Cognex barcode readers with real-time monitoring increase the speed of article picking

Cognex Corporation, the world's leading manufacturer of industrial image processing, is equipping more and more logistics centres with image-based barcode readers. Zalando, Europe's leading online platform for fashion, has now installed Cognex DataMan 503 barcode readers at its logistics centre in Erfurt, where it has been able to measurably increase the reading rate on the linear sorter. The image-based devices reduce extra work by means of RTM (a real-time monitoring function) and increase the efficiency of article picking.

Optimizing processes with real-time monitoring

Zalando has added four stationary image-based Cognex DataMan 503 barcode readers to the linear sorter at the article picking warehouse. These are intended for reading differently oriented barcode labels in rapid succession. The DataMan 503 devices achieve higher reading rates than systems that are only laser-based, especially with difficult codes.

Laser-based systems generally do not have monitoring and analysis options to introduce optimisation measures, for instance, in case of diminishing print quality. On the other hand, with RTM all important parameters are visible immediately. RTM is used for determining reading rate and enables automatic analysis using the top-notch image processing algorithms of Cognex, thus facilitating troubleshooting and contributing to optimisation of the processes – a clear step towards Logistics 4.0.

Proven Cognex algorithms for difficult reading conditions

With its fast dual-core processor and market-leading Cognex algorithms, the DataMan 503 reads codes at high speeds on wide conveyor belts and with large deviations in article height. Due to its high computational performance, the reader evaluates the image data itself. The device can read 140 images per second.

About Cognex Corporation

Cognex Corporation designs, develops, manufactures and markets a range of products that incorporate sophisticated machine vision technology that gives them the ability to "see." Cognex products include barcode readers, machine vision sensors and machine vision systems that are used in factories, warehouses and distribution centers around the world to guide, gauge, inspect, identify and assure the quality of items during the manufacturing and distribution process. Cognex is the world's leader in the machine vision industry, having shipped more than 1 million vision-based products, representing over $4 billion in cumulative revenue, since the company's founding in 1981. Headquartered in Natick, Massachusetts, USA, Cognex has regional offices and distributors located throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia.

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