RFID Systems - Allied Automation, Inc.

Barcode Imaging SystemsFundamentals of Barcode ImagingIntroduction To Data MatrixPepperl+Fuchs manufactures a broad range of barcodereaders for a variety of applications. From collection ofinventory data using wireless handhelds to high-speed readerscapable of capturing rapidly moving packaging in an industrialenvironment, we have the right barcode imager for yourapplication.When it comes to barcodes, smaller is better. AllPepperl+Fuchs barcode imagers are capable of reading ECC200 (Error Correction Code) Data Matrix symbology. ECC200 is a very efficient two-dimensional (2-D) matrix barcodesymbology that holds extensive data in a small footprint. Byutilizing powerful Reed-Solomon error correction algorithms,ECC 200 allows error-free reading, even when a symbol ispartially lost or destroyed.An additional feature of Data Matrix symbology comes fromits compact size. Because of their small size and large datacapacity, Data Matrix symbols can be used to bring a datafileto a part or product. In this way, traceabliity or detailedinformation on a process is maintained with the componentitself. It is no longer necessary to relate codes to a separatelymaintained database.Our family of barcode imagers consists of handheld and fixedmount industrial units:HandheldsAll units are capable of scanning 2-D barcodes (Data Matrix/ECC200, PDF417, QR, Aztec), all legacy 1-D bar codes plusRSS and Composite symbologies.Fixed mount, stationary readingAll units are capable of scanning 2-D barcodes (Data Matrix/ECC200, PDF417, QR, Aztec), all legacy 1-D bar codes plusRSS and Composite symbologies.Fixed mount, moving barcodeThese products are compatible with Data Matrix/ECC200,Code 39, I 2 of 5 and Pharmacode symbologies.Applications And MarketsAs additional information is stored with a part, 2-D barcodesare expected to replace many older barcode symbologies. Thefollowing example illustrates why higher data content is animportant factor.Imagine the assembly of a widget that uses an electric motor.Depending on the product specifications, several motorsare available during the assembly. In the past, the processrequired the operator to scan the motor, enabling productioncontrol to verify that the operator assembled the productwith, for instance, a 110 V motor. A part number is usuallyused to make this association. As the need for better productand quality tracing became apparent, many manufacturersadded a second barcode with a part’s serial number. Nowit is possible to trace any problems to the lot or time ofmanufacture of the motor. This simple addition introducedseveral problems:• Scanning two barcodes takes twice as long.• Production control software must allow the operator to scanthe codes in any order (part number first or serial numberfirst). This introduces a new level of complexity and softwaretesting.• The size of the part may not allow placement of additionalbarcodes.• Traditional barcodes do not offer data correction, resultingin more misreads as additional barcodes are placed on theproduct.This scenario becomes even more complex as additional datais needed. A 2-D barcode, specifically the Data Matrix code, isthe natural solution to those problems because:• The symbol is small and offers high data density.• It provides a fast, one scan operation.• The sequence of the data (part number, serial number, etc.)is built into the symbol and, therefore, is always transmittedin the correct order, simplifying software development.• Advanced error correction reduces the number of misreadsand no-reads.Transitioning from a traditional barcode-based approach to2-D barcodes is unproblematic since our imaging systemsread all common 1-D and 2-D barcodes. Users can grow intoapplications by first replacing old 1-D barcode readers withone of these models and then switching to the Data Matrixsymbology as the application demands greater amounts ofdata or traceabliity.Aircraft OEMs, Customers & SuppliersDue to industry standardization,use of 2-D barcodes is offto a great start. In the airlineindustry, SPEC2000 provides,airlines, airframe manufacturers,service facilities, etc. a platformfrom which they can provide:• Customer Receipt ProcessSuppliers provide bar codingon the document/label/ tagfor a shipment.• Repair Agency ReceiptAgencies process barcodedshipment labels designed forrepair centers.• Permanent PartsIdentificationAllows tracking of serialized parts throughout a productslifetime. These include provisioning, processing warrantyclaims, tracking part flight hours and landings, tracking partinstallation and removal time.• Traceability DataAllows permanent parts traceability from beginning to end ofa part’s life.Pepperl+Fuchs®Inc. • 1600 Enterprise Parkway • Twinsburg, Ohio 44087-2245 • www.am.pepperl-fuchs.comTelephone (330) 486-0001 • FAX (330) 405-4710 • E-Mail: sales@us.pepperl-fuchs.com105