Why Data Matrix Sets The Standard For Challenging Item By Laura Hoffman, Microscan

A rocket engine, an M-16 rifle, a stick of deodorant and a circuit board generally do not share much in common, but the manufacturers of those items and hundreds more in the electronics, semiconductor, aerospace, defense, pharmaceutical and consumer goods industries share a common solution to product traceability challenges. It is a Data Matrix bar code symbol. Today, if you look carefully inside many such objects you'll see a tiny square made up of a collection of even smaller dots. Data Matrix bar codes are used on thousands of diverse items to provide accurate identification, safeguard product integrity, provide critical maintenance information and even keep production processes flowing efficiently.

Data Matrix sets the standard for reliable, accurate and space-efficient identification. In fact, it is the standard specified by the Electronic Industries Association (EIA), Semiconductor Equipment Manufacturer's Institute (SEMI), Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG), Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), NASA, the Air Transport Association (ATA) and the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), for meeting a variety of item traceability and lifetime identification requirements.

Many manufacturers in the aforementioned industries encourage – and often require – their suppliers to apply Data Matrix symbols to parts and components. Many suppliers are familiar with the technology and marking options. Companies shouldn't overlook the tremendous value Data Matrix can bring to their own internal operations. Data Matrix can help provide added visibility into production processes, help take errors and inconsistencies out of asset management, assist quality control processes and much more. To help you take advantage of Data Matrix, this article provides an overview of the technology and its capabilities, marking and reading options, standards and some helpful tips for integrating Data Matrix into your operations.

About Laura Hoffman
Laura Hoffman has been involved with the automated data tracking industry for 10 years. She is global Director of Marketing and Channel Programs at Microscan. Microscan is a technology leader in design and manufacture of data acquisition imaging products for reading Data Matrix and other symbologies in manufacturing, materials management, quality control and other challenging environments.