Bar Code and Related Technologies
This page addresses four specific Technologies: Bar Coding; Hand Held Computing; RF Links for hand held computers; and RFID - Radio Frequency Identification. One or more of these technologies is key to each of our systems. This page is intended to provide an overview of those technologies for those not already familiar with them. A general knowledge of these topics is very helpful in determining how a new system can work, and the benefits that it can bring to any new organisation. This page provides the highlights. Links provide more detailed information.
Bar codes are nothing more than a different font - a font that is easy to read for a computer (but difficult to read if you are human being). The primary benefit is that the bar code can be read quickly and accurately, and that the bar code information cab be easily printed onto a label - low cost, small size. There are many different symbologies, and it is important not to pick the wrong one. There are limits to the information that can be included. There are rules that need to be followed when placing a bar code on an object. And there are many rules to follow if you print your own bar codes. Click here to find out more about bar code technology.
Hand held computers are in many ways similar to the desktop and laptop computers that we are all familiar with. They differ in the size of the screen and keyboard, and that they operate with batteries, and are subject to rougher treatment. Although similar in concept, there are many differences in the way that applications are written. The small screen and keyboard mean that a different approach is required to ensure an effective user interface. The different operating systems place further restrictions. And special steps are required to protect the data, whether the unit is in constant communication via RF, or intermittently connected, and storing data locally. Click here to find more about the strengths and weaknesses of hand held computers.
In the beginning, hand held computers were loaded with data at the beginning of a shift, and data was moved back from the hand held unit when the work was completed. For many appllications, this is still the best solution, but increasingly the hand held computers are in constant communication, linked to the main database by RF (Radio Frequency Communication). Setting up an RF system can be difficult. In many cases, a site survey costing several thousand dollars is recommended. But we don't believe that is always justified. Click here to find more about the strengths and weaknesses of RF for hand held computers.
For Radio Frequency Identification - not to be confused with the RF used to link a hand held computer to the main network. RFID is similar in function to a bar code, and many recent articles have explained why RFID is inherently superior. Our view is that "it depends". For some applications, the old fashioned bar code is the better choice. There are also a lot of exaggerated claims in the media for RFID. Click here to find out the truth about RFID, and to see whether barcodes or RFID are better for your application.
