Technical issues can be perplexing! In this section we attempt to explain technical matters that have special interest in the WISL community.

RF Data Collection Technology

   Many operations that require barcode scanning are greatly inhibited if the device must be connected to the network/server by a cable. The answer to this problem is to employ wireless or radio frequency communication between the collection device and the server. A typical approach is to connect an access point to the network in a strategic location armed with one or more antennas that can send and receive signals to/from the remote data collection devices. The access point acts as a traffic cop, appropriately directing signals between the collection devices and the server. The net effect is that the data collection devices can be portable within the range of the access point(s) but still perform interactively with the server as if they were connected to the network with a cable.

Both devices contain radio transmitter/receivers. The handheld terminal contains an internal antenna to send and receive signals to/from the access point which is connected to the network by cable and  has the white antenna attached to amplify and receive signals from the remote device(s).

WISL RF Data Collection Template

   Several WISL products incorporate the use of radio frequency e.g. WISL Warehouse Management where picking and packing operations are controlled using handheld and vehicle mounted terminals and WISL Process Management where the flow of production is monitored utilizing these devices.

Advantages of RF Barcode Technology