What are Omni-Directional Barcode Scanners?

Barcodes have applications in many fields. The components of a barcode system include barcode printer, barcode label, barcode scanner, and a database. Symbol barcode and other types of barcode are used in many industries. It is necessary to choose the best components for any application. Zebra printers, Symbol scanners, and others are some of the models of barcode components available in the market.

Different types of barcode scanners are used based on the requirements. Omni-directional barcode scanners are one such type which can be seen in applications in which hands-free scanning is required. These scanners are generally used for point of sale (POS) applications. Most of them are mounted to a counter top or a wall and hence are stationary. However, handheld models are also used.

Laser technology is used in an omni-directional barcode scanner. The scanner consists of a rotating mirror in addition to a bunch of fixed mirrors. As these many mirrors are used, the light from the laser beam gets reflected in different directions. This pattern can be changed constantly. Hence, a barcode can be read from any direction or angle. This is the specific feature and advantage of an omni-directional barcode scanner.

The efficiency of these scanners is very high and can read torn, wrinkled, wet and poorly printed barcodes. Many grocery stores may contain items with improper barcodes. The barcodes may get damaged during shipping. So it is better to use omni-directional barcode scanners at grocery stores. Some scanners are horizontal which can read a barcode from a few centimeters or inches away. These are used at supermarkets. Some scanners can read barcodes from large distance of a few meters and are used at industrial or factory environments. Hence, omni-directional barcode scanners are beneficial for grocery stores as well as other industries.

Advantages of Barcode Fonts

Barcode printers like Zebra printers and SATO printers print barcode labels in specific fonts. Barcode fonts are nothing but the bars and spaces which make up barcode symbology. They are added to the computer and can be used based on the need of application.

A barcode font can be made by combination of numbers in Word, and start and stop characters. This simple application can be used in symbols such as Code 39 where the symbol can be mapped directly to the encoded character. However, in UPC codes, the number to be encoded has to be converted into a usable form with a given font. Certain software tools having certain fonts are required for this purpose. A checksum or a check digit has to be calculated in addition. Barcode fonts can provide many benefits. Some of them are listed here.

Advantages of Barcode Fonts:

• Barcode fonts are able to work with any virtual application which works with the text including word processing, databases, spreadsheets, image editing, desktop publishing, and other programming environments.
• Images and bitmaps are pixel based. However, barcode fonts are not pixel based and hence scaling of them is very easy.
• Based on the type of barcode, it is enough to enter the number and change the font easily.
• Various platforms like Linux, Mac, and Windows can be uhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifsed for barcode fonts.
• The cost of barcode fonts is very less and specific barcode software is available for the fonts. A UPC code font requires the UPC code which costs between 30 USD and 50 USD.

However, some symbologies need conversion before formatting which is a bit risky. Some fonts are not much flexible and hence they are provided with different sizes and ratios. Many printers like Zebra printer make use of specific software for creating required barcode fonts.

Using Barcode Scanner in Right Way

Barcode scanner is the device used to scan the barcodes. In small stores pricing information is entered manually, but in large scale businesses barcode scanner is used to make the work easier.

Barcode scanner has the ability to read the information which is presented in the barcode. This barcode is made up of a set of lines, which consists of information about an object. Barcode scanner must be connected to the computer system to retrieve or store the information about such objects. A beam of ultra violet light is transmitted by the barcode scanner when power is passed on. A light searches for the presence of the barcode continuously.

There are many types of the barcode scanners, available in market. Handheld scanners are one type. They are connected to the computer system via a USB or bluetooth. They are ideal to use in inventory warehouses. Another type of scanner is the stationary scanner that can be used in major supermarkets. The user must bring the product to the scanner to scan or read the barcode in case of the stationary scanner. You can see all these types of scanner in brand of the Symbol Barcode scanners.

Once you set up a barcode scanner, then it is easy to use. First make sure, that reader light is active, this is a sign to know, whether it is working or not. Later place this reader light at the center of the barcode and wait for few seconds to pickup the data from barcode. In order to read, you need to move the scanner light up and down the barcode. In order to get an idea, you can scan a few preliminary codes, if you set up the barcode scan for the first time.

In this way the barcode scanner can be used. It is very easy to use the barcode scanner, you need not have any technical knowledge in order to use it.

Using Barcode Scanner in Right Way

Barcode scanner is the device used to scan the barcodes. In small stores pricing information is entered manually, but in large scale businesses barcode scanner is used to make the work easier.

Barcode scanner has the ability to read the information which is presented in the barcode. This barcode is made up of a set of lines, which consists of information about an object. Barcode scanner must be connected to the computer system to retrieve or store the information about such objects. A beam of ultra violet light is transmitted by the barcode scanner when power is passed on. A light searches for the presence of the barcode continuously.

There are many types of the barcode scanners, available in market. Handheld scanners are one type. They are connected to the computer system via a USB or bluetooth. They are ideal to use in inventory warehouses. Another type of scanner is the stationary scanner that can be used in major supermarkets. The user must bring the product to the scanner to scan or read the barcode in case of the stationary scanner. You can see all these types of scanner in brand of the Symbol Barcode scanner.

Once you set up a barcode scanner, then it is easy to use. First make sure, that reader light is active, this is a sign to know, whether it is working or not. Later place this reader light at the center of the barcode and wait for few seconds to pickup the data from barcode. In order to read, you need to move the scanner light up and down the barcode. In order to get an idea, you can scan a few preliminary codes, if you set up the barcode scan for the first time.

In this way the barcode scanner can be used. It is very easy to use the barcode scanner, you need not have any technical knowledge in order to use it.

Benefits of the Data Matrix Barcodes

You can find different types or versions of barcodes. Two dimensional barcodes is one of them. Data matrix is one type of the two-dimensional barcode, which is most commonly used. Most of the manufacturers and producers use the data matrix barcodes, because they are most popular forms of the barcodes. There are some advantages of the data matrix barcodes, such as:

• Data matrix barcodes suits low contrast printing, directly on the parts without the help of the labels.
• Information can be encoded digitally by the data matrix codes, in opposition to the analog encoding of data in conventional barcodes.
• Built in error correction techniques can be offered by the data matrix codes because they have a high information density. The complete recovery of the encoded message is allowed by this feature in the data matrix symbol, even though the mark is missing or even if nearly 20 percent of the symbol of this barcode is damaged.
• These barcodes are suitable for small items, where there is a space constraint.
• While comparing to the 1D barcodes, the higher information density is offered by the data matrix codes. They can store highest amount of information in a small area, in fact this data matrix barcode can be the highest among all the 2D codes.
• If you want to use these data matrix barcodes, you have to consider one thing, that is these barcodes can not be read by the linear barcode scanner. You need a camera based or laser based scanners to read them. Symbol barcode scanner is the best example for laser based and camera based scanners.

These are the benefits of the data matrix barcodes. They are becoming more popular, because of their advantages.

How Barcode Wristbands Work For Patients

The bar code usually functions like a key to database. When barcode is scanned, the scanner decodes the barcode symbol and notifies computer to find or update the specific record which corresponds to a particular patient. Barcode scanner is generally used with computers, and they are combined with single handheld unit. Barcode scanners are also compatible with any type of computer like PCs, laptops, tablets, and PDAs. Barcode readers will communicate with the computer using cable or wireless connection.

Barcode wristbands helps in safeguarding patient's privacy as the patient’s name does not appear anywhere on the wristband, so it cannot be recognized. There is generally no patient information encoded in the barcode, but only an ID number (serial number) is required for software application where to find the patient information.

As barcodes store more data in smaller space than is needed for the same text, barcoded wristbands can are more suitable than traditional text wristbands. Moreover, two-dimensional (2-D) barcodes can store extremely more information, which makes them to be used as portable records. It also has provision to include digital photograph of the patient to be encoded on the wristband and observed on a PC or portable computer at any time the barcode is scanned.

Barcode Technology In Blood Banks

Now a days, barcode technology is used in many fields and many tasks. This technology can help to improve the efficiency of the work. Barcode technology is also used in blood banks in order to improve the blood products administration process of the blood banks.

Generally, errors may occur in blood transfusion in blood banks. Safety of the patient is associated with blood transfusion process which needs attention. To avoid these errors, aspects such as sample collection, sample arrival in the blood bank, blood product dispense from blood bank, administration are captured by barcode technology. The scanned wristband ID barcode of patient is automatically compared to scanned identification barcode on requisition sample at every step. Here, either conformation or an error message to user are presented by the system. Barcode technology helps to verify and scrutinize the blood donation and transfusion information in the complete procedure.

In order to make blood bank information system automated, barcode technology is an important accessory. Blood bank materials are barcoded and then the concerned practical procedures like laboratory testing and component creation can be done.

Most of the materials which are used in blood banks are labeled and verified with their unique barcodes by using barcode scanners or barcode readers and barcode printers. For this, it is better to use a right barcode scanner from a reputed company like Symbol scanners.

The main aim is increasing the patient safety and reduce errors in blood transfusion process by using barcode technology. These can be done, when right barcode scanner like Symbol barcode scanner and right printer are used.

In this way, barcode technology is used in blood banks as in order to improve the working efficiency of the blood banks and increase the patient safety.

Common Problems In Printing Barcode labels

If the barcodes are not printed properly, then it may cause many problems at the time of scanning. Problems in printing may be caused due to many factors and elements of printer. Few problems faced in printing symbol barcode are:

Bars are too light (Underburn)
If dark bars are printed too lightly or sparsely, they lack in providing sufficient contrast to the light spaces. Underburn is caused due to insufficient pressure applied by the printhead to the material, which can be rectified by adjusting the printhead pressure heat settings until perfect contrast is attained.

Overburn
Over burn is caused when heat settings are very high, and bars will become very thick leading to bar growth. This makes the barcode to be out of specification and probably become unclear and cannot be read, as the required wide/narrow ratio is not maintained. Reducing the heat setting generally rectifies overburn.

Unwanted diagonal lines appear
An undesirable diagonal printed line or white streak is an indication that the ribbon is not loaded or inserted correctly. This can be rectified by loading label material correctly within the standards and is inserted into the printer smoothly and uniformly.

Spots or voids on the image
Spots and voids are caused due to dirt, abrasion or burned out elements on the printhead. Burned out elements avoid heat transferring and creates dead spots on the label. Dirt or abrasives could block or redirect the heat or ribbon transfer and creates voids or spots that makes the bar code unreadable. Regular cleaning of dirt can rectify this and replacing burned out elements of printhead.

Unable to sustain wide/narrow ratio
Underburn and overburn problems can cause an undesirable ratio between wide and narrow elements within a barcode symbol. To ensure good barcode print quality, symbols must be created with the highest wide-to-narrow ratio within the label space or the specification. Wide/narrow ratios can be made more compatible and improved by increasing the print resolution.

Poor edge definition
This problem may be caused due to printing speed and can be rectified by visually checking labels regularly or by printing test labels when printer is started, at starting of each shift and when label media or ribbon are replaced.

Usefulness of Barcode Scanners

Barcode, combination of bars and spaces of changing width. It is a different way for encoding numbers by using such bars and spaces. Barcode has product number, cashier scans this number at check out and it is transmitted to computer. This is a 12 digit number. Barcodes cannot be read by computers. To make use of the data of bar codes, first information should be captured and that is decoded into data format. This barcode scanner device captures the information of barcode and it can be sent to the decoder, this device is called as barcode scanner.

There are different types of scanners available. People use commercial barcode scanners for selling goods in small quantities to consumers. Two types of commercial scanners are there. First one is commercial laser symbol barcode scanners. Laser is used by it and these scanners are used to detect and read barcode. Second one is commercial 2D symbol barcode scanners. It has 1D and 2D functionality in one scanner and it is faster than laser symbol barcode scanners.

People use industrial scanners in warehouse or storage houses. Stock lists are made by these stores, and this scanner will help in this process. There are hand free scanners, one can use them without using hands. It will read the code by sliding a product on laser light.

You can use barcode scanners, but you should know which is suitable for you depending on your requirements.

Features And Benefits of Laser Barcode Scanners

There are many benefits of employing laser barcode scanners. Few of them are:

• Increases productivity by decreasing the requirement to rescan barcodes or key in data, which results in compact lines at the retail point of sale
• Allows end users to switch from one barcode to another without any delay.
• Scans good quality and also poor quality barcodes at same ranges, decreasing the compulsion for the user to move the scanner back and front.
• Reduces the total cost of ownership by safeguarding against downtime caused by accidental drops.
• Allows quick deployment and instant use without any formal training, enabling new and experienced employees to quickly help and increase operational efficiency.
• Allows presentation scanning and immediate switching between hands-free and handheld mechanisms.
• It helps in supporting the advanced symbologies in order to future-proof investment.

Features of laser barcode scanners are:

• Multi-line rastering scan arrangement.
• Premium motion tolerance
• Immense working range
• Durable construction
• Plug-and-play setup, immediate scanning
• Alternative hands-free stand
• RSS barcode support

Impact Of Automation On Health Care Organizations

Certain surgical operations are risky and can be fatal due to human errors. They can be replaced by programmed surgical operations to get precise and accurate results. Built-in workflow capabilities enable health care organizations to automate IT support processes to ensure fast response to your needs.

Two benefits of automated systems in health care organizations are very clear: faster and better with increased patient satisfaction and decreased errors. IT decreases the cost of health care through the power of automation to realize efficiencies that effect positive change. Automation can reduce the time taken by the manual procedures.

Hospitals today face constant challenges to find new ways to improve the quality of health care and reduce cost. Medical automation provides revolutions even in the fields of bio medicine, process management and nano technologies. Software researches and medical researchers develop automated techniques for the easy work flow .The different applications of automation in the various departments of health care are as follows.

1. Administrative: For managing health care organization and patients. Here the approaches used are simulation, automation, integration. The processes being done are : Check in/out discharge forms etc.

2. Financial: For managing revenue of health care organizations. Here again automation is used. The processes being done here are Insurance follow up etc.

3. Clinical operational: For executing the tasks of diagnosis and treatment. It does patient monitoring, tele medicine, order/administer medications, used for vision, used for disease management etc.

4. Clinical therapeutic: For clinical operations and decisions and it does treatment for cancer, diabetes etc using the automated techniques.

Apart from these, there are many applications of automation in health care industry such as in laboratories, patient administration, drug storage etc.

Know About Automation

Automation is the use of technology in manufacturing machines that take over work normally done by humans. It is nothing but the manual operation done by computerized techniques and advanced technologies, usually electronic hardware.

It is in turn the use of control systems (programming logic control, numeric control and other industrial control systems).

Automation has had a notable impact in a wide range of industries beyond manufacturing. Automation plays an increasingly important role in improving the economy of the world. Typically automation replaces human workers by machines. Automation is a step beyond mechanization in Industrialization. Mechanization means providing machines for the human operators and assisting them at the physical requirements of work. Automation greatly reduces the need for human physical and mental requirements as well. It is the state of being operated automatically.

We come across many advantages like increasing the efficiency, increasing reliability, increasing world economy and even less time consumption using automation. It is a self control technique .No manual control is needed. It is used in different in kinds of industries for different purposes.

Supply Chain Automation Requirements

Computer applications which automate supply chains require several requirements apart from traditional software approaches:

• Disintermediation (the direct acquaintance of users and their software): Uniform quality attainment and to have interaction with remote information, application, and human resources, distributed active-object architecture is necessary.
• Dynamic compatibility and execution: Generally a system is implemented as a group of distributed parts, and the resources which are essential are not known until runtime. So the automated framework should make resource discovery and composition very essential.
• Interaction: Interaction among members might will include sophisticated and critical information, but sometimes certain interactions will be uncertain and unknown until runtime. So, the automated patterns should therefore be clearly represented and reasoned.
• Error tolerance and exploitation: As the advanced systems attain complexity, the prediction and correction of errors in their components and interaction protocols are very much essential. Recent developments in software agent architecture and languages can achieve requirements.

About Office Automation And Home Automation

Automation is substitution of manpower with machine power, because there are machines that can do a similar job that of a man for no pay, and therefore helps in saving more money.

Office automation refers to different computer machinery and software used to create, collect, store, manipulate, and send office information required for manging basic tasks and goals of business. All office works, like dictation, typing, filing, copying, fax, Telex, microfilm and records management, telephone and telephone switchboard operations, come under automation category. It helps in managing workload more efficiently and data entry process is made easier with few tabs and mouse movements thus reducing repetitive tasks.

Home automation refers to connecting of instruments, and monitoring and guiding devices used in a home with sensors and other systems. Home automation consists of scheduling an automatic operation of water sprinkling, heating and air conditioning, window coverings, security systems, lighting, and food preparation appliances. Home automation is considered as smartest thing to do for the innovators. It makes easy and helps to interact with products, which are connected through standard software that operates on televisions, touch-screen displays, telephones, mobile phones, and computers.