Scanning barcodes – an everyday thing in logistics and retail. Barcode scanners are used daily. It’s hard to think of a reality where they don’t exist because they help companies efficiently organise their supply chain. This blog demonstrates the benefits of scanning barcodes. It also shows you how to quickly print, apply and verify barcode labels.
The advantages of scanning barcodes
- Tracking: Staying on top of the supply chain
Barcodes can go on almost any surface. They allow the product to be reliably traced along the entire supply chain.
- Fast scanning for fast information
Modern barcode scanners supply information in split seconds. Some models can perform more than 200 scans per second.
- Streamlining operations
Fast barcode scanning frees up time for more deliveries. It also makes the organisation of logistics more precise and efficient.
Scanning barcodes with mobile devices instead of handheld scanners
Depending on the industry, there are special requirements for the shape and handling of handheld scanners. Some companies are using tablets and smartphones as scanning devices to save on hardware costs. For this to work, the mobile devices need a special scanning system. These Software Development Kits (SDK) can scan both 1D and 2D barcodes. They can also be incorporated in various apps.
The image-processing expert Cognex, for instance, offers solutions like this. The company also offers mobile scanning without an SDK via its Cognex app.
Manufacturing companies might especially be interested in the MX-1000 series with mobile data-terminal cases. The SDK and a liquid lens technology (for high-speed scanning) are built into the rugged housing that fits various smartphone models. The system is very flexible and perfectly suited for use in rough production environments.
High-speed barcode scanning = High-speed label printing and application
We, too, use Cognex technologies in our barcode marking systems. One example is our powerful Legi-Air 6000 system.
First, a Cognex DataMan Code reader detects a product approaching on the conveyor belt. Then it sends the necessary information to the label printer and dispenser. The printing module prints the label and pushes it onto the tamp of the applicator. The applicator blows the label onto the product without even touching it.
A second DataMan Code Scanner checks the readability of the barcode printed onto the label and verifies the data. Everything happens in the blink of an eye. 1.5 seconds is all it takes for the Legi-Air 6000 to print a label and apply it to a product.
Customers of our 3D labeling platform benefit from Cognex’s expertise. A Cognex camera with 3D object recognition tracks an object on the belt. It then transmits the measured results to the labeling machine, which adjusts its settings. The labels go in the right place no matter at which angle, height or position the products on the conveyor belt arrive to the labeling machine.
Interested? Take a 3D tour around our high-speed labeling machine and watch the webinar to learn more about the many benefits of automatic marking.
