Identifying parcels automatically: Why camera-based systems ARE better

Companies have used laser-scanners to identify parcel barcodes for over 30 years but they are inefficient and limited in application. Camera-based systems offer near perfect read rates, slash costs and are extremely flexible. It comes as no surprise then that demand for such technology is increasing.

Vitronic has produced a white paper to help businesses make up their minds. Available free from www.vitronic.de/en/intralogistics, it shows the processes camera-based systems use to capture customer-related and object-related data, and how businesses can use this to improve operations such as incoming or outgoing goods inspection, dispatch and delivery, and managing customer returns.

VIPAC is one of Vitronic’s key products in the logistics sector. Mounted above conveyors or sorters in busy warehouses or distribution centres, it uses up to six line-scan camera units to capture high-resolution images of one to six sides of parcels passing through.

Sophisticated software analyses the images and reads the parcel labels in milliseconds, before sending the data to where it is needed (e.g. sorters that divert items to specific destinations).

Because it uses cameras not lasers, VIPAC reads damaged or marked codes, codes behind reflective film, 2D codes, plain text and even human written address information. Companies can use this data to sort parcels efficiently and monitor the entire process in real time. The system can store all images for archiving purposes.

When incorporated with video coding, a facility that allows the manual input of unreadable labels, VIPAC produces a 100% read rate. This level of efficiency is extremely difficult to achieve using standard barcode-scanners.

Vitronic’s white paper also offers practical advice for companies thinking of investing in camera-based identification technology.