How to Choose the Right Barcode System for Airline Parts Tracking

The aviation industry is characterized by a rigorous maintenance procedure that entails a strict and complex process of regular inspections and part replacements. Here, the need for tracking of parts becomes relatively high.  

These parts range from the most miniature screws to the biggest fuselages making it imperative that the right tracking system is in place. As in the airline industry, the right products must always be used. Or it could end in the biggest of catastrophes.  

This is where the barcode tracking system offers a great solution. The right barcode system can transform airline parts tracking, making it more convenient and cost-efficient.  

With so many solutions in the market, how do you choose the right barcode system?  

To know more, keep reading. 

How to choose the right barcode system for airline parts tracking 

Here are some aspects to focus on while choosing a barcode system for airline parts tracking: 

Defined Tracking Needs 

This step lays down the foundation for the perfect barcode system. The airline needs to be acutely aware of their specific requirements. To achieve this, consider the following factors: 

• Volume and size of parts: Determine the number and size of parts that require tracking.  
• Material/Tracking environment: The choice of materials employed, including glass, metal, or plastic, assumes a pivotal role in the barcode system. Factors such as the potential for material glare to interfere with barcode scanning and the prevailing tracking environment, whether within a warehouse, hangar, or onboard an aircraft, profoundly influence the quality of light and clarity accessible to the barcode scanner.
• Frequency of tracking: Some parts may require frequent checks, whereas others may have less frequent maintenance schedules. 

Accordingly, choose a barcode type that aligns with all of these needs. 

Industry Standards 

The airline industry often adheres to standards specified by regulated bodies such as the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and its Resolution 700. For instance, IATA has approved four types of barcodes for airline industries: PDF417, Aztec, Data Matrix, and QR Code.  

Similarly, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) governs aviation safety and maintenance standards in the USA. It is critical to ensure the airline's tracking system complies with FAA regulations, which may include specific standards for documentation, traceability, and part identification. 

Furthermore, in many cases, there are specified sizes, data formats, etc., of the barcodes. So, an airline must familiarize themselves with these regulations and then choose.  

Barcode Placement 

Barcode placement is an essential aspect of a seamless tracking experience. By considering factors such as accessibility for scanning by the barcode scanner, airlines can ensure that the tracking process is not time-consuming. The placement should also ensure that it can withstand harsh weather conditions. 

Airlines can create a standard operating procedure (SOP) that outlines where the barcode label should be affixed on a particular type of part. This would help in an efficient tracking experience.  

Evaluate Barcode Scanning Equipment 

The tracking process's effectiveness and precision are guaranteed by meticulously selecting the scanning equipment. 

Ensure that the barcode scanning hardware is compatible with the specific type of barcode the airline intends to use. 1D barcodes (such as UPC or Code 128) and 2D barcodes (like QR or Data Matrix codes) are good options. 

To ensure flexibility, the scanning device should support multiple types of barcodes if the tracking system uses multiple types of barcodes.  

Software Integration 

The ability of the barcode system to integrate with existing software and systems seamlessly can significantly impact operational efficiency and data accuracy. The airlines must choose a barcode scanning software that integrates with the existing inventory management or enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.  

Locate the data exchange protocols supported by the current airline software and the barcode system. API (Application Programming Interface), HTTP, FTP, and database connections (ODBC, JDBC) are examples of standard protocols. 

Confirm that the selected barcode system can exchange data using these protocols to guarantee data consistency between systems. 

Things to keep in mind while choosing the right barcode system 

The following factors should be kept in mind in order to choose the right barcode system: 

• Durability: Consider the surroundings in which the barcodes will be used. Ensure that the barcode labels can survive difficult conditions, such as high temperatures, chemicals, or other exposures some parts may experience. 
• Cost Analysis: Determine the overall cost of setting the barcode system in place, taking into account all training, hardware, and software costs. Compare the expenses of the various types of barcode and the barcode scanning software may incur. 
• Scalability: An airline should keep in mind whether the barcode system is scalable or not to keep up with the company's growth. Also, ensure it can keep up with increasing parts and locations.  

Conclusion 

After going through all of these factors, airlines may choose the barcode system that aligns perfectly with their requirements. A robust barcode scanner system becomes crucial at this junction. Because ultimately, it plays the most crucial role in reading the data.