Barcode KIT Components and Selection Criteria Improving Genebank Activities with Mobile Solutions

Transcription

1 Barcode KIT Components and Selection Criteria Improving Genebank Activities with Mobile Solutions April 7 th, 2008 Edwin Rojas Research Informatics Unit (RIU) International Potato Center (CIP) GPG2 Workshop 2008: Training for IT support staff on bar-code tools and exchange of best practices. CIP, Peru

2 Overview Barcodes: Types, symbologies, integration & benefits: seed, in-vitro, DNA and cryopreservation Barcode Print Technologies: Dot matrix, laser or thermal Barcode KIT Components (hardware), selection criteria for laboratories and cold chambers Barcode KIT Components (hardware), selection criteria for greenhouses and field Selection criteria for labels for laboratories, greenhouses, fields and cold chambers Select local provider and manufacture Available Documentation & Related Links Demo, installation, configuration and test of barcode KIT components

3 Barcodes: Definition (1/9) Barcode is a machine-readable representation of information This representation is a symbology; when is scanned the symbology enabled the information to be read accurately

4 Barcodes: types and symbologies (2/9) Types Symbologies Description Uses 1D (linear barcodes) UPC/EAN very compact because designed to encode mainly numeric data seed and in-vitro Code 39 can encode both numeric and alpha data seed and in-vitro Code 128 for a wider selection of characters arose than Code 39 seed and in-vitro 2D Data Matrix Can be used for small items DNA and Cryo PDF 417 Can encode long numeric data, alpha data and raw data like photos Herbarium 2D barcodes can contain more information than conventional one dimensional (1D)

5 Barcodes: Select the barcode symbology (3/9) Field Greenhouse Cold Chambers Laboratories Scanner connected to an IMS UPC/EAN UPC/EAN UPC/EAN Scanner not connected to an IMS Code 39 or Code 128 When the barcode is and ID to be linked with a database, is recommended to use a numerical ID; therefore the adequate symbology is UPC/EAN IMS: Information Management System

6 Barcodes: Other considerations to design the barcode (4/9) Space available / resolutions Type of print: Laser Thermal: Transfer or Direct

7 Barcodes: Reading barcodes (5/9) Improving Performance First generation: with scanner s laser (linear light) Second generation: with 2D Imaging (squared light) Take a photo and process with the imager engine Read faster than linear scanner Read in different positions Can read damaged barcodes

8 Barcodes: integrate with an identification system (6/9) GS1: Obtain more benefits integrating barcodes with an identification system like GS1: GS1 is an international and recognized worldwide barcode industrial standard GS1 have local representatives: The barcode UPC/EAN is integrated with the GS1 identification system GS1 can assign unique IDs to physical locations like HQ center or the experimental stations

9 Barcodes: Key Benefits on Genebanks (7/9) 1. Accuracy Bar coding increases accuracy by reducing the likelihood of human errors from mislabeled (write on labels) or misread germplasm. Good print quality is important to ensure that the scanner can accurately read the bar code, thermal printing is needed 2. Improved Productivity Automation of daily procedures increases efficiency and allows personnel to be employed in other activities. Bar coding also can improve genebank quality by improving the monitoring and tracking of conservation, characterization and distribution processes

10 Barcodes: Key Benefits on Genebanks (8/9) 3. Timely Feedback Data is captured in real-time when evaluating the conservation, distribution and pathogen elimination process, enabling decisions to be made from current information by curators and managers 4. Uniform Data Collection Standardized bar code symbologies and compliance labeling ensure that bar code information is captured and relayed in a fashion that is universally understood and accepted, for example when germplasm is moved between laboratories, in addition GS1 standards help in this issue when germplasm goes outside of genebank (for international distributions and Svalbard) 5. Ease of Use With the proper hardware and software (barcode KIT) in place, the automation provided by a bar code system greatly simplifies information collection, processing and tracking

11 Barcodes: Key Benefits on Genebanks (9/9) 6. Increased Profitability Increased efficiencies from bar coding -such as improved workflow and reduced error rates- enable genebanks to save costs and improve their bottom line, assuring identity and reducing duplicates/redundant germplasm). In fact, the return on investment for an "Automatic Identification and Data Collection" system is typically one year 7. Improving the Genebank Status and Image Genebank users (breeders, consignees and donors ) looks the use of bar coding as a good practice in a modern and reliable genebank

12 Barc ode Print Tec hnologies: Com m on Tec hnologies (1/12) Common bar code printing technologies in genebanks are dot matrix, laser and thermal printing

13 Barc ode Print Tec hnologies: Dot Mat rix (2/12) This technology is one of the oldest techniques used for on-site label printing Advantages Dot matrix printers are readily accessible and inexpensive to purchase. They can print on virtually any type of form, check or document and can print on wide-web, multi-part (carbon) forms. Dot matrix printers use multi-pass ribbons, which can result in reduced overall cost for ribbons and label material. Limitations Dot matrix printers print low- to medium-density bar codes that may not meet certain end-user guidelines. The dot size on the matrix printer limits the narrow element size and density of the bar code. The following example compares sufficient dot overlap vs. unacceptable dot overlap on a dot matrix printer used to print bar codes. Continuous ribbon re-use on dot matrix printers requires close monitoring of ribbon condition to ensure adequate bar code contrast. Ribbon ink that has become exhausted can also produce an image that is inadequate for scanning, resulting in a low read rate and high error rate. Ink saturation can result in paper bleed which can cause image distortion. A dot matrix-printed label is limited in durability. Dot matrix printers typically cannot produce chemical- or water-resistant labels. Printing of single labels results in significant waste. The design of the dot matrix printer s print carriage, sitting far below the media, also does not allow one to maximize the label space. Dot matrix printing offers no graphics printing capability. Bar code print speed is greatly reduced when best ink coverage for optimal print quality is specified.

14 Barc ode Print Tec hnologies: Laser (3/12) Advantages Laser printers are good at producing plain-paper documents that require bar codes. They can print high-quality text and graphics on paper documents and can double as a document printer when not being used to print bar codes. Bar code density and resolution are also quite high on laser printers, resulting in a scannable code at virtually any wavelength using an infrared scanner. Limitations Laser printers are not well suited for industrial or individual-product labeling applications. They can be wasteful, as they cannot produce single or small labels. A minimum of half a page of media is typically required for the printer to maintain control of the sheet. Unless the label is at least that size or multiple labels are needed at once, the remainder is wasted. Laser printer label adhesives must be carefully selected to ensure stability under the heat and pressure of the fuser. Otherwise, the adhesive may extrude onto the printer mechanism, where it will capture stray toner, or may cause the labels to curl at the edges. Because of the pressures used in the laser printer image transfer process, many laminated label materials are not compatible with this technique. Those materials that are compatible may not always be available in the sheet form necessary for laser printing. A laser-printed paper label has limited durability. Laser printers cannot produce chemical- or water-resistant labels and images, for example. With laser printers, toner, drum and supply costs can skyrocket when printing bar codes instead of typical text. While text requires only about 5% black, bar code needs can exceed 30%. Toner costs alone could be six times higher when printing bar codes rather than text.

15 Barc ode Print Tec hnologies: Therm al: Direc t Therm al (4/12) Label Thermal printing is classified as either direct thermal or thermal transfer Direct thermal printing is an old technology, originally designed for copiers and fax machines, that utilizes chemically coated paper Advantages: Direct thermal printing produces sharp print quality with good scannability. Direct thermal is ideal for applications requiring only a short shelf life meaning the label image does not need to last very long. Shipping labels and receipts are ideal applications, for instance. Direct thermal printers are simple to operate compared to most other print technologies, with no ink, toner or ribbon to monitor or replenish. With no supplies to replace other than the material to be printed, long-term maintenance costs remain low. Direct thermal enables batch or single label printing with virtually no waste. Direct thermal printers, like thermal transfer, are typically built more durably than dot matrix or laser printers, allowing reliable operation in genebanks. Shorter label image life limits their applications compared to thermal transfer printers, however.

16 Barc ode Print Tec hnologies: Therm al: Direc t Therm al (5/12) Limitations: Direct thermal printing is extremely sensitive to environmental conditions such as heat and light (fluorescent and/or direct sunlight) Direct thermal paper remains chemically active after printing. Because of this, thermal labels, tags or ticket stock are often top-coated to resist UV light exposure, chemicals and abrasion.

17 Barc ode Print Tec hnologies: Therm al: Therm al Transfer (6/12) Ribbon Label The thermal printhead transfers the ink onto the label surface, where it cools and anchors to the media surface. The polyester ribbon is then peeled away, leaving behind a stable, passive image. Advantages: Thermal transfer delivers high definition text, graphic, and bar code print quality for maximum readability and scannability. Thermal transfer printing produces longlife image stability. Thermal transfer enables batch or single label printing with virtually no waste. Long-term maintenance costs are low compared to dot matrix and laser printing. Thermal transfer technology can print on a nearly unlimited variety of media stock Thermal transfer printers are typically built more durably than dot matrix or laser printers, allowing reliable operation in industrial as well as office applications.

18 Barc ode Print Tec hnologies: Therm al: Therm al Transfer (7/12) Limitations: Since thermal transfer printers require ribbon, supply costs are higher than direct thermal. Thermal transfer printheads last longer than direct thermal,however. Single-pass thermal transfer ribbon can be wasteful if little is printed on it. To obtain optimum print quality in thermal transfer printing, the ribbon and media substrate MUST be compatible. Otherwise, the heat from the printhead could melt the ribbon onto the label causing internal printer problems.

19 Barc ode Print Tec hnologies: Therm al Print er Sensors (8/12) Transmissive sensor: To detect start/end of label using visible inter-label gaps, notches or pre-punched holes Reflective sensor: To detect start/end of label when reaches a black mark appearing on the reverse side of the label stock Printer Type Desktop printer: Zebra ZM400 Media thickness: 0.05 to 0.25 mm Media Sensors Transmissive media sensor and reflective media sensor Print Technology Direct thermal and thermal transfer Mobile printer: Zebra RW220 Media thickness: 0.05 to 0.16 mm Transmissive and reflective media sensor Only direct thermal

20 Barc ode Print Tec hnologies: Languages Printing (9/12) Language Printing ZPL or ZPLII EPL CPCL

21 Barc ode Print Tec hnologies: Printer for single or multiple users (10/12) Direct to Parallel Port VB Source Code Open LPT1 For Output As #1 Print #1, strcommands Close #1 Shared Parallel Port Open \\pc_name\printer For Output As #1 Print #1, strcommands Close #1 + Print Server WiFi Open \\ For Output As #1 Print #1, strcommands Close #1

22 Barc ode Print Tec hnologies: Considerations to Print Quality in Thermal Printers (11/12) The printer is set at the incorrect print speed You are using an incorrect combination of labels and ribbon for you application The printer is set an incorrect darkness level The print head is dirty Incorrect or uneven print head pressure

23 Barc ode Print Tec hnologies: Mat rix (12/12) Technology Print Quality Scanner Readability Initial installation Cost Long-Term Maintenance Cost Material Waste To print is needed to learn a printing language Dot Matrix Fair Low Low/Moderate Moderate/High High No Laser Moderate Moderate Moderate/High Moderate/High High No Direct Thermal Moderate/Excellent Moderate/Excellent Moderate/High Low Low Yes Transfer Thermal Excellent Excellent Moderate/High Low Low Yes

24 Barcode KIT Components (hardware) (1/12) The barcode KIT refers to the components needed to implement a barcode system for automatic identification and data/image collection based in a mobile solution Rojas, E. (2006) Component: Desktop Barcode Printer User Needs: Good quality for high definition text, graphic and bar code print Support 1D and 2D barcodes Long life image stability Low maintenance costs Support different labels layouts and thickness Robust printer Component Specifications: Print method: Support thermal transfer and direct thermal Good resolution with 300 dpi (12 dots/mm) Support broad range of bar code symbologies: Linear and 2-Dimensional Rugged metal frame and case for demanding activities Many connectivity choices including USB, wireless b/g, Ethernet, serial, and parallel Different sensors: Transmissive and reflective media sensors Media types: black mark, continuous, die-cut, fanfold, notched, perforated, tag stock Label thickness <= 225 micron Zebra ZM400 Self Adhesive Labels Self-Tie Labels Pointed End Labels Self Adhesive Labels

25 Barcode KIT Components (hardware) (2/12) Component: Mobile Barcode Printer User Needs: Print labels where activities occurs: plant cross in greenhouses Use barcodes to facilitate identification Improve performance when labeling Avoid human error when writing on labels Facilitate to create the list germplasm labeled Component Specifications: Print method: Support direct thermal Good resolution with 200 dpi (8 dots/mm) Rugged printer Many connectivity choices including USB, wireless b/g and Ethernet, serial Media type: black mark Zebra RW220

26 Barc ode K IT Com ponent s (barcode) (3/12) Component: Barcode User Needs: Simplify the identification, assigning an numeric ID to automated the identification in cold chambers Simplify the identification, assigning an alphanumeric ID to automated the identification in fields Help to avoid human errors when reading Uniform the data collection for conservation, characterization and germplasm distribution Facility the germplasm manipulation in daily activities to improve productivity Component Specifications: 1D barcode: UPC/EAN, code 39 or code 128 LOTId concept for numeric ID (based in ICIS models) UPC/EAN Code 128

27 Barcode KIT Components (hardware) (4/12) Component: Scanning Equipment for Data Collection User Needs: Simplify the germplasm identification for single germplasm or in a group like lists Flexibility in the identification: inside cold chambers or in-front desktop PC Component Specifications: Preferably use 2D imaging technology Ability to scan 1D or 2D barcodes Help in high bar code scanning performance with maximum user comfort Rugged construction to stand up to everyday use with accidental drops and bumps in a wide variety of user environments Symbol LS-4208 Symbol MC-50

28 Barc ode K IT Com ponent s (hardware) (5/12) Component: Mobile Computer for work where activities occurs User Needs: Take the information at the source of activities (inside cold chambers) Avoid use list of papers to evaluate conservation and other activities Facilitate to have updated the germplasm inventory Put valuable information in the hands of genebank users, accessing corporate databases Component Specifications: Combine mobile computing, data capture and wireless networking in one equipment Rugged equipment design to enhanced durability for frequent and extended use Reliable performance in variable conditions like active and long-term conservation Storage capacity and high-speed CPU performance to ensure that data is safely captured and stored Smart battery to ensure maximum uptime Resistant to moisture, cold, drops and dust Enable work in a sunny day Enable to extend memory via SDs Symbol MC-50 Symbol PPT-8800

29 Barc ode K IT Com ponent s (hardw are) (6/12) Component: Equipment for Image Collection User Needs: Take images of germplasm evaluations/diagnosis Facilitate to associated the photo with germplasm passport or request service Report to clients with image evidence for diagnosis Component Specifications: Send the photo to the database via wireless Hight resolution: at least 8 mega pixels NIKON COOLPIX P1

30 Barc ode K IT Com ponent s (m edia) (7/12) Component: Labels and Ribbons User Needs: Use resistant labels in different environments and time Use labels for cold chambers, greenhouses and fields Use pre-cut labels Use labels with glue for cold chambers Facility to remove labels for in-vitro when vessels are reused Use label colors to facilitate germplasm groups identification Component Specifications: Auto adhesive labels of polypropylene for cold chambers in active collection Auto adhesive labels of polyester for cold chambers in long term collection or to Svalbard Self-Tie labels for fields Stick-ins labels for greenhouses Support print barcodes Resin ribbons for auto adhesive labels Wax ribbons for field or greenhouse labels Use removable glue for in-vitro conservation Use permanent glue for seed conservation

31 Barc ode K IT Com ponent s (hardw are) (8/12) Component: Wireless LAN User Needs: Have on-line search in any place Have on-line updates in any moment Simultaneous search and updates Wireless access to networked resources Component Specifications: Compatible with IEEE b wireless devices Compatible with IEEE g wireless devices Rugged devices for fields Equipments protection using UPS and LAN protectors for fields

32 Barc ode K IT Com ponent s, environments (9/12)

33 Barc ode K IT Com ponent s CIP Barcode KIT evolution (10/12)

34 Barc ode K IT Com ponent s CIP Barcode KIT Status (11/12)

35 Barc ode K IT Com ponent s Barcode KIT Cost $$$ (12/12) Equipment Initial installation Cost Maintenance Cost Thermal Printer Hand-Held (PDA) for cold chambers and greenhouses (double battery, color, scanner, WiFi, rugged) Hand-Held (PDA) for fields (double battery, color, scanner, WiFi, super rugged) Labels for cold chambers Labels for greenhouses/ fields $1100 $1600 $2500 $600 each 10 years, change head printer $500 each 5 years, change battery and screen? One thousand labels for 3 dollars One thousand labels for 30 dollars Ribbons for cold chambers (resin or wax/resin ribbon) $30 for labels Ribbons for greenhouses/fields (wax ribbon) $15 for labels AccessPoint (antenna) for greenhouses/ cold chambers $150 $0 AccessPoint (antenna) for fields, include tower $1000 Hand barcode readers $250 $0

36 Selec t ion Crit eria for Labels (1/12)

37 Selec t ion Crit eria for Labels IML Provider (2/12)

38 Selec t ion Crit eria for labels IML Provider (3/12)

39 Selec t ion Crit eria for labels IML Provider (4/12)

40 Selec t ion Crit eria for labels IML Provider (5/12)

41 Selec t ion Crit eria for labels IML Provider (6/12)

42 Selec t ion Crit eria for labels IML Provider (7/12) On-line demo, shopping

43 Selec t ion Crit eria for labels Zebra provider, using the media guide (8/12)

44 Selec t ion Crit eria for labels Zebra provider, using the media guide (9/12)

45 Selec t ion Crit eria for labels Zebra provider, using the media guide (10/12)

46 Selec t ion Crit eria for labels Zebra provider, using the media guide (11/12)

47 Selec t ion Crit eria for labels Zebra provider, using the media guide (12/12)

48 Selec t Loc al Provider & Manufac t ure CIP Case (1/2) Evaluation from 1 to 10 Zebra (Printers & barcodes) Motorola (Symbol) (Handhelds & Scanners) Local Representative of Provider (DMS Peru) Vendor s technology meet the key requirements of the projects? Is the products built to provide flexibility and agility for handling future requirements and changes? Does the product leverage open standards? Industry standards? Is the development platform open? Easy to find resources? Does the product meet your security requirements? Does the vendor have a reputation of trust? How long has the vendor been in business? What does its balance sheet look like? 9 9 8

49 Selec t Loc al Provider & Manufac t ure CIP Case (2/2) Evaluation from 1 to 10 Zebra (Printers & barcodes) Motorola (Symbol) (Handhelds & Scanners) Local Representative of Provider (DMS Peru) Does the vendor understand your industry? My business? Does the vendor have the maintenance and support services you need for the long haul? Can you work with this vendor and do you want to? 8 8 8

50 Available Doc um ent at ion & Relat ed Link s (1/2) For CIP Mobile Solutions (barcode + thermal printing + mobile devices + wireless) For Svalbard Labels Documentation

51 Available Doc um ent at ion & Relat ed Link s (2/2) Reference IML, Manufacture of Labels Zebra, Printers and labels Motorola (Symbol): Handhelds and Scanners CIAT Wireless CIP Mobile Solutions for Genebanks CIP Svalbard case Link

52 Dem o, inst allat ion, c onfigurat ion and t est Barc ode K IT Com ponent s Go ahead

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