A Darlington-based business, Agility Systems, has won a major contract to supply specialist software solutions to the UK distribution centre of global motor corporation, Suzuki.
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.
Handheld Europe launches the TDS Nomad!
Jul 18, 2007
Handheld Europe has launched the TDS Nomad, a powerful and versatile rugged handheld computer. The Nomad comes standard with an 806 MHz processor, a full VGA display, integrated Bluetooth and has integration options such as GPS, WLAN, Barcode scanner and Camera.
CORGI implements Blackbay Service Connect mobile software system to cut paperwork and improve efficiency by 30%
Jul 12, 2007
CORGI has successfully implemented Blackbays Service Connect mobile software solution, cutting down manual processing and practically eliminating the scope for human error in its reporting process.
Toshiba TEC Europe launches RFID@Toshiba the complete RFID solution
Jul 12, 2007
Toshiba has launched RFID@ Toshiba a brand new strategy set up to ensure that RFID users are able to maximise the full potential of this fast-growing technology.
Metro Group teams with Intermec for RFID rollout
Jul 11, 2007
Together with its suppliers, the Metro Group is set to considerably expand its use of radio frequency identification (RFID) in 2007.
Pegaso, the new versatile PDA from Datalogic Mobile
Jul 11, 2007
Pegaso PDA: Datalogic Mobiles new, versatile and full featured data capture solution, which combines flexibility and power in a rugged and ergonomic design.
Codegate launches wireless wearable mobile computing solution for 1D, 2D and RFID
Jul 10, 2007
Codegate, a specialist in providing mobile enterprise solutions, has launched a new solution for wearable scanning the QP1000iWS.
UnIQue ID supplies new automated hardware & software solution for worldwide distribution centre
Jul 10, 2007
UnIQue ID has signed a contract to supply an automated hardware and software solution to perform front line data collection applications at a worldwide distribution centre handling 90 million units for worldwide delivery every year.
Sirit's INfinity 510 RFID readers selected by METRO Group
Jul 05, 2007
Sirit Inc. has announced that METRO Group has selected Sirit's INfinity 510 UHF RFID reader for its 2007 rollout program at 99 Real hypermarket locations throughout Germany.
Hand Held Products broadens image kiosk offering
Jul 04, 2007
Hand Held Products, a leading manufacturer of image-based data collection solutions, has announced the latest addition to its line of self-service mini-kiosks, the Image Kiosk(tm) 8570
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.
