BARCODE

BARCODE TECHNOLOGY

 What is barcode?

·         It is an automatic identification technology

·          Bar code is a predefined format of dark bars and white spaces

·         Structured to contain a specific piece of information

·          It allows real-time data to be collected accurately and rapidly

·          Combination of barcode technology with computer and application software improves performance, productivity and profitability

Why use barcodes?

·         As far back as the 1960s, barcodes were used in industrial work environments. Some of the early implementations of barcodes included the ability identify rail,road,cars,etc

·         In the early 1970s, common barcodes started appearing on grocery shelves. To automate the process of identifying grocery items,

·         UPC barcodes were placed on products.

·          Today, barcodes are just about everywhere and are used for identification in almost all types of business.

·         When barcodes are used in the business process, procedures are automated to increase productivity and reduce human error.

·          Whenever there is a need to accurately identify or track something, bar-coding should be used.

·         For example,

o   in a data entry work environment workers may be required to enter an enormous amount of data into a customer database system. instead of manually typing a customer identification number into a database, if the information is contained in a barcode, a data entry operator may scan it in. This would increase automation and reduce human error.

 Barcode Types:

  The type of barcode to use for a particular situation depends upon

o   The use.

o   The data encoded in the barcode.

o   How the barcode will be printed.

There are two types of barcodes:

v  Linear barcodes

v  2D barcodes.

Reading the barcodes:

v  One of the most common tools for reading barcodes is the hand held barcode scanner.

v   All of the barcode scanners recommended and sold by ID Automation have built-in decoders that can read several different bar code types.

v  Most of the scanners sold by ID Automation receive their power from the PC keyboard or USB port so no external power supply is required.

v   When a barcode is scanned, the data is sent to the PC as if it was typed using a keyboard.

Advantages

v  REPRESENT UNIQUE IDENTITY OF A PRODUCT

v   ACCURACY OF DATA INPUT (ERROR FREE)

v  LABOUR SAVINGS BY AVOIDING MANUAL SYSTEM

v   MORE ACCURATE DESPATCH  COST EFFICIENT

v  REAL TIME DATA COLLECTION

v  MEASUREMENT OF WORK IN PROGRESS THROUGHOUT THE FACTORY

 Disadvantages:

v  System Failure may cost more delays.

v   Scratched or crumpled barcodes may cause problems

v   Data must be coded in the barcode