Reading Multiple 1D and 2D Barcodes

Boxes at a distribution center are labeled with multiple 1D and 2D barcodes. The information contained in each barcode must be verified before the box is packed onto a pallet and shipped. Barcode positions change with the location of each box on the conveyor and the height of a box can vary with each shipment. Learn how ABR 7000 barcode readers help ensure that each shipment is complete and accurate.

ABR 7000 inspecting multiple 1D and 2D barcodes image

Application: Decoding 1D and 2D Barcodes

A regional distribution center for information technology products processes and ships thousands of orders each day. The contents and destination of each shipment changes with each order. The accuracy and timeliness of these shipments is critical. Missed ship dates and incorrect or incomplete orders can cause delays throughout the supply chain.

Order, shipping, and tracking information is embedded in separate 1D and 2D barcodes printed on the label of every box in a shipment. This information must be verified before the boxes are loaded onto a pallet and the shipment leaves the facility.

A high-speed conveyor is used to move the boxes to the palletizer. The position and orientation of the barcodes change with the location of each box on the conveyor and the height of a box can vary with each shipment. The barcodes can be complex with minimal quiet zones and in close proximity to one another. Any combination of these challenges can result in barcodes being misread or not read at all, requiring time and labor to correct, delaying the shipment, and potentially resulting in an incomplete or incorrect shipment being sent.

Solution: High-Speed Barcode Reader with Autofocus Lens

As packages travel on the line to the palletizer, an ABR 7000 barcode reader with a liquid lens autofocus verifies each barcode printed on the label. The bank of LEDs built into the barcode reader fill the inspection area with red light, optimizing the contrast between the barcodes and the labels. The high-resolution 1.3 MP (1280 x 1024 pixels) imager and wide field of view enables a single ABR 7000 to capture a detailed image of a large inspection area. Algorithms programmed into the barcode reader locate each barcode, extract the data, and verify that the barcodes match the criteria established during inspection setup. This information is then sent over an Ethernet connection to the management system which records the data.

Using Banner’s Barcode Manager software, the optional autofocus lens can easily be adjusted to accommodate any change in box height. Barcode Manager is a free operating software with an intuitive programming environment that simplifies device setup and management. Users can monitor and manage inspections from multiple ABR devices in real-time using a PC, tablet, or other network-enabled device. ABR Series devices can also be configured using the on-board Smart Teach touch button.

Benefits of ABR 7000 Barcode Readers

Superior Decoding Capabilities

ABR 7000 barcode readers utilize advanced algorithms to decode a multiple 1D and 2D barcodes in a single inspection and any orientation. The high-resolution imager and wide field of view enable the barcode reader to consistently read small, complex, and challenging barcodes spread out over a large area.

Easy to Install in Any Application

The all-in-one design of ABR Series barcode readers combines imager, lens, and lighting in one compact, easy-to-deploy device. It has an IP67-rated metal housing for industrial applications and features a rotating connector that provides users with greater flexibility in deployment and simplifies installation in difficult and space constrained deployments.

Intuitive Software with Advanced Capabilities

Connect, configure, and monitor multiple ABR Series devices using Barcode Manager. This free and easy-to-use software features flowchart programming that makes it easy to setup inspections and access advanced capabilities, including multihead networking which connects multiple ABR 7000 barcode readers together in a network to solve complex applications over a very large inspection area.