Auto ID Technology

Overview

Automatic identification (Auto ID) technology includes scanners, printers, and software that enable the automatic collection of data consisting of information about the identity of the object or individual scanned. In its broadest sense, Auto ID technology includes bar code systems, radio frequency identification (RFID) systems, optical character readers (OCR), and certain biometric identification systems, such as retinal scanners and speaker identification (voice recognition) systems.

Many auto ID technologies, including bar coding, involve “line-of-sight” scanning, in which a beam of light must be passed over the object within a given proximity in order to register the data. CCD bar code scanners must pass within a few inches of a bar code, whereas laser scanners have an operating range of up to two feet. Bar code scanners may be handheld or stationary, rugged or general-purpose, and may be stand-alone or integrated into a computer terminal or handheld computer. Portable scanners are wireless-enabled for use in mobile environments or at the point-of-activity.

Bar code scanners perform two functions: they convert visible bars and spaces into an electrical signal, and then decode the signal according to a specified standard bar code format, or symbology. The decoded signal is then transferred through an interface to a computer system where it is processed by application software. There are dozens of bar code symbologies, including one-dimensional (1D), two-dimensional (2D), Reduced Space Symbology (RSS), and others. Newer, denser bar codes are capable of encoding more detailed information than first-generation bar codes, which encode only manufacturer and product information.

Business Benefits

Auto ID technology drastically reduces the time and labor required to input data manually, while simultaneously improving data accuracy. It improves business process efficiencies through its ability to automate sorting and tracking, and improves inventory management when used in conjunction with databases and application software.

Markets and Applications

Industrial bar code technology systems have been in use for more than 40 years and are considered mature, proven systems. Bar code systems are widely used in warehousing, distribution, shipping, manufacturing, retail, healthcare and other industries to expedite the movement of goods through the supply chain, track products, raw materials, and assets, and improve inventory management. Bar coding accelerates the checkout process in libraries and retail stores, and is an important component of the growing number of self-checkout lanes in some retail establishments. The legal services industry uses bar coding to insert boilerplate language into contracts and other documents. Applications of bar coding are almost limitless.

ScanOnline: One-Stop Auto ID Shop

ScanOnline is a full-service provider of bar code solutions, offering industry-leading hardware, software, and media products, wireless networks, and professional services.  We provide a broad range of bar code scanners, printers, verifiers, handheld computers, and batteries designed for general-purpose, high-output, or rugged environmental use. Our printer and media products range from durable asset tags to high-output industrial printing. ScanOnline software solutions include packaged applications for asset tracking, point-of-sale, label design, and inventory management, as well as application development toolkits to enable the creation of custom data collection applications. We offer wireless local area networks (WLANs) to connect wireless-enabled scanners and printers, and employ a staff of wireless engineers to help design, implement, and configure wireless networks. Our Professional Services Group can help make the integration and management of business data easy, through planning, development, implementation, and support services.