Long Distance Scanning Labels

With larger and larger warehouse distribution complexes being constructed, there is an increased need for scanning inventory stored in racks 3-4-5 levels high, without having to get in a cherry picker to elevate to the rack level. In such longer range scanning situations where the bar codes may even hang from a ceiling mount, additional considerations are required. Additionally, it may be desirable to scan ground level labels from a greater distance rather than take the time to approach a scan location within a few feet and return. For example, when a forklift operator adds, removes, or simply takes inventory count, the inventory information can be scanned from a longer distance via a long range RF scanner mounted on the forklift, preventing the need to approach within a few feet. Or, there may be low lighting conditions that make scanning at any distance more difficult.

When long-range bar code scanners were developed in 1991,bar codes could be scanned up to 8 feet away. In order to increase that distance a material commonly used for illuminating road signs at night was modified allowing for bar code printing. The surface of this polyester based material is coated with microscopic glass beads. It is the glass beads that create the enhanced reflectance off the material, much like a mirror surface reflecting directly back rather than diffusing the light beam. The reflectance from this material can triple the scanning distance of long-range scanners. Today, under reasonable conditions, labels on this material can be scanned up to 25 feet utilizing bar code "x" dimensions between 100MIL and 200MIL. Under optimum conditions, distances of over 35 feet can be scanned. The key is employee productivity and data accuracy.

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