Automatic identification anddata capture (AIDC) refers to the methods of automatically entering them directly into a computersystems, without human involvement. Technologies typically considered as partof AIDC include bar codes, Radio Frequency Identification(RFID), biometrics (like iris and facial recognitionsystem), magnetic stripes, Optical characterrecognition (OCR), smart cards, and voice recognition. AIDC isalso commonly referred to as Automatic Identification, Auto-ID and "Automatic Data Capture".

 AIDC is the processor means of obtaining external data,particularly through analysis of images, sounds or videos.To capture data, a transducer isemployed which converts the actual image or a sound into a digital file. Thefile is then stored and at a later time, it can be analyzed by a computer, orcompared with other files in a database to verify the identity or to provideauthorization to enter a secured system. Capturing of data can be done invarious ways; the best method depends on the application.

In biometric security systems, capture is the acquisition of orthe process of acquiring and identifying characteristics such as finger image,palm image, facial image, iris print or voice print which involves audio dataand the rest all involves video data.

Radio-frequency identification is relatively a new AIDC technology whichwas first developed in the 1980s. The technology acts as a base in automated datacollection, identification, and analysis systems worldwide. RFID has found itsimportance in a wide range of markets, including livestockidentification and Automated Vehicle Identification (AVI) systems because of its capability to track moving objects.These automated wireless AIDC systems are effective in manufacturingenvironments where barcode labels could not survive.

Nearly all of the automatic identification technologies consistof three principal components, which also comprise the sequential steps inAIDC.

Data encoder: A code is a set of symbols or signals that usually representalphanumeric characters. When data are encoded, the characters are translatedinto a machine-readable code. A label or tag containing the encoded data isattached to the item that is to be identified.

Machine reader or scanner: This device reads the encoded data, converting them to alternative form,usually an electrical analog signal.

Data decoder: This component transforms the electrical signal into digital data andfinally back into the original alphanumeric characters.

AIDC is used in a variety ofareas to support processing and picking throughout a facility:

Assembly: Verification that the right component is selected for assembly

Order Picking: Providing confirmation that the right item and quantity hasbeen picked

Quality control: Directing a worker to a location and/or to perform a task andrequiring confirmation of both

Replenishment: Confirmation that the right items are being restocked in theright

Storage: Verificationthat items are being stored in the correct location

Benefitsof AIDC

There are a number of benefits obtained from using AIDC. Themain ones include:

·        Control: AIDC technologies help maintain control over inventoryfrom time of receipt through processing and to outbound shipping. Alsofacilitate and simplify cycle counting.

·        Identification: AIDC makes it easy to identify products or items bystock keeping unit (SKU) number.

·        Inventory Accuracy: Because AIDC enables real-time monitoring of the numberof the number of units in a facility, it maintains an accurate count ofinventory.

·        Location: Data collected by AIDC yields information about thelocation of stored products as well as open space available for storage.

·        Picking accuracy: By confirming the accuracy of items picked to fill orders, AIDCreduces errors.

·        Picking efficiency: Because AIDC eliminates paper-based picking, workers can fillmore orders faster.

·        Visibility: AIDC aids in monitoring the completion of a process.

Problems with manual collection and dataentry:

·        Human errors: When data arecollected and entered manually

·        Time factor: Time delay between the occurrence of activities and events and entry of associated data Manual methodsare inherently time consuming

·        Labor cost: Cost of full-time the attention of a human worker

AIDC is used in a variety of industries, including:

·        Asset Tracking

·        Automotive

·        Beverage

·        Chemical

·        Consumer goods

·        Electronics

·        Food

·        Healthcare

·        Library

·        Manufacturing

·        Medical devices and equipment

·        Paper

·        Pharmaceutical

·        Plastics

·        Point of sale

·        Retail

·        Transportation and logistics

Warehousing and distribution