Being an enabling technology, like paper or the wheel, though somewhat more recent, RFID is now being applied ever more broadly
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.
The right advertisement for Psion Teklogix iKn PDA
Jul 23, 2008
With so many field-based workers, mobile communications play an important role in Inserts business
New 8-channel UHF Multiplexer by FEIG Electronic
Jul 21, 2008
With the new 8-channel UHF Multiplexer ID ISC.ANT.UMUX, several UHF antennas can be connected to one UHF Reader
Byblos applies Avery Dennison RFID tag system to reduce 30 per cent in stock and 65 per cent wait time in cash desks and inventory
Jul 21, 2008
Byblos, a book retailer in Portugal, has deployed the RFID technology in its new 4500 square-metre store in Lisbon, Byblos Amoreiras, to track over 350,000 books, games and videos
B2M joins Psion Teklogix in alliance partnership
Jul 18, 2008
Leveraging the synergies between the two companies, the partnership will provide the market with a complete solution for managing mobile technology
New RFID mini-chip from Datamars revolutionizes manual sorting processes for personal garment identification
Jul 16, 2008
Datamars announces the launch of 'PersonalChip', one of the smallest and thinnest high frequency RFID laundry tags on the market
National Film Transport Logistics provides track and trace service to the Film Distribution Industry based on Skillwebs 2020ePOD
Jul 14, 2008
Skillweb, a leading supplier of innovative mobile computing solutions for the logistics industry has provided a full track and trace managed service to National Film Transport Logistics
BlueStar announces European acquisition
Jul 14, 2008
BlueStar, a leader in solutions-based distribution of Auto ID, Point-of-Sale, RFID, and Mobility products, has acquired the assets of PSD-PrintScana German-based distributor of Automatic Identification products in Europe
Voxware expands presence in Europe
Jul 10, 2008
New Office Opened to Serve Growing Partner and Customer Community
Kyman: another mobile computer joins Datalogic Mobiles Windows Mobile 6 family
Jul 09, 2008
New models of Kyman mobile computers, are now available to satisfy the needs of the market in terms of mobile communication, interoperability, development and third party application compatibility
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.
