EN ISO/IEC 19762-1:2012 defines a harmonized vocabulary for Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) techniques. Prepared by ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 31 and adopted by CEN, this part (second edition, 2008 text adopted in 2012) provides general terms and definitions that underpin more specialized AIDC standards. Its purpose is to ensure consistent, unambiguous use of AIDC terminology across industry, research and regulation.
Key topics covered
- General AIDC terms and definitions - foundational concepts such as data, information, bit, byte, character, character set, code, encode/decode, read/write and incorrect read are defined.
- Classification scheme - a hierarchical numbering system (nn.nn.nnn) that categorizes entries by “Top Level” (e.g., common AIDC topics), “Mid Level” (e.g., technical features, applications) and “Fine” sequence numbering for consistent cross-referencing.
- Abbreviations and indexing - standardized abbreviations and an index to support efficient lookup and cross-part consistency.
- Scope and interoperability focus - vocabulary intended for use by both specialists and non‑specialists to improve communication and reduce ambiguity in specifications, procurement and implementation.
Practical applications
- Standards-aligned documentation - use the harmonized terms in technical specifications, user manuals, test plans and compliance reports for barcodes, RFID, ORM and locating systems.
- Procurement and contracting - reduces misinterpretation in RFPs and contracts by using agreed definitions for AIDC functions and performance terms.
- System design and integration - helps integrators, developers and system architects map requirements consistently across hardware (readers, tags, scanners) and software (encoding, decoding, data formats).
- Training and cross-disciplinary communication - provides non-specialists with authoritative terms to communicate with AIDC experts, improving onboarding and stakeholder alignment.
- Regulatory and interoperability testing - serves as a reference when defining test criteria, conformance language and interoperability expectations.
Who should use this standard
- AIDC engineers and system integrators
- RFID, barcode and optical media vendors
- IT architects and software developers working on data capture
- Procurement officers and standards/quality managers
- Regulators, test labs and trainers needing consistent terminology
Related standards
ISO/IEC 19762 series parts referenced in the standard:
- Part 2: Optically Readable Media (ORM)
- Part 3: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
- Part 4: General terms relating to radio communications
- Part 5: Locating systems
Keywords: AIDC, automatic identification and data capture, harmonized vocabulary, EN ISO/IEC 19762-1:2012, ISO/IEC 19762-1, terminology, RFID, barcode, interoperability, standards.
