Retail Data Capture Technology News

Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) refers to the process of automatically identifying and collecting data about objects/goods, then logging this information in a computer. The term AIDC refers to a range of different types of data capture devices. These include barcodes, biometrics, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), magnetic stripes, smart cards, OCR (Optical Character Recognition) and voice recognition. AIDC devices are deployed in a wide range of environments, including: retail, warehousing, distribution & logistics and field service.

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‘Failure to review subscription auto-renewal processes could lead to legal ramifications’

1 ‘Failure to review subscription auto-renewal processes could lead to legal ramifications’

Retailers should proactively review their subscription auto-renewal processes to make sure that they are protecting customers and aligning with new government guidelines. Failure to do so could not only put customers at risk of financial harm but could also lead to legal ramifications.

Square software turns Android devices into powerful payment technology

2 Square software turns Android devices into powerful payment technology

Square has launched Tap to Pay on Android for sellers in the UK. The new technology empowers sellers to securely accept contactless payments with a compatible Android device, and at no additional cost.

Deko launches latest version of its flagship product providing a tailored checkout finance experience for shoppers

3 Deko launches latest version of its flagship product providing a tailored checkout finance experience for shoppers

UK retailers will now be able to offer an enhanced finance experience to consumers following the launch of Deko’s latest version. The solution is the fully managed end-to-end checkout finance product from Deko, the multi-lender Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) platform.

Expert reveals how you can protect your mobile device from malware

4 Expert reveals how you can protect your mobile device from malware

During the first few months of 2022, mobile malware attacks increased by 500%, with one of the main reasons being because many people aren’t protecting their smartphones.

luk hiar! uses nsign.tv for the digital signage circuit at the new HLA International Clinic in Barcelona

5 luk hiar! uses nsign.tv for the digital signage circuit at the new HLA International Clinic in Barcelona

The new HLA International Clinic in Barcelona is equipped with a novel digital signage circuit comprising around thirty LED screens, claimed to make it a unique installation of its kind in a medical centre. The integration was carried out by luk hiar!, which chose the nsign.tv software platform for the centralised management of the display network.

CRaaS is the new tool MSPs need in the accelerating security arms race

6 CRaaS is the new tool MSPs need in the accelerating security arms race

By Florian Malecki, executive vice president of marketing at Arcserve. 

There's a security arms race going on. As technology advances, so do the weapons and tactics of cybercriminals. Organisations must constantly raise their game and develop better ways to protect themselves against attack. The stakes are high.

Nine out of 10 companies report that using first-party data improves customer experiences, Twilio research shows

7 Nine out of 10 companies report that using first-party data improves customer experiences, Twilio research shows

Research from Twilio, the customer engagement platform that drives real-time, personalised experiences for today’s leading brands, shows that first-party data is fundamental to driving marketing success and, by extension, business success.

The Importance of Buying The Correct Barcode Scanner

8 The Importance of Buying The Correct Barcode Scanner

By Bryan Luna, freelance writer.

Read on to learn the different types and features present in various barcode scanners to make the right decision for your business and employee needs.

Rackspace Technology achieves Cloud Governance and Cloud Financial Management Distinctions in AWS Cloud Operations Competency

9 Rackspace Technology achieves Cloud Governance and Cloud Financial Management Distinctions in AWS Cloud Operations Competency

Rackspace Technology, the end-to-end multicloud technology solutions company, has achieved the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Cloud Operations Competency in the Cloud Governance and Cloud Financial Management categories.

Tillerman launches insight tool to help wholesale brands to better understand POS data

10 Tillerman launches insight tool to help wholesale brands to better understand POS data

Tillerman, the retail technology and data analytics provider, has launched Tillerman Insight, a custom interactive and visual dashboard that allows retail brands and wholesalers to better understand and then act on their point-of-sale (POS) data.

Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC)

Technologies typically considered as part of AIDC include:

  • Barcodes
  • QR codes
  • Radio frequency identification (RFID)
  • Biometrics
  • Magnetic stripes
  • Optical character recognition (OCR)
  • Smart cards
  • Voice recognition

AIDC is used in a wide variety of applications, including:

  • Inventory management
  • Shipping and logistics
  • Manufacturing
  • Healthcare
  • Retail
  • Transportation
  • Security

Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) refers to the methods of automatically identifying objects, collecting data about them, and entering that data directly into computer systems (i.e. without human involvement). Technologies typically considered as part of AIDC include bar codes, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), biometrics, magnetic stripes, Optical Character Recognition (OCR), smart cards, and voice recognition. AIDC is also commonly referred to as “Automatic Identification,” “Auto-ID,” and "Automatic Data Capture."

Barcoding has become established in several industries as an inexpensive and reliable automatic identification technology that can overcome human error in capturing and validating information. AIDC is the process or means of obtaining external data, particularly through analysis of images, sounds or videos. To capture data, a transducer is employed which converts the actual image or a sound into a digital file which can be later analysed. Radio frequency identification (RFID) is relatively a new AIDC technology which was first developed in 1980’s. The technology acts as a base in automated data collection, identification and analysis systems worldwide

In the decades since its creation, barcoding has become highly standardised, resulting in lower costs and greater accessibility. Indeed, word processors now can produce barcodes, and many inexpensive printers print barcodes on labels. Most current barcode scanners can read between 12 and 15 symbols and all their variants without requiring configuration or programming. For specific scans the readers can be pre-programmed easily from the user manual.  

Despite these significant developments, the adoption of barcoding has been slower in the healthcare sector than the retail and manufacturing sectors. Barcoding can capture and prevent errors during medication administration and is now finding its way from the bedside into support operations within the hospital.

Radio-frequency identification (RFID)

RFID is the wireless non-contact use of radio-frequency electromagnetic fields to transfer data. Unlike a bar code, the tag does not necessarily need to be within line of sight of the reader, and may be embedded in the tracked object. It can also be read only or read-write enabling information to be either permanently stored in the tag or it can be read-write where information can be continually updated and over-written on the tag.

RFID has found its importance in a wide range of markets including livestock identification and Automated Vehicle Identification (AVI) systems and are now commonly used in tracking consumer products worldwide. Many manufacturers use the tags to track the location of each product they make from the time it's made until it's pulled off the shelf and tossed in a shopping cart.

These automated wireless AIDC systems are effective in manufacturing environments where barcode labels could not survive. They can be used in pharmaceutical to track consignments, they can also be used in cold chain distribution to monitor temperature fluctuations. This is particularly useful to ensure frozen and chilled foods have not deviated from the required temperature parameters during transit.

Cost used to be a prohibitive factor in the widespread use of RFID tags however the unit costs have reduced considerably to make this a viable technology to improve track and trace throughout the supply chain. Many leading supermarket chains employ RFID insisting that their suppliers incorporate this technology into the packaging of the products in order to improve supply chain efficiency and traceability.

Overall, AIDC is a powerful technology that can be used to improve efficiency, accuracy, and traceability in a wide variety of applications. However, it is important to weigh the costs and benefits of AIDC before implementing a system.

Here are some examples of how AIDC is used in different industries:

  • In the retail industry, AIDC is used to track inventory levels, scan barcodes at checkout, and prevent theft.
  • In the healthcare industry, AIDC is used to track patient records, identify patients, and prevent medication errors.
  • In the manufacturing industry, AIDC is used to track parts and products, automate assembly lines, and prevent counterfeiting.
  • In the transportation industry, AIDC is used to track cargo, track vehicles, and prevent collisions.

AIDC is a rapidly growing field, and new applications for AIDC are being developed all the time. As AIDC technology continues to develop, it is likely to become even more widespread and have an even greater impact on our lives.

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