The high volume and frequency of orders placed over the Internet, combined with the explosion in the sheer number of products shipped from retailers, makes automated scanning at logistics centers more important than ever. Improving barcode scanning is a key way major retailers and parcel hubs can reduce costs by allowing automated equipment to handle the highest possible number of packages, rather than diverting the package to a manual station, increasing overhead and reducing profit margins.
In the past, many large retailers and parcel distribution centers have relied on laser barcode reading systems, which are easy to set up, connect and aim, and can read codes fast enough to accommodate high speeds. Unfortunately, the laser method limits the read rate (the percentage of codes that a scanner reads correctly) because the laser frequently fails to read poorly printed codes.
The alternative, image-based, line scan systems, provides greatly improved read rates, but have been applied mostly in high-volume distribution centers. But a new generation of image-based readers offers high speed at a price comparable to most mid-range laser scanners. The technology allows automated equipment to read ID barcodes during the first pass, resulting in higher efficiency that will cut costs by permitting higher throughput and more packages per hour.
Because the system is camera-based, operators capture an image, which gives them data about failed package reads that will allow them to improve their process and support ongoing continuous improvement initiatives. Finally, with no moving parts, the new image-based technology offers extra durability.
Laser Scanning
Laser barcode scanning is a simple, easy-to-use and affordable process that offers a large scanning area and working range. The generation of laser systems now in use at many logistics operations provides high read rates with good-quality printed barcodes when labels are undamaged, but they have difficulty reading codes under less than ideal conditions.
A laser scanner reads a barcode by measuring the size of printed modules using light reflected from the code. This method in and of itself limits the read rate, because printed barcode quality can vary dramatically depending on the amount that the package is handled, the printing technology, label geometry, and point of origin, among other factors.
Because a laser scanner attempts to decipher the code along a single laser line, light or specular reflections or damage to the portion of the code being scanned may dramatically reduce the scanner’s ability to read the code successfully. Some laser scanners attempt to solve this issue by stitching multiple scan lines together to reconstruct a damaged code. This method works well in some cases, but not when damage is severe.
Figure 1 shows examples of poorly printed barcode labels, which may not be read correctly by laser scanners.
An unread code requires diverting the package to a manual station, where an operator either directs the package to its destination, or replaces the defective barcode, and resends the package back through the sorting system. This increases labor and material costs and reduces the efficiency of automated sorting equipment, because packages are handled more than once.
To cope with these limitations, the logistics industry has designed special labels that maximize read rates and equipment specifically optimized to handle high numbers of no reads. Nevertheless, with rapid growth, distribution centers must handle escalating package volumes, an increasing number of sources and destinations, and a greater package mix. All these factors call for better efficiency and higher read rates.
Image-Based Barcode Reading
The new high-speed, area-array, image-based reader captures an entire image in a single snapshot, eliminating the need for precise encoder input or very bright, always-on illumination. Also, area scan technology is not susceptible to distortion or other undesirable image artifacts. Several recent advances in the technology now enable area scan readers to keep pace with the speeds required by package conveyors.
Also fundamental to this new generation of area scan image-based readers is new autofocus liquid lens technology. The automatic adjusting focus of the liquid lens provides the maximum depth of field for even the highest speed applications. Liquid lenses focus much more quickly and with greater range than the mechanical variety – with no moving parts. The liquid lens technology means that the size and position of a package on a conveyor need no longer compromise either throughput or read accuracy. Also, liquid lens technology simplifies installation, setup and maintenance by allowing focal-length adjustment without the need for anyone to touch the lens.
Image-based barcode reading systems begin with more information about the barcode. This advantage allows them to successfully read codes degraded by damage, orientation or distortion. To compensate for damage to the code or light reflections from the package, the analysis software can reconstruct the data of interest from any legible portion of the image.
Image-based systems can also store images for later retrieval and analysis. Archiving this information helps a distribution facility to determine the root cause for any unread barcodes and implement corrective actions, reducing the number of subsequent misreads and thereby improving process efficiency.
For example, consider a distribution facility that achieves read rates of only 98 percent. Reviewing images of unread packages might show that package handling issues caused a portion of the no-reads, and supervisors could then modify the operators’ procedures for loading packages onto the sorting conveyor to improve the read rate. If the read rate is improved to 99 percent, the reduction in the number of packages that needed to be re-read following a failure reduces the number of packages manually sorted by hundreds or even thousands per day.
Image-based systems offer setup advantages. They display the scanner image on a monitor or industrial display in real time. As the user sets the system up, the display shows exactly what the scanner sees, ensuring that the images will be in focus and that the image will include all codes on any package that comes down the conveyor. Both initial setup and later adjustments to improve the scanner’s read rate require little specialized knowledge, minimizing setup and maintenance times.
As a result, image-based readers are easy to maintain. And with easy review of “no-read” images, users can quickly and easily identify and rectify problems and support the systems themselves with little training. Or, they can provide most of the support themselves and call in the vendor only when absolutely necessary. The convenience of not needing to schedule, wait for and pay for vendor-supplied service can significantly reduce downtime and the accompanying costs.
Image-based readers also contain no moving parts, typically resulting in a useful life that is two to three times longer than that of laser scanners.
Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology can simplify wiring in the system. Originally invented for use in enterprise phone systems, PoE reduces cost by eliminating the need for a local DC power supply and individual 120V power drops at the scanning location.
Longer life of image-based systems makes them an attractive capital purchase
Another trend in the logistics industry is the introduction of two-dimensional (2D) codes like Data Matrix and QR. The pharmaceutical industry will be required to start using these codes for unit level serialization to combat drug counterfeiting. The amount of information 2D codes can store makes them very attractive for a wide range of other applications. Image-based scanners are required to read these codes.
Retail distribution centers require meticulous stock control, which includes careful management of purchasing, shipping and warehouse inventory. Capital equipment acquisitions that improve read rates, such as this new generation of high-speed area array image-based readers, enjoy short payback times that can be measured in months. As large retailers and Internet fulfillment centers consider capital equipment purchases to add capacity or increase throughput, raising barcode read rates by just 1 percent can significantly shorten payback schedules and increase return on investment.
Jorge F. Schuster is director of ID sales, Americas, for Cognex Corporation. Visit www.cognex.com.
