Automatic Data Capture (ADC) is a feature in Pinnacle that allows a barcode reader or Personal Data Assistant (PDA) to be used to speed up the initial data collection of assets. ADC has several advantages over manual data collection and data entry, including increased speed and increased data accuracy.
If you are using a barcode reader to perform the automatic data capture, the data collection process is driven from reports that Pinnacle produces containing details of the valid locations, asset types and descriptions, custodians and sections. Because the data collection is carried out using these reports, data accuracy and consistency is assured. This means, however, that the data standards and data entry into Pinnacle's lookup tables must first be established.
If you are using a PDA to perform the automatic data capture, the details of the valid locations, asset types and descriptions, custodians and sections can be transferred to the PDA. This eliminates the need to print reports.
The sequence that operations are performed in is critical to successfully completing an ADC with Pinnacle. The correct sequence is:
Once all of the data standards have been established and recorded in Pinnacle you will need to:
If using a barcode reader, generate the following reports:
Asset Types Report including linked descriptions
Asset Descriptions Report
Locations Report
Sections Report
Ownership Report
Suppliers Report
When generating these reports, include the barcode numbers. The barcode reader uses the barcodes to reconcile information for Pinnacle during the ADC process. Once the reports have been generated you can begin the ADC Process.
If using a PDA, transmit the required tables to the PDA.
All types of barcode readers or PDAs that can be used in conjunction with Pinnacle have a very detailed prompting menu to inform you of what is required at each stage. Some barcode readers can have more than one stored procedure, e.g. Stocktaking and ADC, so it is important that you ensure you are running the correct procedure (See the appropriate barcode reader operating manual to check this). Once you have the ADC Procedure running, all you need to do is follow the prompts on the screen of the barcode reader of PDA to perform the data capture for the selected locations. To reduce data entry, the barcode reader program has been set up to allow you to use specific keystrokes to accept a previous value in the same field. This does not apply to the serial number, barcode number and previous asset number fields. These are unique numbers and must be entered for every record. The value you have entered will be displayed at the top of the screen as you move to the next prompt. Refer to your barcode reader manual for error correction procedures.
Once all the required assets have been recorded you will need to upload the data from the barcode reader or PDA to Pinnacle. You can do this by following the uploading procedure.
View the error report and take action where necessary.
Carry out the above procedure for all of the locations required.