Data Collection Hardware Basics

The Barcode

Barcode is an automatic identification technology. It allows data to be collected accurately and rapidly. A Barcode symbol consists of a series of parallel, adjacent bars and spaces. Predetermined width patterns are used to code actual data into the symbol. To read information contained in a Barcode symbol, a scanning device, such as a light pen (or wand), is moved across the symbol from one side to the other. As a scanning device is moved across the symbol, the Barcode decoder analyzes the Barcode width pattern of bars and spaces, and the original data is recovered. The most visible application of this technology is the supermarket industry, where it has been in use since 1970. Barcode is now the standard automatic identification technology, for virtually any application. Barcodes far outweigh magnetic strip in terms of speed and production. They can also be made secure by virtue of using a mask, provided your reader is infrared. The benefits of using Barcodes for automated data collection are very simple: speed and accuracy. Time after time, it has been proven that entering Barcode data is at least 100 times faster and more accurate than traditional manual keyboard entry, which translates into a dramatic increase in efficiency and productivity for any operation.

Magnetic Stripe

Typically comes in track two and one. Very popular in the credit card and security industry. Volume production of magnetic stripe media typically requires capital-intensive encoding devices.

Fixed position Data collection terminal

Typically used for Time and attendance collection although sometimes used for job costing, shop floor data collection, security access terminal, payroll deduction for goods/services and to ring bells. Most units utilize badges for data entry with optional keystrokes for additional data collection. The majority use barcode Vs magnetic stripe, they are typically more reliable and it is easier and less expensive to produce the badges. Most devices will support wands, CCD and lasers for additional entry. Some units are just set up to handle pin pad entry. Although some devices are real time terminals the majority are intelligent poled/batch devices. The higher end off line terminals can validate employee names, departments, job codes, functions, restrict based on schedule etc. Typically these devices will have 64k-2mb of memory. Often times these units communicate in a hard wired RS-232 or RS-485 network. Internal and external modems are also used to poll local or remote terminals. Several vendors also offer Ethernet terminals, RF terminals, .DEC emulation, and IBM twinax (5250) terminal emulation.

Computerized Time Clock

Standalone time clock that typically has the intelligence to calculate overtime, shifts, meals, breaks total hours etc. Depending on the pay policies these time clocks may be a good solution for the company with less than 80 employees.

Credit Card Terminals

A dial out/modem magnetic stripe device data collection terminal. Typically configured with a receipt printer. Usually runs at 300-2400baud. Validation and verification is typically done on line. Just like a computer, intelligence and features are dictated by the firmware/software that the credit card processors provide and the specific device can handle. The world's most popular devices are manufactured by VeriFone, Inc. Examples of units they manufacture are the Tranz 460, Tranz 380, Tranz 330, Zon Jr. XL, Pinpad 1000. Pinpad 101 and the Printer 250.

Wands

Barcode Wands were once the most popular Barcode readers or scanners, due to their low cost. Now that the market has so many quality refurbished Laser scanners are typically the norm. Even new laser scanners have come down in price because of the pressures from the surplus/refurbished market. Wands are manually moved across Barcodes to perform the reading function, hence their classification as "contact" scanners. Barcode Wand are extremely simple to use, but require users to keep a reasonably constant scanning motion across the Barcode, and a flat surface behind the Barcode to support the pressure applied by the operator during the scanning motion. They are typically very durable and reliable. They are slower than CCD or Lasers.

CCD Scanners

Barcode CCD Scanners are faster and easier to use than Wand Scanners. User simply holds the CCD Scanner slightly above the Barcode, and pulls the trigger button. CCD scanners typically read Barcodes from contact to about one-half inch distance, hence their classification as "near-contact" scanners. Barcode physical length must be considered when using CCD Barcode Scanners, as the complete Barcode must be covered by the CCD scanner optical head. Although these units have limitations compared to a laser scanner, they are reasonably priced and reliable.

Laser Scanners

Barcode Laser Scanners are faster and easier to use than Wand or CCD Scanners. User simply holds the Laser Scanner above the Barcode, and pulls the trigger button. Laser scanners typically read Barcodes from near contact to 12-inch distance (some models up to four feet), hence their classification as "non-contact" scanners. Barcode Laser Scanners are best suited for reading Barcodes from a distance, reading poorly printed labels, reading a wide range of label sizes, and reading labels on irregular surfaces.

Keyboard Wedges

A Barcode Keyboard Wedge Decoder is a microcomputer which decodes the signals generated by a Barcode Scanner (while reading a label), and converts the analyzed bar and space patterns into the original data. The Barcode Decoder then converts the recovered data into the same codes that the Keyboard generates (AKA: keyboard codes), in order to "fool" the PC into believing that the scanned data was typed on the keyboard. The Barcode Keyboard Wedge also includes the required electronics to combine both the Keyboard and Decoder codes (and cables), for sending data to the PC Keyboard buffer (via the Keyboard connector on the PC - No Special Software Required). In order to install the Keyboard Wedge, user disconnects the Keyboard from the PC, and simply connects the Keyboard Wedge between the Keyboard and the PC (hence the term "wedge"). Thereafter, any data, scanned or typed, appears to the PC as if it had been typed on the Keyboard. Barcode Keyboard Wedges are operating system independent, which means that the work with MS-DOS, Windows 3.1, OS/2, Windows 95, Windows NT, or any other PC operating system. Barcode Keyboard Wedges are available as stand-alone boxes or built-in (integrated) into the Scanner body.

Portable Terminal/Hand Held and Scanner

A Bar Code Portable Reader is an integrated microcomputer system, which includes a display, keypad, Barcode decoding capability, RS-232 communications port, batteries, and memory for data and program storage. For Barcode data collection, the system can be equipped with Barcode Wand, CCD, or Laser Scanners. The system provides operators with prompts, in response to which, operators enter data via keypad or Barcode Scanners. Collected data is saved, until Portable Reader uploads data (via RS-232 port) to the PC, where data is typically saved in delimited ASCII files, for easy import into standard or custom applications. Programming for custom operator prompt sequences is possible. This can be done by using the manufactures language (i.e. TCAL) or many units support DOS.

Portable Terminal/Hand Held unit with built in readers

An Integrated Barcode Portable Reader is a traditional Portable Barcode Reader that has a permanently attached Barcode Scanner (typically a Laser Scanner). The advantage of using this type of Portable is that operator can perform the data collection operation using only one hand (vs. two hands when using a detached Barcode Scanner). Becoming very popular, some recent portable terminals can now be attached to your wrist with the scanner attached like a ring.

Direct Thermal Printer

A Bar Code Direct Thermal Printer is a label printer that prints images using heat to "burn" "dots" onto heat sensitive paper labels (just like the small calculator printers). Images printed using this technology are sensitive to heat, sunlight, industrial ultra violet light, and applied pressure. These labels are only suited for short-life applications, as they will deteriorate over time. Do not consider Direct Thermal Printing for Fixed Asset Tracking or other long-life applications. Direct Thermal Printers are typically less expensive that Thermal Transfer Printers, because they do not have the mechanisms and electronics required controlling and managing an ink ribbon. Direct Thermal and Thermal Transfer Printer usually require "optional" Barcode Label Design and Print Software.

Thermal Transfer Printer

A Bar Code Thermal Transfer Printer is a label printer that prints images using heat to "melt" ink (from an ink-ribbon) onto a variety of paper and synthetic material labels. A wide variety of media and ribbon formulations are available, providing the ability to print Barcode labels for virtually any application, including very long-life and extreme environment applications.

UPC (Universal Product Code)

The most popular Barcode format is the UPC (Universal Product Code) Format, which we find in all supermarket products. Available since the early 1970's this format is known worldwide, and is universally recognized. For Automatic Identification Applications, however, Barcode CODE 39 Format is the de facto standard for Government, Manufacturing, Barcode Industry, Education, and Business applications. The popularity of the CODE 39 Format is based on several factors, which include: ease of use, ability to code numbers and letters, flexible word length capability (can generate Barcodes with any number of characters), and universal reading capability (Barcode equipment from any manufacturer can read this code).

CODE 39 Bar Code Format

The CODE 39 Barcode Format (aka: 3 of9) is the most commonly used Barcode Format because it enables numbers, uppercase letters, and some punctuation marks (Capital Letters A-Z, Numbers 0-9, the “space" character, and the symbols: -, +, /, $,%) to be bar-coded. CODE39 is a variable length format, allowing for encoding any number of digits. This format has become the standard for Government, Manufacturing, Barcode Industry, Education, and Business applications.

UPC Bar Code Format

The UPC Barcode Format is the standard Barcode Format for items that are for sale to the public. Probably the largest user of the UPC code is your local supermarket. The UPC Barcode Format is used to encode a 12-digit number. The first number is the number system character, the next five are the manufacturer number, the next five are the product number, and the last digit is the checksum character. This Barcode Format only encodes numeric information and must have 12 characters in length (exactly).

Interleaved 2 of 5 Bar Code Format

The Interleaved 2 of 5 Barcode Format (aka: CODE 25) is a numeric only code that prints out a little larger than the UPC Barcode when ten digits are encoded. The Interleaved 2 of 5 is an excellent choice for numeric only applications, because it has the flexibility of having from 2 to 30 digits. The Interleaved 2 of 5 code requires an even numbers of digits to be encoded. A leading 0 must be added if the digit count is not even.
The Interleaved 2 of 5 Barcode Format (aka: CODE 25) is a numeric only code that prints out a little larger than the UPC Barcode when ten digits are encoded. The Interleaved 2 of 5 is an excellent choice for numeric only applications, because it has the flexibility of having from 2 to 30 digits. The Interleaved 2 of 5 code requires an even numbers of digits to be encoded. A leading 0 must be added if the digit count is not even.

CODE 128 Bar Code Format

The CODE 128 Barcode Format is a very compact Barcode for codes with all numeric information. Alphanumeric information can also be encoded, but at the expense of loosing the "very compact" benefit. The compact size of the Barcode printed with the CODE 128 when using only numeric digits is achieved by using "double density" (two numbers are included in one character width). When alphanumeric data is encoded, however, CODE 128 uses “single density", and the Barcodes are twice as long. This is not a simple Barcode Format to use, as there are several CODE 128 subsets, each with specific specifications and limitations. The CODE 128 Barcode Format is a very compact Barcode for codes with all numeric information. Alphanumeric information can also be encoded, but at the expense of loosing the "very compact" benefit. The compact size of the Barcode printed with the CODE128 when using only numeric digits is achieved by using "double density" (two numbers are included in one character width). When alphanumeric data is encoded, however, CODE 128 uses "single density", and the Barcodes are twice as long. This is not a simple Barcode Format to use, as there are several CODE 128 subsets, each with specific specifications and limitations.