2. Automatic Data Capture
Here are some of the methods that can be used to capture data directly.
Barcode reader
A bar code reader uses visible red light to scan and 'read' the barcode. The scanner converts the the lighter and darker bands of the barcode into data.
The digital data is then input into the computer. The computer may display the results on a screen and also input it into the correct fields in the database.
Typical uses:
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Shop - to find details on the product sold and price
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Library - record the ISBN number of the book and the borrower's card number
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Warehouse - to check the lables on boxes delivered against what is recorded on the delivery sheet.
Challenge see if you can find out one extra fact on this topic that we haven't already told you
Click on this link: Barcode Reader
Magnetic ink character recognition (MICR)
The numbers at the bottom of a cheque are written in a special ink which contains iron particles. This ink is magnetised and commonly called 'magnetic ink'.
It can be read by a special machine called a Magnetic Ink Character Reader (MICR).
Challenge see if you can find out one extra fact on this topic that we haven't already told you
Click on this link: M.I.C.R.