In our post yesterday we introduced Near Field Communication(NFC) and went over the impact it will have on mobile payment processing solutions.  Today I’d like to provide more information about NFC by including  this short video.  The video features a variety of ways that NFC-enabled phones and credit cards can be used to make payments at vending machines with a simple “tap.”  Although not related specifically to field mobility this video does a good job of showing exactly what NFC is capable of in regards to mobile payment.

Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for more information about Mobile Payment Processing Solutions.

Wireless data standards evolve over time with technology advancements in what are called “Generations”.   Each succeeding generation introduces higher data rates, additional features and network enhancements. The first wireless network—known as 1G—was deployed in the 1980s.  2G was introduced in the early 1990s and today 3G is implemented throughout the majority of the world.  4G is now available in a limited number of cities.  Over the next two years, 4G should become widely available with speeds up to 10 times faster than 3G.

The dominant cellular/wireless data technologies are based on Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) and Global System for Mobile communication (GSM).

GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) is the dominant global standard for cellular communications. GSM originated in Europe in the late 1980s and has since become dominant. Today, GSM represents 80% of global digital subscribers. In the United States the largest wireless carriers for GSM are AT&T and T-Mobile. GSM data services are defined as Edge, GPRS, UMTS and HSDPA.

CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) is a digital technology developed by Qualcomm and is most common in North America.  CDMA is “spread spectrum” technology allowing many users to occupy the same time and frequency allocations in a given band/space. The CDMA air interface is used in both 2G and 3G networks.  It offers good secure coverage in the United States where the largest carriers are Verizon, Sprint, and Alltel.  Coverage outside of North America for CDMA is generally not as common as GSM coverage.

The following chart summarizes data throughput by technology standard/generation: 

Throughput Summary

Let’s get mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn how.

Item Unique IDentification (IUID) is an asset identification system instituted by the United States Department of Defense (DoD) to uniquely identify an asset or component by assigning a unique identifier.  All government property, contracts and deliverables are required to be marked with a unique number. 

Compliance requires that all IUID labels, marks or tags use a two-dimensional (2D) Data Matrix symbol with the data formatted in accordance with syntax and formatting standards necessary to ensure accurate scanning and tracking.  The Commercial And Government Entity Code (CAGE Code) is a unique identifier assigned to suppliers. The IUID is comprised of the CAGE Code, serial number and part number.

The Data Matrix marking can be applied in one of the three following ways, but must remain permanent through the lifecycle:

• Direct Part Marking:  Symbol is permanently placed directly on an asset using laser etching, dot peening, chemical etching, laser bonding, or ink jet printing. 
• Data Plates:  Plates are attached to assets with screws, adhesive or bolts. 
• Adhesive Labels:  Labels are typically made from polyester or foil and attached to the asset with adhesive .

The U.S. Federal Government maintains an IUID Registry data system to store records for all assets delivered to the government or in the custody of contractors that have UID marks or have been assigned an IUID in anticipation of future possible UID marking.

As other government agencies recognize the benefits of the DoD’s IUID mandate, it’s expected they will institute their own IUID programs.

Linear or one-dimensional (1D) bar codes are limited in the amount of data that can be encoded.  This limitation led to the development of a two-dimensional (2D) symbology composed of rows of data arranged in a rectangular or square pattern. The rows of data are stacked onto each other to encode an array of data. 

One example of a a two-dimensional (2D) bar code symbology is Data Matrix (also known as datamatrix).  As you can see in the sample image at the right, the Data Matrix symbol consists of light and dark square data modules representing zeroes or ones.  In addition, a Data Matrix has an L-shaped border called the “finder pattern” which is used to locate and orient the symbol.  The other two borders consist of alternating dark and light cells called the “timing pattern” which provides a count of the number of rows and columns. Within the borders are rows and columns of cells of encoded data.   As more data is encoded in the symbol, the number of rows and columns will increase ranging from from 8×8 to 144×144.  Data Matrix can encode up to 2,335 alphanumeric characters and has built-in error checking and correction algorithms that enable reconstruction of encoded data when the symbol is damaged.  By the way, the above sample contains the text “Get mobile with DecisionPoint”.

The most popular application for Data Matrix is marking small items.  Data Matrix is used for the Item Unique Identification (IUID) asset identification system instituted by the United States Department of Defense (DoD) because it can encode item details such as manufacturer ID, serial number and part number. 

Do you  need to brush up on your TLAs (Three Letter Acronyms)?  Have you come across a term or acronym you’re unfamiliar with?

If so, just point your browswer to DecisionPoint’s List of Industry Acronyms where you” find a list of almost 1,400 common and not so common acronyms used within the industry.

Let’s get mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn how.

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