Taking Bar Coding to the Next Level

The Next Dimension of Bar Code Data Collection

Bar codes, and the technology behind them, are old hat. The benefits (proven accuracy and speed improvements over manual data entry) have been proven over and over again in a wide variety of applications. And let's face it, the excitement has worn off. Because bar coding is so closely integrated in our manufacturing and supply chain processes, we often lose sight of the potential.

Believe it or not, there is another dimension to bar coding. And this new dimension adds functionality. Functionality that increases the amount of information available on your bar code labels, while reducing the number of scans and space required to store and retrieve critical information.

Traditional Bar Codes

Common uses of bar code data collection involve automation of high-volume transaction processes with the primary goals being timeliness and accuracy. Such processes include shipping, receiving or the checkout counter at your favorite grocery store.

In most cases, linear or one-dimensional bar codes on a carton or product are scanned to "read" a product code, stock keeping unit (SKU) number, or serial number. They are also used to retrieve additional information such as price or stock location from a backend database or application.

To complicate matters, some transactions require several bar code fields on a label to be scanned in order for the information to be transmitted correctly. Some applications may even require that they be scanned in a specific order. Both these requirements lessen the efficiency and accuracy of the bar coding systems currently in place.

The Next Dimension

Compared to linear bar codes, two-dimensional bar codes hold significantly more data and occupy less space on your product packaging or label. Your bar code labels can be taken from a mere tracking and identification component to a self-contained product information solution, adding additional value and efficiency for your customer and internal operations. So what benefits do the next dimension of bar codes bring to those who implement them? Here are just a few examples:

• In the field. Equipment serial number, warranty expiration date and other service related information could be encoded on a single 2D label for quick lookup by service technicians in the field without requiring access to any remote systems - and fewer phone calls to customer support!
• On the line. Item information that currently requires multiple bar codes to be scanned during shipping, receiving and inventory operations can be combined into a single 2D bar code.
• One size fits all. Products that are too small for a linear bar code can now be labeled and tracked.

Common 2D bar codes are available in two basic flavors: "stacked" and "matrix" "Stacked" bar codes include symbologies such as PDF417 where rows of data are grouped and vertically stacked.

PDF417 symbols can contain between 1000 and 2000 characters.

"Matrix" symbologies such as UPS's MaxiCode, contain data that is encoded based on the position of a dot or other shape within a matrix.

MaxiCode symbols are approximately 1" x 1" in size and contain up to 93 characters of data.

Another matrix symbology, Data Matrix, can store over 2000 characters and is well suited for use in limited space, encoding as much as 50 characters in a 2-3mm square (.07 to .11 inches).

Narrative: The Two Paths for Bar Codes

A local manufacturer receives components from an overseas vendor. Each shipment from the vendor includes one or more orders. Our local manufacturer is required to track each component throughout its manufacturing and distribution processes. To facilitate tracking, each component is assigned a serial number by the overseas vendor. Arriving shipments include between 150 and 500 components.

Traditional...
As a shipment arrives, the receiving operator scans a shipping label on each component package. The shipping label includes bar code fields for the order number, part number and serial number. To complete receipt of an item, all three fields are scanned. The bar code scanning application validates the order number and part number as they are scanned and also verifies that the serial number is unique for the part being scanned. The average time to complete a receipt transaction for each item is 6-10 seconds. For a 100-item shipment, 300 scans are performed, taking anywhere from 10 to 15 minutes to complete. For a 500-item order, the operator performs 1500 scans, taking close to an hour or more to complete!

Next Dimension...
Having just read a very interesting newsletter from her favorite mobile and wireless solution provider, the Logistics Manager discovers her current data collection equipment supports 2D bar codes and negotiates with the overseas vendor to re-label their components with a new label using a 2D bar code field that combines the order number, part number and serial number in a single field. Receiving operators now only perform 100 scans for a 100-item shipment and 500 scans for a 500-item shipment. Total transaction time is now under 30 minutes for the large orders; smaller orders are completed in less than 5 minutes! The manufacturer can now handle double the previous receiving volume with no increase in staff.

Putting the Technology into Practice

In order to effectively take advantage of the next dimension of bar code technology, there are a couple of things you need to do. First, you should ensure that your printers and label design software support 2D symbologies. Secondly, verify that you and your partner's scanning hardware is capable of reading 2D symbols.

Clearly 2D Bar Coding adds the depth and functionality that today's fast moving, information rich manufacturers demand. It is truly the next dimension of bar code technology and continues to prove itself to be a low-cost, simple approach for making your product information readily accessible regardless of its location or size.

Updating your existing processes to accommodate the efficiencies and accuracy of a 2D solution is not as overwhelming as it first seems. Fortunately, new imaging scanners are capable of scanning both linear and 2D bar codes and offer exceptional performance and reliability. And, you can often implement these new systems using hardware and applications you already have in place.

Visit us at www.pragmatyxs.com for more information on how Pragmatyxs can help you take advantage of 2D bar codes and other data collection technologies.

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