Enterprise-grade performance from CipherLab devices
We connected with Cliff Chang from CipherLab on a recent call to learn more about the latest Android 14 operating system and Edge Artificial Intelligence technology, and what it means for South African businesses and users.
Cliff highlighted multiple advantages of the new Android 14 operating system, including faster data processing and enhanced security. Also, as Google has committed to supporting Android 14 until at least June 2028, users can enjoy guaranteed reliability and data security over a longer timeframe. New CipherLab devices, such as the RS36 series, have been engineered with the needs of SA enterprises in mind, including easier data capture in warehousing scenarios.
The benefits of Android 14
The latest Google operating system enables an improved UX (User eXperience), and its increased efficiencies permit a longer battery life. With less downtime for charging/exchanging batteries, users can get more done per shift. Android 14 also improves data security (thanks in part to its faster CPU), and offers better protection against malware attacks.
Introducing Edge AI
Artificial intelligence is becoming a part of everyday operations, and the world of Auto ID is no different. Edge AI supports real-time data capture and barcode recognition, and enables CipherLab’s Pic ‘n Fill™ OCR (Optical Character Recognition) functionality which delivers reduced latency and enhanced efficiency. This in turn enables individual operators to work more productively in demanding warehouse environments.
Pic ‘n Fill™ OCR (Optical Character Recognition) technology essentially eliminates the risk of human error in data inputting while ensuring the collection of the complete datasets that businesses need for actionable insights into their processes and cost models. In short, Edge AI delivers enhanced speed and accuracy, faster decision making, increased productivity, lower costs and ultimately – and most importantly – a real boost to customer satisfaction.
Blue sky thinking (not a cloud in sight)
Edge AI eliminates the need to send collected data to the cloud. Because it enables real-time data processing, there is no internet connectivity requirement. Data transmission to the cloud can involve latency and security risks, while unreliable power supply can interrupt connectivity. Edge AI, however, removes these issues – it can still continue to work perfectly in the absence of internet links. This makes a further contribution to lower usage costs, and keeps data secure in local devices.
Last but not least, Edge AI’s algorithms work with deep learning to enhance data recognition, and to build and run rules engines that introduce further efficiencies into warehousing scenarios, as well as operations across other verticals such as healthcare, retail, transportation and logistics, and manufacturing.
Tangible, measurable business benefits
The business benefits of the latest CipherLab devices include smarter performance across all data capture tasks, and much smoother paths to future technology upgrades (these will also be accelerated and facilitated by user familiarity with Android systems).
A better user experience
The key advantage users of CipherLab’s Android 14 devices are already experiencing is easier data collection. This marks a shift away from tedious, error-prone manual input and the time-consuming task of reconciling multiple data sources. With Android 14 and Edge AI, users can now focus their efforts on mission-critical activities, as these two technologies work together to deliver speed, ease of use, and enhanced data protection. Looking ahead, planned security patches will further safeguard long-term data integrity.
Operational efficiencies are driven by enhanced predictability and adaptability, enabling operators and managers to make better, data-based decisions in real time. Improved diagnostic tools provide early warnings of any issues, and integration into legacy systems architecture has been made even more seamless. Flexible APIs and backwards compatibility minimise any disruption and make accelerated deployment possible across multiple use cases. Equally, it is anticipated that future software updates will make integration (and migration) even easier.
With problem-solving and training provided by Google, CipherLab and Kemtek, customers in South Africa and beyond can look forward to a very rapid transition to CipherLab Android 14 handheld scanners and portable computers, and start enjoying all the benefits of Android 14 and Edge AI highlighted by Cliff Chang in our interview.
Cliff further explained that AI will not replace humans but will instead reduce the time needed to complete routine data capture and scanning tasks. This in turn will free up team members to work on more rewarding tasks and add greater value.
A long-term relationship
Kemtek and CipherLab have been working together for over 20 years. In addition to being CipherLab’s sole distributor in South Africa and neighbouring countries, Kemtek also serves as CipherLab’s service partner.
The strength of this relationship offers multiple benefits to local customers, including extremely responsive in-country aftersales service and technical support, a high degree of product availability and very short lead times on devices and accessories, and easy scheduling of online or in-person training and demonstration sessions as part of Kemtek’s pre-sales support offering.
To learn more about CipherLab Auto ID solutions from Kemtek, please contact Anthony Shumba at anthonys@kemtek.co.za or call +27 (0)11 624 8000. Alternatively, you can connect with him on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-shumba-50784319/
