Short Course Description

Introduction to Bar Code Technology

Anyone seeking an introduction to bar codes, bar code technologies, and how they are used in the BioPharmaceutical laboratory. A basic understanding of the use of bar codes either in or outside the laboratory environment is useful but not required. Typical attendees include scientists, engineers, lab managers, marketing and sales professionals, and students.

How You'll Benefit From This Course

• Understand the different bar code symbologies
• Gain an understanding of why some seemingly "Good" bar code symbols perform poorly.
• Enable yourself to make more informed decisions when implementing or updating a bar code based automated identification system.
• Work with off the shelf bar code scanners and software
• Understand the parameters involved in acquiring and decoding a bar code
• Learn about the different types of bar coded consumables and the technologies to decode them
• See how the bar code is essential for sample tracking from order entry through HTS and beyond
• Learn about new means of sample identification including RFID

Course Topics

• An Introduction to the basics of bar codes and the technology to acquire and decode them.
• Hands-on training with bar code scanners and the parameters that effect bar code acquisition.
• Strategy and implementation of bar code technologies in the BioPharmaceutical R&D lab.

Course Fee: US $600/$700*

Course Format: Computer

Class Limit: 40

Instructors:

Niels Wartenberg Microscan Systems, Inc. Renton, Washington USA

Niels Wartenberg has been part of Microscan Systems' Applications Engineering team since 2000. He currently holds a position as Senior Applications Engineer and is a core member of a cross-functional team focused on embedded bar code applications in the life sciences. Prior to joining Microscan Niels has 8+ years of experience with the implementation of bar code technology into clinical laboratory systems. Credentials from his home country of Denmark as an Electronics Engineer and a Certified Adult Educator support his experience.

Niels authored a tutorial in the application and theory of bar coding for the Journal of the Association of Laboratory Automation. Co-authored an article on the use of image-based auto ID for IVD Technology. Niels has annually taught short courses on bar codes since 2001.

Dan Cinicola Amgen, Inc. Cambridge, Massachusetts USA

Daniel Cinicola is working at the Amgen AMA site, with the Research Automation and Technologies group. He started working with automation 15+ years ago in the laboratories at the R.W. Johnson Pharmaceutical Research Institute. In 1993 he joined Zymark Corporation (now Caliper Life Sciences) as an Application Engineer and was responsible for the customization and installation of robotic systems in various laboratory settings. He then went to work for TekCel Corporation where he helped with development and integration of their automation platform in the laboratory. Five years ago, he returned to the pharmaceutical industry as the automation group leader for Millennium Pharmaceuticals' Lead Discovery Technologies group. Daniel has extensive and practical experience with a variety of laboratory automation systems and accessories.

* higher fee applies to those who are not ALA members