Mark Beauchamp of Citizen Systems Europe, explores the
benefits of two dimensional (2D) barcodes in the warehouse
environment and details how the latest scanning and
printer technology makes it simple for companies to
implement cradle-to-grave traceability of parts and
assemblies

Although 2D barcodes have been
around for some time, they have
until recently been seen as a
relatively specialised solution. However,
following acceptance by GS1, the body
responsible for the international standards
used for traditional UPC/EAN codes, the
rate of uptake of 2D barcodes has increased
significantly.

Often referred to as portable databases, 2D
barcodes have the capacity to store a wealth
of information that can be used to drive
decisions and processes, whichß traditional
technologies simply could not provide.With
the ability to manage both
stacked and composite 2D
barcodes, the GS1 system
allows encoding of
standardised application
identifiers, with batch codes,
time stamps and expiry
dates, while enabling
enhanced security via
authentication and
traceability.

Furthermore, 2D
technologies can provide
this information without
the need for remote
database access. For
example, personnel in a
warehouse can simply scan a 2D barcode on
a component using a handheld device to get
all the identification information needed,
helping to improve efficiency and streamline
many manual processes.

The system has a number of benefits in a
diverse range of applications throughout
industry for automated routing and
assembly, work in process tracking, data
entry for quality control testing, product
genealogy and lifetime tracking. 2D barcodes
provide reliable performance even on curved
surfaces and can be produced at extremely
small sizes, making them suitable for use
with particularly compact or irregularly
shaped objects and components.

2D barcode technology can play an
important role in preventing problems, such
as fraud, without the need to invest in new
IT and RFID systems. For example, cost
savings can be realised by minimising the
problem of counterfeiting through the use of
2D barcodes for product tracking and
identification. This technology allows the
process to be achieved at minimal cost and
has the additional benefit of helping to
protect brand integrity and providing greater
data management.

The rate of uptake has been increased still
further with the introduction both of new
area imaging scanning systems and, just as
importantly, new rugged mobile and
portable printing systems. These can be used
as centralised static devices or be carried by,
for example, quality inspectors and
warehouse staff, for labelling parts and
assemblies during handling and storage
procedures, as well as prior to dispatch.

For example, the latest specialised printers
feature all metal mechanisms and robust
plastic casings, allowing them to operate
effectively over long service lives in even the
most demanding commercial applications.

They have also been manufactured with all
major components, including the power
supply, Ethernet connection and wireless
LAN, housed within the printer casing,
providing a compact, reliable and safe
solution that avoids trailing cables.

To ensure maximum productivity, the
printers have a number of features to make
them simple and fast to use. For example, a
vertically opening design makes it easy to
access the inside of the printer for media and
ribbon loading, while keeping the
dimensions of the units to an absolute
minimum. Both media and ribbons can be
changed in seconds, with little risk of
jamming or tangling, reducing the risk of
errors and leaving staff free to focus on more
important tasks.

In particular, this latest generation of
printers can accommodate various media
types and sizes, meaning that 2D barcodes
can be printed on extremely small labels and
on plastic substrates and metal tags, as well
as traditional paper labels.

To increase the efficiency of printing
systems still further, inline validation systems
are now available that can be integrated into
the latest printers to check labels as they are
printed. This provides a reliable and cost
effective method of ensuring print quality is
maintained. If a problem is detected, possibly
as a result of contamination or print head
degradation, an alarm is activated, alerting
users and allowing operations to continue.

In recent years, there has been a shift in
the perceptions held about 2D barcode
technology; more companies are realising the
benefits that can be gained. Driven equally
by the introduction of ever more innovative
scanning and printing devices, the
technology is increasingly helping
organisations throughout the supply chain to
meet many regulatory requirements and
business objectives, while reducing errors
and, most importantly, improving
productivity and profitability.