1.

Introduction- Conceptual Framework:

1.1 Barcode System:

A barcode is a machine-readable representation of information in a visual format on a surface.

Originally barcodes stored data in the widths and spacing’s of printed parallel lines, but today they also
come in patterns of dots, concentric circles, and hidden in images. Barcodes can be read by optical
scanners called barcode readers or scanned from an image by special software. Barcodes are widely
used to implement Auto ID Data Capture (AIDC) systems that improve the speed and accuracy of
computer data entry.

1.2 Advantages of Barcode Technology:

Fast and Reliable Data Collection: Faster Data Entry: A barcode scanner typically can record
data five to seven times as fast as a skilled typist.

Better Accuracy: Keyboard data entry creates an average of one error in 300 keystrokes. Barcode
data entry has an error rate of about 1 in 3 million.

Reduced Labour Costs: This is the most obvious benefit of barcode data collection. In many
cases, this cost savings pays for the entire data-collection system. Even though this is the most
apparent benefit, it is often overshadowed by even greater savings from other areas.

Reduced Revenue Losses Resulting from Data Collection Errors: This benefit often
surpasses the savings in labour costs. You know that if you make a significant error on an invoice in
the customer's favour, you will never hear about it again.

Necessary Inventory Levels: Using barcodes are one of the best ways to reduce inventory levels
and save on capital costs. Keeping a tight handle on inventory can save significant amounts of money.

Improved Management and Better Decision Making: Although hard to measure, this is an
important benefit. In many cases, improved management due to automated data collection technology
could be the best benefit of a barcode system. A barcode system can easily gather information that
would be difficult or impossible to gather in other ways. This allows managers to make fully informed
decisions that can affect the direction of a department or company.

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Faster Access to Information: This benefit goes hand in hand with better decision-making. With
better information, you can gain opportunities and get the jump on the competition.

1.3 Disadvantages of Barcode Technology:

Pricing Issues: Pricing discrepancies can result if store employees forget to code in discount prices.
Customers and clerks at the check-out then have to deal with correcting the situation.

Damaged Labels: Barcode readers cannot read labels that are wrinkled, dirty or smudged.

Upfront Cost: Businesses which still do not use bar codes may avoid doing so because of the high
cost for new equipment.

Training: Another disadvantage when beginning to use bar codes is having to train employees,
which can be a significant issue if the business is large.

1.4 Different Types of Barcodes: According to present scenario, there are two types of
barcodes exists in the technological field. They are the Linear and 2D Matrix barcodes.
However Linear barcodes are categorised into two types:

 Continuous vs. discrete: Characters in continuous symbologies usually abut, with one
character ending with a space and the next beginning with a bar, or vice versa. Characters in
discrete symbologies begin and end with bars; the intercharacter space is ignored, as long as it
is not wide enough to look like the code ends.

 Two-width vs. many-width: Bars and spaces in two-width symbologies are wide or
narrow; how wide a wide bar is exactly has no significance as long as the symbology
requirements for wide bars are adhered. Bars and spaces in many-width symbologies are all
multiples of a basic width called the module; most such codes use four widths of 1, 2, 3 and 4
modules.

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Linear Barcodes:

Symbology Continuous or Bar Uses

discrete Widths

U.P.C Continuous Many Worldwide retail, GS1-approved -

International Standard ISO/IEC 15420

Codabar Discrete Two Old format used in libraries and blood banks
and on air bills (out of date)

Code25- Continuous Two Industrial (not in use)

Interleaved 2of5

Code 39 Discrete - Two international standard ISO/IEC 16388

Various

Types of 2DMatrix Barcodes: A matrix code, also known as a 2D barcode or simply a 2D code, is a
two-dimensional way of representing information. It is similar to a linear (1-dimensional) barcode, but
has more data representation capability.

Symbology Developed by

ArrayTag From ArrayTech Systems

Aztec Code Designed by Andrew Longacre at Welch Allyn

Small Aztec Code Space-saving version of Aztec code.

Chromatic an artistic proposal by C. C. Elian;

Alphabet

Codablock Stacked 1D barcodes...

ColorCode ColorZip-developed colour barcodes that can be read by camera phones from
TV screens

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Examples images of Linear and 2Dmatrix Barcodes:

EZ code EAN-13 (GTIN-13) Data glyphs

Simple diagrammatic view of representation of Barcode:

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1.5 Barcode Scanners and Printers:

Barcode Readers(or)Scanners: A barcode reader (or barcode scanner) is an electronic device

for reading printed barcodes. Like a flatbed scanner, it consists of a light source, a lens and a light
sensor translating optical impulses into electrical ones. Additionally, nearly all barcode readers contain
decoder circuitry analyzing the barcode's image data provided by the sensor and sending the barcode's
content to the scanner's output port.

Fig: Flat Bed Scanner

1.5.1 Types of Scanners or Readers:

Pen-type readers: Pen-type readers consist of a light source and a photodiode that are placed next
to each other in the tip of a pen or wand. To read a bar code, the tip of the pen moves across the bars in
a steady motion. The photodiode measures the intensity of the light reflected back from the light
source and generates a waveform that is used to measure the widths of the bars and spaces in the bar
code.

Laser scanners: Laser scanners work the same way as pen type readers except that they use a laser
beam as the light source and typically employ either a reciprocating mirror or a rotating prism to scan
the laser beam back and forth across the bar code. As with the pen type reader, a photodiode is used to
measure the intensity of the light reflected back from the bar code.

CCD readers: CCD readers use an array of hundreds of tiny light sensors lined up in a row in the
head of the reader. Each sensor measures the intensity of the light immediately in front of it. Each
individual light sensor in the CCD reader is extremely small and because there are hundreds of sensors
lined up in a row, a voltage pattern identical to the pattern in a bar code is generated in the reader by
sequentially measuring the voltages across each sensor in the row.

Slot Scanners: A slot scanner remains stationary and the item with the bar code on it is pulled by
hand through the slot. Slot scanners are typically used to scan bar codes on identification cards.

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CCD readers Laser Readers Pen-type readers

SlotScanner

Barcode Printers:

A barcode printer is a computer peripheral for printing barcode labels or tags that can be attached to
physical objects. Barcode printers are commonly used to label cartons before shipment, or to label
retail items with UPCs or EANs.

Eg: Barcode Printers

1.5.2 Latest technologies in the field of Barcodes: These are some of the latest technologies
and the latest advancements in the field of barcode.

Hand held scanners Mobile scanners Bluetooth Scanners

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2. Feasibility Study for Implementation:

2.1 Business Analysis:

Uniqueness of the business: The uniqueness of cargo transport business can be described below:

 Cargo transport is a business which involves marginal profits.

 The critical success factors are the relative transit time, the reliability of hired vehicles,
efficient working capital management, cost reduction (i.e.,) efficient operations management
and presence at number of locations spreading across areas of brisk business, good information
management & customer satisfaction.

 Competition is severe with many national as well as local transport companies.

 Parcel business earns the maximum profits & is then one that shows higher rate of turnover.

 Customer satisfaction decides continued business with them.

 The industry is characterised by huge volumes of documents that need to be generated &
transmitted for their operations to run smoothly.

 Management of data or information is thus of crucial importance & more preferably there is a
requirement for real-time processing of data for better operations management and ensuring
customer satisfaction.

2.2 SWOT Analysis: The SWOT analysis in brief of the company ARC Ltd has been arrived at
after a thorough understanding of the operations of the company & conversing with the employees.

Strengths:

 Wide network of offices with presence all over India.

 Well established infrastructure.

 Systematic flow of information.

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  Good customer base.

 Experienced personnel.

 Management’s openness to latest technology.

 In-house software development team.

Weaknesses:

 Lack of computerization in all of its branches.

 Delay in information movement.

 Lack of operational efficiency in terms of transit time & cost.

Opportunities:

 Transport business is dependent on large number of other businesses & hence the scope of
improved business opportunities.

 Availability of technology that can serve the purpose of the company.

 Ability & opportunity exists for further reduction & Streamlining of operations.

Threats:

 Competition from other transporters.

 Evolution of more technology oriented express cargo transporter.

3. Requirement Analysis:

3.1 Scope for the implementation of Barcode in ARC Ltd:

The following are the factors triggered for the need of implementation of Barcode:

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  Reduction of Time factor: This is an important factor for which the implementation of
barcode is very necessary because it reduces the time taken by the employee, for which he
usually takes to enter the data into the system.

 Elimination of any manipulations of data during the consignment process:

This is one of the important factors that is considered to be very important which automatically
reduces and helps the employee in controlling and identifying the data manipulations (or)
errors that are taking place during the consignment process.

 Reduction of work burden: This is the important factor which is identified for the
implementation of barcode, due to the large volumes of data and documents generated every
day the barcode reduces the work burden of the employee.

 Easy way of knowing the consignment’s status: With the help of barcode the
consignor and the consignee can know the status of the consignment and its delivery.

 Better utilization of manpower: Barcode would result in reducing the manual paper
work as well as the systemized data and thus result in better utilization of manpower.

 Competition forcing change: Increased competition needs, continuous improvement and

cost reduction trigger the need for a suitable barcode technology.ARC cannot be left behind in
the race to embrace the advantage of complete computerization and an efficient barcode
technology that can transmit the data in no time and thus provide a better working environment
for the employees and better service for the customers.

3.2 Strategy for the implementation of Barcode in ARC Ltd: The strategy for
implementing barcode technology is done through four phases.

Transhipment centres (16)

Phase1:

Main Branches
Phase 2:
(computerised)

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Phase 3: Remaining Branches

Phase4:
Divisional Offices
(15)

Corporate Office
Phase5: (Secunderabad)

3.3 Expected Requirements of Barcode Equipments for Each Phase:

Phase 1: (Transhipment centres):

 Barcode scanners: 3 (according to the availability of systems and no: of bookings)

 Barcode printers: nil

Phase 2: (Main Branches (Computerised)):

 Barcode scanners: 1or 2

 Barcode printers: 1 or none

Phase 3: (Remaining offices):

 Barcode scanners: 1or 2

 Barcode printers: 1 or none

Phase 4:(Divisional Offices):

 Barcode scanners: 1or 2

 Barcode printers: 1

Phase 5: (Corporate Office):

 Barcode scanners: 1or 2

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  Barcode printers: 1 or more

3.4 Limitations of Barcode Technology: There are various limitations regarding to the
barcode technology.

 Price Factor: With the technology at its rapid growth, the demand for the different types of
barcode technologies is very high and the pricing factor of the technologies is a big issue for
the companies involving huge investments for upgradation

 Work Range: This is another important limitation where the working range (or) the radius
of the scanner that can scan the barcode.

 Size: This is the important limitation where the size of deciding the barcode is very difficult it
depends on the type of barcode used by the organizations.

3.5 Vendor Evaluation:

Parameter Postiflex Technologies Saroj Pack Stick Labels Stallion Systems

Aids India private and Solutions
Ltd
Type of Only hardware related Both hardware Both hardware Both hardware and
Providers (barcode) and and software software (barcode
software(barcod (barcode) and RFID)
e)
Service VRL, GATI etc GATI, Indian airlines, GATI,
providers pharmaceutical Airtel, VRL, AIRTEL,
companies etc. Raymond, IFB, TESCO,
GATI, RANBAXY, First
AIRCEL flight couriers etc.
Type Of Laser(Handheld),bluetoot Laser scanners: Laser ,CCD, Laser scanners,
Barcode h: Citizen, Zebra, handheld CCD Scanners,
Scanners Honeywell, Orbit Data Max scanners: Bluetooth Scanners:
and Motorola, Data Logic
Companies Zebra, PCI
Printers Data Max Data Max, Data Max Data Max
with their Motorola
companies
Technical Scanners: Scanners:
specification Handheld scanners: Handheld scanners:
Work range:10m radius Scanners :USB Workrange:10m
No: of Scans:72 slots ,cable-free --------------- radius
scans/second No: of

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 Bluetooth: scans:72scans/secon
Work range:10ft 33inch d
No: of scans:12,000 scans
per charge
USB Slots
Economic Scanners:4000 Scanners:4000 - Scanners:4000 Scanners:3500-
Specification -2lakhs(+taxes) 2lakhs(+taxes) -1lakh(+taxes) 1.5lakhs(+taxes)
s Printers:18000 Printers:16000 to Printers:18500
-3lakhs(+taxes) 2lakhs(+taxes) – Printers:18000 to
Software Providing:--- Software 1.5lakhs(+taxes 3lakhs(+taxes)
Providing:7000- ) Software
15000 Software Providing:------
Providing:8000
-15000
Cost Per barcode: 90ps(+tax) Per Barcode: Depends on the Depends on the size
requirement Small : size of the of the barcode that
regarding 7ps(/single) barcode that is is used by the
label 5ps(in bulk) used by the company
generation Large:20ps(+tax company
)
3.6 Cost Analysis for the implementation of technology (Economic feasibility): The
cost requirements for implementing barcode technology which includes initial cost, stationary costs
and the maintenance costs.

S. no Various costs Amount

1. Setup Cost ( 1 system):

1. Scanner(Data Logic) 4500

2. Printer(Data Max) 55700

3. Software required for generation of 7000

barcode

Total Initial Cost 67200

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2. Stationary Cost:

1. Negotiable Documents(for 1 document- 2050

1.85),
for 1000=1000*1.85+barcode(0.20*1000)

2. Non-Negotiable Documents(for 1
document-1.20) ,for 1400
1000=1000*1.20+barcode(0.20*1000)

Total Stationary Cost 3450

3. Maintenance Cost:

1. Refilling of cartridges 500

2. Replacement of cartridges 3050

3. Additional costs
 AMC’s for scanners, printers, 5000
generators(2500+1600+900)

Total Maintenance Cost 8550

3.7 Operational Feasibility of the technology:

Operational Feasibility is a measure of how well the solution will work in the organization i.e. the
acceptability of the solution. The parameters considered for assessing the operational feasibility are:

 Level of Usage

 Direct and Indirect Cost

 Performance issues like data accuracy, flexibility, security

Characteristics Barcode Requirements

Level of Usage In all the transhipment centres the usage of
this technology is having more scope.

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Direct Cost Requires according to the no: of systems
available in the Tc’s, Do’s and Ro’s.

Indirect Cost The maintenance of barcode is looked after

by the employee in the organization itself.

Data accuracy With the help of this technology the data

accuracy of the employees will be improved
even if they are working overnights

Flexibility High degree of flexibility and scalability can

be obtained when this technology is
implemented.

Security Security features for the data is automatically

maintained by the information stored in the
database.

Operational and Commercial Benefits through Barcode:

 Better maintenance of documents.

 Minimal data redundancy.

 Increased data accuracy.

 Flexibility to develop and upgrade the technology which enables the managers to spend less
time on the entry of the documents.

 Less work burden.

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 Identification about the misplacement of products in the consignments.

 Better managerial control in terms of availability of data for managerial judgement resulting in
better decision making and thus increase in operational efficiency.

4. Suggestions & Recommendations:

The study has provided a keen insight into the operations of the company, Associated Road Carriers
Ltd, and has aided a better understanding and appreciation of the advantages from the barcode
technology for a company with distributed offices.

Associated Road Carriers Ltd has been in the operation for the past four decades and has grown from
small company to one with over 500+ branches distributed all over India. In the process of its growth it

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has built good infrastructure adding to the vast experience in the operations of the business. They also
have a good base of customers who regularly rely on them for their transport requirements. But the
increased competition calls for increased customer orientation & faster delivery. Provision of timely &
reliable information on the consignments location to the customer can greatly enhance the customer’s
confidence on the company.

This warrants to a good technology to be in place for better coordination between the branches and
head office and also for the better efficiency in operations. A good barcode technology used in various
branches can rightly fit in the place for this purpose.

This study has been done with the basic purpose of identifying the need of implementation for
barcode technology that not only meets the desired needs of the company but also fit in the investment
willingness of the company.

The study has the following suggestions and recommendations to make:

Findings :

Barcode is needed for the following purposes:

 For the reduction of time consumed on the data entering into the system

 For the reduction of work

 For the minimal data redundancy

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  To enhance the efficiency of performance of the individual and to maintain operational
efficiency

 There is increased competition from technology oriented competitors and also there is
increasing customer awareness forcing the change.

 For the better utilization of manpower.

Suggestions:
The following are the equipments suitable for the implementation of this technology:

Barcode scanner:

 Type: Laser scanner (Gryphon Desk Linear Image)

 Company: Data Logic

 Model:D130andD230

Features:

 Reads most common linear barcodes including GS1 Data bar and PDF417
 Multi-interface and specific models available (IBM46xx, ESD)
 Fast reading speed: 270 scans/sec
 Excellent reliability: less than 0.5% yearly failure rate
 Reading range from 0 to 1.4' / 43 cm
 Outstanding performance when reading damaged codes
 Full range of accessories available
 Compatible with all Data logic cables

Accessories:

 Stand
 Desk/Wall holder

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Technical specifications:
 Weight: 40lb/180g

 Sensor: CCD solid state (3648 pixels)

 Max. Scan Rate: 270 scans/sec
 Max. Resolution: 3 mils / 0.076 mm
 Reading Angle: Skew: ±80°; Pitch: 65°; Tilt: ±35° (EAN13, M=0.8, PCS=0.9)
 Reading Indicators: Good Read LED, “green spot” on the code, adjustable tone “beeper”
 Interfaces: USB, RS232, Wedge, Wand, D110 only- RS-232 & IBM46XX Interface

Barcode Printer:

 Printer: M-class Mark II

 Company: Data Max

 Models: M-4206,4210,4308

Technical Specifications:

 Prints labels up to 4.65”wide at speeds up to 8” per second.

 Standard connections include RS-232 serial port, IEEE 1284 bi-directional parallel port and
USB. Ethernet is also an available option.

 The vendors taken into consideration are Stallion Systems and Solutions, Saroj Pack Aids,
Stick Labels Private Limited and the Postiflex technologies. However Stallion vendors were
considered for in-depth analysis as they were meeting the requirements of the company both
economically and operationally.

 The printing cost for the stationeries (i.e.,) 1+3 with carbon documents will be more when
compared to the ordinary stationary and a different type of material will be used.

5. Conclusion:

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The technology that is being under study is presently suitable for the companies requirement, however
the usage of RFID solutions in the future perspective would be more feasible, but involves huge
investment for the implementation.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID):

RFID is the reading of physical tags on single products, cases, pallets, or re-usable containers that emit
radio signals to be picked up by reader devices. These devices and software must be supported by a
sophisticated software architecture that enables the collection and distribution of location-based
information in near real time. The complete RFID picture combines the technology of the tags and
readers with access to global standardized databases, ensuring real time access to up-to-date
information about relevant products at any point in the supply chain. Tags contain a unique
identification number called an Electronic Product Code (EPC), and potentially additional information
of interest to manufacturers, healthcare organizations, military organizations, logistics providers, and
retailers, or others that need to track the physical location of goods or equipment. RFID components
include:

Tag or Transponder—An RFID tag is a tiny radio device that is also referred to as a transponder,
smart tag, smart label, or radio barcode. The tag comprises a simple silicon microchip (typically less
than half a millimetre in size) attached to a small flat aerial and mounted on a substrate. The whole
device can then be encapsulated in different materials (such as plastic) dependent upon its intended
usage. The finished tag can be attached to an object, typically an item, box, or pallet, and read
remotely to ascertain its identity, position, or state. For an active tag there will also be a battery.

Reader or Interrogator—The reader—sometimes called an interrogator or scanner—sends and

receives RF data to and from the tag via antennas. A reader may have multiple antennas that are
responsible for sending and receiving radio waves.

Host Computer—The data acquired by the readers is then passed to a host computer, which may
run specialist RFID software or middleware to filter the data and route it to the correct application, to
be processed into useful information.

5.1 RFID VS BARCODE:

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 Parameters RFID Barcode
Read Range Passive UHF RFID: Several inches up to several
- Up to 40 feet (fixed feet
readers)
- Up to 20 feet (handheld
readers)

Active RFID:
- Up to 100's of feet or
more
Read Rate 10's, 100's or 1000's
Identification Can uniquely identify each
item/asset tagged.
Read/Write Many RFID tags are
Read/Write
Technology RF (Radio Frequency)
Interference Like the TSA (Transportation
Security Administration),
some RFID frequencies don't
like Metal and Liquids. They
can interfere with some RF
Frequencies.
Automation Most "fixed" readers don't
require human involvement
to collect data (automated)
Line of Sight Not Required
Number of Lines can be Multiple
scanned
Storage Up to several KB data
simultaneously Only one at a
time
Most barcodes only identify
the type of item (UPC Code)
but not uniquely.
Read only
Optical (Laser)
Obstructed barcodes cannot
be read (dirt covering
barcode, torn barcode, etc.)
Most barcode scanners
require a human to operate
(labour intensive)
Required
One at a time
Limited data codes

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