DataMan 390 Fixed-Mount Series
AI-powered barcode reading for reliable scanning in challenging environments
Bumper-to-bumper automotive tracking and traceability
Tracking automotive parts on their journey through the supply chain is critical for ensuring vehicle quality, regulatory compliance, and clear liability management. And, knowing what manufacturing processes were performed on each part improves supply chain visibility and helps minimize the costs and risks associated with recalls. As vehicles become more complex and contain more intricate components, code reading on auto parts is becoming increasingly important and challenging.
DPMs degrade over time, and may become damaged or obscured during automotive manufacturing, adding another layer of complexity to tracking and tracing components. Powerful barcode readers and optical character recognition (OCR) solutions let manufacturers and suppliers track and trace parts throughout automotive manufacturing, reducing risk and protecting profitability.
Read challenging DPM codes at varying distances and lighting conditions.
Reliable code reading in demanding environments
While conventional barcode and OCR solutions have their strengths, these systems struggle in the harsh automotive environment, which can result in damaged or obscured codes during the manufacturing process. Nonuniform, small, and reflective automotive parts present additional challenges that affect image clarity and code reading.
AI-driven OCR and barcode scanning solutions from Cognex address these challenges, increasing read rates to enhance efficiencies across the board. DataMan image-based barcode readers and machine vision systems use flexible lighting, powerful optics, and robust imaging technology to maximize contrast, capturing clear images in difficult settings. Pre-trained font libraries and AI technology deliver unmatched read rates, even if codes are damaged or obscured. Cognex solutions adapt to both character and background variations, ensuring consistent performance in demanding environments.
Here’s how Cognex ensures reliable part identification and traceability:
- Engine blocks: track 10-digit serial numbers and DPMs even after surface finishing processes degrade or wear code clarity.
- Torque converters & valves: decode laser-marked data matrix barcodes covered in oil or other materials to track components on fast-moving lines.
- EV motor housings: read raised alphanumeric codes cast into aluminum housings, despite low contrast, glare, and deformation or damage.
- Connecting rods: track individual rods through kitting and assembly to reduce errors and confirm build integrity, even on small, curved surfaces with angled or partially obscured marks.
- VIN codes: capture 17-character alphanumeric DPMs or printed on stickers – even when scratched or obscured. Manage glare, low contrast, specular lighting, and challenging paint colors.
- Kitting: ensure complete and correct assemblies by accurately reading codes in tightly packed kits with mixed components.
Cognex barcode scanner reading a dot peen code on direct-part marked auto parts.
Cognex barcode scanners read label-based codes at challenging orientations and distances.
Improve automotive supply chain visibility and read rates
Cognex solutions enable automotive part manufacturers and vehicle assembly plants to achieve exceptional quality, safety, and production goals. With advanced OCR capabilities and high-performance DataMan scanners, Cognex solutions maximize read rates for fast, reliable code-reading operations. These technologies enable manufacturers to meet safety regulations, fulfill compliance requirements, and minimize costly errors.
Backed by flexible support options – from a global network of experts to on-demand self-service tools – Cognex helps manufacturers stay confident, compliant, and in control at every stage.