2-D data matrix code used as RFID alternative in flower production

By Control Engineering Staff December 1, 2005

Flower producer Florensis plans to implement ImageID’s Visidot 2-D barcode reader to track millions of its European facilities’ “plug module” returnable plastic-trays. Florensis and system integrator CaptureTech expect to complete installation by yearend 2005.

Florensis will use the Visidot multiple-asset Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) product to provide the trays’ real-time status as they are transported through facilities and shipped to customers. It expects the Visidot implementation to “dramatically increase transportation efficiencies and improve accuracy of shipments.” CaptureTech, a system integrator for technologies including data capture and track and trace, suggested that Florensis test RFID and the Visidot product, which reads hundreds of 2-D data matrix codes at once. In the resulting pilot test at Florensis facilities, CaptureTech found the Visidot system performed tens of thousands of reads on crates with accuracy above 99.8%, including, “very dirty crates with partially covered 2-D data matrix labels.”

Florensis found accuracy and cost of the data-matrix reader technology appropriate for its application. Peter de Graaf, CIO of Florensis, says, “Our crates get a lot of abuse and perform in difficult environments with high humidity, dirt, water, mold, and more. We needed a data-collection solution that could read entire stacks of crates quickly and reliably throughout our operations and that wouldn’t be affected by the difficult conditions.”

—Edited by Mark T. Hoske, editor-in-chief, Control Engineering
MHoske@cfemedia.com