Companies convert TI Gen 2 and HF silicon into tags for authentication, asset tracking and retail supply chain 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.
Intermec's New IV7C Vehicle Mount RFID Reader Advances Forklift of the Future
Apr 03, 2007
Intermec has launched the latest version of its vehicle mount RFID reader, the IV7C, a rugged RFID tag reader designed to read RFID tags anywhere within reach of a forklift.
Intermecs IF30 RFID Network Reader Delivers High Performance in Noisy Radio Frequency Environments
Mar 29, 2007
EPCglobal Gen2-certified network reader features best-in-class dense reader mode functionality and is easily scalable with Reva Systems TAP
New rugged 'flash storage' tablet PC from Barcoding.co.uk
Mar 27, 2007
Barcoding.co.uk has launched a new rugged tablet PC called the JLT 8404 that offers the option of flash storage in place of a hard drive.
Sandpiper makes stock visible
Mar 26, 2007
Sandpiper helps Abingdon and Alliance Flooring improve stock visibility with FocusID Mobile Computing Solution
Hand Held Products chosen by Microsoft
Mar 26, 2007
Hand Held Products' Mobile Computers Selected for Envisioning Centre at Microsoft Technology Centres Worldwide
Escort Memory Systems Goes Mobile with the Element RFID Bluetooth Reader
Mar 22, 2007
Element RFID Reader developers kits are now available from Escort Memory Systems.
The benefits of RFID technology
Mar 22, 2007
RFID has been in existence for many decades but it is only now that RFID is being increasingly used in many different applications
Molex improves pan-European networking capabilities with TOSHIBA solution
Mar 21, 2007
Molex, worldwide manufacturer and distributor of electronic components and connectors, rolls out TOSHIBA B-852 barcoding solution across Europe.
ADT Establishes Europes First Permanent RFID Dense Reader Environment Testing Facility
Mar 20, 2007
ADT has successfully established the first permanent RFID dense reader environment testing facility in Europe to help address one of the key challenges facing the widespread adoption of RFID in European supply chains.
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.
