A lot has been written about the IoT revolution and how the technology has the capability to revolutionise industries, transform productivity and unlock new levels of insight. But for those intrigued by the possibilities and looking to dip their toe in the water, the potential myths of high price point, infrastructure and connectivity challenges, as well as the required skill set can be significant hurdles that seem insurmountable.
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.
Logo visibility in email could revitalize consumer interaction
Jul 26, 2021
By Sabrina Evans, Red Sift.
Email is vital for any business, it's the structural glue that underpins the key lines of communication between company and consumer. From promoting new products and offers to sending tracking updates and invoices, email is the foundation which keeps the wheels of ecommerce turning. But as with anything, the evolution of how businesses use this channel is inevitable, making it work harder for their goals and needs.
Uncover the potential of RFID with Checkpoint Systems at Retail Risk London
Jul 20, 2021
Offering insights into the most effective, tried and tested approaches to managing retail risk, supplier of loss prevention solutions and retail technology, Checkpoint Systems UK, has revealed the conference agenda for its upcoming appearance as title sponsor at Retail Risk London on 22 July 2021.
New line of Honeywell rugged, mobile computers empowers workers to better support growing e-commerce demands
Jul 20, 2021
Honeywell has announced its latest family of rugged enterprise mobile devices designed for workers that pick, pack, sort and deliver e-commerce orders to keep the retail supply chain moving smoothly from factory to consumer.
94% of retailers open to phishing attacks: what we can do to close the net
Jul 12, 2021
By Sabrina Evans, Content Manager at Red Sift
Last year Trustwave found that almost a quarter of all cyberattacks are aimed at the retail sector, and it’s really no surprise why.
Retailers are in constant communication with their customers via email, and retail databases are some of the biggest housers of sensitive customer data and personal information on the planet. Put these qualities together, and it’s hard to imagine a sector more vulnerable to the dangers of email-based cyberattacks.
Shoppers spend 14% more with MishiPay Scan & Go Tech
Jul 12, 2021
Analysis from one of Europe’s largest grocery retail chains showed that shoppers using the MishiPay scan & go platform came back to buy 33% more often whereas non-MishiPay users came back 4% less often than the year before. MishiPay is the first scan & go provider worldwide to release data from a case-study based upon a clear A/B test.
Navori Labs brings second-generation media player dongle to market
Jul 06, 2021
Navori Labs has announced the immediate availability of StiX 3700, its second-generation, ultra-compact Android digital signage media player dongle.
Innovative retailers find new uses for RFID to boost their bottom line
Jun 29, 2021
A new research report has revealed the innovative new ways retailers are using RFID technology in-store to improve profitability.
Pangaia deploys Board to transform sales reporting and analytics
Jun 29, 2021
Decision-making platform provider, Board International, has announced that UK’s sustainable fashion brand Pangaia is successfully leveraging Board for sales reporting and analytics.
Vivienne Westwood selects Mapp to deliver customer personalisation
Jun 29, 2021
Mapp, provider of insight-led customer experiences, has been appointed by global fashion brand Vivienne Westwood to provide the company’s Customer Data Platform (CDP). This platform will drive its digital communication strategy forward while delivering personalised and targeted customer communications.
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.
