Using Bar codes |

Manufacturers must have control over their operations. Correct use of bar codes minimize the risk for human error.

In a Fisa cleaning machine, the bar codes can be registered for each basket. This option requires the Fisa Logger Licence. See Fisa Logger The bar codes can also be used to identify the basket code and consequently the correct cleaning program to perform on the basket.

General Use
How Fisa Logger manages bar codes
Fisa Logger receives the basket code from the robot
Send Next Program to the Robot
Basics
Barcode Symbologies and Label Standards
Numeric-only barcodes
Alphanumeric bar codes
2-Dimensional bar codes
Industry Standards for Barcodes and Labels
References

General Use

A manufacturing company normally has its own bar code system for internal management of product batches. The bar codes can also be used to identify the basket code and consequently the correct cleaning program to perform on the basket. In order to implement basket code recognition for the bar codes we must answer the following:

- The Bar code Symbology and how the bar code is used
- Will the bar code be read when the basket arrives at a predefined position? (fixed Scanner) Starting Position for Basket Code in Barcode
  Where and how will the label be attached on the basket?
- Will the bar codes be read for a line of baskets? (portable Scanner, cable or cordless)
- Is there space available in the bar code (two free numeric characters) to accomodate the basket code = cleaning program?
- If no space for basket code is available, is it then possible to create associations? Bar code Associations Please contact Fisa
- Any particular preferences for make/type of barcode scanner.

How Fisa Logger manages bar codes

Fisa Logger receives the basket code from the robot
When a basket is detected (detector on a loading position connected to an input) the robot executes these instructions:

1. Code 00 Clear Code cell to read Next Program
2. * 99 [RC] Read Code for Logger
   See Messages with parameters from Fisa Robot
3. Stat.Rd.Inputs 00 to 00 Read Next Program
   Sends the value to the PC running Fisa Logger. Fisa Logger will use this value as the basket code.

Next Program can be set in different ways:

1. The operator presses the PROGR key on the microterminal and enters Next Program manually.
2. The basket has binary labels for basket code detection.
   Next Program is set with the instruction Prog.Rd.Inputs 01 to 06 prior to executing the instructions above.
3. The basket has a bar code containing basket code. See Starting Position for Basket Code in Barcode
4. The basket has a bar code label where associations have been created to the basket code. - Please contact Fisa

Send Next Program to the Robot
The last two methods to set Next Program require that the PC sends an instruction to the robot. This is an exception from the general adopted strategy for Fisa Logger: A personal computer (PC) is not as reliable as a Fisa Programming Unit. Therefore the role of Fisa Logger is just of observation, not control of the machine. However, since Next Program does not affect the security for operators or machine, this is acceptable. See Machine - Computer

When a basket is detected on a loading position, Fisa Logger inspects the last item in list of barcodes corresponding to the loading position. If a correctly formatted basket code is found, an instruction is sent to the robot to change Next Program to this value. When instructions 1 to 3 above are then executed, the basket code will be the intended one. NB! The robot program is responsible for determining whether the basket code is valid (basket sequence defined) or not. Master baskets

Basics

Barcode Symbologies and Label Standards
A Barcode Symbology defines the technical details of a particular type of bar code: the width of the bars, character set, method of encoding, checksum specifications, etc

Numeric-only barcodes

EAN-13 | European Article Numbering international retail product code
EAN-8 | Compressed version of EAN code for use on small products
UPC-A | Universal product code seen on almost all retail products in the USA and Canada
UPC-E | Compressed version of UPC code for use on small products
Code 11 | Used primarily for labeling telecommunications equipment
Interleaved 2 of 5 | Compact numeric code, widely used in industry, air cargo, other applications
Industrial 2 of 5 | Older code not in common use
Standard 2 of 5 | Older code not in common use
Codabar | Older code often used in library systems, sometimes in blood banks
Plessey | Older code commonly used for retail shelf marking
MSI | Variation of the Plessey code commonly used in USA
PostNet | Used by U.S. Postal Service for automated mail sorting

Alphanumeric bar codes

Code 39 | General-purpose code in very wide use world-wide
Code 93 | Compact code similar to Code 39
Code 128 | Very capable code, excellent density, high reliability; in very wide use world-wide
LOGMARS | Same as Code 39, this is the U.S. Government specification

2-Dimensional bar codes

PDF417 | Excellent for encoding large amounts of data
DataMatrix | Can hold large amounts of data, especially suited for making very small codes
Maxicode | Fixed length, used by United Parcel Service for automated package sorting
QR Code | Used for material control and order confirmation
Data Code
Code 49
16K

Industry Standards for Barcodes and Labels

Bookland EAN | encodes ISBN numbers, used internationally to mark books
ISSN and the SISAC Barcode | International Standard Serial Numbering
OPC | Optical Industry Association barcode for marking retail optical products
UPC Shipping Container Symbol | ITF-14
Co-Operative labels | Located under software

References

Barcode for Beginners
The Barcode Software Center
BarcodeFAQ.com
Some Useful Information about Barcodes
Worth Data UK (manufacturer)
Barcode Scanners
Barcode Scanners pmi (manufacturer)