Latest News
Updated:
03/21/2003
Baracoda
to Present the First Range of Bluetooth Wireless Barcode Scanners at CeBIT
2003
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Handhelds Support LANs, WANs
Overview
A well-known application for scanners is barcode reading. Barcodes can be found on virtually any packaged product. Typical barcode-based inventory systems are used by warehouses, supermarkets, department stores, bookstores and libraries, but any business with an inventory can make use of the barcode system.
A barcode system consists of the actual scanner, which can be wireless and hand-held or stationary like at a checkout counter, and the connection to a computer where inventory software runs the administration. Depending on the sophistication of the chosen system, ordering on low stock items can occur automatically with or without any further human intervention.
Advantages of a Barcode System
Improve Operational Efficiency
Since barcodes permit faster and more accurate recording of information,
work can move quickly and be tracked precisely. Much time can be spent
tracking down the location or status of inventory that moves within an
organization. Barcodes help keep better track so time can be saved and
responses to inquiries and changes are more efficient.
Reduce Errors
Clerical and data entry errors can be a significant source of costs and
related problems: extra freight costs, dissatisfied customers, and time
spent to track down problems are just a few examples. Barcode scanners
are much more accurate; the error rate can be as good as 1 error in 36
trillion characters depending on the type of barcode used.
Cut Costs
Barcodes are effective tools that can be used to address specific, localized
problems or integrated into organization-wide information systems. When
applied with thought and planning they can save time and reduce errors,
resulting in a reduction of costs.
Benefit from Customer or Regulatory
Requirements
Regulatory agencies or your customers may impose labeling requirements
that you must meet. While these requirements may be a necessary part of
doing business, you can save time and money by utilizing the barcodes
within your own operations. For example, you can collect shipping manifest
information quickly and accurately by scanning the barcode labels that
you printed to satisfy the customer.
Why Go Wireless?
Example: A 1 million-square-foot building
with 3,000 pieces of fire and safety equipment. All require inspection
to prove compliance including more than 1,000 fire extinguishers, hundreds
of fire pumps, and safety exits.
For many facilities, that means fire and safety technicians with clipboards,
paper, and pencils must record all inspections on handwritten log sheets.
When they're finished, they must enter all information into a computer.
Hours, days or weeks later, someone prints out reports and shuffles them
into a filing cabinet.
By using a barcode scanning system a
technician can use a hand-held computer to scan barcodes placed on fire
extinguishers and other safety equipment. Each time a barcode is scanned,
the time, date, and location of the information is automatically recorded
and sent to the computer network right then and there.
A facilities professional sitting at a PC has immediate access to all
of the day's inspection information, and can then print out detailed reports
in minutes. The rapid evolution of wireless technology has given birth
to software applications that render once time-consuming building operations
fast, efficient and highly effective.
These results are achieved by using wireless local area network (WLAN) technology. This system involves strategically placed antennas, or access points, that create a wireless bridge between existing hard-wired LANs and wireless devices. This powerful backbone enables a user to implement multiple applications and devices, offering connectivity with other departments and buildings as an added bonus.
Using a wireless system in conjunction with hand-held computers, software and barcodes for inventory management often yield an immense increase in productivity. Technicians are no longer burdened with paperwork. Data entry is eliminated, and data integrity is restored. Mistakes caused by human error are greatly reduced.
But the biggest advantage in using wireless technology is the rapid increase in productivity. Technicians are freed up to complete other tasks, maximizing efficiency and facility operations as a whole.
As technologies advance, and wireless hardware manufacturers improve their product, solutions not only become faster, more reliable, and more effective, but more affordable as well.