Barcodes are a fast, easy and accurate data entry method used in the process known as automatic data collection. barcoding enables products to be tracked efficiently and accurately at speeds not possible using manual data entry systems. The primary benefit of this process is that it is truly automatic, occurring instantaneously as a transaction or process takes place, commonly referred to as real-time data capture and exchange within the industry. Improved accuracy is yet another benefit. Studies show that the entry and read error rates when using automatic data collection and barcode technology is approximately 1 error in 1 million characters versus 1 error for every 300 characters in manual key entry.
The IBM PC explosion in the early 1980's, served as the catalyst to promote the widespread usage and application of barcoding for automatic data collection. Over the past 20 years, barcoding has become a virtual necessity for the collection and processing of information in a quick and timely manner enabling companies, in every conceivable industry, to maximize and dramatically increase their productivity and overall efficiency. barcodes enable managers to track information and activity as it occurs allowing their decisions to be dictated by more concrete, current information. The traditional manual key and entry process of information compiled on sheets of paper, by comparison, does not provide real-time data entry capability as the data being entered usually reflects events that occurred in the past.
Yet, despite the advantages of automatic data collection via barcoding, there is still an element of mystique and a stigma of high implementation cost associated with the technology that intimidates many people. With a better understanding of barcoding, the requirements for automatic data collection and its common application uses, we hope to demystify and eliminate any apprehensions you may have and shed light on the tremendous potential for the implementation of this technology in the world around you.
Barcode Construction
barcoding is a type of morse code used to encode or put information into a universally recognized code language in the form of a barcode symbology. Encoded data can consist of a part number, serial number, supplier number, quantity, transaction code, or other type of data. A number of barcode standards have been developed and refined over the years into accepted languages called symbologies. Numerous barcode trade associations, like (ANSI) American National Standards Institute, (HIBC) Health Industry barcode Council and (AIAG) Automotive Industry Action Group, have subsequently been established to regulate the use of barcode symbologies in accordance with accepted industry standards and specifications, as dictated by an industry.Barcode symbologies come in two basic varieties. They can be either linear or two dimensional in their configuration. A linear barcode symbology consists of a single row of dark lines and white spaces of varying but specified width and height, as indicated by the example below.
Similarly, a 2-Dimensional symbology can be configured into a stacked or matrix format. Two dimensional barcodes are special rectangular codes which "stack" information in a manner allowing for more information storage in a smaller amount of space.
The amount of data that can be encoded in a linear barcode symbology is more limited than that of a 2-D symbology. A 2-D matrix symbology of 1 x 1inch diameter, for example, can encode and store the entire US Constitution! Hence, the power of barcode technology in maximizing information storage within limited space.
In addition to symbology standards set by the various trade associations, there are several other related types of compliance standards used in manufacturing and distribution operations. These include:
Application Standards
An application standard is a set of policies and procedures that govern an application within an operation. Most operations have a defined set of rules to manage the material flow and manufacturing processes in their operation. These rules can be defined as an application standard.
Product Identification Standards
Product identification standards place a specific policy on how to mark products and what information must be made available to consumers purchasing those products.
Label Standards
Label standards (also referred to as compliance labeling within the industry) have been created for commercial applications so trading partners can easily communicate and conduct business transactions at a higher level of efficiency.Depending on the specific barcode application, conformance to one or more of these standards may be required.
Barcoding Requirements
To establish a basic barcode system for automatic data collection, four primary components are required. They are – a barcode printer, a label for item tracking, scanning equipment for data collection and an external database for barcode data capture and relay.Component 1 - The barcode Printer
The barcode printer provides the first vital component part in tracking information by generating the barcode label utilized in item tracking.Component 2 - The barcode Label
Automatic identification is the essential first step in a barcode system which is accomplished by attaching a barcode label to an item for tracking. An item label can contain any combination of text, graphic or barcode information, yet it is the barcode symbology that facilitates and promotes the item tracking process.Component 3 - Scanning Equipment for Data Collection
The data collection phase occurs through the use of scanners that instantly and accurately read, capture and decipher the information contained in the barcode label. Scanners read information much faster and more reliably than humans can write or type. Thus, significantly reducing the rate or likelihood of error. Scanners also act as decoders deciphering the information contained in the barcode and converting it into a signal that can be understood by a computer system attached to a scanner. Note: Print quality is of utmost importance when printing barcodes so that the scanner has the ability to read them. Poor quality barcodes that do not scan can result in large fines or penalties that can deteriorate customer relations between a vendor and supplier.Component 4 – Data Capture via an External Database
The fourth and final component to establishing a barcode system is the external database. Existing barcode applications commonly rely on the availability of external data computer systems to effectively identify a unique barcode with pertinent information about the article from a related database. The computer mainframe collects and interprets the data transmitted from the scanner and links the barcode reference point information to a detailed data file on that item. Such data files commonly contain various information on the item, including but not limited to, a detailed product description or price and inventory quantity, to enable transactions and activity to be effectively monitored in real-time. Without the advent of this external database, the barcode itself has no useful meaning or problem solving significance.Key Benefits of Barcoding
Implementing a barcode system in one's facility offers tremendous advantages when coupled with the appropriate computer hardware and software of an external database. The most compelling advantages of barcoding and automatic data collection are:Accuracy
Barcoding increases accuracy by reducing the likelihood of human errors from manual entry or miscommunication from misread or mislabeled items. Here again, bear in mind that print quality is of utmost importance to ensure that the scanner has the ability to read the barcode. Without this capability the accuracy and productivity gains of barcode technology are virtually non-existent.Ease-of-Use
Barcodes are easy-to-use provided the appropriate hardware and software aspects are in place to maximize the process of automatic data collection.Uniform Data Collection
Diverse compliance standards and standardized barcode symbologies ensure that bar code information is captured and relayed in a fashion that is universally understood and accepted.Timely Feedback
Barcoding promotes timely feedback in that data is captured in real-time as it occurs enabling decisions to be made from current information.Improved Productivity
Barcodes improve productivity in that many manual activities and tasks become automated enabling personnel resources to be utilized in other ways to increase the efficiencies of scale within an organization. barcoding further enables manufacturing processes to be monitored and tracked more closely to improve the company's overall quality standards.Increased Profitability
The increased efficiencies (e.g. improved workflows, reduction in error rates and resultant happier customers) that barcoding promotes enables companies to save costs and substantially improve their bottom line.Note: The return on investment for an automated data collection system is typically one year, and often substantially less.
Common barcode Applications
Your exposure to the world of barcoding and auto identification is likely to be more frequent than you might think. barcoding and automatic data collection are processes that occur in and around us every day, without us consciously ever really thinking about it or taking direct notice of it. Consider the convenience it provides most readily in the retail or grocery industry to expedite one’s check-out procedure, or within the package delivery industry to track one’s package throughout its transport cycle.In retail applications, labels adhered or attached to a product or item of clothing contain barcodes which are read by a scanner during checkout and interpreted by a computer. The computer recognizes the barcode’s data bit reference and is able to link the item to its sales price and description contained in the store's mainframe database. This product information is reflected, not only, on your sales receipt, but is automatically linked to the store’s inventory tracking system which knows to deduct the quantity of the item purchased from the stores current level of inventory. This entire process occurs in a matter of seconds with only minimal data entry required by the checkout person in the form of quantity purchased – e.g. one or more.
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