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AirLink Automation Company Profile:

Founded in 2000, AirLink Automation is an integrator of bar code and wireless LAN systems. We specialize in bringing cost-saving automation technology to businesses, Federal agencies, and State / Municipal governments. AirLink's system solutions are built around the efficiencies created via the automatic capture of data through bar code scanning and the utilization of radio frequency computing devices.

These efficiencies streamline operations, eliminate errors, and save our customers’ money.

AirLink's personnel have a combined 30+ years experience in the bar coding field. This in-depth systems knowledge when combined with AirLink's total customer commitment ensures successful project implementation and complete customer satisfaction.

Here are a few system “highlights” that illustrate AirLink’s capabilities:

“Smart” Bar Code Scanning System

We had a customer that was in the process of migrating from a homegrown manufacturing and distribution software system to SAP. With plants and Distribution Centers located around the U.S. that had a mix of old format vs. new SAP format bar codes, we needed to find a scanning solution that could be used with the legacy system, then could be migrated over to SAP on “go live”. Since the plants and DCs already had bar codes on their products, pallets, and pick / putaway locations, they needed a scanner that could function in both the old and new environments. By finding the right scanner, we were able to allow this customer to cut-over to SAP without having to re-label there sites or come up with software “work-arounds” for SAP.

Variable Range Bar Code Scanning

For this application, the challenge was to come up with a bar code scanning solution for RF mounted fork terminals and desk top PC workstations that would utilize a single hand held laser scanner that could scan the following:

§ UPC codes on products

§ Bar coded material ID’s on pallets

§ Rack mounted bar codes used to ID pick / putaway locations

§ Hanging bar coded signs that were used to ID bulk storage locations

The “single scanner” solution was most desirable since it allowed for complete parts interchangeability among all computing platforms and eliminated cabling interface problems. The variable range scanning characteristics of the scan gun that we used allowed the users to scan all the bar codes that they encountered (from UPCs to hanging signs) without having to step off their vehicles. Note that we also designed and printed all the rack and hanging bar coded signs for this customer as well.

Outdoor WIFI System On A Pier

A few years ago we were approached by a pier owner who wanted to provide his customers, people living on their boats docked at his pier, with wireless internet access. After surveying the length of the pier, and for system redundancy, we installed two access points on Ethernet that originated from inside the pier’s business office. With a full T1 connection to the internet, the “live-aboards” at this pier were able to surf the net and work from their boats at a very high speed.

Point-Multi-Point Bridging System At A Prison

After looking at the cost of installing fiber in and around 20+ buildings, a local correctional facility opted to install wireless bridges in order to provide LAN and Internet connectivity for their correctional officers and staff. For this system, AirLink Automation designed, installed and tested the configuration and placement of 26 wireless bridges and antennas. Although some of the links were Point-To-Point utilizing only a single pair of bridges, most of the installed hardware was used in a Point-Multi-Point configuration where several remote bridges “talked” to a single centrally located parent device. To date, with over two and half years of 24 / 7 usage, we have only had to service two bridges and have never had a complaint with regard to connection speed.

RF Terminal System Implementation For A Distribution Center

Although somewhat straight forward, this installation involved over 40 hand held RF devices and 10 access points. AirLink designed, surveyed and installed all the wireless access points (including one wireless repeater) in the facility and also configured the hand held RF terminals. The RF terminals were configured for AS/400 (5250) terminal emulation that did require the inclusion of a custom prefix and suffix for each scanned data entry. AirLink has also been providing repairs and refurbished equipment to this customer in the 3+ years that the system has been in operation. As with some of the above system overviews, AirLink also specified the use of long range scanners in the RF guns and provided the appropriate rack labels for use with the scanners. AirLink Automation also provided warehouse management personnel with wireless access to the RF infrastructure by installing wireless client cards in their notebook PCs. This capability allows managers to roam the DC’s aisles with their PC’s and look at detailed information about product movement.