elastomer on its edges absorbs impacts and provides rugged durability to protect the printer while out in the field. It also features an intuitive key design and universal icons for easy operation.
Additionally, the printer supports linerless labels, to allow users to reduce their environmental footprint by using less paper and eliminating waste.
"We are excited to introduce a best-in-class IoT mobile printer to the market," said Noriyasu Yamada, SATO Chief Product Planning Officer. "As e-commerce needs continue to grow, smart hardware designed for the IoT era is a must. We have listened carefully to the pain points of the market to develop an expandable, evolving product that enables better connectivity to improve ROI for customers."
"To tackle the rapid emergence of Thailand's e-commerce industry which relies heavily on logistic and delivery services, SATO's new IoT label printer will be the ultimate solution that improves the process from end to end, helping to reduce costs and errors for a better buying-selling experience," Daisuke Tatsuta, Managing Director of Sato Auto ID (Thailand), said, "Whether it is for food ordering, online shopping, retails, ticketing or B2B packages, merchants, shipping operators and consumers can now be ensured that the conveyance of goods is carried out with flexibility and high traceability. The rugged mobile printer is now available at THB 25,000 per unit along with the provision of best-in-class after-sales services. It is estimated that the sales volume will reach 500 units by the end of the year."
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About SATO
SATO (TOKYO:6287) bridges the last inch of the last mile for customers by integrating Auto-ID technologies and revolutionary materials to tag and track items, ensuring inventory visibility for improved user experience and business results. Engineering solutions that unleash the power of IoT, SATO provides value to customers in the form of accuracy, sustainability, labor and resource savings, reassurance and emotional connections. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017, it reported revenues of JPY 106,302 million (US $980 million*). More information about SATO can be found at www.satoworldwide.com or on linkedin and twitter.
*Conversion is based on an average exchange rate of 1 US Dollar = 108.34 Japanese Yen