Automated data collection is changing manufacturing and production processes throughout the United States. As such automated technology improves, and the use of tools that are specially designed for these complex applications increases, it is a certainty that high quality standards will be better maintained in the future.

Today, 1D bar coding technology includes symbologies; like UPC, Code 128, Code 39, as well as a few others. However, the 2D barcode symbology, like UPS’ Maxi Code, enables more data storage. As such, the 2D data matrix “bar code” offers the potential for more detailed item identification. The 2D data matrix technology was first used in U.S. air transport due to its ability to compactly hold vast amounts of important production and maintenance data.

The Air Transport Association SPEC 2000 standards were developed by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) in 2003. Currently, most automated data collection in the aerospace industry is regulated by this AS9100Rev C standard. AS9100Rev C standards require certain identification items to be created by a data printing and engraving company. A company that manufactures products for the aviation, space, and defense departments must have AS9100RevC registration. The most recent publication of these standards, for international quality management, has specified requirements in 8 sections.

The first section of AS9100Rev C focuses on general parameters of the program and its applications to different organizations. The second section of AS9100 includes the basic requirements as specified in the ISO 9000:2005 standards, along with the latest version. Section Four of AS9100 illustrates the general requirements for the entire quality management process. Responsibilities of the company’s management processes have been specified in detail in the fifth section, including basic requirements regarding a company’s quality policy, core objectives, and customer dealings. The sixth part of AS9100 broadly illustrates standards for the resource management of an organization. It emphasizes effective employee training in resource management and its application.

The seventh section is particularly significant. It covers several requirements, including:

• The manufacturing of an item,

• Organizational production planning ,

• Dealing with customers and gathering feedback,

• Buying and shipping methods,

• System management,

• Identification and product visibility.

The eighth, and final, section of AS9100 discusses the importance of measurement, analysis, and improvement.

• It stresses the monitoring process and requires development of such processes.

• A major focus has been given to customer satisfaction.

• Remedial action requirements.

Apart from these specifications, the new standards also include some parts of ISO 9001. Meeting all of these requirements is exceedingly difficult without an automated data tracking solution like Blue Dog Tracker. Consider how effective your AS9100 compliance can be with a convenient and reliable portable device for automated data collection. To learn more about how Blue Dog Tracker can help you more easily stay in compliance, visit their website at www.bluedogtracker.com.

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