Automatic data collection
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Also known as automatic identification (Auto ID) or automatic data identification and collection, automatic data collection (ADC) refers to a system which utilizes bar codes and other symbologies to provide information.[1] Automatic data collection systems may consist of fixed terminals, portable terminals and computers, radio frequency terminals, and various types of bar code scanners.[2]
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Types of ADC Systems
Bar Code
- Main article: Bar code
Bar codes may be linear or two dimensional (2D). Linear bar codes are the most traditional and consist of many different symbologies. 2D bar code symbologies can store more data than linear codes, but require special scanners to read them.
Bar Code Scanner
- Laser scanner: Laser scanners use a laser beam that moves back and forth across the bar code reading the light and dark spaces. Laser scanners have been in use for decades and are capable of scanning bar codes at significant distances.
- CCD scanner: CCD (charged coupled device) scanners act like small digital cameras, taking a digital image of the bar code to be decoded. CCD scanners are typically less expensive than laser scanners, but have a shorter scan distance.
- Keyboard-wedge scanner: Keyboard-wedge scanners connect between a computer keyboard and the computer and send ASCII data to the computer as if the scanner were a keyboard. More simply put, the computer doesn't know that a scanner is attached and treats the data as though it were key strokes from the user. The advantage of this is that there is no need for special software or programming on the computer.
- Fixed position scanner: Fixed position scanners are used where a bar code is moved in front of the scanner as opposed to the scanner being moved to the bar code. Applications include grocery check out counters and automated conveyor systems. Many fixed position scanners are omni-directional which means that the bar code does not have to be oriented any specific way to be read.
Portable Computer
- Batch terminal: Batch terminals are used to collect data into files on the device and are later connected to a computer to have the files downloaded.
- RF terminal: RF terminals use radio frequency waves to communicate live with the host system or network. While batch devices were heavily used in the past and still have viable applications today, the introduction of wireless standards has made RF technology much more affordable and easier to maintain and implement.
- Hand-held devices: Hand-held devices often come with integrated bar-code scanners (as shown) however, they can be used without a scanner or with a separate scanner.
- Vehicle-mounted devices
- Wearable systems
Radio Frequency Identification
- Main article: RFID
Radio frequency identification (RFID) refers to devices attached to an object that transmit data to an RFID receiver. These devices can be large pieces of hardware the size of a small book like those attached to ocean containers, or very small devices inserted into a label on a package. RFID has advantages over bar codes such as the ability to hold more data, the ability to change the stored data as processing occurs, it does not require line-of-sight to transfer data, and it is very effective in harsh environments where bar code labels won't work. RFID signals can be compromised by materials such as metals and liquids.
- Active tags: RFID tags that contain their own power source (battery) and have longer read ranges.
- Passive tags: RFID tags powered by the signal generated from the reader device.
- Read/write tags: RFID tags that can have their data changed.
- Read only tags: RFID tags that are programmed once and their data cannot be changed.
- EPC (electronic product code): A set of standards designed to utilize RFID technology for the tracking of individual items as well as cases and pallets. EPC is similar to UPC used for bar code tracking of consumer goods.
- GTAG (global tag): An international RFID standard that can be used for general asset tracking.
- RFID reader: Also known as an interrogator, this is a device that reads RFID tags.[3]
