Business

What is Automatic Identification and Data Capture?

Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) algorithms compare all captured data to different files stored in a database. The digital identification and comparison procedure doesn’t work at 100% similarity because of various factors.

AIDC is also a broad category of technological advancements employed to gather details from sound, individual, image, or object without a manual data entry. You can use AIDC systems to manage documents, inventory, security, delivery, and assets. Sectors, which use the systems include retail, distribution, government, manufacturing, medicine, and transportation.

AIDC Methods

Almost every AIDC systems comprise three principal components that also consist of sequential steps. These include data decoder, data encoder, and machine scanner/reader. Data decoder transforms the electrical signals into digital data and back into original alphanumeric characters. When it comes to data encoder, a code consisting of signals usually represents alphanumeric characters. Once data is encoded, all the characters will be translated into a readable code.

Lastly, a machine reader or scanner is a device that reads encoded data, changing them to other alternative forms. Normally, these forms are in analog electrical signals.

Different Forms of AIDC Technologies

  • Biometrics
  • RTLS (Real-Time Locating Systems)
  • Barcodes
  • Magnetic Stripes
  • EAS (Electronic Article Surveillance)
  • Voice Recognition
  • RFID (Radio Frequency Identification)
  • Smart Cards

Market Trends

According to VDC, between 2019 and 2023, the market is projected to post a CAGR of 4%, driving the revenues to $7.9 billion. Although the general market showed minimal growth in 2019, there is a disparity in terms of performance on a vendor-by-vendor basis.

Companies such as SICK, SATO, Toshiba, Cognex, and Fujian Newland recorded a substantial double-digital gain.

Impacts of Covid-19 on AIDC Market

The spread of the global pandemic – coronavirus has unprecedented effects on industrial structures and personal values, accelerating social reform in different areas. However, the nature of macro challenges like offering safe employee workspaces, distorted supply chains, and decentralized workforce is totally different from the past recessions.

In the first half of 2020, major players contributing to the AIDC industry have suffered from a decline in net sales due to the pandemic’s impacts. Though at the same time, the industry is anticipated to come back to its feet strongly, and the general industry development is expected to happen this year.

Benefits of AIDC Technologies

The RFID system is one of the commonly used technologies because of its affordability and flexibility. This system is less limiting when compared to barcodes since you can scan tags from a greater distance. RFID may track the exact location of objects in a big warehouse through a reader proximity detection so as to automate processes, resulting in consistent business procedures and concise workflows.

In addition, AIDC systems may also reduce piracy, theft, counterfeiting, and contamination, providing a high level of accountability and security. When combined with GPS, data loggers, and other sensors, you can monitor weather conditions and track used plastic pallets and other related products.

Concluding Remarks!

AIDC, also regarded as AutoID, is an automated step you can use to collect, classify, analyze, and identify data for storage.

You can also carry out the AIDC procedure without human involvement and integrate it to track and identify a lot of assets, items, tools, and inventory.