Lockheed Martin Systems Integration - Owego now offers advanced technology for automatic data collection on cartons, boxes and parcels. The company's Distribution Technologies unit has developed a Carton Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and Video Coding Subsystem (VCS) product that automatically reads labels, addresses and barcodes on cartons. Image-capture capabilities range from a single side up to six sides.

Now one product can handle all data collection needs. The system's unique design enhancements and modular structure will increase productivity, minimize errors and conserve costs at processing and distribution centers worldwide.

Introduced today at the Frontline Solutions Chicago 2000 exposition at the Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill., the new Carton OCR/VCS system is featured at the Lockheed Martin Distribution Technologies exhibit (Booth #357) through Oct. 5.

"Data on nonbarcoded cartons previously had to be captured using manual data entry and processing," said Michael B. Schoultz, president of Lockheed Martin Distribution Technologies. "This manual data entry of handwritten and machine printed labels or addresses has been a significant bottleneck in distribution center processing."

The innovative Carton OCR/VCS system from Lockheed Martin eliminates these manual tasks. It is the only OCR/VCS system capable of reading cartons from one side or up to six sides, and it has several patents pending. It also is the only available system that integrates machine-printed label, handwritten label and barcode reading software into one product. It can locate and read alphanumeric labels, addresses and barcodes with 360 degrees of rotation. The VCS option can be used to efficiently capture data from any remaining unreadable items.

"This new product evolved from a heritage of innovation and leadership in address recognition systems engineering for domestic and international mail," Schoultz noted. "By combining our knowledge with what our customers told us they needed, we developed a highly flexible, very reliable, cost-effective solution."

Distribution Technologies is a leader in design, production and systems integration of a broad product portfolio of recognition, sortation, facilities operations automation and information management systems technology. It serves national postal services, mail centers, mail service providers, retail companies and package delivery services worldwide. Distribution Technologies is a business unit of Lockheed Martin Systems Integration - Owego, a leader in providing advanced-technology products, services and systems integration solutions for defense, civil and commercial customers worldwide. Systems Integration - Owego employs more than 4,300 people at facilities in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom and is a unit of Lockheed Martin Corporation with headquarters in Bethesda, Md.

For information on Lockheed Martin Distribution Technologies visit: http://www.lmdtech.com/.

For information on Lockheed Martin Systems Integration - Owego visit: http://www.lmowego.com/.

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Systems Integration