Bar Code System Standardization
Bar coding is further expanded in the SD-70 Bar Code System Standardization report. The primary reason for this research is that construction companies are at the beginning of the steep climb of the S-curve of this technology. The knowledge is available, the processes well-known, the technology relatively simple, and the cost of entry relatively low. This one technology can have significant benefits to users. Although there may be many reasons why companies are not taking advantage of bar code, one major reason is the lack of standards. Without standards, companies will develop their own requirements, and it will be difficult and costly for trading partners to exchange information. Without standardization, the effect will continue to be “islands of automation.”
To achieve the overall objective of increasing the use of bar codes in construction, this research has the following goals: (SD-70, p. 1)
- To reemphasize the benefits and costs of employing systems using bar code in construction. By pointing out these benefits, perhaps more companies will be convinced to take advantage of bar code.
- To provide a current, comprehensive reference on bar coding in construction.
- To show how a common shipping label standard has evolved and how it will improve the materials management system.
- To show some future trends in bar coding.
