The rugged 7530 hand-held computer now delivers RFID compatibility for the cold storage market
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.
SAVI TECHNOLOGY RELEASES NEW RFID SENSOR TAGS TO TRACK AND MONITOR THE CONDITION OF GLOBAL SHIPMENTS
May 03, 2006
New Mounting Options of Savi Sensor Tags (ST-673 and ST-674) Can Be Affixed to Metal, Plastic, Wood, Cardboard and Other Containers
Maximizing RFID Performance on Consumer Product Cases and Pallets
Apr 26, 2006
This white paper identifies the product and packaging variables that affect the performance of RFID smart labels, and provides advice on the appropriate measures to take to addressdifficult data reads.
Understanding the Gen 2 Smart Label Supply Chain: What Retail Supply Chain Professionals Need to Know
Apr 26, 2006
This white paper details the Gen 2 smart label manufacturing processes to make retail supply chain professionals aware of the lead time requirements and how important their initial input is in keeping the supply chain demand-driven.
EPC Mandates, Momentum and Milestones in the Retail Supply Chain
Apr 26, 2006
The first-generation of EPC technology helped the market meet earlier mandates. Gen 2 will drive companies to remodel their supply chain business processes and redeploy their economic assets for long-term gains. Momentum built in 2005, will spark further RFID innovation in 2006.
Scaling from Pilot to Implementation
Apr 26, 2006
This paper addresses relevant hardware and software considerations that companies will have take into account when attempting to scale from a small RFID pilot to a full-blown RFID deployment.
CONFUSION INHIBITS RFID TAKE UP BY FOOD INDUSTRY
Apr 25, 2006
A lack of understanding is inhibiting the wider take up of RFID within the UK food industry, according to new research.
RFID Solution Centre and Intermec Technologies offer RFID Capability Study
Apr 19, 2006
RFID Solution Centre and Intermec Technologies, have joined forces to offer an RFID Capability study.
Datalogic and Vanderlande Industries Further Extend Cooperation
Apr 18, 2006
Vanderlande Industries has recently signed a contract with Datalogic for the supply of a large number of fixed position laser scanners.
VIRGIN ATLANTIC AIRWAYS USES SYMBOL RFID SOLUTION TO TRACK ASSETS
Apr 10, 2006
Symbol RFID Handheld Readers and Wireless Infrastructure to Track Critical Airplane Parts
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.
