 BAR CODING

 A barcode is an optical machine-readable representation of data, which shows data about the object to which it
attaches. Originally, barcodes represented data by varying the widths and spacing of parallel lines, and may be
referred to as linear or 1 dimensional (1D).

 Later they evolved into rectangles, dots, hexagons and other geometric patterns in 2 dimensions (2D). Although
2D systems use a variety of symbols, they are generally referred to as barcodes as well.

 Barcodes originally were scanned by special–optical scanners called barcode readers, scanners and interpretive
software are available on devices including desktop printers and smart phones.

 The very first scanning of the now ubiquitous Universal Product Code(UPC) barcode was on a pack of Wrigley
Company chewing gum in June 1974.

 The first use of barcodes was to label railroad cars, but they were not commercially successful until they were
used to automate supermarket checkout systems, a task for which they have become almost universal.

 Bar code scanners fall into two main categories:

 Automatic

 Handled

 Automatic scanners are in a fixed position and scan packages as they go by on a conveyor belt.

 In contrast, a worker can carry the portable handled scanner or wand throughout the warehouse.

 To read bar codes, these optical scanners emit light beams and translate the reflections bouncing off the black
and white bars into electrical signals. These electrical signals, which the scanners records as binary digits of 1s
and 0s, from the code.

 It wasn't until late 2008 when the barcode began getting its first significant challenge in the retail industry from
radio frequency identification or RFID specifically passive Radio Frequency Identification RFID in 2011 costs
about 5¢ to 15¢ per tag..

 Benefits of Bar code Technology

 Improved Operational Efficiency: Since barcodes permit faster and more accurate recording or information,
work in process can move quickly and be tracked precisely. Bar codes can help keep better track so that one can
save time and respond more quickly to inquiries and changes.

 Save Time: Depending on the application. Time saving can be significant, e.g determining inventory status.
Consider a shipment of 10 cartons.

 Reduce Errors: Clerical and data entry errors can be a significant source of costs and related problems; unhappy
customers and time spent to track down problems are few of the examples.

 Cont….
  Cut Costs: Bar codes can be used to address specific, localized problems or integrated into organization-wide
information systems. Resulting into reduction of costs.

 Customer or Regulatory Requirements: Regulatory agencies or your customers may impose labeling
requirements that you must meet. While these requirements may be a necessary part of doing business.

 Fast and Reliable Data collection:

 Faster Data Entry: A bar code scanner typically can record data five to seven times as fast as a skilled typist.

 10,000 Times Better Accuracy: Keyboard data entry creates an average of one error in 300 keystrokes. Bar code
data entry has an error rate of about 1 in 3 million.

 Disadvantages

 Pricing Issues:

Pricing discrepancies can result if store employees forget to code in discount prices. Customers and
clerks at the check-out then have to deal with correcting the situation.

 Damaged Labels

Bar code readers cannot read labels that are wrinkled, dirty or smudged.

 Upfront Cost

Businesses which still do not use bar codes may avoid doing so because of the high cost for new
equipment.

 Training

Another disadvantage when beginning to use bar codes is having to train employees, which can be a
significant issue if the business is large.

 Printer Requirements

Dot matrix and ink jet printers cannot print high-quality bar codes.

RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION DEVICE (RFID)

 Definition

 RFID (radio frequency identification) is a technology that incorporates the use of electromagnetic or
electrostatic coupling in the radio frequency (RF) portion of the electromagnetic spectrum to uniquely identify
an object, animal, or person.

 RFID is basically a form of labeling where electronic labels or tags are programmed with unique information and
attached to objects that to be identified or tracked, such as pallets, vehicles, automated guided vehicles, etc.

 RFID is sometimes called dedicated short range communication (DSRC).

 An RFID system consists of three components:

 Antenna
  Transceiver

 Transponder

 The antenna uses radio frequency waves to transmit a signal that activates the transponder.

 The RFID system consists of two parts:

 A Tag

 A Reader

 The tag is a small transceiver that is activated by the reader which transmits an signal using radio frequency
waves.

 The tag, in turn, transmits encoded data back to the reader, which acknowledges and logs the signal via a
computer.

 The key components of an RFID system include a tag, a portable tracking device, an antenna an a controller.

 The RFID tag contains a small chip and a coiled antenna to broadcast a signal.

Key components of an RFID solution consists of:

 Hardware, which includes serves, readers and writers, tags, controllers and cabling.

 RFID software for integration to back-end and legacy applications.

 Enhancement of legacy applications to sustain the value RFID can provide.

 There are three types of RFID tags:

 Passive RFID tags: which have no power source and require an external electromagnetic field to initiate a signal
transmission.

 Active RFID tags: which contain a battery and can transmit signals once an external source ('Interrogator') has
been successfully identified.

 Battery assisted passive (BAP) RFID tags: which require an external source to wake up but have significant higher
forward link capability providing greater range.

 Advantages of RFID

 Remote sensing: Physical contact is not required between the data carrier and the communication device.

 Simultaneous reading/Writing: Read/Write capabilities can be performed within the same assembly line or
remotely across continents.

 Mobility: Mobile-tracking devices can be reused or disposed, as the RFID operation requires.

 High accuracy: RFID ensures almost 100% scanning achievement are in the first pass of the item being scanned.

 Cluster reading: Multiple tags can be read simultaneously.

 All-Weather capability: RFID provides the retailer with the ability to scan through all types of weather, as well as
through surroundings such as metals.

 One of the key differences between RFID and bar code technology is RFID eliminates the need for line-of-sight
reading that bar coding depends on.

 The data transmitted can include various product identifiers of value to the manufacturer, shipper, or purchaser.
The signal emitted by an RFID device can help companies track the location and quantity of their inventory.

 RFID device transmits a signal when it is activated by an RFID receiver.

 RFID can be found in car keys, access cards, and libraries.