Systems Labellings latest installation at the Deeside plant is a bespoke pressurised airflow system
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.
CASE STUDY - A flourishing future for FloraHolland
Aug 27, 2008
To ensure ongoing business success, every flower cart is tracked by a bar code and an RFID system
Dematic and Vocollect partner to deliver Voice-Directed solutions to international market
Aug 21, 2008
Dematic GmbH and Vocollect Inc. have announced a European distribution agreement that will see Dematic become a Distributor of Vocollect's voice applications across the region
Baracodas scanners now in Scandinavia
Aug 19, 2008
Thanks to the RoadRunners, the Norwegian Post automates its parcel logistics and delivery operations
Zetes launches 3iV Crystal
Aug 14, 2008
Zetes Industries, a company that ranks among the leading providers of value-added solutions and services for the automatic identification of goods and people, has launched 3iV Crystal, the new generation voice solution
CASE STUDY - Hellmann Worldwide Logistics relies on Printronix
Aug 12, 2008
Hellman uses printers in a range of application areas for smooth-running, fast and reliable flow of goods
JD Williams and Spirit go shopping for new mobile computers
Aug 08, 2008
Companies with large warehouses need to be able to identify and move stock with speed, reliability and accuracy
Pets at Home Australia automates signage to cut labour costs
Aug 06, 2008
Australias first pet care department store, is implementing Retail Enterprise Suite from global information technology services company Episys
Number of SMEs using telematics solutions rises
Aug 05, 2008
Cybit has announced a rapid increase in the number of small to medium sized businesses taking up telematics solutions
Datalogic introduces a new concept of 2D imager
Jul 25, 2008
Datalogic Automation has announced the availability of the Matrix 200 2D imager
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.
