Assets are things that a company uses in the day to day operation of their business, such as furniture, tools, and computers. These objects may remain on site, or from time to time be taken by an employee to use at another location. Ultimately they belong to the company. Assets are permanent.

Inventory are objects that are distributed or sold by the company, or items that are used in the production of whatever product the business produces. These things come and go, are bought and sold, used up and replaced. Inventory is temporary.

A business owner needs to understand these basic principles before trying to ascertain what sort of tracking solutions will best improve efficiency. Assets need a system that will keep track of their maintenance and depreciation. Inventory requires a system that will track and monitor stock levels so that they may be reordered when necessary. Both Assets and Inventory may be checked in and out by employees, and that needs to be carefully recorded.

The importance of keeping track of assets and inventory is not only important to the success of a business or a corporation, but it is becoming critical in almost every situation that you can imagine. Our world is becoming smaller and companies both large and small communicate and sell their products all over the globe. All our interactions, both professionally and personally are all part of the workings of the global economy.

Companies use tracking technology when purchasing raw materials in order to speed up production and get their product to market quicker. Everything is monitored including the employees on the production line and in the office. They sign in and out with a fingerprint. Their breaks, sick days, vacation days, rate of pay, overtime and government deductions are tabulated and reported.

On the drive home you may be blissfully unaware, but there are cameras and sensors at traffic lights, in stores and at banks. Do you have a GPS system in your vehicle? Did you stop to pick up a few groceries? Your purchases were recorded as you checked out. There is technology available that will allow stores and restaurants to message your cell phone with sale announcements and electronic coupons. Since your purchases are recorded, don’t be surprised when you receive a message alerting you to the fact that your favorite cologne is on sale.

There are several technologies that track inventory, vehicles, livestock, virtually anything. Geographic Information Sytems (GIS) captures, stores, analyzes and reports large scale geograhic information. Global Positioning (GPS) is used for outdoor positioning and works when a GPS receiver, such as the one in your cellphone, interacts with at least four of the 27 satellites that orbit the earth.

Then there is Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) which are small microchips, or tags, that are can be attached to consumer goods, including live animals. A reader transmits radio waves that activate the RFID tag and transmits information to a database. Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) is a network of devices that pass data over radio waves up to 300 feet.

For most small to medium business the use of barcodes and barcode scanners are the most cost effective way to keep track of Assets, Stock and Inventory. First of all, software must be purchased, because it is this that makes the system function. A programmer inputs every item needing to be tracked into the database, and assigns it a barcode label. Once this basic information is recorded, it is an easy matter to update and make changes, such as pricing.

Next on the list is the barcode scanner which contains technology that reads the barcode label using photo sensors. These sensors translate the distinctive black lines and white spaces, which really do mean something. This information is then magically matched to the information in the database.

All the details stored in the database can be linked to a company’s bookkeeping system, thereby keeping track of other necessary data. Things such as depreciation of company property, and maintenance of production equipment and computers are all necessary in the preparation of financial statements and balance sheets.

Businesses of all sorts, from small to large have greatly benefited from the huge advances in asset tracking and inventory and stock control. Things run smoother, and there is less trouble shooting. Managers can manage, and business owners see an improved bottom line. All this success trickles down to everyday life, to folks like you and me.

Don’t be surprised one day when you come home from work, reach into the refrigerator for a cold one, and a disembodied voice proclaims that you are out of soda.

However, for the modern day business this solution may appear somewhat limited. The process behind using a laser barcode scanner is a slow one since barcodes are a linear, line of sight technology which required human interaction most of the time. In addition, laser barcodes are restricted in how much information they can store. A new system needed to be developed.

RFID is a wireless data collection technology that can take the shape of a small chip and can be attached to a product. The use of radio waves means that RFID chips do not need to be in direct contact with a receiver and can be tracked by location through wireless or cellular points or GPS. In addition, where traditional barcodes can be tampered with, information is hard-wired within the chip itself. Furthermore, multiple tags can be read at once.

Characteristics

As a relatively new technology, it is important to understand the characteristics of RFID tags that differ from traditional laser barcode scanner barcodes. First of all, memory is defined as the ability to read and write to the tag. A read only tag often includes just a unique identifier, such as product code. The distance that RFID tags can be read from is always increasing and it is important to note that high frequency tags have a longer range, currently around 1 metre whereas low frequency tags have a range less than 25cm. Finally, active tags are powered with an internal battery but in
order to maintain cost effectiveness and small form, passive RFID tags are powered by the reader.

Real World Applications

Since RFID tags have enhance sensing capabilities and the ability to transmit information, there is potential for regulating product or stock. Boxes of fish, the physical product that moves its way through the supply chain, can be monitored for temperature or whether it has been properly stored. If any one of its configured parameters is violated, such as an increase in nominal temperatures, an alert can be sent via SMS or another form of communication.

The End of the Laser Barcode Scanner?

One aspect of improving supply chain management is increasing the efficiency of sending and receiving goods. For example, a number of large retailers now require suppliers to use RFID tags on goods, such as pallets, to allow stock management to take place much more efficiently at the retail site. Suppliers can tag their goods as they leave the warehouse with information such as identification, priority levels and stock handling information.

RFID tags are extremely powerful devices that certainly have their advantages. However, just like barcodes and laser barcode scanners, RFID tags need to be standardized to allow effective communication between devices.

These are just a few things to think about when looking to buy a laser barcode scanner .

There are two main types of bar code scanners used in business. The first type is the wireless barcode scanner, these are usually used in big warehouses and in outdoor locations, like shipping companies when they are scanning the items that are coming in off a truck, or have just arrived.

The wireless models, you will scan a barcode, and they push a few buttons on the device to tell it what the barcode is for. Once you have done that, it’ll wirelessly transmit the data back to the base station, and it’ll be automatically put into the system. This is a great time saver, as before the wireless scanners people would have to write down all the barcodes and then put them into the system manually and that would cause a lot of errors.

The wired scanners are used at stations where the good are brought to them. The main one once again a shopfront, As a customer you’ll bring your bag of goods up to the counter and the sales person will scan them one by one. The barcode scanner will put the barcode into the system and bring up a price for the item. Another place they are heavily used is in mail sorting, mail is scanned and then put into the correct location for where it’s been delivered.

Barcode scanners are a great item to use in business, and are highly flexible. Their main use is the tracking of physical goods as they move into the business and out.

This article will explain what you should consider when choosing mobile devices and will highlight real-life customer examples for field data capture and proof of delivery applications.

Before we start with criteria, it is important to understand what features you need today as well as in the future. With rugged devices, once you purchase the device, you cannot go back and add hardware options like a camera, GPS or Bluetooth. The devices we will discuss are:

MC9090 (MC909x) – these are the largest and most rugged of the 3 models. They are supported on all carrriers (Verizon, Sprint, AT&T and T-Mobile) and have the broadest range of hardware options. These are the most expensive devices.

MC75 – these are mid-sized devices that Motorola targets for proof of delivery, field data capture and barcode solutions.

MC55 – this is the newest member of the family, has a slightly lower level of rugged design and size than MC75’s. It is the least expensive.

Questions and Criteria

You should narrow your hardware choice by asking the following questions.

Do you need cellular data? If so, what cellular carrier do you use and do you know what the data coverage is in your territories?

The reason for this is simple – some territories like the North East are completely owned by a carrier (Verizon). If someone wants T-Mobile or AT&T coverage, they need to check or consider changing carriers.

The MC55 is not currently supported on Verizon, so the choice is between an MC75 and MC9000. All devices support GSM networks (e.g. T-Mobile and AT&T).

Do you want want device to cover international or outside of North America? If so, you will need to only consider GSM.

If you need cellular data, are you going to do anything that requires 3G/3.5G or faster networking?

Most customers don’t know the answer to this but the question becomes more clear if you are:

Taking pictures – picture size can be adjusted on the mobile device, but a reasonable quality color picture would be approximately 1Mb or larger.

Downloading large files, such as site plans, MSDS sheets or merchandising plan-o-grams for proof of delivery apps.

The more pictures and files, the more you should consider a 3G device such as the MC75. Occasional picture takers could get by with a 2.5G connection on an MC55.

Do you need to take pictures? If so, do you need high quality color pictures or can they be black and white?

This might seem like an odd question, but someone who delivers furniture or cabinets would want a higher quality color camera so they could take pictures that capture the details of a scratch. Technicians doing utility meter installations need to take pictures of meters to confirm the initial meter reading. These can be black and white and therefore can be done with the 2D imager (scanner) versus a separate camera. Smaller black and white photos are good quality on the 2D imager and are usually about 30kb in size. The 2D imager is NOT an autofocus camera though. If you need to take longer
range pictures such as a utility pole, you would need a separate camera.

Using the 2D imager for pictures is okay; however if you need pictures we are recommending getting a device with a separate scanner AND camera versus using the scanner for pictures. A separate camera keeps your options open – once you purchase a mobile device you cannot change the configuration (such as adding a camera). For close up pictures the 2D imager is okay, but not for higher quality or long range.

If you need pictures, you could use either the MC55 or MC75 as they both have the option to have a separate barcode scanner AND camera. The MC70 and MC9000x models do not not have this option.

Do you need GPS?

GPS is typically used to:

Mark where a delivery was made for Proof of Delivery. This can be done behind the scenes and is important when delivering to larger retailers like Home Depot, Wal-Mart or Lowes. Mapping tools geocode at the street address; however, deliveries are usually made at the back of the store which can be many hundred yards away. If you want to know when a driver breaks a geofence and arrived at the delivery point, you would want to get the GPS the mobile device to geocode the customer. Another example is deliveries to new subdivisions – these are not yet on maps and navigating by GPS is easier for
subsequent trips.

For GPS tracking and navigation. Many customers use truck mounted GPS systems, but these don’t provide graphical navigation. Handheld devices have multiple tracking and navigation options so delivery drivers can have their list of orders on the handheld and tap the order to get on-screen navigation.

For meter installations or other field device installations such as oil field equipment, you may need to capture GPS coordinates at the point of service. Note that if you need sub-meter accuracy, you will need to get an external GPS unit or do post-processing.

We recommend getting GPS on devices even if you don’t need it now. One company purchased 250 devices without GPS – they did not want the additional expense with their purchase. When they picked up a new line of business, it required them to dispatch the closest driver, so they had to add an external GPS solution which was more expensive than purchasing GPS on the device.

Both the MC55 and MC75 have GPS as an option. MC9000 devices generally don’t have GPS except through external adapters.

Do you need serial port connections on the device or in the vehicle mount?

The MC55 is targeted at basic route accounting users.The MC55 vehicle cradle does not have a built-in serial port. Examples of where this applies are: serial cable connection to the vehicle GPS or JBus (vehicle diagnostics), fuel delivery meters or external communication devices.

The MC75 and MC9000 vehicle cradles have a built-in serial port. Their cradle is more expensive than the MC55 cradle by approximately $100-200.

Do you need barcode scanning?

All devices support barcode scanning. The only decision is whether you need 1D/2D or long-range.

2D scanners can be helpful if you have barcodes that may get dirty or damaged. Examples of this include plant nurseries where 2D barcodes may be easier to read due to dirt on the barcode label.

Long range scanners can scan barcodes up to 40′ away. Long range scanners are only available on the MC909x platform. Examples of long range scanning would be scanning the barcode at the top of a warehouse rack from a forklift.

Do you need RFID?

If you need RFID, your only option is an MC9090. Note that RFID enabled devices are significantly more expensive.

Do you have specific ruggedness requirements? Will you be dealing with harsh environments?

The MC9000 is the most rugged device. It has the best drop spec (6′ to concrete) and the best IP (intrusion protection) rating.

The MC75 is plenty rugged and designed for field delivery applications (5′ to concrete).

The MC55 is close to, but not as rugged as the MC75. It is designed for the field but not for harsh environments.

Examples of harsher environments would be where you work outside in the rain or dirt – such as oil field services, agriculture or bulk product delivery such as fuel, lubes, chemicals or fertilizer to tanks outside.

What size keypad do you need? What type of input will the keypad be used for? Do you need a pistol grip?

The MC55 and MC75 both have similar sized keypads. They are larger than a BlackBerry but the size of the device shell is fixed.

The MC9000 comes in a short version (MC9090S), a long version (MC9090K) and a gun/pistol grip (MC9090G). The keypads on MC9000’s are larger than the MC75 or MC55. If drivers use gloves (such as fuel delivery) then it would be worth comparing the MC9000 to the MC75.

If you perform a lot of scanning, you should consider a pistol grip, which is only available on the MC9000.

So which device is right for you? The following highlights examples of using each type of device.

MC9090 – Bulk bleach manufacturer with 8 plants in 5 states. This customer receives bleach in rail cars and then distributes to pool supply companies, municipal water treatment facilities, paper manufacturers, etc. The bleach is loaded at the plant and the driver starts their day by scanning a barcode label on the truck (tractor), trailer and delivery ticket. They weigh the truck on an industrial truck scale and wirelessly receive the truck weight to calculate the volume of product on the truck. The driver makes deliveries to a set of customers and scans the delivery ticket, product, etc and
records product quantities in each tank. The customer signs the device for proof of delivery and then prints a receipt on mobile Zebra RW420 printers. When drivers return to the plant, the driver scans and weighs again to calculate remaining volume. Once at the plant, deliveries are sent wirelessly to the goRoam server for processing and export for invoicing.

This customer selected MC9000’s because they needed the most rugged device, a large numeric keypad, a larger battery to power the wifi since they use wifi for roaming throughout the plant to load products, and because they wanted a larger device so it was easier for the driver to keep track of it.

MC75 – HazMat pickup and disposal for large retailers, oil change shops, car dealers, etc. across 30 states. These drivers receive routes/stops through cellular communications while on the road. The drivers go to each stop and pickup one or many HazMat containers (waste oil, paint, chemicals, etc.). They place a barcode on the container (by hazmat product type) and record the contents of each container. This can involve a reasonable amount of data capture through the touch-screen on the handheld device as they have to complete different mobile forms depending on the pickup. Once complete, the
customer signs for electronic signature capture/proof of pickup.

This customer selected the MC75 because they wanted a mid-sized device that would be easy for the driver to carry but would be rugged enough to be around hazardous materials and heavier equipment that might bang around or have the device dropped. They needed 3G network speeds to facilitate image capture. GPS is done on the vehicle but can also be captured on the handheld.

MC55 – Door-to-door surveys and canvassing on a large scale. This customer canvasses homeowners and businesses. They complete field data surveys that may contain 300-750 questions, although not all are required to be answered. When a homeowner or business needs a survey completed, the field personnel scan a barcode and take 1 or more high-quality pictures per site. They take a GPS reading and possibly make a drawing on the device to show the site. Once complete, the homeowner signs the device for proof of delivery/electronic signature capture and a receipt is automatically emailed.

This customer evaluated the MC55 and MC75, but selected the MC55 because it was less expensive. They determined they did not need the ruggedness of the MC75 or the 3G network speed since the pictures would queue and sync in the background. They wanted the smallest/lightest device since the device would be carried all day by the field personnel.

You can use an MC55, MC75 or MC9000 for proof of delivery and handheld data collection, but you should understand your current AND future requirements before deciding on a specific device. For specific questions, you can contact us toll free at 866-270-0541.

Chris Henry is President of BizSpeed, an enterprise mobility software company providing mobile software for proof of delivery, handheld data collection and route optimization. Chris has been delivering mobile software since 1996 and has experienced mobile devices from the original Palm and Apple Newton through Windows Mobile, Blackberry and iPhones.

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So what is this barcode scanner or reader and how does this work? A barcode reader is an electronic gadget which reads the information embedded inside the barcodes. The barcode scanner consists of a light source, photo conductor and a lens. Here the optical impulses are converted into electrical impulses. Most of the barcode scanners contain a decoder circuit that analyzes the image of the barcode with the help of a photo conductor and this is sent to the scanner’s output port. There are three kinds barcode readers; the handheld readers are use for semi-automatic reading, the fixed mount
readers are used for automatic reading and finally, the reader gates are used for automatic scanning.

There are four kinds of technologies being used these bar code scanners. The pen type readers have a photodiode and a light source; to read what is on the barcode, the pen has to be moved gradually across the bar. The laser scanner also works just like the pen type reader, here a laser beam is used instead and the light source is just the same. A CCD reader also called as LED scanners use an array of many tiny light sensors which are arranged in a row at the head of the scanner/reader. The main difference between the pen reader and the CCD reader is that, the CCD reader measures the emitted
ambient light from the bar; however laser scanners and pen type readers measure the reflected light of a particular frequency originating from the scanner. The newest and the latest type are the camera-based readers which are 2D imaging scanners, which uses a tiny camera to capture the barcode’s image. Here the video camera uses the same technology as in CCD, the only difference is that the CCD scanner has a row of sensors and the camera had hundreds of sensors in two dimensional arrays which can produce an image.

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Most PDAs make use of a stylus (pen-based device) and touch screen technology that can integrate handwriting recognition features. Newer versions have voice and touch screen features for easy access of the device. PDA can function as a cell phones, web browser and media player in one.

The data in PDAs should be synchronized in a computer. Whatever happens to your PDA, the data in your computer will serve as backup files.

PDA can handle many personal tasks to help you be more organized. It can store contact information including names, addresses, emails and phone numbers. It can also help with your to-do lists and in taking down notes. It can function as a calculator or alarm clock.

Many PDAs are fixed with differential global positioning system. It provides real-time automobile navigation as a standard for new cars. GPS can display routing, traffic conditions, along with mobile radar guns. TomTom, iGO and Garmin, are in fact, the most popular software in America and Europe.

Enterprise Digital Assistant is also called as ruggedized PDAs for mobile data applications. It has been used for many businesses and government organizations. Other applications include package delivery, warehouse supply chain management, parking enforcement, accounting, security and access control, meter reading, capital asset maintenance, wireless waitress applications and record keeping. All these applications integrate devices like smart card readers, RFID and barcodes.

Many students of medicine are now using PDAs. It is a suitable tool in providing information for a “just-in-time” basis. PDAs improved the quality of patient security, quality care and health care accessibility.

PDAs can also aid in diagnosis, studies and the selection of drugs used by patients in order to effectively improve communication with hospitals.

Educational institutes started the trend of integrating PDAs into teaching practices. It is being used in classroom to increase and maximize portability of technology. PDAs have become a vital learning tool for students and teachers for a shared learning experience. This allows digital note taking, spell check and class notes modification. Electronic textbooks and class materials can be uploaded to meet instructive needs.

Additional functions of PDA have incorporated simple programs such as thesauri, dictionaries, encyclopedias, word processing and digital planning lessons.

PDAs are also used for pre-flight planning of glider pilots in order to assist navigation for cross-country competitions. GPS is being used to show tracks, map displays, airspace hazards and other strategies. It can also be used by music enthusiasts to play file formats like MP3 players during exercises. Road rally enthusiasts can use PDA for calculating speed, distance, time and GPS navigation.

People with disabilities have been beneficially provided with organizational and task management functions. Persons with hearing, speech, vision and mobility impairments can use PDAs with limited capabilities.

Many people are looking forward to the convenience and innovative uses of PDAs. More and more features are being studied to enhance its capabilities according to today’s needs.

An elegant and simple solution that has saved many man hours and increased productivity, handheld barcode scanners have varying technologies but all serve the same purpose. So which one should you really go for?

Brand is probably the first thing you will come across when choosing a handheld barcode scanner. Among the most common are Symbol (Motorola), Datalogic, Metrologic, Trakker, Intermec and the popular and highly rated Wasp barcode scanner range. For a more integrated solution – that is, the ability to integrate both software and hardware, Wasp Barcode Scanners offer a great range of software to complement their barcode scanners.

Price is always top priority with businesses, especially when it comes to their own assets. Barcode scanners can range from as little as $40 to up and above $1500. What exactly do you get for your money? Four things: durability, scan quality, speed and features. A laser scanner is always going to be more expensive, purely because of the laser itself which is expensive to manufacture. A CCD barcode scanner, on the other hand, is much more economical (see ‘The CCD Barcode Scanner: A False Economy?’ for more details on how economical they can be). Better imaging technology means that CCD barcode
scanners are getting to the same quality as laser scanners. Durability really applies to PDA scanners which employ an LCD display making them prone to damage. You can either buy additional protection in the form of rubber sleeves or buy ‘rugged’ barcode scanners which have a number of damage-resistant features built in.

Now we’ve already mentioned it, PDA handheld scanners need to be considered. These scanners make use of both laser and CCD technology, unless your PDA has a camera, in which case you can already utilise its CCD imaging technology using specialised software. A laser scanner Compact Flash card can cost around $300 (the Pretec CF LASER Barcode Scanner for PDA, for instance), while a CCD barcode scanner CF card can cost around $170 (check out the Socket Communications range of scanners). Even though most people will be inclined to try out the CCD scanner add-on due to price, do your research on
finding up-to-date drivers and a manual that will guide you through the process. Without either of these, both installation and usage could be a minefield.

The last important consideration to make when looking for a handheld barcode scanner is the difference between wired and wireless. If you are working in a POS environment, go for a wired scanner without a doubt. Wireless handheld barcode scanners have a good battery life now, however, up to around 50 hours (the range of Wasp barcode scanners) whilst a CCD barcode scanner may have around 30 hours or 25,000 scans. Also, make sure you choose a scanner that has an integrated battery with docking station for easy recharging – this is the only way to ensure you won’t get caught out when scanning.

When considering your needs for a CCD barcode scanner, always have in mind three things when buying: Brand quality, pricing and needs, features and freedom of movement. Only then will you make a sound buying decision as a result.

These are just a few things to think about when looking to buy a CCD barcode scanner.

2D bar codes store data across the length and width of the barcode, and were created when it was found that there were space limitations even though the data requirement was substantial. Data entry into 2D bar codes is much faster. Since their inception, over 20 2D bar code symbologies have evolved. The codes require special scanners to read the data and the scanners used are generally handheld with moving beams that sweep the label horizontally.

Besides being able to store a lot more data, 2D bar codes are more durable that cannot be corrupted or abused. 2D bar code symbologies are being more popular for diverse uses and fall into two categories, stacked and matrix. They are used for tax forms, packing lists, licenses and patients’ records in hospitals.

Some of the best-known 2D bar code symbologies include PDF 417. This symbol can store information stretching to 2000 characters, and stands for Portable Data File. Its storage capacity implies that no external storage database is required, and is useful in applications like logistics, retail, healthcare, identification and manufacturing.

Another 2D bar code is DataMatrix, which can also store up to 2000 characters. It consists of a square symbol that can have sides up to 14 inches in length. DataMatrix has specific uses like encoding electrical rating plates, surgical instruments, circuit boards and lenses.

MaxiCode holds information in a maximum of 93 characters and has a distinct symbol with a bulls eye locator in the middle and hexagonal rows around. It is popularly used by UPS (United Parcel Service) due to its advantage of quick scanning on a fast moving belt.

The QR Code or Quick Response Code can store 2509 numeric characters or 1520 alphanumeric characters. Developed in Japan, it is used for projects where error free inputs are mandatory, since it allows error detection at three levels.

2D bar codes form part of comprehensive bar code solutions, and their scanners can be connected through the keyboard, making their installation simple and effective. They also permit easy data editing, remapping, formatting etc without additional software applications. 2D bar codes can be incorporated into a business without any escalation in costs and software modifications are also reasonable.

A 2D Bar code has the ability to store more information that the more traditional bar code, They are also much more versatile and even if they do become damaged they can still be read by 2D Bar code Scanner One of the most popular of all these new codes are the DataMax codes which are printed using a datamax printer

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There are several apps for the iPhone that try to replicate a scanner by taking a photo or video of a barcode and transmit back price info. I have used all these apps and they do not work. They may work every 2 out of 10 times and are not worth buying – they are just a headache. These scanning apps will often have trouble reading a barcode and the info they give back isn’t all the info booksellers need.

Amazon has their own app that when you take a photo of an item it emails you back the info – this is a bit slow if you are at a library sale but okay if you are just out at one of your book buying haunts. You can take a picture of a book cover and Amazon will email you back the info on the book.

SnapTell is another app that is pretty good and like the Amazon app it is free. SnapTell works the same way as Amazon’s app – you take a picture and it brings back info on the book.

If you have an iPhone it is clear the capability is there to provide an application that will be able to integrate with the Amazon database and provide Amazon sales rank info, book conditions and price info. At the very least the app would enable you to download the database and be able to get the info you want from it the catch is going to be getting the isbn’s entered into the iPhone quickly.

The camera on the new iPhone has been improved and hopefully we are close to seeing the potential uses for booksellers come to fruition.

The iphone is not a book scanner yet but it seems apparent that as the operating systems improves and the camera gets better there will be a book scouter on the iphone

Barcode scanners reduce the human errors while data entry and provide secure access to track medical supplies and patient’s case sheets. From laboratory to hospital, medical administration to blood transfusion barcodes play very vital roles in healthcare industry.

Ensured Accuracy:

Barcodes are used throughout the healthcare industry for error free tracking, validating, documenting, and billing. Barcodes provide 99.9% accuracy by eliminating human errors while data entry. They are accurate in tracking patient’s order of requisition, tests’ results, case sheets, and medical reports. This is possible once these items are assigned with a barcode having required details. Error free documentation and reporting eliminate potential blunders ensuring patient’s safety.

Integrity of Data:

Integrity of data is very important in healtcare industry as even a small mistake can be fatal for the patient. One of the common mistakes in healthcare is incorrect infusion. Barcode scanners eliminate this problem by helping healthcare professionals to provide right drug to right patient in the right dose. Barcode scanners provide secure access to track medical supplies and patients case sheets. They help to eliminate counterfeit and expired drugs from being used.

Fast and Effective Execution:

Barcodes are widely applicable in healthcare industry, as they are fast, easy to use, and effective to execute. Relevant data can be extracted quickly and effectively using barcodes. They provide timely feedback from data captured in real time, enabling to take right decisions and increasing patient’s health by reducing risk.

Cost Effectiveness:

Barcode technology is simple and cost effective. Usage of barcodes reduces the number of employees who are prone to make mistakes reducing rectification costs to control damage further. Barcodes reduce the operational and inventory costs by improving the delivery of medication to the patients, eliminating treatment errors, and tracking the shelf life of drugs.

Barcodes play a vital role in healthcare and are useful in every department of healthcare industry, where the health of a patient is always on priority. Therefore, it is very much important for you to understand the uses of barcodes and to implement them in healthcare sector, which potentially can save a person’s life.