February 15th, 2011 at 08:27am Under Forum
Are we being set up for implanted RFID chips through the introduction of “no pen no PIN” credit cards?
as a future solution for the inevitable increase in credit card theft.
By Barcode Scanner 1 comment
August 12th, 2010 at 12:43pm Under Articles
An Introduction To Barcodes
Barcodes encode numeric or textual information in a printable, machine-readable form. The use of barcodes can significantly reduce cost of warehouse management and inventory. Two main forms of barcodes exist today: Linear or normal barcodes encode data over a horizontal stretch of space or one dimension. This kind of barcode typically encodes between four and forty digits or characters. So called area codes encode data in two dimensions, resulting in much higher density which allows for up to three thousand characters to be encoded.
Most linear barcode types will only encode numbers or digits. Two notable exceptions are Code 39 and Code 128 which can also encode alphanumeric characters like letters. Two dimensional area codes usually encode numbers, letters and special characters.
The most common linear barcode type is Code EAN which is used to encode article numbers in retail. It’s used throughout the world with the notable exception of the USA which uses a related code, Code UPC, for the same purpose. A special form of Code EAN carries a so called Addon, a smaller barcode next to the main barcode that can encode pricing information and the like. Code EAN with a five digit Addon is used to encode ISBN (International Standard Book Number), while Code EAN with a two digit Addon is used to encode ISSN (International Standard Serials Number).
Other notable linear barcode symbologies and their applications include Code 39 (used for pharmaceuticals), Code 128 (warehouse management and retail) and Code Two-Of-Five (warehouse management and inventory).
The most common two dimensional area codes are PDF417 and Datamatrix, both of which are used in manufacturing, package tracking and similar applications which require large data amounts to be encoded.
Barcode Checksums
To ensure safe and error free reading and scanning of barcodes, all common barcode symbologies support so called checksum or check digit schemes. A checksum or check digit is an additional character or number that is calculated from the encoded data and appended to the barcode. While reading the barcode the scanner or reader can verify the checksum and determine if the barcode was scanned correctly. This is especially important if the barcode can easily be damaged or be tampered with. Simple check digit systems like the sort that is used with most linear barcodes will only detect simple errors, like a missing character. More sophisticated systems, especially those used with area barcodes can not only detect but also repair any damage that may have occurred to the code.
Barcode Applications
Today barcodes enjoy wide spread use through all types of businesses. The first major application of barcodes was in the retail sector where the codes would encode article numbers, manufacturer data and pricing. Another prominent use of barcodes is in the transport industry where the codescarry address and tracking information. Finally, two dimensional area codes have recently gained much popularity for use in personal identity cards, drivers licenses and so forth. They are also used for the tagging of electronic parts like computer or memory chips.
Article from FOLD.COM – The Barcode Authority.
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July 30th, 2010 at 12:49pm Under Articles
Barcode Laser Scanner: Introduction to Asset Management
Management of basic assets is a label written with a marker on valuable items or carved with a knife. It doesn’t look very good on something new and costly but it may help the police identify the item if it is found after being stolen. Other options include plastic or paper labels that are printed with the name of the owner as well as phone number and address. However, a thief may easily remove these. Finally, the best quality permanent item tags that are made out of polyester or aluminum are the best choices for property ID and tracking. Generally, people are normally satisfied with the knowledge that their items are correctly identified. A more superior group of needs is required for businesses. Assets like furniture, tools, heavy machinery electronics and computers are significant capital which should be utilized optimally to make an investment as profitable as it can be. Damage, downtime and theft should be eliminated or minimized. Under the best circumstances, the asset should be performing perfectly all the time. An asset management solution is implemented by intelligent business owners.
The main parts of a system for asset management is-
A usual method to ID a type of item, normally a asset tag to get the info that is relative to the item; software so that the info may be automated and utilized; some type of device such as a barcode scanner that connects the item to the database and software
The basis of the program is the asset tag. Every tag contains a bar code or number. A barcode is simply a graphical representation of data in alphanumeric form which will function in reference to the database. The stored info is retrieved upon being read by the barcode scanner or a person. The kind of asset as well as the situation is what goes into selecting an asset tag.
The info referenced by the asset tag ranges from very easy to very complicated.
The description and name of the asset condition and where it located is provided. Also, service records and warranty details as well as contact information and information for the replacement of parts are available.
All of this is very valuable data when properly utilized.
The cohesive part of an asset management program includes the software. The most superior software is made to be easy to use, very configurable and able to be used for many different things. The selection of software for asset management depends upon desired functions and existing conditions.
Using a system for the management of assets is much more simple than most people think it will be. When the software is put in asset tags are planted on assets and scanned which begins a novel record. At this time or at a later time, all the asset data may be entered.
Portable data scanners and barcode scanners are optional and only required under the conditions that asset tags are printed with a barcode symbol. Barcode 128 andBarcode 39 are most commonly utilized. For big corporations and complicated situations that involved many assets, barcode readers are necessary. Many assets may be batch processed and scanned and updated with real- time software and wireless item transmission is supported.
As moveable items such as laptops, tools and vehicles are moving through a controlled area, the affixed asset tags may be scanned and condition and location are updated. For everyday jobs such as upgrades and maintenance of reading and scans the record will be updated. These are some of the useful jobs that may be automated by a well executed and organized system for the management of assets.
Nowadays every single business with a POS must take into consideration the need for hand held scanners – an example of which is ls2208. For their almost 100% accuracy in tracking valuable assets as well the ease of use, these scanners are favorites with the business community.
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July 7th, 2010 at 12:44am Under Articles
An Introduction To Barcode Equipment
A complete barcode system will consist of software, scanners, a printer or labeler and labels for thermo transfer or thermo direct printing. Also of interest are mobile terminals for mobile data acquisition with a built-in scanner or reader, a display and a keyboard. A POS (point of sale) solution will require laser barcode scanners with high throughput and automatic triggering for hands-free barcode scanning.
Barcode Software
Barcodes are created with special software. While barcode software for Microsoft Windows is available, best suited for barcode creation are Apple Macintosh computers. Macs are preferable due to their strong position in the DTP, prepress and graphics market segment. A typical barcode software will support the common symbologies, calculate checksums automatically and will provide a variety of output options with support for the most common images formats (like PNG, TIFF or JPG) and also for Post Script or EPS.
A cheap alternative to dedicated barcode generators are so called barcode fonts. However, the quality a barcode created with such a font will usually not conform to the respective standards.
Depending on the application the use of dedicated, barcode enabled, label printing software may be advised. For example, such software can be used to print sequential barcodes (for serial numbers) or print logos or product images next to the actual barcode.
Barcode Scanner
Barcode Scanners, also known as barcode readers exist in various forms: The most common type are laser scanners. Here a moving laser beam scans the code which results in fast and error free reading. A cheap alternative to laser scanners are CCD scanners that feature a row of light emitting diodes and photo detectors. The earliest type of barcode reader where so called barcode wands, also known a magic wands. Here a single light emitting diode (LED) and a single photo detector are used to detect the typical black and white pattern of a barcode. While laser and CCD barcode scanners scan a barcode as a whole the barcode wand has to be swiped across the code to read it.
Barcode Printers
Barcode printers are used to print the barcode on self adhesive labels. Today most barcode label printers work in either thermo direct or thermo transfer mode. Using the thermo direct principle the print head applies heat to selected parts of the label which then turn dark. This is the same principle as is used with older fax machines. Thermo direct labels are sensitive to light and should not be used if they have to last longer than a few days or weeks. Typical applications are address labels which only have to last a few days.
With thermo transfer printers a heat sensitive ribbon (thermo transfer ribbon) sits between the print head and the label. As heat is applied to the ribbon, ink transfers (hence the name) from the ribbon to the label. Labels that wereprinted with thermo transfer are very durable. However, besides the actual label the transfer ribbon is another consumable which will increase the printing cost.
Article from FOLD.COM – The Barcode Authority.
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