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Text Scanning

Scanflow Tire Sidewall Capture: Deep Technical Insights

Scanflow’s tire sidewall scanning system harnesses mobile edge offline SDK that supports for both Android, iOS, Web and API which accurately and efficiently extract critical information such as DOT, size, model number, and brand from real-time images using smartphones and tablets. This article presents a technically robust account of each pipeline stage, relevant algorithms, and formulaic logic.

System Architecture: Edge-Driven Pipeline

Device & Data Capture Layer

Operators use a mobile app integrated with the Scanflow SDK. Images of the tire sidewall are captured using the built-in camera, under varying environmental conditions (light, dust, wear).

Real-time pre-processing ensures noise reduction and optimal imaging

Iproc = Enhance (Iraw), where Iraw is the input image and Iproc is the denoised, contrast-adjusted output.

Pre-processing workflow for tyre sidewall capture using the Scanflow Core SDK on mobile devices which has Scanflow Customized AI Camera. This step is critical, only high-quality frames make it to later stages, so scanning accuracy starts here.

The app uses Scanflow’s SDK (ScanFlowCameraSession, ScanTrustCameraManager)

    • Requests camera permissions and ensures device orientation (typically portrait).
    • SDK manages autofocus, torch (flash), and zoom, adapting dynamically (for low-light correction, centering prompts, etc.).

Frame Filtering Algorithms:

Every frame is rapidly checked with a sequence of filters:

Sharpness Detection

Uses algorithms like Laplacian variance: computes edge sharpness. If variance is below a threshold, frame is too blurry and discarded.

S=Var(∇2I)

Where S is sharpnes, I frame image.

Motion Blur/Artifact Check

Simple frame-to-frame comparison assesses motion using optical flow or frame difference. If the tyre area shifts too much between frames, it’s rejected.

Exposure and White Balance:

Frames under- or over-exposed (too dark/bright) are detected with pixel intensity statistics:

Only frames passing ALL filters are sent to model inference (segmentation/OCR).

for (Frame frame : cameraBuffer) {
    if (!isSharp(frame)) continue;
    if (isMotionBlurred(frame)) continue;
    if (!hasGoodContrast(frame)) continue;
    if (!isProperlyExposed(frame)) continue;
    if (!isCentered(frame)) continue;
    processFrame(frame); // Pass to segmentation & OCR
}

Image Segmentation & Region of Interest (ROI) Detection

The SDK’s CV engine applies edge detection and region heuristics (Canny, Hough, and deep learning models) to localize key regions:

ROI = (Iproc) ROI = Detect (Iproc)

Segmentation leverages Custome model architectures for instance localization.

Optical Character Recognition (OCR)

    • The cropped sidewall region is processed by a custom OCR model (typically CRNN or CRAFT), tuned on embossed/engraved, low-contrast, and worn characters.
    • Each character in the region outputs a probability vector:

P(ci) = Softmax(zi)

      • The recognized string S is constructed: S=Concat(argmax(P(ci))
  • DOT, TIN, size, and serial/model numbers are extracted using regular expressions and neural attention layers:

DOT = RegexSearch( S, DOT pattern )

Size= RegexSearch( S, Size pattern )

Manufacturer/brand is classified via context signals and dictionary lookups.

Semantic Parsing & Data Structuring

Extracted entities are tagged and validated:

Week/year codes from DOT (e.g., 4-digit decode: YYWW)

Size pattern (Width/Aspect Ratio R Diameter), matched by regex or neural text extraction

Model number filtered by fuzzy match to database records

The feature vector:

Vtire = [DOT, Size, Model_No, Brand]

Local Edge Validation & Timestamping

All critical data is validated on-device using checksum algorithms and cross-checks with reference datasets:

Valid = fcheck( Vtire, DBtire )

Timestamp and geotag are appended for traceability.

Edge Custome Model: Tuning for Tire Sidewall Capture

Model Training & Optimization

Training images are annotated for texture, contrast anomalies, and typical defect cases. Trained with 1 Million data sets

Loss functions combine categorical cross-entropy (for OCR) and segmentation IOU

Ltotal=αLocr+βLiou

Dataset diversity (thousands of brands, types, conditions) ensures generalizability and noise resilience.

The Mobile models are quantized using for real-time, low-latency inference (<300ms typical).

The mobile will completely run on edge with Offline capability for field/yard use.

Data Usage in Model Training

The foundation of Scanflow’s tire sidewall scanning model lies in meticulously collected, annotated, and curated datasets, incorporating diverse real-world edge cases. The dataset is used for training various AI models that perform segmentation, text detection, and recognition in a multi-stage pipeline:

  • Input Data: Raw images and video frames captured from mobile cameras under differing lighting, angles, and tire wear conditions.
  • Annotations: Detailed bounding boxes, segmentation masks, and character-level labels enable supervised learning.
  • Augmentation: On-the-fly data augmentations such as rotation, scaling, illumination changes, blurring, and noise simulate real-world scanning variations.
  • Validation Sets: Separate from training, used continuously across epochs for hyperparameter tuning and generalization checks.

Multi-stage Training

  • Stage 1: Backbone Feature Extraction
    • Model: Stabilize and standardized based model architectures.
    • Purpose: Learn low-level and high-level image features common to tire sidewalls.
  • Stage 2: Segmentation Training
    • Loss Functions:
      • Classification loss (Lcls) using cross-entropy.
      • Bounding box loss (Lbox) via Smooth L1 or IoU.
      • Mask loss (Lmask) using binary cross-entropy for pixel-wise predictions.

L=Lcls+Lbox+Lmask

Data Privacy and Security For Enterprise System Integration

  • Scanflow SDK primarily performs on-device processing, ensuring raw images and processed data never need to leave the mobile device.
  • Data export is user-controlled, encrypted, often only metadata or interpreted text is sent to cloud or backend systems.
  • Secure key management for SDK licenses maintains system integrity.
    • Local Processing: Scanflow performs all essential OCR and image processing on the mobile device (edge), eliminating the need to send raw images or sensitive data over the network initially.
    • Volatile Memory Storage: Images and intermediate data are kept only in volatile memory buffers during scanning sessions.
    • Immediate Data Purge: Raw capture frames and temporary data buffers are wiped securely immediately after recognition.

Comparison statistics report of Scanflow and other Commercial SDKs available in Market.

Here is a comparative chart that illustrates the stability, accuracy, and performance (speed) of the Scanflow SDK versus three other commercial tire sidewall scanning SDKs. The values are on a 0-100 scale based on typical reported benchmarks and user feedback:

  • Scanflow leads across all three parameters with high stability (92), accuracy (95), and performance (90).
  • Competitor A follows with decent but lower metrics.
  • Competitors B and C lag further behind, especially in accuracy and performance.

This visual comparison helps users quickly comprehend how Scanflow excels in delivering reliable, accurate, and fast tire sidewall scanning.

 

  • Stability indicates how consistently the SDK performs across different tire types, environmental conditions, and mobile devices.
  • Accuracy measures the precision of extracted data like DOT codes, size, model numbers.
  • Performance refers to inference speed and responsiveness on edge devices (mobile phones).

Users can visualize Scanflow outperforming competitors on all three parameters, indicating reliability and speed combined with superior detection accuracy.

Such a chart helps technical users quickly assess and compare SDK capabilities for integration or evaluation purposes. If needed, this can be presented as a grouped bar chart with distinct colors per metric for clarity.

Let’s take a comparison metrics with leading Competitor A SDK.

Metric / Condition Scanflow Competitor A Scanflow Advantage
Overall Accuracy 96.6% 85.1% ✅ +11.5% higher accuracy
Old & Glared Tyres 100% Not specified ✅ Proven capability on aged/glared surfaces
Blurred Images 86% 54% ✅ Handles blurred captures (partial recovery possible)
Accuracy in Challenging Conditions Very High Low ✅ Robust in difficult lighting/angles
Consistency Across Conditions Very High Moderate ✅ Reliable across varying scenarios

Scanflow Leading Metrics (Compared to Competitor A)

Criteria Scanflow Competitor A Scanflow Advantage
Tyre Compatibility Works on any tyres Car tyres only ✅ Universal tyre support
Blurry Image Handling Excellent Poor ✅ Handles low-quality images effectively
Challenging Conditions Handles well Struggles ✅ Robust under real-world conditions
Offline Support ✅ Fully Offline ❌ Requires Internet ✅ Works without connectivity
DOT Code ROI Handling More flexible Very narrow ROI box ✅ Adapts better to varying code areas
Partial Value Return ✅ Returns partial values ❌ Not supported ✅ Can decode incomplete DOT codes
Text Angle Handling Tolerates a range of angles Best when perpendicular ✅ Works across multiple orientations
Default Camera Mode Uses wide-angle (may need tuning) Neutral ✅ Broader field

Summary

Scanflow’s tire sidewall scanning SDK combines cutting-edge AI models, mobile-optimized processing, comprehensive and accurate data extraction, and seamless integration, backed by industry-leading stability and performance. These technical strengths ensure developers and businesses gain a robust, future proof solution, minimizing operational friction while maximizing insight and efficiency making Scanflow an unmatched choice in the tire scanning ecosystem.

Scanflow delivers enterprise-grade reliability, accuracy, and resilience, positioning itself as the most advanced and deployable tire sidewall scanning SDK in today’s market.

Categories
Text Scanning

How 3PL Providers Use Mobile Serial Number Scanning to Enhance Traceability

Understanding the Role of Serial Number Scanning in 3PL Operations

In today’s hyperconnected logistics world, traceability and visibility are the backbone of efficient 3PL operations. Every product, from an automobile tire to a retail shipment, carries a unique serial identity. Managing this massive flow of serialized items manually can lead to errors, delays, and compliance risks.

That’s where mobile serial number scanning comes into play offering real-time, high-accuracy asset identification at every node of the supply chain. With solutions like Scanflow’s serial number scanner, 3PL providers can bridge the visibility gap and achieve seamless traceability from pickup to delivery.

What Is a Serial Number Scanner and Why It Matters

A serial number scanner is a digital solution that reads and verifies unique identifiers (like alphanumeric serials) directly from products or labels. Unlike traditional barcode systems that rely on fixed-position scanners, mobile serial number scanners such as those offered by Scanflow enable scanning via smartphones or rugged handheld devices.

This flexibility empowers warehouse workers and delivery teams to instantly capture serial data anywhere, ensuring that every asset is tracked precisely across multiple facilities or partners.

The Shift Toward Mobile-Based Scanning Solutions

Legacy warehouse tracking systems often depend on bulky, fixed-position scanners or manual log entries. However, today’s distributed 3PL ecosystem demands mobility. Mobile-based serial number scanning enables on-the-go visibility, ensuring data is captured at the source not later from a clipboard.

By leveraging Scanflow’s mobile-first design, 3PL providers gain agility and accuracy, ensuring traceability extends to remote yards, delivery trucks, and client warehouses.

Traceability Challenges Faced by 3PL Providers

1. Manual Data Capture and Its Limitations

Many 3PLs still depend on manual data entry or basic barcode systems. This approach often leads to duplicate records, missing items, or inaccurate asset logs. Errors at even one node can cascade across the entire logistics chain.

2. Inconsistent Asset Identification and Visibility

Without a unified system for serial number capture, it becomes difficult to ensure consistency across various clients and partners. Mobile serial number scanners solve this by offering a centralized data capture layer, ensuring every product is uniquely tracked from source to destination.

How Mobile Serial Number Scanning Works

1. Real-Time Scanning on the Warehouse Floor

With a mobile device, operators can instantly scan serial numbers during receiving, picking, packing, or dispatching. Each scan automatically links the product to its digital record, maintaining traceability throughout its journey.

2. Data Synchronization Across Supply Chain Platforms

Scanflow enables real-time integration with 3PL management systems, ERP, and WMS platforms. This ensures data flows seamlessly, offering complete visibility for both clients and operators.

Key Benefits of Using Scanflow’s Mobile Serial Number Scanner

1. Accurate Asset Identification and Reduced Human Error

Scanflow’s precision scanning technology drastically reduces manual entry mistakes. Every asset is validated instantly, minimizing costly errors during shipping or audits.

2. Improved Inventory Traceability and Transparency

3PLs gain end-to-end visibility, from inbound shipments to final delivery. Real-time data improves response times and enables proactive issue resolution.

Seamless Integration With 3PL and ERP Systems

Scanflow integrates easily with existing enterprise systems, ensuring that serial data flows into dashboards and analytics tools without manual intervention.

Enhanced Speed and Scalability for 3PL Networks

Whether managing one warehouse or fifty, Scanflow scales effortlessly empowering 3PL providers to onboard new clients and workflows faster than ever.

Use Case: Tire Sidewall Serial Number Capture

1. Challenges of Tracking Tire Movement Across 3PL Channels

For automotive and tire manufacturers, each tire has a unique sidewall serial number. Traditional tracking methods often fail to capture these identifiers efficiently, especially when the tires are stacked or stored in large volumes.

2. How Scanflow’s Tire Sidewall Scanner Simplifies Serialization

Scanflow’s tire sidewall scanner enables technicians and warehouse teams to capture these serials instantly, even in low-light or challenging warehouse environments. This innovation ensures complete visibility from manufacturing to last-mile distribution improving compliance, recall management, and overall traceability.

Comparative Analysis: Traditional Tracking vs. Mobile Serial Number Scanning

Aspect Traditional Tracking Mobile Serial Number Scanning (Scanflow)
Data Entry Manual or partial barcode scans Fully automated mobile capture
Traceability Limited across partners End-to-end visibility across all nodes
Accuracy Prone to human error 99.9% accuracy with instant validation
Scalability Difficult to expand Easily scalable for multiple 3PL sites
Integration Siloed systems Integrates with ERP, WMS, and TMS platforms

Impact of Serial Number Scanners Across Industries

Automotive and Tire Logistics

Automotive suppliers and tire manufacturers rely on serial number scanners to track high-value assets, prevent counterfeiting, and manage recalls efficiently.

Retail Distribution Networks

For retail 3PLs, mobile serial scanning ensures product-level traceability, reducing lost shipments and enabling faster returns processing.

Manufacturing and Reverse Logistics

Manufacturers use Scanflow’s solution to track serialized parts during production and recovery phases, closing the loop on asset management.

3PL Industry Benefits of Mobile Serial Number Scanning

1. Strengthened Compliance and Audit Readiness

By maintaining an accurate digital log of serialized assets, 3PL providers can instantly produce audit trails to meet client and regulatory standards.

2. Improved Customer Trust Through Transparent Data

Clients value transparency. Scanflow empowers 3PLs to share real-time tracking data, strengthening customer confidence and relationships.

3. Enabling Digital Transformation for 3PL Providers

Beyond traceability, mobile serial number scanning drives broader digital transformation, supporting data-driven decisions, predictive insights, and operational agility.

Why Scanflow Stands Out in the 3PL Ecosystem

1. Purpose-Built for Mobile Environments

Scanflow is designed with mobile-first logistics in mind easy to deploy, compatible with existing devices, and usable even in field conditions.

2. Scalable, Configurable, and Future-Ready

Whether scanning tires, pallets, or product batches, Scanflow adapts to every 3PL use case, ensuring scalability and customization for growth.

Conclusion: Traceability as the Future of 3PL Efficiency

The future of logistics belongs to data-driven, transparent, and agile operations. With Scanflow’s mobile serial number scanner, 3PL providers can unlock unparalleled traceability, accuracy, and client trust turning complex multi-asset networks into efficiently orchestrated ecosystems.

From tire serialization to retail fulfillment, the ability to identify and trace every item in motion isn’t just a feature it’s a competitive edge.

👉 Learn more about Scanflow’s Mobile Serial Number Scanning Solutions

Categories
Tire Sidewall Text Scanning

How AI Scanner Help Capture TIN and DOT Numbers to Enable Smarter Tire Tracking

In 2020, A Tire Company recalled over 90,000 tires due to potential belt separation. The recall listed partial DOT codes, forcing fleet operators and dealers to manually inspect thousands of tires scrubbing faded sidewalls, jotting TINs on paper, and verifying records by hand.

This isn’t a one-off event. Tire recalls affect millions of units every year, yet most businesses still rely on manual TIN/DOT tracking, leading to slow response times, grounded vehicles, and compliance risks.

Why TIN and DOT Codes Matter More Than Ever

TIN and DOT numbers are more than regulatory labels they are essential for tire traceability, asset identification, and recall readiness. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that a large portion of tire recalls are traceable only through accurate DOT codes.

Without efficient tire identification, service providers and fleet managers face real risks: delays, data errors, and overlooked recalls that can affect safety and compliance.

The Problem: Manual Tire Data Capture Slows Everyone Down

The issue isn’t availability of tire data it’s that manually reading and recording TIN and DOT codes is inefficient, especially on dirty, curved, or worn sidewalls. In fast-paced environments like automotive service centers, tire yards, and distribution depots, expecting technicians to write down codes or use spreadsheets simply doesn’t scale.

One missed or misread code could allow a recalled tire to remain in service risking both safety and regulatory violations.

The Solution: AI Mobile SDK for Tire Identification

Modern solutions like AI scanner mobile SDKs are transforming how tire identification is done. Instead of relying on manual transcription, service teams can now scan tire sidewalls using AI-powered mobile tools that automatically capture TIN and DOT codes even in poor lighting or on aged tires.

The Scanflow Asset Identification Mobile SDK allows OEMs, fleet operators, and service providers to embed intelligent scanning into their own apps or workflows. With it, teams can identify tires instantly and digitally enabling faster recalls, more accurate audits, and smarter inventory tracking without any paperwork.

Conclusion

TIN and DOT codes might be small, but they carry enormous weight when it comes to safety, traceability, and operational efficiency. By using Asset Identification Mobile SDK, automotive businesses can eliminate human error, respond to recalls faster, and make every tire inspection count.

Is your team still relying on eyes and clipboards to track tire safety?

Discover how Scanflow AI can help digitize and automate tire inspections from TIN/DOT scanning to instant digital logging. Request a demo or get in touch

Categories
Text Scanning label capture Logistics Retail Manufacture Barcode scanning

Top 5 Ways Asset Identification Transforms Pharma Pick and Pack Operations

Pharmaceutical companies today face real problems with manual tracking systems that just don’t cut it anymore. Workers spend hours manually entering batch numbers, checking labels, and verifying products  all while dealing with tight deadlines and zero tolerance for mistakes. One wrong batch number can trigger a costly recall. Scanflow’s asset identification SDK changes this completely by using AI mobile scanning to read and verify product information straight from the packaging, making pharma distribution operations faster and more reliable.

How Scanflow Transforms Pharma Operations

1. Batch Number Capture

Manual batch tracking is where most pharma operations lose time and money. Workers squint at tiny printed numbers, type them into systems, and hope they got it right. With thousands of products moving through facilities daily, human error is inevitable.

Scanflow’s system reads batch numbers directly from packages using AI technology. It achieves 98% accuracy rates, which beats manual entry by a wide margin. The system works even when batch numbers are printed on difficult surfaces like curved bottles or glossy labels. No more transcription errors, no more having to double-check every entry, and no more recalls caused by tracking mistakes.

2. Real-Time Inventory Control

Most pharma distribution centers still rely on outdated tracking methods that update inventory hours or even days after products move. This creates blind spots where nobody knows exactly what’s in stock or where specific batches are located.

Scanflow optimizes asset tracking and inventory management, automating barcode processing and improving in pharma distribution and warehouses. The asset identification solution provides real-time visibility into pharmaceutical inventory levels, locations, and movement throughout the pharma distribution supply chain. When products move, the system updates immediately. Integration with existing WMS and ERP systems means inventory records stay current without extra work from warehouse staff.

3. Complete Label Verification in One Scan

Current label checking processes require workers to manually verify multiple data points – expiration dates, lot numbers, NDC codes, dosage information. This takes time and creates opportunities for oversight, especially during busy periods.

Scanflow’s system reads and validates different data fields from pharmaceutical labels in a single scan. This eliminates the tedious manual checking process while ensuring every package meets specifications.

4. Faster Operations With Better Accuracy

Traditional pick and pack operations in pharmaceutical facilities and pharma distribution centers often involve time consuming manual verification processes. Scanflow’s asset identification solution improves operational efficiency by automating multiple verification steps simultaneously. Workers can scan, verify, and process products 70% faster than manual methods.

The system handles product codes, batch numbers, expiration dates, and quality checks all at once. This speed increase means facilities can process more orders per day without adding staff. Workers focus on handling products and solving problems instead of data entry and verification tasks.

5. Complete Product Traceability from Start to Finish

Tracking products through the entire supply chain is mandatory in pharma, but most companies struggle with gaps in their traceability records. When regulators ask for complete product history or when recalls happen, teams scramble to piece together information from multiple systems and paper records.

Scanflow creates an unbroken chain of custody for every product that passes through your facility. Every scan captures location, timestamp, operator ID, and product details automatically. The system tracks products from receiving through storage, picking, packing, and shipping without requiring extra data entry from workers.

When you need traceability information whether for a routine audit, customer inquiry, or recall situation – everything is already documented and searchable. The system shows exactly where each batch has been, who handled it, and when each step occurred. This complete visibility helps companies respond faster to regulatory requests and reduces the time spent investigating product history issues.

Scanflow’s Mobile SDK Technology

Scanflow’s asset identification solution is built on a mobile SDK that works with existing pharmaceutical operations. The platform uses computer vision algorithms trained specifically for pharmaceutical packaging, handling different box sizes, label formats, and printing styles commonly found in pharma distribution.

The scanning technology adapts to various lighting conditions and package orientations that occur in real warehouse environments. The AI learns from each facility’s specific products and improves recognition over time. The mobile SDK works on handheld devices, tablets, and fixed scanning stations, giving companies flexibility in how they deploy the technology.

Business Impact and Measurable Results

Companies using Scanflow’s asset identification solution see results within months of implementation. Labor costs drop significantly when workers stop spending time on manual data entry. Error rates decrease, which means fewer returns, recalls, and compliance issues. Processing speed increases allow facilities to handle more volume without expanding staff.

The system scales across multiple facilities and product lines as companies grow. The technology integrates with existing warehouse management systems without disrupting current workflows. For pharmaceutical operations dealing with increasing volume and tighter regulations, automated asset identification isn’t just helpful it’s becoming necessary for staying competitive.

Categories
Barcode scanning Logistics label capture Text Scanning

Inventory Management and Data Traceability in Pharma Distribution

In today’s rapidly evolving pharmaceutical distribution landscape, maintaining accuracy and efficiency in inventory management is crucial, especially for organizations working in mission-critical sectors such as humanitarian aid and global healthcare. However, many organizations continue to rely on manual workflows, which are prone to errors, inefficiencies, and compliance risks.

Manual data entry, especially in pharmaceutical packaging, can lead to costly mistakes, including incorrect labeling, missed batch numbers, and missing expiry dates, resulting in delays, stock discrepancies, and non-compliance with regulatory standards. These inefficiencies not only affect the timely delivery of vital medicines but also undermine the integrity of the entire supply chain. Without automation, organizations may face:

  • Inaccurate data capture: Errors in batch number entries, expiration dates, and labeling inconsistencies.
  • Compliance risks: Regulatory requirements are not met, leading to potential penalties and product recalls.
  • Inventory discrepancies: Mismanaged stock levels due to incorrect data tracking, resulting in overstock or stockouts.

Scanflow provides an advanced, offline-capable AI solution that transforms manual data entry into an automated process for seamless inventory management. By leveraging Barcode/QR code recognition, OCR for text extraction, and accurate capture of batch numbers, Scanflow ensures that pharmaceutical distribution is streamlined, error-free, and compliant with regulatory standards.

Here’s how Scanflow enhances inventory management in pharmaceutical distribution:

  • Barcode/QR Code Recognition: Automated scanning of barcodes and QR codes provides real-time, accurate tracking of product inventory. This ensures that batch numbers, manufacturing, and expiry dates are captured effortlessly, ensuring that all items are traceable and compliant with industry regulations.
  • OCR for Text Extraction: Scanflow uses Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to capture and validate essential details like batch numbers, expiry dates, and product information from labels, ensuring no vital information is overlooked.
  • Seamless Integration with Existing Workflows: Scanflow can integrate with a variety of existing systems and platforms, ensuring smooth data flow from warehouse management systems (WMS) to inventory tracking platforms without disruption.
  • Offline Functionality: Even in areas with poor connectivity, Scanflow’s offline capabilities allow users to continue scanning and updating inventory data, which is then synced with the central system when connectivity is restored.

A leading humanitarian NGO involved in the global distribution of medical supplies faced challenges in their inventory management. The organization required a solution that would ensure real-time tracking of pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, while ensuring compliance with international regulations. Scanflow provided the perfect solution, using AI scanning to automate processes across multiple stages:

  • Barcode Serialization: Ensures traceability and data integrity for every product distributed.
  • 2D Barcode and QR Code Scanning: Facilitates efficient parcel tracking during transport.
  • Datamatrix Scanning on Packing Lists: Accurately identifies key product information even on space-constrained packaging lists.
  • OCR for Shelf-Stored Items: Extracts critical data from medical supplies stored on shelves, enabling seamless inventory tracking.

With Scanflow’s automated data capture solution, the organization significantly improved its inventory accuracy, reduced manual workload, and enhanced regulatory compliance across its global operations. This led to more efficient supply chain management, reduced errors, and improved healthcare outcomes in the field.

In today’s fast-paced pharmaceutical distribution industry, leveraging automation is no longer optional; it’s a necessity. Scanflow’s visual AI solution helps organizations streamline their workflows, enhance inventory accuracy, and improve compliance. Whether it’s in pharma packaging, warehouse management, or distribution, Scanflow ensures that the right product gets to the right place on time, every time, with complete traceability and data integrity.

Explore the benefits of Scanflow for your operations and see how it can help you streamline your pharma logistics and improve your inventory management.

Interested in improving your pharmaceutical distribution with streamlined inventory management?

Discover how Scanflow’s automated data capture can ensure accuracy, compliance, and operational efficiency. Request a Demo or Get in Touch with Our Experts to learn more.

Categories
Text Scanning Tire Sidewall

How Tire Sidewall Scanning using AI is transforming tire warehousing in Automotive Manufacturing

In automotive manufacturing, precision in tire identification is non-negotiable. But inside warehouses, the way tires are received, stored, and retrieved still relies heavily on manual intervention, leading to mismatches, delays, and an inability to manage inventory effectively. Sidewall data capture introduces a system of record built directly from the tire, enabling smarter, faster, and more accurate warehouse operations.

 

In most tire warehouses, the process begins with unloading. Tires are manually counted and logged using either handheld scanners or visual checks. From this point forward, tracking relies on printed barcodes, handwritten logs, or product labels that are easy to misread or lose. The warehouse is left operating on estimates, assumptions, and static records.


  • Inaccurate SKU matching: Selecting the wrong tire model or size during retrieval is common when multiple similar variants are stored in close proximity.
  • Manual data entry errors: Serial numbers and model information are often typed in by hand, increasing the risk of mismatch or duplication.
  • Lack of visibility into tire aging: There is no reliable mechanism to track how long each unit has been stored, leading to slow-moving stock building up unnoticed.
  • No real-time inventory insight: Most systems only offer a point-in-time view, which becomes outdated as soon as stock is moved or reallocated.
  • Increased turnaround time: The time it takes to find, verify, and dispatch the correct tire grows, especially as SKU complexity increases.
  • High man-hour cost: Staff must spend time on low-value tasks like physical checks, double entry, and re-scanning due to initial inaccuracies.

In fast-moving production environments, these issues quickly become bottlenecks – not just for the warehouse, but for the entire supply chain that depends on it.

  • Every tire has essential data embedded in its sidewall. This includes:
  • The Tire Identification Number (TIN)
  • Size and load index
  • Manufacturer and model
  • Batch or production code

Instead of relying on external labels, barcodes, or manual logs, sidewall data capture uses computer vision and optical character recognition to extract this information directly from the tire. The system identifies each unit as it is received, moved, or retrieved without requiring any manual input.

This data is immediately matched to the expected SKU and stored in the warehouse management system in real time. As a result, the warehouse has a live, continuously updated inventory view based on what is actually in storage, not just what was scanned in at the door.

1. Asset-Level Identification at Entry

Tires are identified individually as they are unloaded, with precise data linked to each unit. This eliminates reliance on aggregated batch-level logging or barcode stickers that may detach or degrade.

2. Reduced SKU Mismatch During Retrieval

Operators retrieve tires based on validated data from the sidewall, not assumptions or packaging labels. The system flags any discrepancies between what is picked and what is expected.

3. Live Tracking of Tire Aging

Because each tire is scanned and time-stamped at arrival, its storage duration is tracked automatically. This enables FIFO or FEFO practices and prevents the creation of slow-moving or expired stock.

4. Real-Time Warehouse Snapshot

Management gets a complete picture of what is stored where, down to the model and age of each unit. This allows for better layout planning, stock rotation, and dispatch prioritization.

5. Space Utilization Optimization

With clear data on high-movement SKUs, warehouse teams can adjust placement zones and stacking logic to reduce time and effort spent on retrieval.

6. Reduction in Man-Hour Cost

Automated capture eliminates the need for repeated checks, re-scanning, and dual entry. Fewer errors mean fewer corrections, and fewer hands are needed to manage day-to-day tracking tasks.

Moving from Manual to Measurable

The shift from manual identification to structured AI sidewall capture is not just about saving time. It is about enabling tire warehousing operations to work with a level of data integrity and speed that matches the rest of the automotive manufacturing process.

Inaccurate or missing tire data delays dispatches, inflates inventory cost, and slows down assembly. When identification happens at the source; at the moment the tire is unloaded, these problems no longer accumulate. Warehouses become faster. Decisions become more informed. Stock becomes more visible and manageable.

Conclusion

Sidewall data capture transforms warehouse operations from manual and reactive to intelligent and data driven. By building traceability from the physical asset itself, it eliminates errors at the point of entry, improves selection accuracy during retrieval, and gives real-time visibility into every tire in the system.

For tire manufacturers, OEMs, and their warehousing partners, the message is simple: better data starts at the sidewall and the time to capture it is now.

If your teams are still spending time on manual tire checks, SKU revalidations, or inventory clean-ups, you’re losing more than just time – you’re losing traceability, efficiency, and cost control.

Scanflow lets you capture tire sidewall data directly from the tire; fast, accurate, and fully integrated into your existing workflows.

No guesswork. No double entry. Just clean data, from source to dispatch.

Book a walkthrough with our team to see how Scanflow fits into your warehousing environment.

Schedule a demo or Download SDK to start.

Categories
Text Scanning Barcode scanning ID Scanning uncategorised Tire Sidewall general vin scanning Quality control

How AI is Transforming Data Capture Across Industries

In today’s fast-paced world, businesses are turning to AI for data capture to collect, process, and manage complex information with greater accuracy and speed. This technology extends beyond simple data extraction, it efficiently handles alphanumeric data like VIN plate scanning, tire sidewall numbers, serial numbersBar codes, QR codes etc., ensuring precision even in the most challenging conditions. 

Industries such as automotive, logistics, manufacturing, and retail are integrating AI visual inspection solutions and AI for data capture to streamline workflows, reduce manual errors, and enhance operational efficiency. This shift isn’t just a technological upgrade but it’s redefining how businesses capture and use data in real time.

  1. Expanding Data Capture Beyond Traditional Methods

AI is revolutionizing data capture by automating the collection of complex information across various environments. What once required manual data entry or specialized equipment can now be handled seamlessly by AI visual inspection workflows. 

Key applications of AI in advanced data capture include: 

VIN Plate Scanning: Essential in the automotive and logistics industries, AI quickly and accurately captures vehicle identification numbers, streamlining tracking, registration, and inventory. 

Tire Sidewall Numbers: AI can extract detailed information from tire sidewalls, supporting product verification, recall management, and quality assurance in manufacturing. 

Serial Number Scanning: Useful in electronics and industrial sectors, AI captures serial numbers for inventory tracking, warranty management, and equipment identification. 

Alphanumeric Text Recognition: AI retrieves data from labels, machinery plates, and industrial documentation, ensuring error-free data input and reducing manual workload.

Why it matters?

AI captures data from worn, distorted, or low-visibility surfaces, ensuring accurate collection under challenging conditions. This reduces errors, enhances data consistency, and allows businesses to maintain accurate records without manual oversight. 

  1. Automating Workflows for Greater Efficiency

Manual data entry is labor-intensive and prone to mistakes. AI introduces automation across industries, reducing the need for human intervention while improving accuracy and speed. This is particularly valuable in environments requiring high-volume data capture. 

Benefits of AI-automated workflows include: 

Faster Data Processing: AI captures and processes large volumes of data in seconds, accelerating operations in industries like logistics and automotive. 

Error Reduction: AI eliminates human error by accurately reading and recording alphanumeric information, even from difficult angles or damaged surfaces. 

Seamless Workflow Automation: AI integrates with existing ERP systems, warehouse management software (WMS), and supply chain platforms to automate data transfer and reporting. 

Industries such as manufacturing and retail benefit significantly from automated workflows, as AI can track incoming and outgoing shipments, verify product details, and ensure smooth operational transitions. 

  1. AI for Data capture: From Capture to Insight

AI doesn’t just capture data. Once collected, the data is processed, organized, and integrated with existing systems to provide a comprehensive view of business operations. 

Applications of AI for data management across industries include: 

Inventory Control: In warehousing and logistics, AI tracks product movement and ensures real-time updates, reducing miscounts and stock discrepancies. 

Automated Audits: AI facilitates internal audits by automating the collection and verification of critical data, ensuring compliance with industry regulations. 

Data Accuracy and Reporting: AI improves reporting precision by capturing real-time data across multiple touchpoints, enhancing supply chain visibility and operational transparency. 

By automating data management, businesses can process vast information efficiently while maintaining accuracy, ultimately enhancing decision-making and optimizing resource allocation. 

  1. Industry-Specific Use Cases of AI in Data Capture

AI’s adaptability makes it invaluable across multiple sectors, where it enhances efficiency and reduces human error. Here’s how AI-driven data capture transforms different industries: 

Automotive Industry: AI simplifies VIN plate scanning, improves inventory accuracy, and facilitates compliance tracking across vehicle fleets. 

Logistics & Supply Chain: AI automates serial number scanning for package tracking, delivery validation, and warehouse automation, ensuring faster and more accurate logistics. 

Manufacturing: AI captures tire sidewall numbers and other industrial identifiers, streamlining product lifecycle management and enhancing production efficiency. 

Retail & Consumer Goods: AI supports large-scale inventory tracking and customer data management, improving efficiency in managing supply chains and retail stock. 

Healthcare: AI assists in capturing device serial numbers and alphanumeric codes on medical instruments, ensuring accurate records for regulatory compliance. 

The Future of AI in Data Capture

The future of AI visual inspection solutions is poised to bring even more advanced capabilities to data capture and management. With ongoing advancements, AI will offer: 

Improved Recognition Accuracy: Enhanced models for capturing data from irregular surfaces, low-light environments, and damaged labels. 

Integrated Systems: Seamless communication with broader digital ecosystems, including IoT devices and smart supply chains. 

Scalable Automation: Greater scalability for industries handling high volumes of alphanumeric data, ensuring accuracy across diverse applications. 

Conclusion: AI is Redefining Data Capture 

AI is transforming the way industries handle data capture, moving beyond traditional methods to deliver faster, more accurate, and automated solutions. From VIN plate scanning in the automotive sector to serial number scanning in logistics, AI enhances efficiency and reduces human error across various touchpoints. 

By integrating AI visual inspection workflows and AI for data capture, businesses can automate complex processes, improve operational accuracy, and gain real-time insights. This shift not only optimizes resource allocation but also ensures smoother, more efficient workflows across industries. 

As AI continues to evolve, its applications in data capture will expand, offering smarter, more scalable solutions that drive innovation and operational excellence. Embracing these advanced technologies is no longer optional, it’s essential for businesses looking to stay competitive in a data-driven world.

To stay ahead of this curve, Explore Scanflow AI and see how it can benefit your business operations, visit – https://www.scanflow.ai/get-in-touch/

Categories
Text Scanning Quality control

The Future of Visual Inspection for Automotive Manufacturing: AI Scanning Solutions in 2024

The automotive industry is undergoing a rapid transformation, driven by technological advancements and increasing consumer demands for high-quality vehicles. To meet these expectations, manufacturers are turning to innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, improve product quality, and reduce costs. One such solution is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into visual inspection processes.

AI-powered scanning solutions have emerged as a game-changer for automotive manufacturing. These systems leverage advanced algorithms and computer vision techniques to automate visual inspection tasks, such as detecting defects, verifying dimensions, and assessing surface quality. By replacing traditional manual inspection methods, AI scanning solutions offer several key benefits:

  • Enhanced accuracy: AI algorithms can detect defects that human inspectors may miss, ensuring higher product quality.
  • Increased efficiency: Automated inspection reduces the time required to inspect each vehicle, improving productivity and throughput.
  • Reduced costs: AI scanning solutions can lower operational costs by eliminating the need for manual labor and reducing scrap rates.
  • Improved consistency: AI systems provide consistent inspection results, reducing variability and improving overall quality.

When selecting an AI scanning solution for your automotive manufacturing business, consider the following factors:

  • Inspection requirements: Identify the specific visual inspection tasks you need to automate.
  • Integration capabilities: Ensure that the solution can be seamlessly integrated into your existing production processes.
  • Scalability: Choose a solution that can grow with your business and accommodate future expansion.
  • Cost-effectiveness: Evaluate the total cost of ownership, including hardware, software, and maintenance.

By carefully considering these factors, you can select an AI scanning solution that delivers the best value for your business.

Scanflow is a leading provider of AI-powered scanning solutions for the automotive industry. Their innovative technology enables manufacturers to automate various visual inspection tasks, including:

  • Component inspection: Verifying the quality of components such as headlights, taillights, and interior trim.
  • Assembly line inspection: Monitoring the assembly process to ensure that vehicles are built correctly.
  • Final inspection: Assessing the overall quality of completed vehicles before they leave the factory.

Scanflow’s solutions are designed to meet the specific needs of automotive manufacturers, offering high accuracy, speed, and reliability. Their technology is also adaptable to different inspection scenarios, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.

AI Visual Inspection Solutions

AI scanning solutions are playing a crucial role in transforming the automotive manufacturing industry. By automating visual inspection tasks, these solutions enhance quality, improve efficiency, and reduce costs. Scanflow’s innovative technology offers a reliable and effective solution for manufacturers seeking to optimize their production processes. As AI continues to advance, we can expect to see even more sophisticated and powerful scanning solutions emerging in the years to come.

Categories
Text Scanning

Top 5 AI powered- Barcode Scanning Software companies

AI Barcode Scanning Software is a revolutionary technology that uses artificial intelligence to improve the accuracy and efficiency of scanning barcodes. Unlike traditional scanners, which often struggle with damaged or poorly printed codes, AI-powered solutions can decipher virtually any barcode with impressive accuracy, even under challenging conditions like poor lighting or unusual angles.

AI Barcode Scanning Software isn’t just a fancy upgrade, it’s a game-changer. Beyond the obvious boost in speed and accuracy, it eliminates human error by deciphering even damaged or poorly printed codes. This translates to significantly less wasted time and money, improving your inventory management, supply chain, and overall data reliability. But it doesn’t stop there. This software unlocks hidden data within barcodes, offering richer insights for better decision-making. Whether you’re in retail, logistics, healthcare, or manufacturing, AI Barcode Scanning Software is the key to streamlining operations, enhancing efficiency, and driving business growth. It’s not just important, it’s practically indispensable in today’s data-driven world.

1) Smart Engines

Smart Engines is a company that develops AI-powered document scanning and optical character recognition (OCR) technology. Their software development kits (SDKs) can be used to scan and extract data from a variety of documents, including passports, driver’s licenses, credit cards, and barcodes. The SDKs are claimed to be accurate, fast, and secure, and can function on mobile devices, web platforms, and desktop computers. One of the key features of Smart Engines’ SDKs is their ability to scan barcodes. Barcodes are a type of machine-readable code that can be used to store and track information. Smart Engines’ SDKs can quickly and accurately scan barcodes, even if they are damaged or obscured.

Scanflow is a cutting-edge data capture solution driven by artificial intelligence that uses smart devices to scan and collect data. It can handle ID papers and scan text and barcodes, among other things, with ease. Beyond just data capturing, Scanflow can also automate workflows and streamline procedures, which will ultimately increase productivity. Scanflow’s versatility may be seen in its use in tracking goods in warehouses and verifying customer IDs at retail stores, to name just a couple of applications. Scanflow has many benefits, such as better efficiency, lower expenses, and more accuracy. Businesses looking to streamline their data collecting procedures will find it to be a compelling alternative because to its easy-to-use interface and smooth interaction with current systems. For that reason, Scanflow is a solution that is both powerful and diverse enough to improve your data capture game.

The platform of Anyline is made to be user-friendly, especially for those who are not acquainted with data capturing technologies. There is no need for human data entry because the platform automatically extracts data from photographs using computer vision and machine learning. Additionally, Anyline provides a range of SDKs and APIs that facilitate the simple integration of their platform with already-existing applications. The fact that Anyline works with current smartphones and tablets is one of its advantages. This implies that companies can use Anyline’s platform without having to buy any new hardware. Additionally, Anyline has a range of subscription plans that are reasonably priced for companies of all sizes.

Mobile barcode scanning and intelligent data capture systems are Scandit’s areas of expertise. By converting common smartphones and tablets into effective data gathering instruments, they enable enterprises. Imagine being able to capture barcodes, text, ID papers, faces, and other visual data quickly and accurately with ease and speed. This removes the need for large, specialised scanners and creates a plethora of opportunities for improving client experiences, increasing efficiency, and optimising operations. Scandit’s technology easily blends into current apps and processes, offering real value across a range of industries, from retail checkout and logistics to healthcare and field services.

One firm that specialises in data collection software is called Dynamsoft. They provide a range of solutions that organisations can use to automate their data collection procedures. From tiny businesses to major enterprises, a wide spectrum of organisations employs Dynamsoft’s products. Businesses can save time and money by utilising Dynamsoft’s data capture software, among other advantages. Businesses can avoid manual data entry, which can be a laborious and error-prone procedure, by automating data capture. The software from Dynamsoft can also assist companies in increasing the accuracy of their data. High-accuracy data extraction from documents is possible with Dynamsoft software thanks to optical character recognition (OCR) technology.

Categories
Text Scanning

How Intelligent Text Capture automates pharmaceutical workflows in Healthcare Organizations?

When it comes to providing medical care, errors of any kind have no place in them. Healthcare providers are frequently prone to medical errors and face challenges in workflow operations. Automation reduces the potential for human error and eliminates inaccuracies in the healthcare delivery system.

With technological advancements like artificial intelligence, the healthcare industry has made great strides in innovation over the past few decades. Automation has modernized healthcare services by bringing in innovative solutions across pharmaceuticals, medical devices, diagnostic techniques, and therapies. By automating manual processes, repeated tasks are eliminated, allowing healthcare professionals to take charge of their time and efforts and direct them toward more fruitful activities.

Scanflow Intelligent Text capture allows healthcare workers to scan REF/LOT codes from medical supplies providing digital information from their own devices!

Scanflow is an AI scanner for smart devices that captures data and automates workflows. It can capture any type of data, including text, IDs, numbers, barcodes, and QR codes. Scanflow Intelligent text capture scans any type of REF codes from medical supplies where clinicians can instantly view crucial information, such as dosage, and patient-specific instructions by a simple scan from any smart device.

The information captured is stored as digital records within the enterprise system. Every pharmaceutical product comes with REF/LOT codes printed on it which carry vital information about the medicine. Scanflow captures data from the REF codes in seconds from any angle orientation at any external environment, including low light, damaged text, and light glares.

Scanflow technology works with any smart devices such as smartphones, iPads, tablets, wearables, and drones that can be used even offline. The SDK can be integrated into any existing application and is compatible with Android, iOS, and development frameworks like Xamarin, React Native, etc. The data captured from the container is stored offline with secure data encryption.

  • Simplifies and automates end-to-end workflow operations.
  • Scans at any challenging conditions with high accuracy.
  • Real-time visibility of operations.
  • Reduces the risk of inputting the wrong data.
  • East to upgrade from any development platform.

Automation assists healthcare professionals in improving patient care and improving their job satisfaction by relieving them from tedious data-handling activities.

Healthcare automation enhances patient care, lowers costs, increases operational effectiveness, and strengthens the healthcare delivery system. Both healthcare providers and patients gain more advantages as technology develops and increases the scope of what is feasible in healthcare automation.

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