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Celebrating 25 years of OpalTec

Celebrating 25 years of OpalTec 5th October 2023, Bristol, UK Today, we are celebrating a very special landmark. From humble beginnings in Managing Director Mark Hamilton-Davies' house, via the Old Church on Collins Street to our current headquarters at Burcott Road in Avonmouth, its been quite a journey for OpalTec. On 5th October 1998, fresh from celebrating the end of his 20s, Mark Hamilton-Davies started trading as Opal Technology Brokerage. The number one song in the UK Charts was Rollercoaster by B*witched. A song title that very aptly described the first few years of that journey. Back in 1998, technology was very different. Portable Data Terminals, as they were known back then, predominantly ran on DOS based Operating Systems, could only scan 1D barcodes, and if you mentioned wireless most people would probably think you were talking about Radio 4 and The Archers or The Shipping Forecast. Symbol Technologies and Telxon dominated the market, with Symbol introducing the PDT6100 series to replace the PDT3100 series which had dominated the retail and transport & logistics sectors for several years. In December 2000, the company changed its name to OpalTec International Limited to more accurately reflect its ambitions and business model. Relationships had already been formed with major organisations in manufacturing, retail and transport & logistics throughout Europe and farther afield. This was followed in May 2002 by a move to new, much bigger and fully refurbished premises at The Old Church in Avonmouth, and the creation of OpalTec's first repair centre (initially known as Sym-Tel) in 2003. We quickly outgrew the facility at The Old Church, and in May 2005 moved to our current location on Burcott Road in Avonmouth. The Burcott Road site has an 8,000sqft warehouse as well as space for more than 10 helpdesk and workshop staff. This additional space has allowed OpalTec to store large volumes of stock and to employ a very talented technical team to assist in pre-sales and post-sales technical support. This additional technical knowledge allowed OpalTec to guide its customers through the Windows based operating systems in devices like the market leading MC9000 series terminals. Following Microsoft's decision to move out of the mobile Operating System space, Android has become the primary Operating System used by most device manufacturers in the Enterprise Mobility sector, with a move away from the traditional handheld terminal form factor to more touchscreen based devices. OpalTec's knowledge base has enabled its customers to make the transition to Android based devices, and with the larger volumes of devices used throughout most industries, we have developed key skills in areas such as Mobile Device Management, Application Management, Security and Streamlining of Workflows. The world of barcoding and mobile computing has certainly moved on a long way in the last 25 years, and we're very excited about what the next 25 years has in store for OpalTec and the Enterprise Mobility space...


Zebra's new TC22 & TC27

The Ultimate Cost-Effective Mobile Computers For Your Business Zebra's TC22/TC27 mobile computers are the latest addition to their successful TC2x Series, providing all the latest features you will need to level the playing field and make it easier to compete with any size business. From retail, hospitality, and the warehouse to field service and entertainment, this durable device has it all — a next-generation processor, 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, CBRS and private 5G networks, a large 6" display you can see indoors and outside, fast first-time every time capture of barcodes in any condition with an integrated scanner, support for tap-to-pay and non-payment contactless transactions, battery power for the longest shift, accessories that make every job easier, plus proven solutions that add new capabilities that allow you to do more with the TC22/TC27. Get the boost you need to compete with any size business with the TC22/TC27 — the smartphone style workers want, and the features your business needs, all at a price you can afford. For more information, please click on this link TC27 / TC27 introduction video


OpalTec sponsors Nailsea & Backwell RFC U13 team

OpalTec is proud to announce that it will be the shirt sponsor for the Nailsea & Backwell RFC U13 team for the 2022/23 season. OpalTec's managing director Mark Hamilton-Davies (an avid rugby fan) was at West End Park to present the team with their new match shirts and training tops at a recent training session. Mark stressed the importance of OpalTec continuing its links with the local community, having previously sponsored local netball teams and an MMA training academy. "The lads are looking forward to showing off their new kit at their first match of the season away at Weston Hornets this weekend, and I hope the new kit helps them to have an enjoyable and successful run". Everybody at OpalTec wishes the "Ravens" well ahead of the new season!


Is this the opportunity to start a career in sales?

OpalTec has vacancies for Sales Support and Customer Service Executives We're currently looking to recruit people to support our dynamic Sales and Customer Service teams. Successful candidates will have experience in an office based, sales support role and be able to process orders, enter data accurately and liaise between several different departments within the company. Candidates will need to be good communicators and have a professional telephone manner, and be comfortable speaking to both customers and suppliers. The ability to problem solve, provide high standards of customer service are key, as is having competence in Microsoft Office products and a good head for figures. Working closely with OpalTec’s sales, accounting, customer service and technical teams, providing effective and efficient support, the day to day role will include: Managing telephone and email queries and enquiries Managing and generating leads for the Sales Team Liaising with existing customers to proactively seek feedback and report upon it Working with the accounts team to process Sales Orders from OpalTec’s customers and create Purchase Orders to OpalTec’s suppliers Assisting OpalTec’s helpdesk and technical support team, by proving customers with repair quotations and updating them with progress reports Assisting with the creation and distribution of marketing emails These roles offer great potential to progress into a Business Development or Account Management position Location: Burcott Road, Avonmouth, Bristol. This is an office based role Hours: 08:30 to 17:00, Monday to Friday (Full Time) Salary: £18,000 - £20,000 Start Date:  As soon as possible (Temp to Perm) If this role is of interest, please email a copy of your CV with a covering letter to  careers@opaltechnology.com


We're Hiring!!!

OpalTec International Ltd is looking to recruit new people to join its talented technical team We're looking to hire Repair Technicians to support the many in house repair contracts that we have with some of the UK & Europe's most well known companies in the retail, supply chain, logistics, healthcare & manufacturing spaces. IT Repair Technician / Technical Support Engineer (Avonmouth, Bristol) OpalTec International Ltd specialises in providing mobile and identification technology to supply chain businesses. This includes designing, supplying and supporting solutions involving Mobile Computing, Barcode Scanning, RFID, Thermal Printing and Enterprise Mobility Management. Our highly skilled technical team is responsible for managing and maintaining mobile IT infrastructure and supporting business critical applications for our customers. Due to some significant new contract wins we are looking to grow our technical team who deliver managed services to our customers, we have a new opportunity for an enthusiastic individual with IT Support / Repair experience. As a Repair Technician / Technical Support Engineer, you will become an integral part of OpalTec's technical support team. You will be involved in a wide range of maintenance and repair projects including component level debug and rework assignments; Mobile Computer, Barcode Scanner and Barcode / Thermal Printer repairs; and complete product configuration and refurbishment projects. You will need to have a good basic understanding of PCB / Surface Mount Technology and be used to working to tight deadlines in technically demanding environments. You should have good fault finding and hand soldering skills. General product assembly & disassembly and product testing experience will be required. Attention to detail, and the ability to work with small components are essential for this role. The role will also involve providing some basic 1st line support to our customers, logging calls, basic fault diagnosis, escalation and updating customers on progress. Hours of work: This is a Full-Time position - 8.30am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday Benefits: £18k+ salary (negotiable according to background and experience) 21 days holiday (plus bank holidays) Critical Illness & Death in Service schemes after 1 years service Private Health Insurance plan after 5 years service This role is based at our offices in Avonmouth, Bristol - Remote Working is not an option You must have your own transport as public transport links to Avonmouth are not reliable If this role is of interest, please email a copy of your CV with a covering letter to careers@opaltechnology.com #Hiring #Vacancies #BarcodeTechnologies #MobileComputing #Android #Helpdesk #Repair #InnovatingEnterpriseMobility #BristolJobs


Mobilise your Business with Zebra Rugged Tablets

Mobilise your Business with Zebra Rugged Tablets from OpalTec Your business thrives on being able to deliver in the most challenging environments and in difficult circumstances,  on time and every time . Whether you are delivering a product or service, or you need to get real time information in the hands of the people that matter let Zebra’s portfolio of Enterprise grade tablets enable mobilisation of your business. From the factory production line, in the warehouse, in vehicles, in retail stores or outdoors Zebra has a tablet solution that will excel performing business tasks. A full range of accessories ensure the tablets can capture critical business data, connect to critical business systems and have enough power to work as long as you do.                         


Zebra Printer Trade Up Programme

Do your printers have all the functionality, reliability, ease-of-use and network security you need? Could they actually be putting your business data, productivity and growth at risk? The way we use printers is changing, we connect more devices than ever before, and how data is parsed to them is evolving too… older printers simply can’t keep up! Data security and compliance are major issues right now… your older network printers offer an easy ‘way-in’ for hackers and cyber-terrorists; and surprisingly, smaller businesses are targeted most frequently. Many older printers are no longer supported by the manufacturer… so what if yours fail tomorrow? Better to plan and upgrade than end-up unable to print and waiting for a delivery. Printer ‘populations’ often grow randomly over time… but you can replace multiple old printers with fewer, higher-performance ones: far easier and more cost-effective to manage. These are just a few of the reasons to Trade-Up today. Please  contact us  to find out how OpalTec and the Zebra Printer Trade Up Programme   can make the most of your print budget!


TC72 & TC77 Ultra-Rugged, Enterprise class Android mobile devices

THE ULTIMATE IN ULTRA-RUGGED ENTERPRISE-CLASS ALL TOUCH COMPUTING INSIDE THE FOUR WALLS AND OUTDOORS The TC72 and TC77 Android Touch Computers build on the highly successful TC70/TC75 Series family to create the ultimate ultra-rugged all-touch computer for all workers inside or outside the four walls — a smartphone experience for maximum simplicity, the ultimate in rugged construction, complete cellular network flexibility, and a new platform offering more capabilities than any other device in this class for maximum staff enablement.   TC72 Touch Computer THE ULTRA-RUGGED ALL-TOUCH COMPUTER At the edge of your business are your front line workers that spend their days face-to-face serving the important asset in your company — your customers. Now, there’s a device designed to take staff enablement and customer service to the next level by delivering everything your workers need to achieve peak efficiency, with trouble-free reliability — the TC72 Android all-touch computer. Industry Uses: Retail Manufacturing Warehouse Management TC77 Ultra-Rugged Touch Computer THE ULTIMATE USER EXPERIENCE BUILT TO LAST At the edge of your business are your front line workers that spend their days in the field, face-to-face serving the important asset in your company — your customers. Now, there’s a device designed to take staff enablement and customer service to the next level by delivering everything your workers need to achieve peak efficiency, with trouble-free reliability — the TC77 Android Touch Computer. Industry Uses: Transportation Field Mobility Location Solutions TC72 / TC75 Spec Sheet   TC72 / TC75 Accessories Guide   OpalTec will have demo devices available in the near future. To organise your trial, please  contact us  now…


Zebra Mobilty DNA

Zebra Mobility DNA Android provides the opportunity to implement a mobility strategy to solve multiple business challenges across the supply chain. OpalTec recommends Android devices from Zebra technologies for multiple applications across the supply chain whether it is the MC3300 being used for receiving deliveries, the WT6000 for picking orders, the TC75 for managing the delivery process, or the ET50 Tablets and TC51 for serving customers in store. The devices are rugged and capable so it is important that the software tools are secure and reliable too. OpalTec uses Zebra Mobility DNA to enhance the capabilities, and security of Android mobile devices and to make implementation rapid and trouble free. Mobility DNA is the genetic code that gives Zebra mobile computers distinct enterprise capabilities. Its unique ecosystem of software transforms Android™, the world’s most popular consumer operating system, into an enterprise-ready force. Now, the pains common to other enterprise mobility platforms disappear—making operations a powerhouse of productivity, management simpler, and integration problem-free. Videos OpalTec EMM


Mobile operating systems are changing - Are you ready?

Organisations with mobile devices currently running applications that require a legacy Microsoft mobile operating system (Windows CE 6 or Windows Mobile/Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5) will soon face the end of support for their platform. Mainstream support, which includes regular updates, has ended for both legacy systems, and Microsoft extended support (security fixes etc.) will end for Windows CE 6 in the first half of 2018, and for Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 at the beginning of 2020. After these dates, organisations will be unable to obtain fixes should a vulnerability or error be found in Microsoft code. OpalTec has prepared a short document detailing how  mobile operating systems are changing .   OpalTec can provide a pain free transition to Android Transitioning from legacy Windows platforms to Android involves writing new apps, adapting workflows and changing the mobile devices that workers use, which can prove to be a significant undertaking for any IT department. To find out how OpalTec can help your organisation transition from a Windows based operating system to Android, please complete the form below, and one of our experts will be in contact with you…


The new Zebra ZQ300 Series Mobile Printer - Big business value at an affordable price

Delivering Excellent Printing Performance—Inside or Outside Whether workers are printing out price markdown labels on the sales floor or leaving a delivery notice at a customer’s doorstep, they need a mobile printer that’s fast, flexible and reliable. The ZQ300 Series is the mobile printer that can do it all. Building on the legacy of the iMZ series mobile printers, customers can choose from two design models to fit the needs of their business. An inside-the-four-walls model enables associates to ring up sales anywhere in the store, prevent abandoned sales and improve the shopper experience. An outside-the-four-walls model can handle the elements, generate high quality receipts and guarantee power for the longest shift in the field. Available in both 2-inch and 3-inch print widths, the ZQ300 Series offers the fastest wireless connections available; class-leading battery and power technologies for full-shift power; enterprise durability to handle everyday drops and bumps; and powerful remote management capabilities that significantly lower total cost of ownership. The primary markets for the ZQ300 Series printers are: Retail Manufacturing Transportation & Logistics Key applications include: Proof of delivery Invoices Receipts Mobile point-of-sale Shelf labeling Price markdowns/markups Parking violations Inventory lists Specifications: PRINT WIDTH 48 mm/1.89 in. (ZQ310), 72 mm/2.83 in. (ZQ320) MAXIMUM PRINT SPEED Up to 4 ips (100 mm/s) DURABILITY IP Rating: IP54 MEDIA ROLL OUTSIDE DIAMETER 40 mm/1.57 in. WEIGHT 0.37 kg/.81 lbs. (ZQ310), 0.43 kg/.95 lbs. (ZQ320) BATTERY CAPACITY Li-Ion 2280 mAh, 3.6V, PowerPrecision+ Specification Sheets: Zebra ZQ300 specification sheet (inside version) Zebra ZQ300 specification sheet (outside version)


OpalTec exhibits at RBTE

The  RBTE  Exhibition at Olympia in London, provided OpalTec with a great opportunity to meet with our customers and show them how we are  Innovating Enterprise Mobility  within the retail sector. Business Development Manager  James Mellor   said “Some of the media is predicting a difficult time for retailers in the UK, but it was good to speak to retailers and understand how innovation and technology is enabling them to embrace the omni-channel world and challenge this trend. Particular areas of interest were mobile payment technologies, using RFID for better inventory management, and how  OpalTec’s EMM (Enterprise Mobility Management) solution  can help retailers deliver an agile and responsive mobile technology strategy.” OpalTec's stand exhibited products from its key partners including  Zebra Technologies ,  Honeywell ,  Datalogic ,  Cipherlab ,  Nordic ID  and  SOTI


OpalTec raises money for The Hope Foundation

OpalTec raises money for The Hope Foundation through cake sale Well done Charlotte Whatley (daughter of OpalTec's Sales Director, David Whatley )... With a little help from her sister Megan, she managed to raise a fantastic £50 for The Hope Foundation by selling her delicious Welsh Cakes at OpalTec's offices in Avonmouth.