Wavelink TE Gets More Automated

October 13, 2009 Alex Woodie

Wavelink recently issued an update to its Terminal Emulator (TE) product line, which connects wireless barcode scanners to ERP and WMS systems running on System i, System z, Unix, and VMS servers. The new release, Wavelink TE version 7.2, features enhancements in the areas of the user interface, voice features, scripting tools, and better support for wireless wide area network (WWANs).

Wavelink is a Midvale, Utah, provider of terminal emulators and other software that allows users of mobile devices (such as barcode scanners) to connect to host applications via 5250, 3270, VT100, and other common emulation protocols. The company claims to have more than 10,000 customers around the world, including 90 percent the 25 biggest retailers in the United States.

With Wavelink TE 7.2, the vendor has delivered several new features that will appeal to employees and their profit-minded employers. Notable in this release is the addition of a new screen formatter that should make it easier to voice-enable text and input fields on the emulator. Voice-enablement of “pick and pack” warehouse activities is currently a hot trend among distribution centers, as it helps to eliminate language barriers from employment decisions. Voice enabling the emulator also requires Wavelink Speakeasy, the voice-driven data collection software.

The Wavelink TE script editor also gets an interface refresh with the addition of a menu bar, a tool bar, a status bar, and an integrated debugger. This should make it easier for administrators to customize emulator activities through the script editor.

Lastly, this release brings support for WWANs. In a normal warehouse situation, 802.11 wireless local area network (WLAN) technology is used. However, in the event that the WLAN goes down, Wavelink-equipped devices can connect to WWANs, such as the cellular phone network, to gain access to servers.

Wavelink customers on maintenance get free upgrades to Wavelink TE 7.2. For more information, go to www.wavelink.com.