How Barcode label helps in Automating Manufacturing Process

By: Digital Deeper

Published: 25/03/2023

Manufacturing automation is a well-known method of increasing efficiency and functionality while also increasing the rate of return. This is why the majority of firms want to automate their procedures. Even yet, most manufacturing firms are still troubled by costs and human mistakes as a result of their failure to implement high levels of skilled manufacturing automation.

Manufacturing engineering, often known as the manufacturing process, refers to the procedures that raw materials go through to become a finished product. The product development and materials specifications from which the product is built are the first steps in the manufacturing process. These materials are subsequently transformed into the required part through manufacturing methods.

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Types of Manufacturing Automation:

01 Fixed Automation

The majority of programming is housed within physical hardware, often known as hard automation. The pace and order of processes are set by the machines. These automation systems are designed to efficiently conduct a single set of actions on a single item.

02 Programmable Automation

Batch manufacturing is connected with programmable automation which allows for the production of a wide range of parts and products. To reprogram the system, modifications in the instructions are written and programmed ahead of time.

03 Flexible Automation

This sort of production is linked to real-time or on-demand production. A mechanical arm that can be instructed to insert wire, make a hole, clean, and solder, insert rivets, and paint on things in a production floor is an example of flexible automation.

Problems occurred while using portable barcode scanners:

The portable barcode scanners do a good job, but they have a few drawbacks. Operator misuse can result in them being dropped, worn out, having incorrect settings, and breaking unexpectedly. Any of these circumstances can cause the manufacturing line to shut down, resulting in a loss of earnings. Handheld barcode readers necessitate time for the operator to locate, pick up, then manually aim and scan. This is non-value-added time for the operator, as they are completing tasks that are unrelated to their job.

Future of Barcode Technology in Manufacturing Automation

The future of barcode technology in manufacturing automation is expected to see significant growth and development, with several advancements that will improve the manufacturing and automation industries in several ways:

1Enhanced process control
Barcode technology can be used to monitor and control the manufacturing process, ensuring that products are produced to the highest standards of quality and consistency.
2Improved traceability
Barcode technology can be used to track products and components through the manufacturing process, improving traceability and reducing the risk of defects or recalls.
3Asset tracking
Barcode technology can be used to track equipment and other assets, improving maintenance and repair schedules and reducing the risk of downtime.
4Data analytics
Barcode technology can be used to collect and analyze data, allowing manufacturers to identify areas for improvement and optimize their operations.
5Collaborative robots
Barcode technology can be used to guide collaborative robots or cobots, improving their accuracy and efficiency in performing tasks such as picking and placing.

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Overall, the future of barcode technology in manufacturing automation looks promising, with continued advancements that will improve process control, traceability, asset tracking, data analytics, and collaborative robotics. These innovations will help to make manufacturing and automation industries more efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective, improving overall business operations.

Automating Manufacturing Process using Barcode

Organize the assembly line:

One of the few automation best practices is to improve the production process in preparation for the next steps. Depending on your manufacturing capacity, you'll need various automation solutions. Processing, assembly, material handling and storage, inspection and test, control, and value-added processes are all things you should be familiar with. These are the major functions of the build-up process, which you should consider in order to automate it correctly.

Set up a barcode system:

A barcode system should always be part of any automated production. Barcode labels are necessary if you want to provide your company with the tools it needs to improve production and administration. Once these procedures are automated, you'll discover that barcodes are ideal for reducing and eliminating human error. Barcodes allow for more effective raw material selection, improved planning and processing for future product development phases, and simple inventory flow tracking.

Locate the Most Appropriate Automation Hardware and Software:

Manufacturing systems come in a variety of shapes and sizes. There are scanning equipment and several digital systems and barcode labels that allow you to gather data about anything from production to inventory and buying. When choosing hardware and software for your development process, flexibility should be a top priority. Image barcode scanners, 1D and 2D barcode scanners, handheld versions, and so on are all available. However, various things should influence your decision:

The barcode's label symbology
Distance and speed of scanning
Integration with various technologies
Whether a wireless or cable connection is required
Flexibility and ease of usage
Compatibility of software and operating systems

Automatic Barcode reading for manufacturing process:

In today's Industrial Engineering production systems, precise barcode scanning is critical for improving efficiency and profits. To make their operations run smoothly, they rely on a well-coordinated course of events. To point and scan, the operators often employ barcodes, scanning their material and tracking systems to guarantee that all components are present. The vehicle assembly will go down the manufacturing line once all parts have been assembled and their system has reported a successful barcode scan of each item.

The reading of barcodes may be automated using fixed barcode readers. The majority of industrial firms employ a fixed barcode reader that may be installed upwards. There are several elements that influence whether or not a distance code can be read. Barcodes may be read above from up to 25 feet distant with the aid of fixed barcode scanners. By attaching the barcode reader to the assembly line, the operators will be able to be more productive.

Start using Automatic Guided Vehicles or Machinery:

Materials handling systems or load carriers that operate autonomously through a warehouse, distribution centre, or production plant without an onboard operator or driver are known as automated guided vehicles (AGVs). AGVs are utilised to support production or manufacturing lines in both work-in-progress and storage of goods applications. The autonomous guided vehicle uses a camera to scan a QR code on the ground and analyses the code data to determine its present position. To obtain exact location, QR code navigation is frequently used in conjunction with navigation.