Inventory tracking, delivery execution, and warehouse efficiency maintenance are all key parts of Bertram Foods’ foodservice distribution operations. Based in Linden, N.J., the company has faced constraints when using older model, often out-of-service barcode scanners. However, it has worked with Midcom Data Technologies to transition to upgraded Zebra TC78 scanners that help stabilize operations, modernize hardware, and introduce intelligent asset control.
Bertram previously used roughly 60 Zebra TC26 scanners in its operations, 45 of which were used by its transportation team. Yet, the scanners needed frequent repairs, mostly due to cracked screens, and this meant two to four scanners were out of service each month. This disrupted delivery schedules and inventory downtime, causing the company to scape by until it could get upgrades.
“We kept things afloat by using what we had, repairing devices constantly, and trying to make the most of them while we looked for better options. When we finally moved to Zebra TC26s, it was a huge step forward because they had actual scanning capability and were a better fit for our workflows,” Paul Thielson, Bertram Foods Safety Coordinator, tells ProFood World.
Thielson says the transition was not easy, as Bertram still had to deal with lifecycle issues, slowing performance, and frequent breakage, but “Midcom’s repair services were critical because when devices broke, we’d get them back in about a week, which was a lifesaver. That support, plus gradually replacing aging devices, kept our operation running even when things weren’t ideal.”
The TC78 scanners in action
Bertram planned system-wide software and enterprise resource planning (ERP) upgrades to enhance their operations. These required devices that could support newer Android versions and cleanly integrate with application environments. The Zebra TC78 series features more advanced performance compared to the TC26 model. Its durability and long-term compatibility made it a sound choice for Bertram.
Bertram used a demo unit for the transportation and IT teams to run comprehensive tests that included field use, signal stability, and app integration. After successful runs, the team phased the TC78 scanners in to replace the older hardware.
The TC78s have benefited the Bertram transportation team’s speed and efficiency when performing tasks, says Thielson.
“The feedback on the TC78s has been overwhelmingly positive, especially from our drivers. The difference in speed alone was huge. With the TC26s, apps would freeze all the time, sometimes even while playing safety videos, which messed up their entire workflow. The TC78s handle multiple apps seamlessly and have made everything from logging hours to proof-of-delivery much smoother. Drivers also love that we no longer have to swap batteries daily because we invested in charging cradles,” states Thielson.
Aside from cracked screens, Thielson says the team did not have any major challenges, except, “Zebra’s cabinet system had to be migrated from ZAMS to DGAM to support cellular connectivity. That required backend tech support, patience, and a few weeks of adjustments, but it was worth it to get everything working properly. Overall, this has been one of the smoothest tech transitions I’ve experienced.”
Bertram implemented Zebra’s Intelligent Cabinet System with Access Management features that provide more secure access, remote monitoring, and include investment protection to prevent loss and theft.
Throughout the transition, Midcom Data Technologies provided support by coordinating with Zebra’s engineering and technical teams, which helped ensure the system rollout stayed on track and minimized disruptions.
“Midcom’s communication and organization were absolutely top-notch,” states Thielson. “[Midcom’s contact] has been a rockstar throughout this process. She stayed in constant contact, sometimes emailing or calling multiple times a day, even after hours during my long commute home. She kept everything organized with a live spreadsheet that tracked every piece of equipment, every shipment, and every status update.”
Moreover, Thielson appreciates Midcom’s repair turnaround times for Bertram, saying, “We’d send out devices for screen repairs and get them back within a week, which was much faster than I expected given the distance. That speed made a huge difference when we were working with less durable hardware.”
Results and forecast for the future
In the end, Bertram has been able to reduce downtime, improve productivity, have more asset security, and possess future-ready infrastructure by upgrading to the TC78 scanners.
Reliable, durable hardware has resulted in fewer repairs and fewer delays in the field, and drivers have more consistent access to fully operational scanners, which streamlines deliveries and inventory capture. Devices are more secure and traceable and offer real-time oversight and lockdown capabilities. Finally, new devices and systems have compatibility with upcoming Android OS versions and integration with Bertram’s application stack.
“The TC78s have already changed how smoothly we operate. Drivers no longer deal with freezing apps or slow logins, which means fewer disruptions and faster deliveries. These devices are built for rugged environments like ours, so we’re not sending them out for repairs nearly as often. That alone saves us time and money,” Thielson adds. “In looking ahead, I’m confident we’ll be ordering more scanners soon. We recently merged with another company, and we’re bringing in 12–20 new drivers and trucks. They’ll need the same hardware and system setup we have now, so expanding our scanner fleet is inevitable. Midcom has been great about helping us scale, and I expect that partnership to continue as we grow.”
