Leading equipment hire organisation Vp Group has implemented real-time mobile management solutions from Masternaut Three X for its Groundforce division
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.
Psion Teklogix signs Varlink
Jan 15, 2008
As part of a major overhaul of its UK channel strategy, Psion Teklogix UK has appointed York-based Varlink as distributor for its range of mobile terminals.
Datalogic mobile computers climb mountains
Jan 11, 2008
At the Mondial du Ski et du Snow exhibition, Datalogic Skorpio mobile computers ensure that the new equipment and accessories loan system works efficiently
Waitrose cuts customer wait times
Dec 17, 2007
Waitrose has cut queues in its new store in Rickmansworth, Herts by implementing scanner/scales technology from Datalogic Scanning
Raising the standard with Voice
Dec 17, 2007
Huge gains for Brakes warehouse via Voiteq voice controlled order picking system
Hand Held Products adds GPS to mobile computer
Dec 17, 2007
Dolphin 7900 now features integrated GPS technology in a true industrial-grade mobile computing platform.
CBX Series: the cost effective connection boxes for industrial installations
Dec 14, 2007
Datalogic introduces the CBX Series, a new line of industrial connection boxes, designed to speed up installation, configuration and maintenance of Datalogic code readers.
Belgravium supplies proven warehouse solution to James Irlam Logistics
Dec 11, 2007
James Irlam started his one man business back in the 1940s when he was a gardener based in Ringway.
RFID Crate innovative RFID Solution for Bakeries
Dec 07, 2007
Companies PENAM, Barco and Alfa Plastik, have developed the first Czech RFID crate suitable for deployment in bakery production and warehousing facilitites
New flexible POS scanner from Datalogic
Dec 04, 2007
Datalogic Scanning Inc. has launched the QuickScan Mobile retail POS handheld reader, ideal for use at the point-of-sale, as well as inventory counting, price checking and shelf replenishment
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.
