Design and design verification for barcode and RFID systems
SageData is based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Five key elements
In any project to introduce or update information systems using barcodes, RFID
and handheld mobile computers there are five key elements which determine success of the
project:
- system design,
- software,
- hardware,
- labels or tags, and
- ongoing support.
This page talks about the first item, system design.
System Design
By system design we mean the definition of the way that the system will be used.
What will be identified? How will it be identified? How are new items added to the system?
How do we track moves? Who has rights to view and edit data?
Poor decisions at this stage of the project can lead to extra work (at
implementation and beyond), poor usability, and sometimes lack or failure of key
functionality. Achieving an effective design, and completing a design verification process is
key to project success.
So how to achieve this?
For most projects one of the main problems is that no single individual holds
all the answers.
Our clients usually have a very good understanding of their own internal
processes, but sometimes that information is shared between several individuals, with no one
person holding the full picture in detail. And whether the project is for the introduction of
new technology, (barcodes, RFID, or handheld computers), or just for an upgrade, it is
usually the case that the operational personnel have little knowledge of the capabilities
(and potential pitfalls) of these technologies.
SageData have
been installing these systems since 1991. We have a rich and varied experience, with large
organizations and small, with asset tracking and warehouse management, counting Caribou and
more. But we don't have a detailed knowledge of our client's day to day operations.
So the design must necessarily be a group activity, with different players
contributing according to their specialized knowledge.
Initial review
At our first meetings, we review your operational procedures. We use a checklist
to make sure we capture the key metrics of your operations. We explain and demonstrate the
capabilities of the systems, and determine what is required in the function of the new
system, and what changes will be required to ensure that our software provides the best user
experience.
We evaluate different hardware, and may install a trial
system, to get
feedback from our clients. These meetings can be face to face, or can be conducted by
conference call.
So the system design is a joint effort, with our clients being the operational
experts, and SageData providing technology and system expertise, and drawing on our knowledge
of similar applications.
When the initial
review is completed, we are usually able to provide a proposal for the system, complete with
functional specification, costing and schedule.
Once an agreement to proceed is in place, we repeat the process, with one or
more discovery meetings, at which the design is developed and reviewed in more detail. On
agreement to the updated system design documents, implementation can begin.
Design Review
If often happens that we join a project when the initial design work has been
completed, perhaps by the client's operational personnel, perhaps by the internal IT
department. In this case SageData can offer a design review, examining the system design for
flaws or potential weaknesses.
Whichever way we go, SageData can help with the overall system design, and help
steer you around the potential dangers and pitfalls inherently associated with the
introduction of new technology.
Our aim is to give you a boring system. You turn it on, it works. No fuss. No
excitement.
Our intention is to leave you to focus on your key areas of expertise, your core
competencies. Our job is to look after the bar code system, so that you don't have to.
For further information browse the following pages:
- introduction
to
barcode technology
- warehouse management
- inventory management
- request a quote for barcode labels
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