This is an EMP Product that involves taking off the shelf hardware and customizing it to perform a specific task. Matching items to ensure that the right product is being packaged and shipped. Traditionally we have used fixed mount barcode scanners, taught the scanner what the correct barcode is, and then read every code going down the production line to ensure the barcodes are present and correct.
The traditional use case is purely matching barcodes. But these days, we are building projects that go way beyond simple barcode matching. One of our most recent projects included pattern matching on top of barcode matching. We did this because not all of the products that we were trying to ensure were correct, had barcodes on them. So instead, we used a smart camera that was capable of inspecting a pattern on the product to be sure it matched the intended label was used. This could be a logo, a line or box, something that is unique to the intended item that can be used to identify it, and ensure the correct one is being used.
Another fun match code is to compare a barcode to an RFID tag. This ensures that the correct RFID tag is on the product. The customer was having issues with the wrong RFID tags being placed on vehicles in the production process. A mobile computer was used to scan the VIN number on the vehicle, then read the RFID tag and ensure that the data matched and the correct RFID tag had been used.
So, match code for us has evolved over the years to an entire suite of products. The original fixed scanner match code. Mobile computers being used to match barcodes. Even matching barcode to RFID tags to ensure correct tagging. We have even used wearable ring scanners for match code applications. The mobile computer applications also typically use MCL to develop the match code application quickly and at a low cost.
We can even incorporate a label printer to print a label showing that the match function was performed, when, and by whom. Then no product can get shipped without the QC match label being applied to the product.
If you are looking for a technology partner who creates low cost solutions to help make your operations better, the EMP Tech Group is here for you, www.emptechgroup.com is always the best place to find us.