Accu-Sort(R) AXIOM(TM) and AXIOM-X(TM) Scanners Improve Baggage Routing at Pittsburgh Airport.

PHILADELPHIA -- Accu-Sort Systems, Inc., announced today it has installed eight baggage identification and sorting arrays using its AXIOM[TM] linear laser scanners and AXIOM-X[TM] omnidirectional laser scanners for the Pittsburgh Airport baggage handling system. The Accu-Sort laser-scanning installation has improved read rate to more than 90 percent from 62 to 65 percent, drastically reducing manual handling of baggage, reducing labor costs and improving passenger satisfaction. For High Resolution Image: http://ggcomm.com/Accusort/AXIOM-X.jpg

The new baggage sortation system was designed from the ground up to reduce the amount of hardware and wiring, and to eliminate the use of expensive controllers and proprietary software. In particular, the system removes two controllers and simplifies the entire array, both of which were expensive to install and maintain. Cost is further reduced through the use of off-the-shelf Ethernet switches in place of the controllers. The eight-head hybrid AXIOM system provides the same read rates as a conventional 12-head system, but at a lower installed cost. The hybrid system combines the use of omnidirectional and line scanners in the same tunnel. With fewer heads but more lasers than competitor systems, Accu-Sort can offer best in class performance with a simpler cost effective design.

The readers scan tags attached to luggage on incoming flights and direct bags to the appropriate gate for outbound flights and the appropriate carousel for pickup from arriving flights. The Pittsburgh airport boasts one of the most sophisticated baggage-handling systems in the country, consisting of more than seven miles of conveyors. Operating at 260 to 360 feet/minute, it is the only baggage handling system that can automatically route baggage from anywhere in the airport to anywhere else in the airport with no manual handling.

"Since the new the AXIOM and AXIOM-X scanners were installed, we average around 800 bags per day in the manual coding area, compared to more than 3000 bags prior to the installation," said Larry Liberatore, superintendent airline services, Pittsburgh International Airport. "Read rates are the mid-90s even on in-coming baggage tags, which often are damaged from handling or weather. Naturally, since our read rates are up, bag delivery times are down, making the flying public in Pittsburgh much happier."

AXIOM bar code readers are designed with industrial and manufacturing applications in mind. Housed in a rugged IP65-rated enclosure, AXIOM offers high-speed scanning up to 1400 scans/second. The AXIOM 1L (one-laser version) is for use in manufacturing applications with a fixed depth of field and shorter read distances. Where product size or positioning varies significantly, the AXIOM 2L and 4L (two and four-laser versions) provide accurate bar code reading at distances out to 72 inches.

AXIOM-X is a multiple-laser, omnidirectional bar code reader providing the largest depth of field and transport coverage available in a single scanner. Its scan rate of 1120 scans/second ensures the highest possible read rates on both good and poor quality codes. Most applications require only a single scan head, saving the cost and complexity associated with a multiple scan head solution.

All AXIOM and AXIOM-X bar code scanners provide flexible connectivity. They come standard with serial, Ethernet TCP/IP, UDP and EtherNet/IP[TM] connectivity, eliminating the need for costly converters. Scanners are easily networked together using a standard client/controller configuration. This eliminates the need for an additional multiplexer or other peripherals, significantly cutting the time required to set-up and install tunnel configurations. AXIOM and AXIOM-X bar code scanners are bundled with AXCESS[TM] software, which provides a simple way to configure and monitor readers from anywhere in the facility.

Installation is simplified through the use of a modular scan head and wiring base. This along with the parameter storage module allows for fast, simple installation and replacement. "Just replace the scan head on the wiring base, push a button on the AXIOM-X and the parameters are automatically downloaded," said Chris Baker, Accu-Sort senior account manager. "You are ready to read in a matter of minutes with minimum downtime."

For more information, call 1-800-BAR-CODE or visit the Accu-Sort website at www.accusort.com/AXIOM01.

About Accu-Sort

Accu-Sort Systems is a pioneer in reliable auto ID and high-speed compliance solutions with more than three decades of experience deploying and supporting scanning and tracking solutions in distribution, warehousing, manufacturing, and retailer environments. The company is also an established provider of convergent RFID and bar code systems with more than 50 RFID installations. 1-800-BAR-CODE or www.accusort.com.