What is Auto-ID?
Auto-ID stands for 'Automatic Identification'. This includes techniques for data capture, data collection and data transmission. Various technologies enable Auto-ID, the most widespread being the barcode. It is optically scanned with a barcode scanner and then digitally processed. In addition to the tried-and-tested barcode, modern auto-ID technologies such as RFID (radio-frequency identification), which transmit data inductively or by radio, are becoming increasingly widespread. Auto-ID is used for two different purposes: the transport of data and/or the unique identification of objects.
Use of Auto-ID in logistics
Besides retail, logistics is the main beneficiary and user of Auto-ID technologies. Auto-ID tags as an optical code or stored on a chip or transponder represent the main interface between physical objects and the EDP. Depending on the technology used, data collection via Auto-ID is fully automatic and requires no human intervention. This eliminates many reading errors from the outset, which can still occur with manual data acquisition via scanner. RFID is becoming increasingly popular in logistics. Data can be captured contactlessly and without visual contact. The range of the RFID chip depends on whether it is activated passively by induction or whether it transmits actively, in which case the transponder requires its own power supply.
The most common areas of application for Auto-ID in transportation and logistics are:
- Distribution
- Order picking
- Storage location allocation
- Cargo handling
- Track and trace
- increasingly also theft prevention
Advantages of Auto-ID in logistics
Intralogistics processes in particular benefit greatly from Auto-ID technologies, as significant labor costs can be saved in the warehouse. The automated process of data capture, collection and transmission eliminates the most common sources of error, making the entire process more stable, resilient and also significantly faster.