Technical paper Technology trends in identification technology The opening of markets and countries with high industrial potential makes it necessary to produce and deliver an increasing number of product variants in smaller quantities and in shorter times. Because this trend is observed in all industries and sectors, the structure and organization of logistics is important, both within a company (intralogistics) as well as the distribution logistics to distribution centers, wholesalers and retailers, all the way to the end customer. In order to produce and pick more flexibly and with greater customer orientation, the requirements placed on the logistic systems continue to increase.
It is necessary to pursue a number of objectives in order to work with greater flexibility, adaptability
• Reduce delivery times with suppliers • Reduce inventory levels of finished and semi-finished products • High flexibility of process steps • Simple and cost-effective customization options • High system availability • Higher energy efficiency • High transparency and traceability
Because in extensive and, thus, complex systems very many components must be matched to one
another, these objectives continue to pose new challenges for the manufacturers and providers of
such systems and components. To achieve an optimum solution, everything must be just right: the
hardware chosen for controller, conveyor elements, drive and lifting units, sensors and
identification devices and the customized software that records, sorts and processes all of the data.
For the individual industries, the application itself defines key parameters: size, weight, and
variants of the material to be conveyed, required system throughput, number of possible targets /
participants in the process, number of parallel subprocesses, etc. According to these parameters,
infrastructure, networking and conveyors are planned by the manufacturer of the system.
The identification technology that is used and the choice of devices play a role here that is not to be
underestimated. For each application, there are decisive requirements that can, as a rule, be
satisfied by various identification technologies. The susceptibility of the respective technology to
external influences, as well as the performance reserve of the devices, become important
parameters. The requirements in these largely automated processes are disproportionately higher
than e.g. at supermarket checkouts and are, thus, not comparable. Among experts, the situation is
described as follows: "When detecting the load carriers, we have exactly one 'shot', and that must
be spot-on." A non-reading results in significant delays and multiple passages and should,
therefore, be reduced to a minimum. For this reason, it is necessary to use high-quality and
powerful devices that have the necessary capability and adaptability. And these are not always the
most economical and the most energy efficient. The device choice can only be a good
To save the customer the need to know the various identification technologies and devices in
detail, the manufacturers of logistics systems are committed to working together with experienced
sensor and component providers. The technologies that are used continue to be developed and will
result in new, additional possibilities. Providers who offer a broad range of products and—ideally—
a high level of competence in all relevant technologies will become particularly attractive. There is
yet another aspect: in addition to the support in planning and implementation, with the increasing
globalization of the markets and projects, the presence of the partners in the target markets during
warranty and service periods plays an important role.
As soon as the process is employed across corporate borders to also take into account distribution,
the number of transfer points in various (software) systems and structures becomes considerably
higher. National and regional circumstances must also be given consideration, particularly in the
delivery chain. The definition and coordination of data transfer thereby become even more
important in order to ensure consistent use of an applied or affixed label. In some cases, the
optimum solution will be a combination of several identification technologies, again bringing the
competence of the component partner into play.
Barcode technology has been field tested in practical applications for many years and is used in
numerous industries across corporate boundaries. Reliable detection along the supply chain is
nothing unusual, but can only be achieved with appropriate requirements on the label design, code
(print) quality and label application. Due to the very high read speeds and depth of field, laser
devices are often used. When changing the code type or when qualifying new suppliers, all
participants can contribute to discussions and the resolution of problems until everything again runs
Another optical technology with high data density is the 2D code or Data Matrix code. The structure
of the code provides additional security, but also requires a different reader technology. Instead of
a laser, a camera chip is used that offers higher resolution but smaller measurement ranges. This
identification technology also relies on the contrast of the code and requires an unobstructed line of
sight and undamaged code elements. Such code labels can be produced simply and economically
using typical modern printers. And this is precisely where the difference to the less-sensitive and
non-optical RFID technology lies. Unlike the optical technologies, visibility and environment play a
subordinate role with this technology. Detection and data transmission occur electromagnetically
and are, thus, not dependent on contrast and line-of-sight. The counterpart to the device, the code
carrier—also referred to as a transponder—is more intelligent due to the integrated electronics and
carries a higher price. The additional possibility of changing data during a process represents an
absolute unique selling point of this technology. But, considering the fact that, after many years of
barcode use, all systems, software and program modules are optimized for barcode technology, it
is somewhat difficult to open and use the data-update function, since a change in structure is
Each technology has its place and its advantages. In the future, there will, therefore, continue to be
more than just one technology—the application defines the requirements for the identification
technology. Contrast and a free line of sight are not possible in all areas of application but, at the
same time, do not pose a general problem. It will, therefore, become more important to consider
the requirements and to have knowledge of the technical possibilities as well as the associated
advantages and disadvantages of the available identification technologies. All devices of the
various technologies can be adapted to the application at any time by means of appropriate
parameters and are, thus, highly flexible—each within its respective technical specifications.
The many years of experience in the area of intralogistics and the special focus on long-term
performance and adaptability of the devices make Leuze electronic a strong partner for optical
sensor systems and identification. Active for more than 20 years in many areas of automatic object
identification, Leuze has the entire spectrum and know-how of the relevant technologies in house:
from the Reflection Light Beam Device to the area scanner, from the single-line barcode scanner to
the raster scanner and omni-systems, from the 2D and smart sensors to camera solutions to RFID
technology in conveyor systems or potentially explosive areas in production facilities.
This broad range of products and possible applications is made possible by a consistently high
level and structure of know-how and a high function range of the devices, by the simple adaptability
by means of a separate service interface, by a large performance reserve and by an integrated,
modular connection concept for coupling to various networks and fieldbuses.
Press inquiries Leuze electronic GmbH + Co. KG Matthias May, Tel. +49 8141 5350-123 [email protected], www.leuze.com
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