Automatic Identification and Data Collection Technology ISYE 3103 Automatic Identification and Data Collection Technology

Objectives Understand importance of data collection Learn basics of different data collection technologies Investigate trade-offs between different technologies

Data Examples: part numbers, dates and times, quantities, employee numbers, etc. Data converted into information is required for making good decisions

Need Quality Data What is “Quality” Data? Accurate Timely Effective Reliable

Manual Data Entry

Manual Data Entry Highly prone to errors The more complex the data entry, the higher the probability of making an error Slow Costly

Error Rates of Data Collection Keyboard manual input 1 in 300 Bar codes 1 in 3 million Depending on the bar code technology, the error rates can be even lower

Automatic Data Collection Technologies

Automatic Data Collection Technologies Bar Coding RFID – Radio Frequency Identification Optical Character Recognition Magnetic Stripe Smart Cards

Where is Auto Data Collection Used?

Where is Auto Data Collection Used? Retail Manufacturing Distribution Healthcare Military

Bar Coding Spatial representation of encoded characters

Bar Code System Steps Coding requirement – what are data needs? Machine readable language – “Symbology.” How will data be encoded? Bar code printing Bar code verification – quality control Bar code scanning – read the data Transmit data Use the data

Bar Coding Symbology vs. Data Structure Symbology Types Self-checking Bars 2-D Matrix Self-checking Symbology is how the symbols translate into raw data – numbers Data structure is what the number means Symbologies Bars – based on widths of bars and spaces between bars - Some based on heights of bars 2-D – Stacked bar code, higher data density Matrix – based on 2-d array, higher data density Usually have start/stop codes so can be read upside down. Codes are self-checking with use of check characters. - mathematically calculated based on data content. - e.g. add digits in data and take last digit of sum as check digit, include check digit in data, and verify match when reading Top bar code in picture on right is 2-dimensional – like on the back of your driver’s license

Data Structures Global Trade Item Number Unique 14 digit number to identify items in the supply chain Contains many different data structures, e.g. U.P.C. EPC EAN/UCC-14

Bar Code Readers Wands Lasers Charged Couple Devices (CCD)

Bar Code Readers - Wands Advantages Lightweight Lower cost Rugged Lower power requirement Disadvantages Training required Efficiency Contact scanning

Bar Code Readers - CCD Advantages Moderate cost Easy to use No moving parts (rugged) Light weight Typically decoded output Disadvantages Limited depth of field

Bar Code Readers - Lasers Advantages Depth of field User acceptance Disadvantages Power requirements Higher cost Prone to break-downs

Bar Code Labels Characteristics: cost, texture, ease of application, resistance to the elements, tendency to peel, life expectancy, resistance to scratching/tearing Types: Paper, vinyl, polystyrene, … Must choose based on requirements

Bar Code Printing On-site vs. Off-site Performance factors Speed Contrast Accuracy Choose printer to meet your needs

Bar Code Verification Bridge between printing and scanning Quality control – checking the bar codes for readability (not just by scanning) Why verify? – prevent errors, fines When to verify? – during printing process, when things done to bar code

Cost of Bar Coding Average cost of system: $50-250 K Average payback: less than 5 months Consider cost of correcting a mistake Wrong item shipped to customer Wrong part installed on an aircraft Wrong medicine administered to a patient

Bar Coding Advantages Disadvantages

Bar Coding Advantages Relatively inexpensive Widely used Open system Standards Disadvantages Symbol must be visible Static data Symbol may be degraded or separated from product

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Uses radio waves to transmit data Non contact, no line of sight required Suitable for harsh conditions Three Components to System Transponder (RF tag) Antenna or coil Transceiver (with decoder)

Pushing RFID Major customers are demanding RFID Wal-mart Department of Defense

RFID Tags Active vs. Passive Read Only and Read/Write

RFID Antennae Various shapes and sizes Wide range of frequencies Can transmit through non-metallic objects

RFID Controller Interface between antenna and host system Often combined with antenna

Applications of RFID Transportation/Distribution FDA – keeping drug supply safe Retail – electronic surveillance Automated toll collection Controlled access of personnel Flexible manufacturing systems

RFID at Item Level As RFID chips become cheaper, may become feasible to have an RFID chip on every product you buy… What are potential benefits? Who benefits? Who pays?

RFID Advantages Disadvantages

RFID Advantages No line of sight required Read and write Disadvantages Relatively higher cost Privacy concerns

Bringing it Together Supply Chain Management requires lots of data that is timely and accurate Automatic Data Collection technologies can provide this data at relatively lower cost

Have a Nice Day!