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Automatic Identification and Data Capture

Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) is a broad set of sophisticated technologies that collect vital object/asset, image, sound, and security information without the use of manual data entry. Revolutionary for the manufacturing supply chain and personnel security, AIDC includes barcode scanning, direct parts marking, radio-frequency identification (RFID), and voice systems. All of these combine to optimize the management of inventory, delivery, assets, security, and documents. As an alternative to barcode technology and line of sight scanning from a barcode label, Versona Systems installs RFID tags (active or passive) to collect, process, and transmit data. When we combine these tools with cloud-based authentication software, it allows for a powerful and secure Internet of Things (IoT).

The IoT, a network that connects physical objects to operators in order to provide better service, goes beyond machine-to-machine communications. It enables the collection of an immense amount of data from smartphones, tablets, connected vehicles, and appliances. For a company, these features equate to ways which help better manage business.

AIDC provides many useful applications, including “proof of presence,” which allows businesses to document employee activities in real time. In addition, a cloud-based software platform allows integrated advanced analytics to unearth actionable information with the use of real-time data. Versona can provide your business with the automated tools it needs to operate smoothly and more efficiently.

Barcode Basics

Barcodes use a system of bars and spaces to encode data, based on a language known as a symbology. A barcode mark is applied to items so that information about those items can be collected using automated techniques. Barcode symbologies are either one dimensional (1D or “linear”) or two dimensional (2D), based upon how the code is designed to be read.
1D Barcodes: Many industries standardize on certain symbologies for their applications. One of the best known 1D symbologies is the UPC (Universal Product Code), which is common in grocery and retail applications. Code 39, which was developed by Intermec in 1974, is still one of the most widely used alphanumeric barcode symbologies in the world.

2D Barcodes: Because they encode data in two dimensions, 2D bar codes can hold more data in a smaller space than can a 1D barcode. In a world where more data is always needed, 2D’s greater data capacity has contributed to its growing popularity across a variety of applications. There are two main categories of 2D barcode symbologies: stacked and matrix.

2D Stacked: 2D stacked symbologies are made up of two or more rows of linear bars and spaces. Leading stacked symbologies include PDF417, Code 16K, Code 49, and a version of GS1 DataBar formerly known as RSS Composite. 2D stacked symbologies can be read by laser scanners, linear imagers and area imagers, although not all readers can process all symbol sizes.

2D Matrix: 2D matrix symbologies encode data in dark and light geometric elements arranged in a grid. The position of each element relative to the center of the symbol is a key variable for encoding. Matrix symbologies are commonly used for small item marking and also for unattended and high-speed reading applications. Examples include Data Matrix, MaxiCode, Aztec Code, Code One and QR Code.
2D Matrix symbologies can only be read by area imagers.

RFID

Versona Systems aims to enhance your end-user experience by providing products that allow you to become part of the IoT. Our RFID solutions advance your business goals and increase ROI by helping you achieve a new level of efficiency and enhanced visibility as your inventory moves across the supply chain. When it comes to business operations and automated processes, our expertise grants our customers complete control over their technology systems as they track valuable assets in real-time, develop critical business goals, and adeptly respond to changes in onsite and offsite workflow. With extensive experience and industry-leading partners, we turn the physical world into an information system with cutting-edge RFID technology, including:

  • Fixed Readers
  • Handheld Readers
  • Vehicle-Mount Readers
  • RFID Printers
  • Reader Antennas
  • Tags, Smart Labels, and Inlays
  • Reader Software

Versona Systems has deployed turnkey passive RFID solutions, such as engine and Work-in-Process (WIP) tracking, asset identification, tote tracking, error proofing, yard management, RFID-enabled forklifts, and compliance labeling since 2002. It’s our business to know what an object is, where it is, and even what condition it is in. Our Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) service can be deployed to deter theft and enhance asset location control systems, protecting your investment of time and money.

In addition to turnkey RFID solutions, we also offer sub-system integration with existing systems, technical assistance with design and deployment, custom tag carriers, process analysis, and component selection services. We complement our RFID-enabled products with a suite of support services, conducted by our team of expert consultants in five distinct phases, to ensure 100% satisfaction. The five phases are:

1.Feasibility Analysis
2.Process Analysis
3.Site Analysis
4.Site Installation
5.Performance Guarantee

Some of our industry-leading technology partners include Impinj, HID Global, and Omni-ID, Intermec by Honeywell, and Zebra Technologies.

RFID technology helps build intelligent supply chains and efficient data collection applications with the end goal of improving overall financial performance. It may not, however, be the appropriate solution for every customer. RFID Feasibility Analysis offers interested customers a low-cost, low-risk way to determine whether or not their application environment, existing processes, and business goals can be supported and enhanced by RFID technology. This is accomplished by working with Versona Systems to develop a business case. An initial analysis allows us to provide essential consulting, gather key information, and choose the technical and selected software services to make everything work effectively once the system goes live. For more information, please click here.

Overview
•Low relative investment
•Results concluded quickly. In some cases, results are available in one day
•Conducted by consultants with multi-industry and multi-application experience
•Eliminates unnecessary resource commitment
•Establishes the groundwork for successful implementation

Our consultants carefully consider each underlying assumption regarding RFID technology, data processing, and assets to be tagged during a second, critical phase of analysis. Called RFID Process Analysis, the purpose of this phase is to produce a set of technology-related recommendations based on the customer’s business plan and goals that will provide optimal support and the highest return on investment. The most appropriate quantities, types, and locations of RFID devices are provided in a detailed report. Additionally, our consultants analyze the customer’s process flow to recommend tag attachment points, tag programming data, read/write touch points, process changes, and effective read rate percentages. Alternative data capture methods, such as traditional barcode scanning, may be suggested if our consultants believe RFID technology will not effectively satisfy the customer’s business goals. Customer processes that do not arise during the original business plan but do during this phase will also be considered for support by RFID if they further the customer’s business-related goals.

Overview
•Addresses each assumption of initial RFID business case
•Determines optimal quantities, types, and locations for RFID devices
•Provides detailed tag recommendations based on process flow
•Defines success criteria by which performance can be measured after go-live
•Provides customer with viable alternatives should RFID technology prove unsatisfactory

Versona Systems confirms that recommended RFID technology specifications can be successfully supported and implemented in the workplace environment by conducting RFID Site Analysis. Consisting of a detailed, onsite investigation, this phase explores all possible interactions of variable combinations, including those that may be unintended, to test the recommendations from the Process Analysis phase. Our consultants work to ensure that our proposed design can be realized effectively before the customer commits time and money. Until a Site Analysis is performed, for example, it is impossible to determine if ambient radio frequency interference may affect the customer’s new RFID technology. Furthermore, the impact new RFID equipment may have on pre-installed wireless components cannot be known until our consultants conduct a thorough investigation. Given the myriad combinations of variables, our goal is to accurately match components, materials, and the ambient environment of the targeted RFID touch or read zone to achieve optimum results in the actual work environment. RFID Site Analysis is an important reality check that allows Versona Systems to adjust recommendations, such as tag attachments and device configurations, to better meet your business goals.

Overview
•Examines, characterizes, and documents site for RFID technology supportability
•Evaluates ambient radio frequency environment through spectrum analysis
•Determines optimal mounting methods for selected hardware
•Responds to changes in customer’s business plan or process analysis with new specifications, applied and tested onsite
•Confirms that recommended specifications for RFID technology are ready for implementation in workplace environment

A Versona Systems RFID Site Installation ensures that RFID technology has been installed correctly according to methods recommended during the Site Analysis. Our consultants’ goal is to achieve a system performance that meets or exceeds customer expectations. If any device—even when installed according to recommended Site Analysis specifications—does not perform at the optimum level, we implement the necessary adjustments to improve results. In some cases, changes to our process analysis or the customer’s original business case will need to be applied. Installed technology that meets or surpasses system performance expectations will be acknowledged with a Versona Systems certified sign-off. The Site Installation phase also serves as an operation orientation and training for the customer’s staff to guarantee success when the system goes live.

Overview
•Adheres to established criteria for successful system performance
•Identifies optimal methods and mounts specified hardware
•Adjusts site analysis recommendations if necessary to achieve optimum performance
•Delivers operation orientation and training to customer staff
•Provides detailed report and certified sign-off of the final system

Our RFID Performance Guarantee, the final phase of our post-business case services, is the culmination of our consultants’ minute attention to detail and expertise. Freeing the customers of any doubt regarding their new RFID technology system, the Performance Guarantee is based on an integrated, continuous improvement approach that addresses and corrects any potential negative impacts as well as ensures the highest return on investment for the project and related business goals. We never hand over a system to customers until we are 100% sure that it meets or exceeds their expectations. We even go a step beyond that and take the risk completely out of implementing this new technology by making it an 18-month RFID Performance Guarantee that is fully supported by our experts.

Your system’s Performance Guarantee is supported by a dynamic process similar to the flow of manufacturing work and feedback. During each step, the RFID system end-user performs his or her particular job function and provides constructive feedback, allowing for adjustments to the system. Each nuance is considered until the system meets or exceeds expectations. Our analysis of the process, site, and site installation during these 18 months also enables Versona Systems to take an evolving work flow into account.

Overview
•Provides a written statement that guarantees success of new RFID technology system
•Utilizes integrated, continuous improvement approach to RFID Installation and Analysis
•Statement is supported and backed by Versona Systems experts
•18-month Performance Guarantee

Voice Technology

Voice technology uses speech recognition and speech synthesis to allow workers to communicate with the Warehouse Management System (WMS). Warehouse operatives use a wireless, wearable computer with a headset and microphone to receive instructions by voice, and verbally confirm their actions back to the system. The wearable computer, or voice terminal, communicates with the Warehouse Management Software via a radio frequency (RF) local area network (LAN).

Some of the most dynamic and fast-changing technology areas have to be the ones deployed in warehouse and distribution center operations – helping companies to better serve increasingly demanding consumer expectations while also aiming to improve business profitability.

Voice Picking: With voice picking, companies have reported a 99% accuracy rate since implementing it in their businesses. Miss picks, over picks, and short picks are the leading causes of reduced margins when it comes to picking. An error can lead to significant expenses, costing most companies anywhere between $5 and $50 per error. When switching to voice, it’s easy to see how improving pick accuracy can quickly add up to savings for retailers and increase their margins.

Speakeasy Solution: We offer two different approached to a voice solution. First is Speakeasy Solution the fastest way to add voice to your Terminal Emulation or web-based application for increased productivity and operational efficiency. Versona can have you up and running in 30 days.

Vocollect Solutions: Next, is the Vocollect Solutions that offers a scalable and open architecture that provides seamless and well documented options with virtually every WMS/ERP system, as well as in-house developed systems. The software portfolio of enterprise voice connectors include: Vocollect VoiceExpress, Vocollect VoiceLink, Vocollect VoiceInterface Objects, Vocollect VoiceDirect and Vocollect VoiceDirect ERP for SAP.

Direct Part Marking

Direct part marking (DPM) is a process to permanently mark parts with product information including serial numbers, part numbers, date codes, and barcodes. This is done to allow the tracking of parts through the full life cycle. DPM is often used by automotive (link to our automotive page), aerospace, and electronic manufacturers to facilitate a reliable identification of their parts. The types of markings are can be human readable or a 2D code with Data Matrix or QR Code.

Many Marking Methods Are Available
There are many methods to directly mark objects. Selecting the best method for the application is critical to achieving success. Each method has its own advantages and limitations. Since each method has its own advantages and limitations, it is important to review and experiment with as many methods as possible before selecting the best one for your application.

Electrochemical Etch: This process uses a low voltage current to mark the object surface. This is commonly used for low volume product runs.

Ink Jet: This type of marking uses small, dots sprayed directly onto the surface. Ink jet produces high contrast marks. Ink jet is not considered a permanent marking method.

Laser Etch: Lasers etch the symbol directly onto a surface. Clean, high resolution marks are produced making laser-etch well-suited for automated environments.

Dot Peen: Dot peen is a percussive marking method, using changes in depth to create marks. Dot peen is recommended for applications where the symbol must last the entire life cycle.

Optical Character Recognition (OCR)

Optical character recognition (OCR) refers to the branch of computer science that involves reading text from paper and translating the images into a form that the computer can manipulate (for example, into ASCII codes). OCR is the mechanical or electronic conversion of images of typed, handwritten or printed text into machine-encoded text. It is widely used as a form of data entry from printed paper data records. It is a common method of digitizing printed texts so that it can be electronically edited, searched, stored more compactly, displayed on-line, and used in machine processes such as machine translation, text-to-speech, key data, and text mining.

Today, OCR software can recognize a wide variety of fonts, but handwriting and script fonts that mimic handwriting are still problematic. Advances have made OCR more reliable; expect a minimum of 90% accuracy for average-quality documents. OCR systems include an optical scanner for reading text, and sophisticated software for analyzing images. Most OCR systems use a combination of hardware (specialized circuit boards) and software to recognize characters, although some inexpensive systems do it entirely through software.

Open Platform Communications (OPC)

Sometimes the critical process data your business applications need is buried deep within various manufacturing control systems (i.e. – PLC’s, robots, various micro-controllers, etc.) located on your plant floor. It would be far too expensive to retain the labor required to find, collect, and document this information. However, since the collection of this data is necessary to the business, you could obtain it by implementing separate drivers for each of the different controllers. Once again, this is an overly expensive solution. A common and more economical way to collect this data is to implement the use of Open Platform Communications (OPC).

OPC

Today, almost all control system vendors make OPC available as an option for communication with their systems. On the business application side, there are several OPC software providers in the marketplace and Versona Systems has worked with many of them.

Implementing an OPC strategy is also an effective way to “bridge” the two very different types of networks that exist in most companies – the Business or Office networks and the Manufacturing or Engineering Control networks. Versona Systems can work with you to implement such a strategy that considers not only the connectivity and throughput issues when dealing with plant floor communication networks, but also the security aspects therein.

So, whether its production counts located within a PLC or reject counts/reasons located within a vision system or paint cycles within a robot, Versona Systems can help you to implement an OPC network to efficiently collect this data and pass it to your business systems for further analysis and reporting.

If you’d like to know more about Versona Systems capabilities in technology, please contact 713-654-8200 or Sales@VersonaSystems.com.

Certified Professionals

Versona Systems is committed to offering high quality professional IT services. For this reason our staff is in a continuous learning and certification process, partnering with top-leading companies such as Microsoft, Cisco, Zebra and others.