Subscribe2D imaging and 2D barcodes could be the ideal way to manage access control at an airport, take care of baggage handling and track and trace items.
Right across Europe, there is an increasing market demand for one of the latest data capture technologies: 2D imaging. The recent VDC Report highlighted the fact that for many vertical markets, the average annual growth in the 2D imaging sector is likely to be in the region of 17 to 22%.
This is an impressive growth rate for any technology – for instance, the demand for laser technology is only likely to increase by about 5%.
This suggests that 2D imaging is rapidly becoming the technology of the future – a trend that has already been anticipated by the world leader in this sector, Hand Held Products.
Philippe Paquot, the company’s Hand Held Imagers Product Manager for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, says: “A key reason behind the surge in demand for 2D technology is the need for organisations to increase the efficiency of their global processes.
To achieve this goal, they need to provide better traceability – and barcodes therefore need to be capable of carrying more detailed information.“
He adds: “2D barcodes are able to hold much more information than linear codes – up to 2,000 characters, so they are ideal for more complex solutions where users need to address potential quality issues more effectively. For instance, the information in 2D codes enables them to instantly trace the company that supplied them with a specific part.”
The benefits of 2D technology
In this scenario, the 2D barcode becomes much more than just a product identifier – it is able to hold information that ranges from details of the component suppliers and the materials used through to the date on which the product was completed. It can also contain information about the exact location of a piece of luggage inside an aircraft, or all the information that is usually found on a printed boarding pass.
Philippe Paquot continues: “At Hand Held Products, we had started to address the demand for 2D technology many years ago by developing our 2D imagers. These not only allow a customer to read 2D barcodes, but can also be used for taking photos or for signature capture at the point of delivery.”
An additional advantage of the 2D imager is its omni-directional scanning ability. The imager no longer needs to be aligned with the code – it can even be used upside down. The image engine automatically converts the image to the right orientation so that the code is read correctly.
This omni-directional capability makes life much easier for operators, as the unit doesn’t need to be held in a perfect horizontal or vertical position. This makes it much simpler to use than a conventional scanner as the operator can hold it naturally – they don’t have to make forced hand movements to get it to scan correctly.
Meanwhile, significant strides in the development of 2D technology continue to be made. “In response to both current and future customer demands, we have continued to enhance our products,” says Philippe Paquot. “We have recently released a fifth generation image engine – the 5000VGA series – and we have already started to integrate this into our range of 2D scanners.”
The benefits of the new engine are impressive:
- It has a higher image resolution than before, providing results with even greater accuracy and detail
- Its motion tolerance has been increased – this enables scanners to operate effectively even when the user is on the move (for instance, walking along, scanning labels on pallets)
- The new image engine has a more powerful reading capability, even in conditions of extremely low light (this can make a real difference, for example, where pallets in a warehouse are in shadow or aren’t illuminated)
- The unit has a faster reading speed than ever: in ALD mode, it can now make 100 scans per second, or capture 100 images per second
- Its temperature tolerance has been increased in response to demand from users in Nordic countries, and it can now operate in temperatures as low as -30oC.
- It has a greater depth of field, so there is considerable leeway in the scanning distance – making life much easier for the operator
Philippe observes: “Despite all of these improvements to the image engine’s features, we haven’t increased its price – so our customers will now be getting even better value for money!”
Integrating the technology
The new image engine is now being integrated into the three different types of 2D imagers manufactured by Hand Held Products. In early November, it was incorporated into the IT4600, a general purpose tethered imager used in the light industrial and retail sectors. The newly empowered unit is already proving to be a huge success with customers.
By the end of January 2006, the new image engine will have been integrated into the IT4800 – an imager designed specifically for heavy industrial applications. In February, it will be incorporated into the third model, the IT4620. This is a cordless version based around Bluetooth technology, and is again designed for retail and general use.
In a major boost to 2D imaging, leading companies such as Specsavers, German Rail, Swedish Post, Initial City Link, ANC and DPD have all adopted 2D solutions from Hand Held Products in recent years. Some of the largest European transport and logistics organisations may also decide to make 2D codes mandatory when putting work out to tender.
Philippe Paquot concludes: “Most vertical markets that are looking for high quality processes (and therefore need greater traceability) are now moving towards the adoption of 2D technology.
We anticipated this trend many years ago with the development of our first range of 2D imagers. We are now building upon this firm foundation by continuing to develop and enhance our products and technologies.
“Ultimately, this commitment to continuous improvement is driven by our determination to provide our customers with products that provide the highest possible levels of quality and performance.”
