Technology Essay: Mobile Computing and Automated Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) in Business

Because of the rise of technology, the world has become fast-paced over the last couple of decades. Almost every day, people are exposed to newly released gadgets of all sorts. Of course, there is technology specifically created and curated for business owners and their employees so they are able to keep up with modern demands and trends. The business has quickly become modernized, organized, and seamless thanks to the rapidly growing advanced technology. This technology research paper will discuss how mobile computing and Automated Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) technology to help with sustaining and expanding businesses all over the world.

As the focus for every business person remains to reduce the complexities involved in their daily operations, modern technology, of course, offered effective solutions by introducing gadgets and software that can alleviate the pressure points of their daily operations. Right from gathering raw materials, manufacture, distribution, and inventory management, up to sales, the entire process requires streamlined operations and a seamless supply chain. This is especially important if business operations occur on a global scale. To facilitate the processes and reduce complexities, mobile computing, and the AIDC (Automated Identification and Data Capture) technology come into play.

Mobile Computing

Mobile computing is a big help to the business industry. As there are different business types, an owner or an employee may be exposed to different situations where they need to be in sync even if they are not working face-to-face. Or, an employee may be out in the field but the information gathered is needed to be reported back to his higher-ups immediately. For this, a constantly updated database is needed for optimal efficiency. As bulky fixed-in-place personal computers are not always accessible due to location, mobile computers come to the rescue.

Mobile computers are able to provide both the owner and employees the ability to transmit data in real-time as they are gathering information in the field or in a meeting. This feature enables them to save time and maximize productivity. The device is not fixed in place and is specifically designed to be portable and accessible at any time, anywhere. However, more often than not, mobile computers need to be connected to an internet source to be able to transmit and receive information.

Mobile computing devices used to be limited to laptops, netbook computers, GPS devices, or wireless payment terminals. Now, even smartphones and tablets can be used as mobile computing devices as some companies have customized applications made. Some business people even take advantage of the all-in-one use of a handy smartphone. Most smartphones have the same features as made-for-business laptops with the only difference being the screen size.

Apart from manual input of information to calendars or spreadsheets using mobile phones, voice assistants can also help with easing the workload a person has got to do. All one needs to do is speak to their voice assistant-enabled smartphone then give instructions and it is done. There are also wearables, like smartwatches. If smartphones are the mini version of a laptop, then smartwatches are the mini version of smartphones. Beside from these two, there also exists the VoIP phone or Voice over Internet Protocol phones which enables a person to make a call while connected to the internet instead of over an analog phone line.

Mobile computers are mainly used to lessen the time and energy needed to complete essential business tasks. Mobile computing does not require one to travel back to the office in order to input data that may be critical to making a business decision. It allows the company to reduce unnecessary expenses like those spent on travel. Mobile computing also provides a secure link between the business owner, partners, and employees. Even if they are not in the same room, the work needed to be done need not be interrupted as long as they have the necessary internet connectivity to be able to communicate with each other.

AIDC Technology

Automated Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) technology encompasses various types of gadgets that are all used to identify, capture, store, and communicate relevant data and requires the least human intervention if any is needed. This gives the business person the benefit of reducing human resource expenses while still being able to easily organize inventories and have a seamless supply chain model. AIDC also helps in giving the business a smoother flow of operations as opposed to time-intensive manual procedures.

There are a number of AIDC technologies being employed in the business industry. Among these are Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), barcodes, card technology, and biometrics which remain the most dominant out of all the AIDC technologies available for use by businesses. These are also the ones widely used and well-known by the public. There are more AIDC technologies used in business operations – most of which are used in internal operations such as direct part marking of products, radio frequency data communication, electronic article surveillance, real-time locating systems, contact memory, magnetic ink character recognition, and many more.

The most vital function of AIDC technology involves the application of a unique identification code to an item. This unique identification code is then used to store additional information, to decode or track items when needed, and lessens the need for human intervention. Employees usually only need to intervene to scan an AIDC-equipped item or for emergency purposes. Using AIDC technology, aside from almost eliminating human involvement, helps lessen paper usage. This in turn makes it easier for people to find the information they need in a shorter amount of time. AIDC technology also helps ensure the high quality of products and is able to prevent theft.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is an AIDC technology mainly used for asset tracking and object identification. It does not require contact and can be scanned even if the RFID tag is placed underneath a couple of layers of clothing, under the skin, and other non-metallic materials. Barcodes have existed for more than 50 years now and most people are familiar with them due to their exposure to it when grocery shopping. Barcodes are even used in hospitals and can be found on the wristband of patients so that doctors and nurses will be able to check the patient’s status without needing to go through their files manually.

Card technologies are not limited to bank-issued cards. It may be used as identification cards that can be scanned to gain access to something and is able to store information. Other technologies can also be integrated into the cards such as magnetic strips, optical recognition scanners, and barcodes. Another AIDC technology that is commonly used is biometrics. Biometrics recognize a person based on a characteristic it has been programmed to recognize. Biometrics may measure a person’s face, fingerprints, voice, retina, and hand geometry among others.

Businesses Using Mobile Computing and AIDC

The previous year has witnessed a sudden boom of online businesses and no contact transactions due to the global pandemic. The pandemic made it necessary for most businesses to adjust and move their operations to the online platform. Of course, small businesses seem to have been affected the most as some small business owners do not have the resources to purchase high-tech gadgets that will help them in their operations.

Luckily, as mentioned earlier, smartphones and laptops can be used in mobile computing. As soon as this has been figured out, the businesses went back on track and some even started their own business in the middle of the pandemic. On the other hand, bigger and established businesses had trouble more with the logistics of adjusting to their employees working remotely. Companies developing software that assists businesses in keeping in touch with their staff suddenly found their products being sought.

Some businesses are yet to emerge and some are yet to adjust to the pandemic that had the whole world stop on its tracks. Definitely, business owners and employees alike need to be educated on how mobile computing and AIDC technologies can be used to ease their workload, especially during the time when everyone is encouraged to work remotely. Here is a list that expounds on how mobile computing and AIDC technologies can be used to help business operations flow more smoothly regardless of time and location:

1. Online Conferencing.  Communication tools improved by mobile computing can benefit decision-makers and employees as they are given a better platform where they can coordinate with each other seamlessly. Also, their chat conversations and video conferences can be recorded and stored safely in the cloud. In addition, external communication for customers, suppliers, and distributors is also enhanced.
2. Cloud Content Management.  The cloud has long been used to store and share information while keeping it organized. The cloud is very useful to businesses as data stored in it can be accessed anywhere and anytime by authorized personnel without needing to ask for permission. Furthermore, it can be accessed on different mobile devices, some even allowing it to be accessed at the same time by the same person while using different devices.
3. Inventory or Assets Management.  A company’s inventory and assets can be tracked easier using RFID technology partnered with mobile computing. There is no longer a need for the company to hire personnel just for the sole purpose of constantly checking their inventories manually or checking on their assets for all this can be done systematically by a computer.
4. Project Management.  There are software made specifically to make project management a lot easier. These applications make it possible for a team leader or a manager to delegate tasks, set deadlines, and update the team on whatever projects they are or will be handling.
5. Employee Attendance Tracking.  Gone are the days when written or manually stamped cards are needed to verify an employee’s attendance for the day. Now, most companies use fingerprint-based biometrics to record their employee’s attendance. Some high-end or extremely confidential facilities even require retina or hand geometry scanners for spaces only accessible to executives or authorized personnel.
6. Wireless Payments.  Because healthcare workers urge both the public and businesses to conduct its business without contact, most businesses have switched to wireless online payments to continue their operations. Contactless transfer of payment is possible through online platforms or AIDC technologies.
7. Field Management.  Some jobs require an employee to get out on the field. Of course, they would not be found in the office with their boss. And so, supervisors need a way to communicate with them to give them instructions and to receive data from the employee working in the field. As not all locations have access to the internet, some devices have been modified to enable the user to still connect to the other end of the line.
8. Reduced Operational Costs.  Utilizing mobile computing and AIDC technology definitely reduces the business’ expenses not only in workforce expenses but also in unnecessary costs due to human error. Being able to scan and keep documents in the cloud can reduce paper costs.
9. Increased Productivity.  Mobile computing and AIDC technologies enable businesses to give their attention to much more critical tasks. Therefore, employees are able to do more significant work for the same amount of time with the help of technology. This benefits the company because it gives the business a competitive advantage.
10. Smarter Customer Service.  Smart technologies can help businesses answer to their current and possible customer inquiries. Automated replies can be programmed to lessen the amount of time a representative allots to redundant questions. Also, mobile computing enables the company to generate real-time quotes and respond to a customer’s request.

Conclusion

Today’s technology offers a lot of help in ensuring smoother, more efficient, and less time-consuming day-to-day business operations. Mobile computing and AIDC technology enable business people to worry less about personally overseeing their operations because reports are just beyond their fingertips. It is not to be doubted that technology is a necessity for business operations, especially when handling a large-scale business as it may become unbearable if done completely manually and solely relying on manpower.

There is so much to explore in the world of technology. That is why teachers will probably not run out of ideas for new technology topics for your next research paper in class. Learning about technology can be very interesting but writing about it is a different story especially if writing is not one of your interests. If that is the case, don’t hesitate to reach out to us here at CustomEssayMeister. We are glad to help you with your technology research paper writing needs and we can reassure you that your research paper is free from plagiarism.

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References

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The SMS Group. (2018, April 23). 7 REASONS TO ADOPT MOBILE COMPUTING (& 3 REASONS NOT TO). https://www.thesmsgroup.com/7-reasons-to-adopt-mobile-computing/