Auto industry develops bar-code system for containers

Leonard Neill THE DEPARTMENT of Trade and Industry has pledged its financial support for a project started by the Motor Industry Cluster (MIC) aimed at creating a standard, machine-readable two-dimensional barcode system for labelling containers carrying parts consignments between suppliers and manufacturers. The industry, in conjunction with a Gauteng company DexSecurity Solutions (DSS), is developing the system following a successful pilot project carried out with Ford Motor Company of South Africa two years ago. The motor company and five of its suppliers took part in the pilot. Now the majority of manufacturers who make up the MIC, which includes Daimler/Chrysler, BMW, Volkswagen and Delta, have expressed interest in applying the barcoding. The DTI, which has agreed to fund 65% of the project, reports that about 80 manufacturers are also prepared to become involved. The new system will eliminate manual data capturing, which is time consuming, and provide additional cost savings in business processes. Ford has advised the DTI that it has seen an average direct saving of 30% monthly on pallet rental. DSS uses its own two-dimensional symbology, involving its own specialised techniques and technologies, to meet the project's requirements. The barcode will contain data such as manufacturer's name, supplier name, quantity of parts, shipment date, part number, final destination and container identification number. Hardware and software needed to scan the barcoded labels will be provided by the developer. The system is expected to be of great benefit to police, the Department of Transport, and Business Against Crime in their efforts to address the problems of vehicles registered with false papers or moved across borders