| The most widely supported applications by the automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) channel currently involve warehouse operations, including inventory management, asset tracking, and bar code verification. Applications expected to receive the greatest adoption among channel organizations over the next two years include cross-docking and route accounting, according to Venture Development Corp.'s 2004 Bar Code Market Overview, an annual resource for resellers of automatic identification and data collection systems.
Using interviews and surveys, VDC found that a growing number of channel members are expanding their offerings to include the integration and maintenance of such technologies as bar code and RFID. One impetus may be the increase in security measures to reduce the treat of terrorist attack using cargo containers on international ports via automated tracking and inspection systems. Currently, more than 33% of survey respondents support asset-tracking applications; while nearly 42% plan to support them in the future.
At the same time, a rise in end user demand for mobility(portable printers and portable data terminals) is leading to increased adoption throughout the channel for direct store delivery, cross-docking, and route accounting applications. Searching for methods to eliminate manual data entry, reduce data entry errors, and provide employee access to near-real-time data drives growth for these applications. |
