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

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

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

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

5. Manual Data Entry

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

7. 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

8. Automatic Data Collection Technologies

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

10. Where is Auto Data Collection Used?

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

12. Bar Coding
Spatial representation of encoded characters

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. Bar Code Readers
Wands
Lasers
Charged Couple
Devices (CCD)

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

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

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

20. 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

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

22. 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

23. 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

24. Bar Coding
Advantages
Disadvantages

25. 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

26. 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)

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

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

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

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

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

32. 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?

33. RFID
Advantages
Disadvantages

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

35. 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

36. Have a Nice Day!