Evolving to meet today's demands

Barcoding continues to play a key role in many diverse sectors despite the technology being more than 30-years-old. Here, Brian Lang, European managing director of SATO International Europe, looks at latest developments and how the technology can help those in industry and manufacturing improve their efficiency and streamline processes

The introduction of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology gave barcodes (a key technology in the Auto Identification and Data Capture sector) a new lease of life. Standard barcodes and RFID enable those in industry to manage their supply chain effectively; however, although a barcoding system can work adequately in isolation, companies usually need to have established a working barcoding system before RFID is implemented as in many cases this technology has been designed to enhance and supplement - not replace - barcodes.

But, this aspect, coupled with the ongoing higher cost of RFID labels and printers required (compared with standard barcode technology) and the considerably higher cost of the initial RFID implementation, means many have been reluctant to fully embrace RFID. The economic downturn should also be considered when analysing the resurgence in investment in standard barcoding technology.

Historically, a key driver for the use of barcodes has been compliance, where regulatory bodies stipulate that barcode labels are used so that a large amount of data, such as life-cycle, component and manufacturer information, can be embedded into a single barcode label. However, many people are now choosing to implement barcoding systems because it provides opportunities to improve processes, supply chain efficiency and cut costs.

Effective barcoding Any effective barcoding solution would include a number of basic elements that would allow for the tracking of goods in and out. Plus, the AIDC solution would need to integrate with IT systems and provide documentation of a product's lifecycle from the manufacturer to the customer.

An area of potential savings within many diverse facilities centres around inventory tracking. In a paper mill, for example, a large paper making machine can have up to one million different components but the management of spares, in line with planned maintenance regimes, can be streamlined through the use of barcoding technology.

Instead of having excess stock levels, or wasting time in searching for misplaced stock, companies will know exactly what they have got and where it is located. This results in less upfront costs, better cash flow management and less inventory taking up plant space. The potential for savings is substantial if this track and trace process is done effectively on an automated scale.

Effective labelling and barcoding systems bring multiple benefits which include the reduction in inventory management expenses, reduced stock levels, a reduction in the need for manual checks, reduced product recall costs, improved support documentation for any track/trace protocol established by regulatory agencies, support in reporting of multi-component traceability, saving time and money on labour costs.

Smart printing The recent development of smart printing technology has introduced a raft of benefits to end-users, including improved productivity, greater accuracy in goods identification and substantial cost reductions. Smart printing is able to consolidate much of a company's IT infrastructure; centralising many of its key printing processes within the printing device itself. Now - with the right state-of-the-art smart platform - the development, installation, adaptation and maintenance of software applications on a single printing device can be a simple, fast process. Plus, by running a number of different, often specialised, printing applications on the same printer; companies need rely on fewer separate devices in the workplace, thus freeing up space. Another benefit is that this approach can easily adapt to suit changing needs and market demands as the manufacturer grows.

In the smart printing arena SATO has introduced a cutting-edge printing platform called Application Enabled Printing (AEP) and the first product to feature this platform is the new TH2 desktop and mobile smart barcode printer. There is no need to invest in a separate PC as the TH2 holds all the required computing power within a single unit. By moving the computing power to the printer itself benefits related to time, cost, space-saving, accuracy and flexibility can be secured.

Innovation in the use of barcoding systems has seen industry use this technology for more than just basic purposes such as inventory management and goodsin/ goods-out solutions. Now the solutions range from quality control and 'work-inprogress' through to reverse logistics, and barcode technology is supporting processes that are essential to production. Despite RFID's initial higher expense it provides many advantages, and when used with the next generation of smart printing, industry will be able to improve productivity and increase efficiencies even further.