Next month's Frontline Solutions Expo (see our preview - Scanning the aisles at Frontline Solutions ) provides a huge array of products that capture, track, transfer and use information. It can be a dizzying experience if you are not prepared.

Last month, I suggested that you do some upfront work to apply the best technical solution to the appropriate activity. To help you make that match, I'll identify the types of hardware that you will see and briefly explain the benefits each offers.

Biometrics – These devices use parts of the human anatomy to provide unique identification of an individual. Some examine the eye, others hands, and yet others finger prints. It is a great way to make sure that the person "clocking in" really is who they say they are and not someone else.

Image and bar code capture - Everything used to be identified with bar codes. Now we have 2D bar codes that carry much more information than the old style single line bar codes (1D). But scanners to read the newer symbols had to change too. The new breed uses imaging technology, and has the ability to read both types of symbologies. These devices can even take a picture. This is especially handy if the bar code doesn't read or the carton is damaged and you want to take a picture of it.

Mobil computing - All kinds of portable data devices are now linked to computers with about the same technology that allows your cell phone to work. The big advantage is that you now can put the power of the computer in the hands of the worker at the point of activity. Individuals do not have to leave an activity site to go look up some information.

Voice systems - You may have noticed that American Airlines has a recording that asks you to tell the system your frequent flyer number - no more touching buttons. Today's voice systems can output spoken information as well as receive spoken data. New systems tell order pickers what to pick, where to get it, and how many to pull form the shelf. The result is a hands-free system.

Radio frequency identification – These devices come in all shapes, sizes and costs. A major factor is that the cost has come down dramatically.

The big advantage is that RFID does not require line of sight to collect or exchange information. Drill a hole in the floor, drop in an RFID tag and you will always be able to find that spot by its number. If you have a pile of items, pallets or totes and each carries an RFID tag, you can scan the entire pile and get a report from each one.

You can also write new information to certain types of tags. In any case, the information can travel with the item in the plant or warehouse and for its entire life, for that matter. RFID tags can also be used to not only identify an item but track where it travels.

I hope that you will have a little better understanding of the applied benefits of some of these technologies not just their operating features. Next month, I'll provide some ideas about the kind of software to look for at Frontline Solutions.