The new QD2100 is ideal for retail, courier and postal applications
Automatic Identification/Datacapture, AIDC, RFID
Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) refers to the process of automatically identifying and collecting data about objects/goods, then logging this information in a computer. The term AIDC refers to a range of different types of data capture devices. These include barcodes, biometrics, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), magnetic stripes, smart cards, OCR (Optical Character Recognition) and voice recognition. AIDC devices are deployed in a wide range of environments, including: retail, warehousing, distribution & logistics and field service. The first RFID solutions were developed in 1980s. It has since been deployed in a range of markets including Automated Vehicle Identification (AVI) systems due to RFID's ability to track moving objects. RFID is also effective in challenging manufacturing environments where barcode labels might not prove resilient enough.
Honeywell and Spirit streamline processes at JD Williams
Dec 02, 2008
After deciding to upgrade some of its devices, JD Williams opted for Honeywell Dolphin mobile computers for a number of different applications
Speech-based picking gives a significant boost to warehouse efficiency
Nov 28, 2008
In the warehouses of modern companies the arrival of advanced processes was witnessed long ago
WHITE PAPER: How barcodes add brand value
Nov 27, 2008
There cannot be many places in the world that are not familiar with bar codes
UPM Raflatac opens manufacturing site
Nov 27, 2008
UPM Raflatac is celebrating the opening of a new RFID manufacturing site in Guangzhou, China
Opticon launches H-15 pocket-sized mobile computer
Nov 14, 2008
A new addition to the successful H series, Opticons H-15 pocket-sized mobile computer is designed for single handed operation
Next implements the first Vocollect Voice solution on a LXE HX2 wearable computer
Nov 11, 2008
Next has chosen to implement Vocollect Voice technology from VoiteQ on an LXE HX2 voice ready mulitimodal wearable computer at their new, purpose built, distribution centre
Highlights from RFID Europe 2008
Nov 10, 2008
IDTechEx's RFID Europe 2008 event, staged in Cambridge, UK, once again delivered an excellent show for all attendees
Mojix Inc. introduces Mojix STAR System to European market
Nov 05, 2008
Mojix, Inc. has launched the European version of its Mojix STAR system, a UHF passive RFID system that is claimed to bring unprecedented levels of precision, scalability and return on investment to radio frequency identification applications
Vocollect achieves 100% partner certification target in less than six months
Oct 30, 2008
Vocollect has announced that its EMEA partner network has successfully completed the Vocollect Voice Partner Programme
Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC)
Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) refers to the methods of automatically identifying objects, collecting data about them, and entering that data directly into computer systems (i.e. without human involvement). Technologies typically considered as part of AIDC include bar codes, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), biometrics, magnetic stripes, Optical Character Recognition (OCR), smart cards, and voice recognition. AIDC is also commonly referred to as “Automatic Identification,” “Auto-ID,” and "Automatic Data Capture."
Barcoding has become established in several industries as an inexpensive and reliable automatic identification technology that can overcome human error in capturing and validating information. AIDC is the process or means of obtaining external data, particularly through analysis of images, sounds or videos. To capture data, a transducer is employed which converts the actual image or a sound into a digital file which can be later analysed. Radio frequency identification (RFID) is relatively a new AIDC technology which was first developed in 1980’s. The technology acts as a base in automated data collection, identification and analysis systems worldwide
In the decades since its creation, barcoding has become highly standardised, resulting in lower costs and greater accessibility. Indeed, word processors now can produce barcodes, and many inexpensive printers print barcodes on labels. Most current barcode scanners can read between 12 and 15 symbols and all their variants without requiring configuration or programming. For specific scans the readers can be pre-programmed easily from the user manual.
Despite these significant developments, the adoption of barcoding has been slower in the healthcare sector than the retail and manufacturing sectors. Barcoding can capture and prevent errors during medication administration and is now finding its way from the bedside into support operations within the hospital.
Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is the wireless non-contact use of radio-frequency electromagnetic fields to transfer data. Unlike a bar code, the tag does not necessarily need to be within line of sight of the reader, and may be embedded in the tracked object. It can also be read only or read-write enabling information to be either permanently stored in the tag or it can be read-write where information can be continually updated and over-written on the tag.
RFID has found its importance in a wide range of markets including livestock identification and Automated Vehicle Identification (AVI) systems and are now commonly used in tracking consumer products worldwide. Many manufacturers use the tags to track the location of each product they make from the time it's made until it's pulled off the shelf and tossed in a shopping cart. These automated wireless AIDC systems are effective in manufacturing environments where barcode labels could not survive. They can be used in pharmaceutical to track consignments, they can also be used in cold chain distribution to monitor temperature fluctuations. This is particularly useful to ensure frozen and chilled foods have not deviated from the required temperature parameters during transit.
Cost used to be a prohibitive factor in the widespread use of RFID tags however the unit costs have reduced considerably to make this a viable technology to improve track and trace throughout the supply chain. Many leading supermarket chains employ RFID insisting that their suppliers incorporate this technology into the packaging of the products in order to improve supply chain efficiency and traceability.
