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Traceability Solutions Asia along with our partner Pryor Marking Technology offers the broadest range of marking and traceability products on the market.
Pryor marking machines can mark a very wide range of work pieces using a variety of different character styles, sizes and depths. This guide outlines how to get the best out of your equipment. It covers Dot Peen marking methods. Other marking technologies available from Pryor are dealt with in separate articles in their knowledge centre.
A .pdf version of this guide is available to download and print.
Dot Peen
Dot Peen marking is also known as dot marking, stylus pin marking and micro percussion marking. This method uses a stylus that rapidly actuates to indent a series of dots on to the surface of a material. The stylus is programmed to move around the surface in x and y directions, resulting in a succession of dots that create digits, text, logos and 2D Data Matrix codes. Pryor's standard machines use an electrically driven solenoid to actuate the stylus, but pneumatic actuation is also available for deep marking or fast marking. Dot peen marking provides fast, accurate, low-stress marking and can mark through coatings or film on the material surface.
It is the ideal method for permanently marking a Data Matrix code onto a metal component. A Data Matrix is a 2D barcode which care store a large amount of data.
Fixturing
IMPORTANT - Unless the work piece is held firmly then there is little hope of obtaining a good quality mark.
If you have a wide variety of work pieces to mark then you may have to make several interchangeable fixtures. Use a magnetic chuck, or similar, to allow these fixtures to be changed over quickly and accurately.
Work piece material
The machines may mark a very wide range of materials but some materials are easier to mark than others.
The harder the material, the shallower the depth of mark will be. The type of material will also influence the life of the stylus, the stylus tip will wear or chip quickly the harder the material. The angle of the stylus tip may be changed to reduce the chance of chipping. Changing the angle may also increase the readability of the mark.
Surface finish
Smooth, well finished work pieces are easier to mark than rough, scaled work pieces. The worse the finish, the deeper the mark will have to be to remain readable.
Painted work pieces may be marked but the paint may chip, try changing the stylus tip angle to reduce the chipping.
Work piece flatness
The machine can mark on surfaces which are not completely flat but the depth of the mark will vary across the surface. For dot marking, as the gap between the stylus tip and the surface of the work piece increases, the depth of the mark will increase. If the difference in gap is only 1 to 2 mm (0.040" to 0.080") then the mark produced may be acceptable.
If you have to mark a heavily contoured surface (a cylindrical work piece, for example) then there are several things that should be considered:
Depth of mark
The depth of mark depends on the following factors
(90° Stylus – Note marking depths vary depending on material hardness and stylus tip angle)
The effect of marking force versus marking gap is illustrated in the chart.
Pryor marking machines can mark a very wide range of work pieces using a variety of different character styles, sizes and depths. This guide outlines how to get the best out of your equipment. It covers Dot Peen marking methods. Other marking technologies available from Pryor are dealt with in separate articles in their knowledge centre.
A .pdf version of this guide is available to download and print.
Dot Peen
Dot Peen marking is also known as dot marking, stylus pin marking and micro percussion marking. This method uses a stylus that rapidly actuates to indent a series of dots on to the surface of a material. The stylus is programmed to move around the surface in x and y directions, resulting in a succession of dots that create digits, text, logos and 2D Data Matrix codes. Pryor's standard machines use an electrically driven solenoid to actuate the stylus, but pneumatic actuation is also available for deep marking or fast marking. Dot peen marking provides fast, accurate, low-stress marking and can mark through coatings or film on the material surface.
It is the ideal method for permanently marking a Data Matrix code onto a metal component. A Data Matrix is a 2D barcode which care store a large amount of data.
Fixturing
IMPORTANT - Unless the work piece is held firmly then there is little hope of obtaining a good quality mark.
If you have a wide variety of work pieces to mark then you may have to make several interchangeable fixtures. Use a magnetic chuck, or similar, to allow these fixtures to be changed over quickly and accurately.
Work piece material
The machines may mark a very wide range of materials but some materials are easier to mark than others.
The harder the material, the shallower the depth of mark will be. The type of material will also influence the life of the stylus, the stylus tip will wear or chip quickly the harder the material. The angle of the stylus tip may be changed to reduce the chance of chipping. Changing the angle may also increase the readability of the mark.
Surface finish
Smooth, well finished work pieces are easier to mark than rough, scaled work pieces. The worse the finish, the deeper the mark will have to be to remain readable.
Painted work pieces may be marked but the paint may chip, try changing the stylus tip angle to reduce the chipping.
Work piece flatness
The machine can mark on surfaces which are not completely flat but the depth of the mark will vary across the surface. For dot marking, as the gap between the stylus tip and the surface of the work piece increases, the depth of the mark will increase. If the difference in gap is only 1 to 2 mm (0.040" to 0.080") then the mark produced may be acceptable.
If you have to mark a heavily contoured surface (a cylindrical work piece, for example) then there are several things that should be considered:
- Try to use as large a gap as possible. If you have an initial gap of 5mm (0.200") then a change of 1mm (0.040") will have less effect than the same change would have had with an initial gap of 2mm (0.080"), for example.
- Mark a line of text by splitting it into several sections and then marking each with a different force to compensate for the change in gap. If using this approach the Split Line software function will assist if marking variable data.
- Reduce the character size or width so that the whole mark is shorter.
Depth of mark
The depth of mark depends on the following factors
- marking force (programmed on the controller)
- marking gap (distance between stylus tip and work piece)
- material hardness of the work piece
- stylus tip angle.
(90° Stylus – Note marking depths vary depending on material hardness and stylus tip angle)
The effect of marking force versus marking gap is illustrated in the chart.
Marking gap
The marking gap is the distance between the stylus tip and the surface of the work piece. Changing the marking gap changes the depth of mark. The larger the gap, the deeper the mark.
Stylus tip angle
The stylus tip angle (normally 90° included) may be varied to increase stylus life, increase the depth of the mark or increase the readability of the mark (though not all of these at once!)
A small included angle (perhaps 60°) will give a deep mark but stylus life will be reduced. The deeper mark obtained may even be less readable because the diameter of individual dots will be less.
A large included angle (perhaps 120°) will result in a longer stylus life. A less deep mark will be obtained but the mark may be more readable, this is because individual dots will be wider. Marking Data Matrix codes with a stylus angle of 120° often produces the best results and leads to the most readable codes.
A mini-stress stylus (radius tip) will help to eliminate any stress on the work piece but will result in a shallower mark.
Character size
The machines can mark characters from 0.15 to 49.95mm (0.006" to 1.967") high. Avoid using very large or very small characters, if possible. We class small characters as being up to 1.00mm (0.040"), medium characters as being 1.00mm to 4.00mm (0.040" to 0.160"), and large characters as being larger than 4.00mm (0.160").
Large characters take longer to mark than medium size characters, they also need to be marked more deeply to remain readable. If you need to mark large characters then consider using the 7x9 or Varidot style instead of the normal 5x7 style (the more dots there are, the more readable the mark).
The marking gap is the distance between the stylus tip and the surface of the work piece. Changing the marking gap changes the depth of mark. The larger the gap, the deeper the mark.
Stylus tip angle
The stylus tip angle (normally 90° included) may be varied to increase stylus life, increase the depth of the mark or increase the readability of the mark (though not all of these at once!)
A small included angle (perhaps 60°) will give a deep mark but stylus life will be reduced. The deeper mark obtained may even be less readable because the diameter of individual dots will be less.
A large included angle (perhaps 120°) will result in a longer stylus life. A less deep mark will be obtained but the mark may be more readable, this is because individual dots will be wider. Marking Data Matrix codes with a stylus angle of 120° often produces the best results and leads to the most readable codes.
A mini-stress stylus (radius tip) will help to eliminate any stress on the work piece but will result in a shallower mark.
Character size
The machines can mark characters from 0.15 to 49.95mm (0.006" to 1.967") high. Avoid using very large or very small characters, if possible. We class small characters as being up to 1.00mm (0.040"), medium characters as being 1.00mm to 4.00mm (0.040" to 0.160"), and large characters as being larger than 4.00mm (0.160").
Large characters take longer to mark than medium size characters, they also need to be marked more deeply to remain readable. If you need to mark large characters then consider using the 7x9 or Varidot style instead of the normal 5x7 style (the more dots there are, the more readable the mark).
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UDI Regulations and Requirements
A directive from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Commission has introduced legislation regarding the Unique Device Identification (UDI) of medical devices and instruments.
From September 2016, all medical class III devices and instruments that require direct part marking (DPM) must also carry a UDI. Class II and Class I devices will require UDI from September 2018 and September 2020 respectively.
This system will allow greater accuracy in reporting and traceability as well as reducing medical errors by allowing health care workers to quickly identify instruments.
Why Laser Marking is an Effective and Suitable Solution
A directive from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Commission has introduced legislation regarding the Unique Device Identification (UDI) of medical devices and instruments.
From September 2016, all medical class III devices and instruments that require direct part marking (DPM) must also carry a UDI. Class II and Class I devices will require UDI from September 2018 and September 2020 respectively.
This system will allow greater accuracy in reporting and traceability as well as reducing medical errors by allowing health care workers to quickly identify instruments.
Why Laser Marking is an Effective and Suitable Solution
- Permanent mark capable of lasting product life span
- High contrast marking
- Sterilisation resistant
- Hygienic and smooth
- Unaffected by passivation or other surface treatment
How Pryor & TSA can help with UDI
Pryor has a strong background in working with medical device and instrument manufactures and have developed our own laser and traceability solutions tailored towards UDI requirements.
Our expertise in the integration of vision systems is unmatched in the marking industry. This enables us to validate and verify against industry standards, and even produce full reports and images of the process for a complete traceability and data capture solution.
We can offer the following benefits to our medical customers:
Pryor has a strong background in working with medical device and instrument manufactures and have developed our own laser and traceability solutions tailored towards UDI requirements.
Our expertise in the integration of vision systems is unmatched in the marking industry. This enables us to validate and verify against industry standards, and even produce full reports and images of the process for a complete traceability and data capture solution.
We can offer the following benefits to our medical customers:
- Full traceability and serialisation to ensure unique part marking
- Mark Logos, serial numbers, 1D barcodes, 2D data matrix
- Cognex integration for full part mark verification
- Marking and quality inspection become a single operation, reducing critical cycle time
- Customised software for UDI applications
- Possibility to network our machines to your manufacturing execution system (ME)
For further information on UDI Marking CONTACT
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AS9132 is a specification for the Direct Part Marking of aerospace components.
For a Data Matrix code marked on a component for identification purposes, the standard measures dot size, angle of distortion and dot centre offset. The standard generally just considers a Pass/Fail of the mark against the criteria.
- Dot size needs to be between 65% and 105%
- Dot centre offset needs to be within 0% and 20% of the ideal grid
- Angle of distortion up to 6 degrees variation on the L shaped finder pattern
A Useful Feedback Loop
AS9132 provides useful feedback as to why a Data Matrix code has failed a verification check.
When the Pryor verification software detects a failed code it will provide the user with a relevant list of things to check to correct the problem.
Some tips on how to achieve a Pass grade in AS9132 are given in this article.
How to achieve Pass grades on AS9132 marks
For more information on what AS9132 is, see this article.
Pryor Dot Peen marking machines, when used with the head mounted VeriSmart 2.0 camera for the verification check, are capable of getting pass grades at AS9132. The BenchDot range of machines provide the highest quality Dot Peen marks in the world and can achieve better marks over a longer period of time.
This is due to the high precision x-y movement of the machines. While competitor products can also achieve Pass grades, they may not do so at high speeds or for longer periods of usage.
It is important to remember that a verification check of a Data Matrix needs to happen in a controlled environment. In order to assess the quality of the mark, the imaging process needs to be repeatable - otherwise the same mark can give different verification results; for example, different lighting conditions could make the difference between a pass and fail grade.
In order to ensure a consistent verification process, a machine-mounted camera should be used immediately after the mark has been made.
The AS9132 specification assess 3 criteria of a Data Matrix mark. It requires all 3 to give a Pass grade.
1. Dot size needs to be between 65% and 105%
2. Dot centre offset within 0% to 20% of the ideal grid
3. Angle of distortion up to 6 degrees variation of the L shaped finder pattern.
Dot Size
If the verification check on the Data Matrix fails because the dot size is too big, then the marking force is too high and needs to be reduced. This can be done in the Pryor embedded controller, Pryor Windows based software or by adjusting the gap betweent he component and the marking pin (a larger gap gives higher force).
Dot Centre Offset
If it fails for dot centre offset then the fixture is not good enough to clamp the part in place or the marking head has play and needs a service
Pryor Dot Peen marking machines, when used with the head mounted VeriSmart 2.0 camera for the verification check, are capable of getting pass grades at AS9132. The BenchDot range of machines provide the highest quality Dot Peen marks in the world and can achieve better marks over a longer period of time.
This is due to the high precision x-y movement of the machines. While competitor products can also achieve Pass grades, they may not do so at high speeds or for longer periods of usage.
It is important to remember that a verification check of a Data Matrix needs to happen in a controlled environment. In order to assess the quality of the mark, the imaging process needs to be repeatable - otherwise the same mark can give different verification results; for example, different lighting conditions could make the difference between a pass and fail grade.
In order to ensure a consistent verification process, a machine-mounted camera should be used immediately after the mark has been made.
The AS9132 specification assess 3 criteria of a Data Matrix mark. It requires all 3 to give a Pass grade.
1. Dot size needs to be between 65% and 105%
2. Dot centre offset within 0% to 20% of the ideal grid
3. Angle of distortion up to 6 degrees variation of the L shaped finder pattern.
Dot Size
If the verification check on the Data Matrix fails because the dot size is too big, then the marking force is too high and needs to be reduced. This can be done in the Pryor embedded controller, Pryor Windows based software or by adjusting the gap betweent he component and the marking pin (a larger gap gives higher force).
Dot Centre Offset
If it fails for dot centre offset then the fixture is not good enough to clamp the part in place or the marking head has play and needs a service
For further information about AS9132 please visit CONTACT
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"Component marking without stopping the production line flow has a huge impact on cycle time"
David Ray | Pryor Technical Director
David Ray | Pryor Technical Director
Laser marking has become an industry standard over the last 20 years and provides a fast, high contrast mark on a variety of surfaces.
A Pryor customer was looking to save time in their production process and mark parts as they moved along a production line.
This process of laser marking a component as it moves past the laser is called "marking on the fly". This is difficult to achieve as the static laser head needs to track the speed of the component and mark in the correct place whilst it is moving.
The advantages of achieving this are that a continuous, long mark can be applied and components can be marked on a high speed production line with almost no addition to cycle time.
Marking can be performed at all common production line speeds, with a unique, serialised Data Matrix code applied in as little as 0.5 seconds.
A Pryor customer was looking to save time in their production process and mark parts as they moved along a production line.
This process of laser marking a component as it moves past the laser is called "marking on the fly". This is difficult to achieve as the static laser head needs to track the speed of the component and mark in the correct place whilst it is moving.
The advantages of achieving this are that a continuous, long mark can be applied and components can be marked on a high speed production line with almost no addition to cycle time.
Marking can be performed at all common production line speeds, with a unique, serialised Data Matrix code applied in as little as 0.5 seconds.
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Traceability is extending deep into the aerospace supply chain, enhancing quality, improving efficiency and simplifying maintenance.
Alastair Morris, sales director at Pryor Marking Technology, has more to say in this article:
Originally posted in Machinery Digital Magazine August 2017
http://www.machinery.co.uk/machinery-online-magazine/3386?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_detail_base%3BdriwQ%2BLXQAWJo1MrBijKpA%3D%3D
Alastair Morris, sales director at Pryor Marking Technology, has more to say in this article:
Originally posted in Machinery Digital Magazine August 2017
http://www.machinery.co.uk/machinery-online-magazine/3386?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_detail_base%3BdriwQ%2BLXQAWJo1MrBijKpA%3D%3D
Traceability in the aerospace supply chain enhances quality, improves efficiency and simplifies maintenance. Alastair Morris, sales director at Pryor Marking Technology, explains how advances in marking technology, networking and data management make it available to the man.
In an industry as tightly regulated and safety-critical as aerospace, component quality is always high on the agenda. As a result, aircraft makers have long insisted that their top tier suppliers incorporate traceability into their components, to ensure reliability and enable the identification of the root cause of problems.
Giving every part a unique identity – and tracking that identity across the lifecycle of an aircraft – has traditionally been a costly and complex activity, limited to larger organisations producing high value parts and sub-assemblies. Now, however, unique part identification and traceability are becoming increasingly accessible to the wider aerospace supply chain. That’s thanks to a number of trends, including the introduction of sophisticated yet cost-effective marking solutions and the evolution of the industrial internet of things (iIoT). Today, businesses of all sizes and production scales can enjoy the benefits of precise, accurate traceability of individual components throughout their manufacturing, logistics and product support activities.
There are many different ways to identify components, but not all marks are made equal. Effective marking is central to any successful traceability system; if parts cannot be distinguished, it is simply not possible to track them. More traditional methods of tagging parts, such as with a sticky barcode label or human readable serial numbers, are still widely used. But these approaches have significant limitations. Sticky labels can eventually peel away, while printed IDs can become illegible over time.
To overcome those, and other, issues, machine-readable Data Matrix 2D barcodes are fast becoming the industry standard for part identification. Data Matrix codes can store more information than conventional serial numbers or 2D barcodes, allowing parts to carry details about raw materials, manufacturing process parameters and other relevant data.
In an industry as tightly regulated and safety-critical as aerospace, component quality is always high on the agenda. As a result, aircraft makers have long insisted that their top tier suppliers incorporate traceability into their components, to ensure reliability and enable the identification of the root cause of problems.
Giving every part a unique identity – and tracking that identity across the lifecycle of an aircraft – has traditionally been a costly and complex activity, limited to larger organisations producing high value parts and sub-assemblies. Now, however, unique part identification and traceability are becoming increasingly accessible to the wider aerospace supply chain. That’s thanks to a number of trends, including the introduction of sophisticated yet cost-effective marking solutions and the evolution of the industrial internet of things (iIoT). Today, businesses of all sizes and production scales can enjoy the benefits of precise, accurate traceability of individual components throughout their manufacturing, logistics and product support activities.
There are many different ways to identify components, but not all marks are made equal. Effective marking is central to any successful traceability system; if parts cannot be distinguished, it is simply not possible to track them. More traditional methods of tagging parts, such as with a sticky barcode label or human readable serial numbers, are still widely used. But these approaches have significant limitations. Sticky labels can eventually peel away, while printed IDs can become illegible over time.
To overcome those, and other, issues, machine-readable Data Matrix 2D barcodes are fast becoming the industry standard for part identification. Data Matrix codes can store more information than conventional serial numbers or 2D barcodes, allowing parts to carry details about raw materials, manufacturing process parameters and other relevant data.
DATA MATRIX REDUNDANCY
Data Matrix marks also feature built-in redundancy, meaning that if they get damaged, scratched or wear away they can still be scanned and the data accessed without any loss. This level of consistency is crucial for life-cycle traceability, if the parts are to be scanned when they are being used in the field and traced back to the source of supply.
Data Matrix codes are also ideally suited for marking directly onto a part and because they can be extremely small – there have been applications in which they have been laser etched smaller than 0.2 mm2 – it is possible to use them on the most compact components.
One of the most effective marking methods in aerospace is dot peen. It is the go-to option for a number of important reasons: for starters, it is low stress, but since it can be applied with a controlled and repeatable force it also delivers an unrivalled level of consistency.
Many companies introduce traceability at the request of their customers, who want to be able to identify components for maintenance purposes and respond quickly to isolate quality deviations. A growing
number, however, are recognising the power of product marking to improve their in-house manufacturing and quality assurance activities.
For example, marking individual parts with an ID tag, as early in the manufacturing cycle as possible means that they can be scanned repeatedly at reading stations as they pass each stage – building a log of essential information about production processes. This data can then be analysed against other parameters and used for detecting trends and possible areas for operational improvements, as well as any quality concerns before the component has left the factory.
Indeed, implementing a system that enables unique identification at the component level goes beyond dealing with product recalls and knowing what is already out there in the field. It can allow companies throughout the entire supply chain to monitor production data to determine areas where efficiency can be improved in manufacturing processes to boost output, while cutting costs and material waste.
The introduction of marking and tracking systems that are relatively inexpensive to implement means that even small firms can now access these benefits, leading to higher quality, lower costs, enhanced profitability and happier customers.
The cost, capabilities and value delivered by any traceability system depend on the systems and software that underpin it. This is an area where technology has evolved rapidly in recent years. Today’s systems are significantly more powerful, reliable and easier to implement than those of the past. The latest developments include moving towards marking, vision and data management equipment that performs all the functions needed in one fully integrated solution as part of a highly automated smart factory. Pryor (https://is.gd/omuhod), for example, has introduced complete systems that comprise laser marking and reading devices along with sophisticated data management software to enable firms to simply and efficiently implement traceability.
The evolution of the iIoT also makes it more straightforward to connect traceability systems with other technologies within the factory. They can link seamlessly with machine control systems, for example, allowing production equipment to automatically configure itself to carry out the required operations on each part presented to it. Likewise, links to central manufacturing execution systems can ensure that every part has the correct, unique mark and help companies track those parts through their production flows.
In production monitoring, specialised software can prevent potential quality problems from occurring in the first place by flagging up bottlenecks and issues in real time. The software will immediately bring attention to any issues, so that manufacturing and maintenance engineers can intervene quickly to remedy the fault and eliminate the risk of downtime or a hold up further along the line.
Data Matrix codes are also ideally suited for marking directly onto a part and because they can be extremely small – there have been applications in which they have been laser etched smaller than 0.2 mm2 – it is possible to use them on the most compact components.
One of the most effective marking methods in aerospace is dot peen. It is the go-to option for a number of important reasons: for starters, it is low stress, but since it can be applied with a controlled and repeatable force it also delivers an unrivalled level of consistency.
Many companies introduce traceability at the request of their customers, who want to be able to identify components for maintenance purposes and respond quickly to isolate quality deviations. A growing
number, however, are recognising the power of product marking to improve their in-house manufacturing and quality assurance activities.
For example, marking individual parts with an ID tag, as early in the manufacturing cycle as possible means that they can be scanned repeatedly at reading stations as they pass each stage – building a log of essential information about production processes. This data can then be analysed against other parameters and used for detecting trends and possible areas for operational improvements, as well as any quality concerns before the component has left the factory.
Indeed, implementing a system that enables unique identification at the component level goes beyond dealing with product recalls and knowing what is already out there in the field. It can allow companies throughout the entire supply chain to monitor production data to determine areas where efficiency can be improved in manufacturing processes to boost output, while cutting costs and material waste.
The introduction of marking and tracking systems that are relatively inexpensive to implement means that even small firms can now access these benefits, leading to higher quality, lower costs, enhanced profitability and happier customers.
The cost, capabilities and value delivered by any traceability system depend on the systems and software that underpin it. This is an area where technology has evolved rapidly in recent years. Today’s systems are significantly more powerful, reliable and easier to implement than those of the past. The latest developments include moving towards marking, vision and data management equipment that performs all the functions needed in one fully integrated solution as part of a highly automated smart factory. Pryor (https://is.gd/omuhod), for example, has introduced complete systems that comprise laser marking and reading devices along with sophisticated data management software to enable firms to simply and efficiently implement traceability.
The evolution of the iIoT also makes it more straightforward to connect traceability systems with other technologies within the factory. They can link seamlessly with machine control systems, for example, allowing production equipment to automatically configure itself to carry out the required operations on each part presented to it. Likewise, links to central manufacturing execution systems can ensure that every part has the correct, unique mark and help companies track those parts through their production flows.
In production monitoring, specialised software can prevent potential quality problems from occurring in the first place by flagging up bottlenecks and issues in real time. The software will immediately bring attention to any issues, so that manufacturing and maintenance engineers can intervene quickly to remedy the fault and eliminate the risk of downtime or a hold up further along the line.
GLOBALLY NETWORKED
Beyond connectivity within just one facility, advanced traceability software systems can be networked between global aerospace manufacturing sites to allow for remote knowledge sharing, whatever the scale of the operation. Meanwhile, if there is a quality issue beyond distribution when the product is either in the assembly stages or out in the field, it will be possible to simply drill down into the system data to rapidly identify the specific faulty component, so that only that one needs to be recalled, rather than an entire batch.
Greater levels of process control and superior traceability capabilities are increasingly becoming the industry norm in the aerospace sector. Original equipment manufacturers expect their contractors and suppliers to be able to provide this degree of production activity intelligence as standard and it can sometimes be the deciding factor when awarding contracts. But traceability doesn’t just benefit the end customer. Companies anywhere in the supply chain can use the ability to track individual parts during production to reduce errors, cut waste and improve their own business performance.
Greater levels of process control and superior traceability capabilities are increasingly becoming the industry norm in the aerospace sector. Original equipment manufacturers expect their contractors and suppliers to be able to provide this degree of production activity intelligence as standard and it can sometimes be the deciding factor when awarding contracts. But traceability doesn’t just benefit the end customer. Companies anywhere in the supply chain can use the ability to track individual parts during production to reduce errors, cut waste and improve their own business performance.
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บริษัท ทราเซียบิลิตี้ โซลูชั่นส์ เอเชีย จากัด เป็นผู้นำเสนอเทคโนโลยีในด้านการสร้างอัตลักษณ์บนพื้นผิว การระบุบ่งชี้และเฝ้าติดตามสินค้าผลิตภัณฑ์ รวมถึงระบบบริหารจัดการสินทรัพย์ เพื่อให้การติดตามและทวนสอบมีประสิทธิภาพมากขึ้น ซึ่งช่วยให้บริษัทได้รับข้อมูลที่ถูกต้อง รวดเร็ว ประหยัดทั้งเวลาและกำลังคน ด้วยความโดดเด่นของผลิตภัณฑ์ที่มีความทนทาน เชื่อถือได้ซึ่งเหมาะกับการใช้งานทุกภาคอุตสาหกรรม
การสร้างอัตลักษณ์และระบบเฝ้าติดตาม
บริษัท TSA ตกลงเป็นพันธมิตรทางการค้ากับ Pryor ผู้ผลิตเครื่องสร้างอัตลักษณ์และระบบเฝ้าติดตามผลิตภัณฑ์ ที่มีให้เลือกหลากหลายรูปแบบตามงบประมาณและความต้องการของลูกค้า
ทางเลือกการแก้ไขปัญหา
บริษัท TSA และ Pryor มีทางเลือกการแก้ไขปัญหาที่หลากหลาย เราสามารถแนะนำทางเลือกให้แก่ท่านได้ ไม่ว่าการสร้างอัตลักษณ์ การระบุชี้บ่ง และระบบการเฝ้าติดตามจะซับซ้อนมากน้อยเพียงใด
เกี่ยวกับ Pryor
Pryor Marking Technology ภายใต้ชื่อการค้า Edward Pryor and Son Ltd เป็นผู้ออกแบบ อีกทั้งผลิตเครื่องสร้างอัตลักษณ์และระบบเฝ้าติดตามผลิตภัณฑ์ ชั้นนำของโลก โดยบริษัทก่อตั้งในปี 1849 ที่เมือง Sheffield ประเทศอังกฤษ ซึ่งปัจจุบันมีสาขาทั้งใน สหราชอาณาจักร สหรัฐอเมริกา ฝรั่งเศส และอินเดีย อีกทั้งมีตัวแทนจำหน่ายอยู่ทั่วโลก ซึ่งมีลูกค้าในหลากหลายอุตสาหกรรม รวมถึงภาคยานยนต์และอากาศยาน
ด้วยประสบการณ์ที่ยาวนานกว่า 160 ปี ทาให้ Pryor เป็นผู้ให้บริการแบบครบวงจร ทั้งเครื่องสร้างอัตลักษณ์แบบมาตรฐานและรับออกแบบรวมถึงผลิตระบบสร้างอัตลักษณ์เฉพาะพิเศษตามความต้องการ รวมถึงระบบกล้องจับภาพและโปรแกรมเฝ้าติดตามผลิตภัณฑ์
ด้วยประสบการณ์ที่ยาวนานกว่า 160 ปี ทาให้ Pryor เป็นผู้ให้บริการแบบครบวงจร ทั้งเครื่องสร้างอัตลักษณ์แบบมาตรฐานและรับออกแบบรวมถึงผลิตระบบสร้างอัตลักษณ์เฉพาะพิเศษตามความต้องการ รวมถึงระบบกล้องจับภาพและโปรแกรมเฝ้าติดตามผลิตภัณฑ์
แนะนาบริษัทและผลิตภัณฑ์
ทาไมถึงต้องเลือกผลิตภัณฑ์ Pryor
- ผลิตภัณฑ์ที่มีคุณภาพระดับสูง
- ประสบการณ์ที่ยาวนานของบริษัทและทีมงาน
- การให้ความสาคัญกับการสนับสนุน ช่วยเหลือให้คาแนะนำและการให้บริการ
- การคิดค้นและมอบทางเลือกที่ดีที่สุด ให้แก่ลูกค้า
- มีความเชี่ยวชาญในด้านระบบการสร้างอัตลักษณ์ การบ่งชี้และเฝ้าติดตามผลิตภัณฑ์
- มีตัวแทนมากกว่า 60 ประเทศทั่วโลก รวมถึงประเทศไทยในชื่อ Traceability Solutions Asia Co., Ltd.
บริษัท TSA และ Pryor ให้ความสำคัญทั้งบุคลากร ระบบจัดการ เครื่องมือ และบริการ
เพื่อให้ลูกค้าพึงพอใจสูงสุด
เพื่อให้ลูกค้าพึงพอใจสูงสุด
การให้บริการแก่ลูกค้า
ไม่ว่าท่านจะมองหาระบบแบบใด เรายินดีให้คำปรึกษาแนะนำก่อนการสั่งซื้อ รวมทั้งให้บริการทำตัวอย่าง เพื่อให้แน่ใจว่าท่านได้ระบบที่ตรงกับความต้องการ อีกทั้งรวมถึงการให้บริการหลังการขาย ทั้งการติดตั้ง การอบรมใช้งาน การจัดหาอะไหล่สำรอง และการตอบข้อซักถามอื่นๆ เพิ่มเติม
การบริการของเรารวมถึง
- การเข้าพบ ณ พื้นที่ทำงาน
- การติดตั้งและอบรม
- การปรับปรุงเพิ่มประสิทธิภาพ
- การจัดหาอะไหล่
- การซ่อมบารุง
- การให้คำแนะนำปรึกษา
- การทำตัวอย่าง
- การออกแบบ
- การจัดทำโปรแกรม
- การสนับสนุนหลังการขายและสนับสนุนด้านเทคนิ
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การสร้างโค้ดหรืออัตลักษณ์เลขหมาย ที่เครื่องจักรสามารถเข้าใจได้ เป็นสิ่งจำเป็นสำหรับชิ้นส่วนประกอบในสายการผลิตสมัยใหม่ รวมทั้งกระบวนการตรวจติดตามสินทรัพย์ และ การควบุมสินค้าคงคลัง
อย่างไรก็ตาม ผู้ประกอบการส่วนใหญ่ไม่มีระบบตรวจสอบคุณภาพการสร้างโค้ดหรืออัตลักษณ์เลขหมายบนชิ้นงาน ซึ่งอาจส่งผลกระทบต่อกระบวนการผลิตและระบบติดตามในภายหลังได้ ซึ่งแท้จริงแล้ว การมีระบบสร้างอัตลักษณ์เลขหมายและระบบตรวจสอบที่มีประสิทธิภาพนั้น เป็นเรื่องไม่ซับซ้อน
กล่าวคือ เพียงแค่สังเกตว่ากระบวนการใดมีข้อบกพร่อง จากนั้นจึงปรับปรุงกระบวนการดังกล่าวให้ดีขึ้น
การนำชิ้นส่วนประกอบไปตรวจสอบโค้ดหรืออัตลักษณ์เลขหมายในแผนกควบคุมคุณภาพนั้นกินเวลาและมีค่าใช้จ่ายสูง อย่างเช่น การสุ่มตัวอย่าง ซึ่งเป็นไปได้ว่าอาจมีชิ้นส่วนประกอบบางชิ้นหลุดรอด และหากพบว่ามีความผิดพลาดเกิดขึ้น บริษัทจำเป็นจะต้องตรวจสอบการสร้างโค้ดหรืออัตลักษณ์เลขหมายของสายการผลิตในช่วงเวลานั้นทั้งหมด
การสร้างโค้ดหรืออัตลักษณ์เลขหมายที่ผิดพลาดบนผลิตภัณฑ์นั้นนำไปสู่ปัญหา 2 ประการ คือ
1. ลูกค้าปฏิเสธผลิตภัณฑ์ที่มีโค้ดหรืออัตลักษณ์เลขหมายที่ผิดพลาดเหล่านั้น และจะส่งผลให้เกิดการสูญเสียอย่างมากหากผลิตภัณฑ์นั้นได้ถูกส่งมอบไปแล้ว
2. การสร้างโค้ดหรืออัตลักษณ์เลขหมายที่ถูกต้องลงแทนที่อาจไม่ชัดเจนหรือไม่สามารถอ่านได้ ซึ่งจะส่งผลต่อการเรียกดูข้อมูลในการขอรับบริการ รวมถึงทำให้การตรวจติดตามในขั้นตอนการผลิตเป็นเรื่องยากลำบากมากขึ้น
อย่างไรก็ตาม ผู้ประกอบการส่วนใหญ่ไม่มีระบบตรวจสอบคุณภาพการสร้างโค้ดหรืออัตลักษณ์เลขหมายบนชิ้นงาน ซึ่งอาจส่งผลกระทบต่อกระบวนการผลิตและระบบติดตามในภายหลังได้ ซึ่งแท้จริงแล้ว การมีระบบสร้างอัตลักษณ์เลขหมายและระบบตรวจสอบที่มีประสิทธิภาพนั้น เป็นเรื่องไม่ซับซ้อน
กล่าวคือ เพียงแค่สังเกตว่ากระบวนการใดมีข้อบกพร่อง จากนั้นจึงปรับปรุงกระบวนการดังกล่าวให้ดีขึ้น
การนำชิ้นส่วนประกอบไปตรวจสอบโค้ดหรืออัตลักษณ์เลขหมายในแผนกควบคุมคุณภาพนั้นกินเวลาและมีค่าใช้จ่ายสูง อย่างเช่น การสุ่มตัวอย่าง ซึ่งเป็นไปได้ว่าอาจมีชิ้นส่วนประกอบบางชิ้นหลุดรอด และหากพบว่ามีความผิดพลาดเกิดขึ้น บริษัทจำเป็นจะต้องตรวจสอบการสร้างโค้ดหรืออัตลักษณ์เลขหมายของสายการผลิตในช่วงเวลานั้นทั้งหมด
การสร้างโค้ดหรืออัตลักษณ์เลขหมายที่ผิดพลาดบนผลิตภัณฑ์นั้นนำไปสู่ปัญหา 2 ประการ คือ
1. ลูกค้าปฏิเสธผลิตภัณฑ์ที่มีโค้ดหรืออัตลักษณ์เลขหมายที่ผิดพลาดเหล่านั้น และจะส่งผลให้เกิดการสูญเสียอย่างมากหากผลิตภัณฑ์นั้นได้ถูกส่งมอบไปแล้ว
2. การสร้างโค้ดหรืออัตลักษณ์เลขหมายที่ถูกต้องลงแทนที่อาจไม่ชัดเจนหรือไม่สามารถอ่านได้ ซึ่งจะส่งผลต่อการเรียกดูข้อมูลในการขอรับบริการ รวมถึงทำให้การตรวจติดตามในขั้นตอนการผลิตเป็นเรื่องยากลำบากมากขึ้น
แล้วปัจจุบันมีวิธีการใดบ้างที่จะลดความเสี่ยงนี้
คำตอบคือ การใช้เทคโนโลยี่เข้ามาช่วยจัดการ ด้วยระบบตรวจสอบ อย่างเช่น Pryor VeriSmart 2.0 ที่สามารถติดตั้งเข้ากับสายการผลิต ไม่ว่าจะติดตั้งที่สถานีเครื่องสร้างอัตลักษณ์เลขหมาย หรือติดตั้งบนตำแหน่งอื่นๆ ในสายการผลิต ระบบนี้จะทำงานบนพื้นฐานเดียวกัน นั้นคือการอ่านโค้ด ที่ใช้กล้องอ่านที่มีความละเอียดสูง ควบคู่กับการควบคุมแสงและสภาพการณ์การอ่าน
ระบบตรวจสอบที่กล่าวข้างต้นนี้ ไปไกลเกินกว่าการตรวจสอบว่าข้อมูลที่ถูกต้องได้ถูกเขียนลงบนผลิตภัณฑ์ แต่ยังสามารถตรวจสอบ ขนาด รูปร่าง รวมถึงตรวจสอบว่าตำแหน่งที่สร้างโค้ดหรืออัตลักษณ์เลขหมายนั้นถูกต้องตามข้อกำหนดหรือไม่ โดยไม่ส่งผลต่อเวลาการทำงานของกระบวนการนั้น ๆ ซึ่งเคยมีการประยุกต์ใช้ให้ตรวจสอบชิ้นงานที่วินาทีละสองชิ้นมาแล้ว ด้วยเทคโนโลยีดังกล่าว ทำให้การสร้างโค้ดหรืออัตลักษณ์เลขหมายที่ด้อยคุณภาพ หมดไปจากสายการผลิตในที่สุด
สำหรับแนวทางการเพิ่มประสิทธิภาพการควบคุมสินค้าคงคลังและการตรวจติดตามสินทรัพย์
ท่านสามารถดูข้อมูลได้เพิ่มเติมตามลิงค์ด้านล่าง http://www.pryormarking.com/files/document/114/Verification-White-Paper.pdf
คำตอบคือ การใช้เทคโนโลยี่เข้ามาช่วยจัดการ ด้วยระบบตรวจสอบ อย่างเช่น Pryor VeriSmart 2.0 ที่สามารถติดตั้งเข้ากับสายการผลิต ไม่ว่าจะติดตั้งที่สถานีเครื่องสร้างอัตลักษณ์เลขหมาย หรือติดตั้งบนตำแหน่งอื่นๆ ในสายการผลิต ระบบนี้จะทำงานบนพื้นฐานเดียวกัน นั้นคือการอ่านโค้ด ที่ใช้กล้องอ่านที่มีความละเอียดสูง ควบคู่กับการควบคุมแสงและสภาพการณ์การอ่าน
ระบบตรวจสอบที่กล่าวข้างต้นนี้ ไปไกลเกินกว่าการตรวจสอบว่าข้อมูลที่ถูกต้องได้ถูกเขียนลงบนผลิตภัณฑ์ แต่ยังสามารถตรวจสอบ ขนาด รูปร่าง รวมถึงตรวจสอบว่าตำแหน่งที่สร้างโค้ดหรืออัตลักษณ์เลขหมายนั้นถูกต้องตามข้อกำหนดหรือไม่ โดยไม่ส่งผลต่อเวลาการทำงานของกระบวนการนั้น ๆ ซึ่งเคยมีการประยุกต์ใช้ให้ตรวจสอบชิ้นงานที่วินาทีละสองชิ้นมาแล้ว ด้วยเทคโนโลยีดังกล่าว ทำให้การสร้างโค้ดหรืออัตลักษณ์เลขหมายที่ด้อยคุณภาพ หมดไปจากสายการผลิตในที่สุด
สำหรับแนวทางการเพิ่มประสิทธิภาพการควบคุมสินค้าคงคลังและการตรวจติดตามสินทรัพย์
ท่านสามารถดูข้อมูลได้เพิ่มเติมตามลิงค์ด้านล่าง http://www.pryormarking.com/files/document/114/Verification-White-Paper.pdf
และในส่วนมาตรฐานการตรวจสอบของอากาศยาน
ท่านสามารถดูได้ตามลิงค์ด้านล่าง
http://www.pryormarking.com/solutions/aerospace-marking-standards
ท่านสามารถดูได้ตามลิงค์ด้านล่าง
http://www.pryormarking.com/solutions/aerospace-marking-standards
- Published on
"เราจะนำประโยชน์ของการผลิตและการตรวจติดตามแบบดิจิตอลมาเพิ่มประสิทธิภาพได้อย่างไร"
จาก www.pryormarking.com/digital-manufacturing-and-traceability
การปฏิวัติระบบดิจิตอลเกิดอยู่รอบ ๆ ตัวเรา ที่เห็นอย่างเด่นชัดคือภาคการผลิตที่มีส่วนช่วยสร้างนวัตกรรมใหม่ๆ
สาเหตุที่ได้รับความนิยมนั้นคือ ข้อมูล!! เพราะการบริหารและวิเคาระห์ข้อมูลที่มีประสิทธิภาพช่วยให้ทำงานได้ดียิ่งขึ้นและมีประสิทธิภาพมากขึ้น และส่งผลให้สินค้ามีคุณภาพสูงขึ้นด้วย โดยมีการคาดการณ์ว่าการผลิตแบบดิจิตอลจะเพิ่มขึ้น 7.6% ระหว่างปี 2016-2020
เหตุที่ "ข้อมูล" มีส่วนช่วยผู้ผลิตนั้น กล่าวคือ การช่วยติดตามส่วนประกอบในการผลิต ตั้งแต่วัตถุดิบไปจนสิ้นสุดกระบวนการ ด้วยการติดตามที่แม่นยำ ทำให้สามารถระบุและสืบค้นข้อมูลแหล่งกำเนิดและประวัติบันทึกในแต่ละกระบวนการได้ในแบบ ณ เวลาปัจจุบัน ซึ่งช่วยลดค่าใช้จ่าย ลดของเสียและลดเวลา ที่เกิดจากการเรียกคืนสินค้า และด้วยการวิเคาระห์ข้อมูลทำให้สามารถรู้ได้ว่ากระบวนการใดเกิดข้อบกพร่องและควรได้รับการปรับปรุงแก้ไขในทันที
การตรวจติดตามการผลิตแบบดิจิตอลต้องการเครื่องมือที่จำเป็น 3 อย่าง คือ เครื่อง Mark ระบ Vision และโปรแกรมบริหารจัดการข้อมูล โดยการทำ Laser หรือ Dot mark เลข ID บนทุกชิ้นส่วนที่ต้นกระบวนการ หลังจากนั้นจะทำการบันทึกเลข ID ทั้งก่อนเข้าและหลังผ่านกระบวนการต่างๆ เพื่อสร้างข้อมูลจำเพาะ ทั้งข้อมูลเครื่องจักร สิ่งแวดล้อม วันและเวลา เป็นต้น
โปรแกรมบริหารจัดการข้อมูล จะประสานการทำงานของเครื่อง Mark และระบ Vision เพื่อรับข้อมูลมาบันทึก บริหารจัดการ และจัดทำรายงาน เพื่อเผยแพร่ให้ผู้เกี่ยวข้องในองค์กรได้รับทราบ ทำให้สามารถตรวจติดตามชิ้นส่วนที่ต้องการได้ไม่ว่าจะอยู่ส่วนใดในโลก
ดังที่กล่าวมาทั้งหมด การผลิตและการตรวจติดตามแบบดิจิตอลสามารถเพิ่มประสิทธิภาพการทำงานและช่วยเพิ่มผลิตผลให้แก่องค์กรได้ ยิ่งประยุกต์ใช้เร็วเท่าไรก็จะก่อเกิดประโยชน์แก่องค์กรเร็วขึ้นเท่านั้
จาก www.pryormarking.com/digital-manufacturing-and-traceability
การปฏิวัติระบบดิจิตอลเกิดอยู่รอบ ๆ ตัวเรา ที่เห็นอย่างเด่นชัดคือภาคการผลิตที่มีส่วนช่วยสร้างนวัตกรรมใหม่ๆ
สาเหตุที่ได้รับความนิยมนั้นคือ ข้อมูล!! เพราะการบริหารและวิเคาระห์ข้อมูลที่มีประสิทธิภาพช่วยให้ทำงานได้ดียิ่งขึ้นและมีประสิทธิภาพมากขึ้น และส่งผลให้สินค้ามีคุณภาพสูงขึ้นด้วย โดยมีการคาดการณ์ว่าการผลิตแบบดิจิตอลจะเพิ่มขึ้น 7.6% ระหว่างปี 2016-2020
เหตุที่ "ข้อมูล" มีส่วนช่วยผู้ผลิตนั้น กล่าวคือ การช่วยติดตามส่วนประกอบในการผลิต ตั้งแต่วัตถุดิบไปจนสิ้นสุดกระบวนการ ด้วยการติดตามที่แม่นยำ ทำให้สามารถระบุและสืบค้นข้อมูลแหล่งกำเนิดและประวัติบันทึกในแต่ละกระบวนการได้ในแบบ ณ เวลาปัจจุบัน ซึ่งช่วยลดค่าใช้จ่าย ลดของเสียและลดเวลา ที่เกิดจากการเรียกคืนสินค้า และด้วยการวิเคาระห์ข้อมูลทำให้สามารถรู้ได้ว่ากระบวนการใดเกิดข้อบกพร่องและควรได้รับการปรับปรุงแก้ไขในทันที
การตรวจติดตามการผลิตแบบดิจิตอลต้องการเครื่องมือที่จำเป็น 3 อย่าง คือ เครื่อง Mark ระบ Vision และโปรแกรมบริหารจัดการข้อมูล โดยการทำ Laser หรือ Dot mark เลข ID บนทุกชิ้นส่วนที่ต้นกระบวนการ หลังจากนั้นจะทำการบันทึกเลข ID ทั้งก่อนเข้าและหลังผ่านกระบวนการต่างๆ เพื่อสร้างข้อมูลจำเพาะ ทั้งข้อมูลเครื่องจักร สิ่งแวดล้อม วันและเวลา เป็นต้น
โปรแกรมบริหารจัดการข้อมูล จะประสานการทำงานของเครื่อง Mark และระบ Vision เพื่อรับข้อมูลมาบันทึก บริหารจัดการ และจัดทำรายงาน เพื่อเผยแพร่ให้ผู้เกี่ยวข้องในองค์กรได้รับทราบ ทำให้สามารถตรวจติดตามชิ้นส่วนที่ต้องการได้ไม่ว่าจะอยู่ส่วนใดในโลก
ดังที่กล่าวมาทั้งหมด การผลิตและการตรวจติดตามแบบดิจิตอลสามารถเพิ่มประสิทธิภาพการทำงานและช่วยเพิ่มผลิตผลให้แก่องค์กรได้ ยิ่งประยุกต์ใช้เร็วเท่าไรก็จะก่อเกิดประโยชน์แก่องค์กรเร็วขึ้นเท่านั้
- Published on
By Paul Trujillo
Paul Trujillo is a Product Marketing Manager at Informatics specializing in Inventory Warehouse Management and Supply Chain product lines. His nearly 15 years of experience has put him at the forefront of industry technology and developing trends.
Paul Trujillo is a Product Marketing Manager at Informatics specializing in Inventory Warehouse Management and Supply Chain product lines. His nearly 15 years of experience has put him at the forefront of industry technology and developing trends.
Every time we purchase something we interact with a barcode, but rarely do we give them much notice. Yet barcodes play a crucial role in the effective and efficient operation of our economy, from small businesses to large multinational conglomerates.
What is a barcode?
A barcode is “A machine-readable code in the form of numbers and a pattern of parallel lines of varying widths, printed on and identifying a product.” But in truth a barcode is so much more. Barcode systems help businesses and organizations track products, prices, and stock levels for centralized management in a computer software system allowing for incredible increases in productivity and efficiency.
The lines and patterns on a barcode are actually representations of numbers and data and their development allowed basic information about a product to be easily read by an optical scanning device, a barcode scanner, and automatically entered into a computer system. This vastly reduced the time it took to record such information and eliminated the potential for human data entry error.
Barcodes started out with simple 1-dimensional designs, consisting of basic black lines that could only be read by specially designed barcode scanners. However, today barcodes come in many shapes and sizes and a wide range of designs and many can even be read by mobile phones and other devices.
What is a barcode?
A barcode is “A machine-readable code in the form of numbers and a pattern of parallel lines of varying widths, printed on and identifying a product.” But in truth a barcode is so much more. Barcode systems help businesses and organizations track products, prices, and stock levels for centralized management in a computer software system allowing for incredible increases in productivity and efficiency.
The lines and patterns on a barcode are actually representations of numbers and data and their development allowed basic information about a product to be easily read by an optical scanning device, a barcode scanner, and automatically entered into a computer system. This vastly reduced the time it took to record such information and eliminated the potential for human data entry error.
Barcodes started out with simple 1-dimensional designs, consisting of basic black lines that could only be read by specially designed barcode scanners. However, today barcodes come in many shapes and sizes and a wide range of designs and many can even be read by mobile phones and other devices.
Brief history of the barcode
The barcode has a long and interesting history from its initial development nearly 70 years ago through today. It is an ever changing story, as the technology behind the barcode is constantly evolving, and we discover ways to put more and more information into these “machine-readable” codes. It all started in 1949 on a beach when Joseph Woodland, a mechanical engineer at Drexel University, drew a set of parallel lines in the sand that “represented a kind of ‘long form’ of dots and dashes” or Morse code. Woodland had been thinking about the ways Morse code might be used to solve a problem his colleague Bernard Silver had presented to him. Months earlier, Silver had overheard the president of a grocery chain appeal to the dean of Drexel University to help him devise a system to automate the grocery checkout process.
On October 20, 1949, Woodland and Silver filed a patent application for a “Classifying Apparatus and Method” — the first barcode concept. They finally received their patent in October 1952, and while the idea was intriguing to a number of companies and industries, the scanning technology, which would eventually allow the barcode to become one of the most ubiquitous symbols in the world did not yet exist.
On October 20, 1949, Woodland and Silver filed a patent application for a “Classifying Apparatus and Method” — the first barcode concept. They finally received their patent in October 1952, and while the idea was intriguing to a number of companies and industries, the scanning technology, which would eventually allow the barcode to become one of the most ubiquitous symbols in the world did not yet exist.
In the 1950s and 1960s various companies and industries tried to develop the barcode technology. The first implementation was the KarTrak system developed by David Collins for the Boston and Maine Railroad company. It was subsequently selected as the standard by the Association of American Railroads (AAR) and by 1974, 95% of the AAR fleet was labeled with the KarTrak system. However, the system was never fully functional and its use was discontinued by the late 1970s.
The breakthrough that would lead to the global spread of barcodes was the development of the Universal Product Code (UPC). In 1966 the National Association of Food Chains (NAFC) began to discuss the idea of automated checkout systems. At the time, RCA owned the rights to Woodland and Silver’s original patent and began an internal project to develop an effective system.
Then, in the mid-1970s, the NAFC established the U.S. Supermarket Ad Hoc Committee on a Uniform Grocery Product Code, to create basic guidelines for barcode development and an effective coding system. This led to the creation of a standardized 11-digit code to identify any product.
At the time, IBM employed George Lauer and had him begin work on what would become the standard UPC linear 1D barcode. The critical moment came in 1974 on June 26th when the first barcode was scanned in a supermarket in Troy, Ohio. It was a 10-pack of Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit gum.
Over time the barcode has expanded from simple lines to complicated designs and helps people track everything from a can of soda to top secret assets in the Department of Defense.
1D vs 2D Barcodes
There are two types of barcodes: linear – or 1D, and 2D. The most visually recognizable, the UPC (Universal Product Code) is a linear 1D barcode made up of two parts: the barcode and the 12-digit UPC number. The first six numbers of the barcode is the manufacturer’s identification number. The next five digits represent the item’s number. The last number is called a check digit which enables the scanner to determine if the barcode was scanned correctly.
The breakthrough that would lead to the global spread of barcodes was the development of the Universal Product Code (UPC). In 1966 the National Association of Food Chains (NAFC) began to discuss the idea of automated checkout systems. At the time, RCA owned the rights to Woodland and Silver’s original patent and began an internal project to develop an effective system.
Then, in the mid-1970s, the NAFC established the U.S. Supermarket Ad Hoc Committee on a Uniform Grocery Product Code, to create basic guidelines for barcode development and an effective coding system. This led to the creation of a standardized 11-digit code to identify any product.
At the time, IBM employed George Lauer and had him begin work on what would become the standard UPC linear 1D barcode. The critical moment came in 1974 on June 26th when the first barcode was scanned in a supermarket in Troy, Ohio. It was a 10-pack of Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit gum.
Over time the barcode has expanded from simple lines to complicated designs and helps people track everything from a can of soda to top secret assets in the Department of Defense.
1D vs 2D Barcodes
There are two types of barcodes: linear – or 1D, and 2D. The most visually recognizable, the UPC (Universal Product Code) is a linear 1D barcode made up of two parts: the barcode and the 12-digit UPC number. The first six numbers of the barcode is the manufacturer’s identification number. The next five digits represent the item’s number. The last number is called a check digit which enables the scanner to determine if the barcode was scanned correctly.
1D Barcode
Uniform Product Code (UPC)
Retail stores for sales checkout; inventory, etc.
Retail stores for sales checkout; inventory, etc.
Code 39 (Code 3 of 9)
Identification, inventory, and tracking shipments
Identification, inventory, and tracking shipments
POSTNET
Encoding zip codes on U.S. mail
Encoding zip codes on U.S. mail
Bookland
Based on ISBN numbers and used on book covers
Based on ISBN numbers and used on book covers
Code 128
Used in preference to Code 39 because it is more compact
Used in preference to Code 39 because it is more compact
Interleaved 2 of 5
Used in the shipping and warehouse industries
Used in the shipping and warehouse industries
Codabar
Used by Federal Express, in libraries, and blood banks
Used by Federal Express, in libraries, and blood banks
2D Barcode
PDF417
Large amounts of text and data can be stored because it can be compressed. Used to print postage accepted by the UPSP. It is also used by airlines on boarding passes.
Large amounts of text and data can be stored because it can be compressed. Used to print postage accepted by the UPSP. It is also used by airlines on boarding passes.
Maxicode
MaxiCode symbols can encode two messages; a primary and a secondary message. Used by the United Parcel Service.
MaxiCode symbols can encode two messages; a primary and a secondary message. Used by the United Parcel Service.
A linear barcode typically holds any type of text information. In contrast, a 2D barcode is more complex and can include more information in the code: price, quantity, web address or image. A linear barcode scanner cannot read a 2D barcode, requiring the use of an image scanner for reading the information embedded in a 2D barcode. Mobile phones with cameras, like iPhones and Android phones, and many other devices can read 2D barcodes through their integrated cameras.
The development of the 2D barcode greatly expanded the application of barcodes. Now that they could contain more information and are easily readable by consumers (via their mobile phones) the 2D barcode could do much more than just keep track of assets and inventory.
Today, 2D codes, especially QR codes, which can hold as much as 7,000 digits or 4,000 characters of text, are used by companies to share information or websites and videos with consumers, or by healthcare facilities to monitor medication, and even to integrate data with programs like MS Office, MS SQL Servers, and other databases and files. Try this free QR code generator to create a QR code for your business.
The development of the 2D barcode greatly expanded the application of barcodes. Now that they could contain more information and are easily readable by consumers (via their mobile phones) the 2D barcode could do much more than just keep track of assets and inventory.
Today, 2D codes, especially QR codes, which can hold as much as 7,000 digits or 4,000 characters of text, are used by companies to share information or websites and videos with consumers, or by healthcare facilities to monitor medication, and even to integrate data with programs like MS Office, MS SQL Servers, and other databases and files. Try this free QR code generator to create a QR code for your business.
How do barcodes work?
Barcodes work through the combination of a symbology (the barcode) and a scanner that can read the symbols and convert them into useful information, often information about an item’s origin, price, type, and location. The scanner reads the barcode and automatically enters the information stored in it into a system – often some type of database.
This tool has provided many, many benefits for businesses. It paved the way for the globally connected distribution channels we now have and it is what allows big corporations like Walmart to ensure they have products properly stocked and priced around the world. It has also become a crucial tool to help small and medium businesses, as well as hospitals and government groups, keep track of assets and improve their efficiencies.
Some of the ways businesses use barcodes include:
This tool has provided many, many benefits for businesses. It paved the way for the globally connected distribution channels we now have and it is what allows big corporations like Walmart to ensure they have products properly stocked and priced around the world. It has also become a crucial tool to help small and medium businesses, as well as hospitals and government groups, keep track of assets and improve their efficiencies.
Some of the ways businesses use barcodes include:
- Keeping track of inventory. A basic inventory tracking system consists of software and a barcode scanner or mobile computer. Inventory items (like products you sell, supplies, or raw materials) will all have barcode labels, so when you remove an item from stock, you just scan the barcode to reduce the available count in your inventory tracking software, instead of having to type in a SKU.
- Keeping track of assets. Any business, no matter how large or small, has IT assets and fixed assets. Barcoded asset tags are attached to each individual asset, and can be scanned to check items in or out in your asset tracking software. It’s a great way to improve accountability and makes audits much easier.
- Use barcodes in return mail. Add a barcode to the return-mail registration postcard that matches the product’s serial number, and then you can instantly track which serial numbers are registered, and which aren’t. Plus, your customers won’t have to locate and transcribe a lengthy serial number.
- Include barcodes in a mail merge. If your company is hosting an event, you can add barcodes to an RSVP card so you can track who has responded – without trying to translate anyone’s handwriting.
- Add barcodes to invoices. Add a barcode that represents the customer number or the individual invoice number so when it’s returned with payment, you can easily locate the customer account or invoice number. This will prevent problems like applying payments to the incorrect customer account or invoice.
How you create a barcode
One easy way to incorporate barcodes into your business is to use a complete barcode system, like the WaspNest Barcode System. However, there are also many online tools that you can use to generate barcodes without any investment. Try this free barcode generator to create a barcode for your business. Need a 1D Barcode or 2D QR Barcode?
Barcode Software for Label Design – WaspLabeler +2D Tour
How Do Barcodes Help Businesses?
How can barcodes help your business’s bottom line? Strictly speaking it isn’t the existence of barcodes themselves that help businesses save and make more money; it’s the systems behind them.
Take the Arizona Cardinals scoreboard crew for example, they recently implemented an asset tracking system (leveraging barcode technology) in order to track all of the parts involved in a flawless game day experience. As a result, they were able to save over 500 hours per year. How’s that for improving efficiency!
Just because you’re not an NFL team doesn’t mean that barcodes can’t help to improve how your small business works. In fact, whether you make and sell physical products or you just can never seem to figure out where your projector is when you need to give a presentation, labelling and tracking your assets with barcodes can save your business time and money.
Take the Arizona Cardinals scoreboard crew for example, they recently implemented an asset tracking system (leveraging barcode technology) in order to track all of the parts involved in a flawless game day experience. As a result, they were able to save over 500 hours per year. How’s that for improving efficiency!
Just because you’re not an NFL team doesn’t mean that barcodes can’t help to improve how your small business works. In fact, whether you make and sell physical products or you just can never seem to figure out where your projector is when you need to give a presentation, labelling and tracking your assets with barcodes can save your business time and money.
QR Code Generator: 5 Ways to Use QR Codes
Have a question about barcodes or ready to optimize your inventory?
For further information please visit us at our CONTACT page
For further information please visit us at our CONTACT page
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Article originally posted in Engineering Subcontractor May 2017 Page 62 - 63.
The evolution of Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things has seen an increasing number of manufacturing sectors embracing component traceability and expect the same of subcontractors. Alastair Morris, sales director at Pryor, looks at how developments in technology are simplifying the adoption of this smart way of working so firms at every stage of the supply chain can enjoy the benefits Industry 4.0, big data and the Internet of Things, these are all very much the buzzwords of today in the world of manufacturing, and for good reason as they are having a transformative positive impact on businesses throughout the sector. Similar to the way in which having a smartphone can enable people to be more efficient and organised by having a wealth of information at their fingertips, these concepts along with cutting edge digital technologies mean that data can be captured, managed and shared globally to boost productivity and, ultimately, profitability.
Perhaps the biggest changes that are occurring, thanks to the growth of digital and networking advances, are in traceability capabilities. Once enjoyed exclusively by a small number of sectors, such as medical and military, the ability to track and trace individual components within an assembly throughout the entire manufacturing process is now more accessible than ever to markets across industry, especially in aerospace and automotive, as the practice becomes simpler and more cost effective to implement.
Furthermore, contractors at every level of the supply chain are increasingly being expected to adopt comparable traceability that will allow manufacturers to be able to drill down into the data that can be made available to find the exact history of each part and material. Firms that are not prepared to look beyond the immediate short term tasks of engineering and delivering components risk being left behind and overtaken by competitors who are taking a proactive approach and evolving in line with the technological developments.
Perhaps the biggest changes that are occurring, thanks to the growth of digital and networking advances, are in traceability capabilities. Once enjoyed exclusively by a small number of sectors, such as medical and military, the ability to track and trace individual components within an assembly throughout the entire manufacturing process is now more accessible than ever to markets across industry, especially in aerospace and automotive, as the practice becomes simpler and more cost effective to implement.
Furthermore, contractors at every level of the supply chain are increasingly being expected to adopt comparable traceability that will allow manufacturers to be able to drill down into the data that can be made available to find the exact history of each part and material. Firms that are not prepared to look beyond the immediate short term tasks of engineering and delivering components risk being left behind and overtaken by competitors who are taking a proactive approach and evolving in line with the technological developments.
Why is traceability important?
Manufacturers don’t want a fragmented supply chain and it is critical for contractors to acknowledge that all components form part of a bigger puzzle that is not complete without every one of its individual elements. Being able to identify the origin of each part in real time is key. Indeed, manufacturing is increasingly becoming a data-driven sector and clients want full traceability of components and process information to be able to better control, analyse and improve the entire life cycle of products.
Traceability also cuts the risks, cost, waste and time associated with recalls when something goes wrong. By tracking individual parts and storing various parameters and big data, firms throughout the supply chain can instantly access information to identify exactly how, when and where the problem occurred. The issue can then be investigated and fixed rapidly and efficiently to prevent damage to credibility and reputation.
This level of intelligence and the ability to share it globally can also be the difference between having to recall an entire month’s production and just the changing of the individual faulty parts. For example, traceability means it is possible to know exactly which individual component is affected, precisely where it is mounted in an assembly and in which aeroplane engine so that it can be replaced quickly and easily.
Equally, traceability and the effective management of big data can also help to identify and monitor trends and bottlenecks in methods. The information gathered can be audited and used to implement efficiency and manufacturing process improvements for greater productivity, business performance and profitability. This proactive way of working helps to identify issues before they become major problems that are far more challenging to tackle.
Manufacturers don’t want a fragmented supply chain and it is critical for contractors to acknowledge that all components form part of a bigger puzzle that is not complete without every one of its individual elements. Being able to identify the origin of each part in real time is key. Indeed, manufacturing is increasingly becoming a data-driven sector and clients want full traceability of components and process information to be able to better control, analyse and improve the entire life cycle of products.
Traceability also cuts the risks, cost, waste and time associated with recalls when something goes wrong. By tracking individual parts and storing various parameters and big data, firms throughout the supply chain can instantly access information to identify exactly how, when and where the problem occurred. The issue can then be investigated and fixed rapidly and efficiently to prevent damage to credibility and reputation.
This level of intelligence and the ability to share it globally can also be the difference between having to recall an entire month’s production and just the changing of the individual faulty parts. For example, traceability means it is possible to know exactly which individual component is affected, precisely where it is mounted in an assembly and in which aeroplane engine so that it can be replaced quickly and easily.
Equally, traceability and the effective management of big data can also help to identify and monitor trends and bottlenecks in methods. The information gathered can be audited and used to implement efficiency and manufacturing process improvements for greater productivity, business performance and profitability. This proactive way of working helps to identify issues before they become major problems that are far more challenging to tackle.
How traceability works
Coding and data capture are at the heart of effective traceability. The process begins as early as possible with a specially designed marking device giving raw materials a unique identification tag, which can be a barcode, typically 2D or Data Matrix, or readable serial number, that they will keep throughout its service life.
Once the part enters the machining and manufacturing stages the ID is recorded by vision equipment. Data is then added before and after each process to ensure no steps are missed and that they are completed in the right order to build up a history for the part. When the parts reach assembly they are all scanned and crosschecked to the bill of materials to ensure nothing is missed and that the correct assembly process is followed. Full traceability is now possible as every part in the assembly has a unique ID and quality risks can be instantly located.
Coding and data capture are at the heart of effective traceability. The process begins as early as possible with a specially designed marking device giving raw materials a unique identification tag, which can be a barcode, typically 2D or Data Matrix, or readable serial number, that they will keep throughout its service life.
Once the part enters the machining and manufacturing stages the ID is recorded by vision equipment. Data is then added before and after each process to ensure no steps are missed and that they are completed in the right order to build up a history for the part. When the parts reach assembly they are all scanned and crosschecked to the bill of materials to ensure nothing is missed and that the correct assembly process is followed. Full traceability is now possible as every part in the assembly has a unique ID and quality risks can be instantly located.
Implementing traceability and effective data management
Although sophisticated solutions that enable traceability have historically been viewed as high price items, it is important to note that they are now extremely cost effective to implement. Furthermore, the resulting expense and time savings that come with ensuring traceability of individual parts throughout the entire manufacturing process and beyond far outweigh the initial outlay.
The most straightforward way to introduce data-driven practices and traceability is by partnering with an established permanent marking, identification and traceability systems specialist that offers a holistic solution. Pryor, for instance, provides a complete package that incorporates everything needed to ensure full traceability, including equipment that applies the ID to parts, readers and data management software.
The technology has been developed to fully integrate easily into existing processes, machines and systems within an operation, including everything from SAP and manufacturing execution systems software to Excel spread sheet-based setups. Equally, the system allows data to be accessed and shared securely throughout a facility, as well as with other locations and organisations in the supply chain for inventory management and total traceability.
As effective component tracking, data capture and networking becomes more important and accessible in the digital age it is critical that businesses throughout the supply chain adopt this smart way of working. Implementing systems and technology that enable traceability not only help to achieve maximum process control and optimise performance, but also can be a key factor that customers are looking for when awarding contracts. Track and trace capabilities can help firms to stand out and get an edge in today’s increasingly competitive marketplace.
Although sophisticated solutions that enable traceability have historically been viewed as high price items, it is important to note that they are now extremely cost effective to implement. Furthermore, the resulting expense and time savings that come with ensuring traceability of individual parts throughout the entire manufacturing process and beyond far outweigh the initial outlay.
The most straightforward way to introduce data-driven practices and traceability is by partnering with an established permanent marking, identification and traceability systems specialist that offers a holistic solution. Pryor, for instance, provides a complete package that incorporates everything needed to ensure full traceability, including equipment that applies the ID to parts, readers and data management software.
The technology has been developed to fully integrate easily into existing processes, machines and systems within an operation, including everything from SAP and manufacturing execution systems software to Excel spread sheet-based setups. Equally, the system allows data to be accessed and shared securely throughout a facility, as well as with other locations and organisations in the supply chain for inventory management and total traceability.
As effective component tracking, data capture and networking becomes more important and accessible in the digital age it is critical that businesses throughout the supply chain adopt this smart way of working. Implementing systems and technology that enable traceability not only help to achieve maximum process control and optimise performance, but also can be a key factor that customers are looking for when awarding contracts. Track and trace capabilities can help firms to stand out and get an edge in today’s increasingly competitive marketplace.
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