Automated Data Capture (ADC) and Retrieval consists of two components, an identification and a reader. The simplest ADC is the bar code that we see on so many items in the supermarket and the corresponding retrieval device is the barcode reader. Other systems are RFID, OCR, laser scanners, CCD scanners etc. and direct on computers.

ADC implementation is generally an expensive preposition. However, selection of the proper technology based on the requirement can be an economical way to implement within a realistic budget. It could be as simple as adding a keyboard-wedge bar-code scanner added to an existing PC for existing shop-floor. The hardware for this is quite economical and requires only some programming to add bar code on the items.

The different types of technologies available for encrypting data and retrieving are discussed below:

a) Bar codes
These are the older one dimensional (1-D) and the later developed 2-D type. 1-D barcodes are quite extensively used which consist of shaded thick and thin lines and other shapes and some codes printed on paper or plastic or cardboard. The 2-D bar code on the other hand though costlier, is capable of storing greater amount of data and the scanners are different.

b) Bar-code scanners
The scanners use either of the two technologies Laser or CCD for reading bar codes. We are all familiar with laser beams which have been in use for many years. CCD or charged coupled device scanners take a digital photo of the bar code which is then read. CCD scanners typically work from smaller distance of a few inches while laser scanners can read from longer devices.

c) Keyboard-wedge scanners
Keyboard-wedge scanners are connected between the computer and the keyboard sending data to the computer. The advantage with this system is that it does not require any special programming or software for basic functions. However using the programmable features it can be configured for many different kinds of data. Keyboard wedge scanners are very cheap to implement for data punching and retrieval.

d) Computers
Portable or stationery computers directly used for ADC & R come in an infinite variety of configurations, processors, operating systems, displays and sizes. They can be direct physical connect or remote by use of radio frequency (RF) waves wirelessly.

e) RFID
Tags that are attached to an item for transmitting data to a receiver are referred to as simply RFID or Radio Frequency Identification. These come in various sizes depending on the amount of data to be captured on the tag and are capable of storing huge amounts of data as compared to bar codes. The stored data can be changed from one stage to another and does not require line-of-site to work. The tags are very hardy capable of working in harsh environments.
RFID technology is very advantageous over others but is a little expensive.

All the data capture devices profiled above go hand-in-hand with an Inventory Software and an Asset Management Software. ASAP Systems offers different versions of their Inventory Control and Asset Management Software for trial downloads and anyone can try out the above devices on it.

For over 20 years ASAP Systems – Inventory Software has been providing proven solutions for automated data collection and tracking of assets, items and inventory to some of the world’s premier enterprises in virtually every major industry.