It’s time for a little bar code 101 again.  Today we’re going to take a look at Direct Part Marking (DPM).  DPM is a process to permanently mark an asset with a bar code.  The preferred codes for DPM are Data Matrix and the QR Code.  DPM is commonly used by automotive, aerospace and electronics manufacturers, as well as the United States Department of Defense.  DPM is a reliable means of identifying parts and can assist with safety and warranty issues and satisfy regulatory requirements.  Permanently marking the asset can be done in several ways, including:

• Laser marking
• Dot peening
• Chemical etching
• Ink jet printing

There are several factors to consider when deciding how the part will be marked, such as:

• Part shape-the Data Matrix code is difficult to place on a curved surface
• Part function-for parts used in critical safety applications it is best to use a non-intrusive method
• Surface thickness-you don’t want to use intrusive methods on parts that may be weakened due to the marking depth
• Surface-highly polished surfaces must first be textured to reduce interference with bar code reads

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn more about DPM and the industries it is designed for.

Yesterday we provided information about bar code imagers and the applications they’re best suited for.  As promised, today we’re taking a closer look at laser bar code scanners.

Laser bar code scanners read bar codes with a laser beam that is moved back and forth across a code by oscillating mirrors.  Laser bar code scanners can only read 1D bar codes and not 2D symbols like imagers.  One of the major advantages that laser scanners have over linear imagers is their read range.  Laser scanners are capable of reading up to 36 feet away and their narrow beam can support a wide variety of depths of field.  Fixed position laser scanners also boast a snappy scan speed of about 600-1800 scans per second.  The benefits that laser scanners offer make these devices perfect for applications such as:

• Long-range scanning in warehouses or distribution centers
• Stationary scanners for conveyor belts

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about cordless laser bar code scanners designed for use in extreme environments.

It’s time for a little data capture 101.  Today we’re going to take a closer look at bar code imagers and tomorrow we’ll provide more information about laser bar code scanners and make some comparisons.

Unlike a typical laser scanner, linear imagers use CCD (Charged Coupled Device) technology to capture the bars and spaces in a bar code and convert them into a video signal.  Rather than using oscillating mirrors to capture the data of a bar code, linear imagers utilize LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) and a lens to focus the image of the bar code onto the CCD component.  This solid state design with no moving parts is the main reason that linear imagers are considered more reliable than standard laser scanners.

The lack of moving parts also provides a fast scan rate of 200-500 scans per second.  Linear imagers can read 1D and 2D codes and are also capable of reading a thicker portion of a bar code, so they provide better reads of damaged or poorly printed codes.  But even with all of these benefits, linear imagers are best suited for specific types of applications.  The major drawback to linear imagers is their inability to scan at long ranges.  Because of this, linear imagers are best suited for applications such as:

• Retail POS
• Inventory management
• Order picking
• Production line replenishment

If your application doesn’t require a long scan range than you may want to take advantage of the numerous benefits offered by linear imagers.  Check back tomorrow to learn more about laser bar code scanners and their capabilities.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about cordless linear imagers built for extreme environments.

In past posts we’ve provided information about Near Field Communication (NFC) and Chip and PIN Payments, today I’d like to provide information about another payment option entering the retail market ̶ MEEPASS.  French company MTag created MEEPASS, a service that uses 2D bar codes to identify a mobile device user at the Point of Sale (POS).  The service creates a unique and secure 2D bar code known as a MEEPASS and can be used for payments, loyalty programs, coupons and ticketing anywhere that has a bar code scanner connected to MTag.

MEEPASS offers an alternative to chip-enabled payments and doesn’t require an active Internet connection for the service.  Once the bar code generating software is downloaded to a smartphone it’s ready to go. MEEPASS also requires users to create a security code that they present with their mobile phone to reduce the risk of abuse if their mobile phone is stolen.

The retail industry is changing, if you’re ready to take advantage of new customer-facing applications that utilize mobile phones to increase loyalty and improve the shopping experience turn to DecisionPoint Systems.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for more information about our Retail Solutions that utilize the latest mobile technology to enhance customer experience.

It’s been awhile since we provided a post about a bar code symbology, so today we’re going to take a look at GS1 DataBar.  The GS1 DataBar family of symbols was formerly known as RSS symbols or Reduced Space Symbols because of their ability to carry more information and identify small hard-to-mark products.  In addition to promising more data in less space, GS1 DataBar has some unique features that support product authentication and traceability.

GS1 DataBar enables Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) identification and supports Application Identifiers (AI).  This enables the symbol to hold additional information such as expiration date, lot numbers and serial numbers.  The primary focus for GS1 DataBar is to provide a solution that supports traceability and authentication to improve the quality of fresh products scanned at POS.  GS1 has set a target date of 2014 for this family of symbols to be available for use in an open environment.

Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn more about GS1 DataBar.

The courier industry is an integral part of the economy and provides the last minute delivery and supply that has become our nature.  Many industries rely on same day or less than 24-hours delivery for vital supplies or sensitive items.  Delivery of important documents and packages is what distinguishes courier services from other types of delivery services.  For this reason, courier workers require a mobile solution they can rely on to satisfy their customers.

X Mobile from CXT Software combines real-time data capture with transmit features necessary for today’s demanding delivery customers in a simple, wireless application.  X Mobile is a Java-based mobile application that can be installed on many mobile devices, giving companies several hardware options from Java-enabled mobile phones to mobile PDA devices on any mobile network.  X Mobile features include:

• Two-way communication to confirm jobs, pickup and proof of delivery
• Download entire route manifest to a driver’s mobile device
• Real-time signature capture
• Scan and track bar codes in real-time
• GPS

Download the DecisionPoint and CXT Software Datasheet to learn about DecisionPoint solutions that combine X Mobile and the powerful Motorola MC55.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for more information about solutions, hardware and software designed for the courier industry.

I’m sure you’ve all been in this situation before.  Is this a 4 or a 9?  Handwritten data can cause costly mistakes, but data capture and mobile printing technologies can eliminate the need to interpret sloppy handwritten data and will reduce errors.  Implementing bar code scanning increases accuracy so data is captured quickly and easily with a simple press of a button.  No more scrutinizing to determine what the data might be.  Mobile printing technologies also eliminate these kinds of mistakes by allowing mobile workers to print documents out in the field that are easy to read and accurate.

Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn how you can reduce costly errors by implementing mobile data capture and mobile printing solutions.

Building on the successful MC3000 Series, Motorola has announced the release of the MC3100 Series mobile computer that offers advanced computing power.  Built for within the four-walls, the MC3100 Series provides anytime mobility in retail stores, warehouse aisles, out in the yard or on the loading dock.  The MC3100 offers the latest in mobile technology and security features, including:

• Integrated RFID tag that allows enterprises to track and locate MC3100 devices right out of the box
• Motorola’s new Mobility Platform Architecture 2.0 for easy and cost-effective porting of applications from other Motorola mobile computers
• Motorola MAX Rugged design meets applicable MIL-STD and IEC specifications for drop, tumble and sealing
• Motorola Max Secure FIPS 140-2 certification and support for the most advanced encryption and authentication algorithms
• Motorola MAX Sensor provides enterprise-class Interactive Sensor Technology (IST) that enables leading edge motion-based applications, including dynamic screen orientation, power management and free-fall event logging

As with all Motorola devices, you’ll also have the best-in-class data capture technology right at your fingertips.  Available with a Symbol 1D laser scanner or 1D/2D imager, the MC3100 provides superior performance no matter what type of data you need to capture.  Download the Datasheet to learn more about the superior features of the MC3100.

Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for more information about the six different models of the MC3100 and we’ll help to determine which device will best meet your business needs.

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.