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Barcodes

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    #1

    Barcodes

    We have developed a maintenance managment software (CMMS) application but wish to scan a BAR CODE in for the Work Order number when I am completing the work order. This would replace a user having to type it in. The bar code would be printed on the Work Order which a tradesman returns.

    Other places where bar codes would come in handy include: Purchase Order number and part number.

    Can Alpha 5 be adapted to accept scanned bar codes into a field instead of typing.

    Thanks.
    Tags: None
    #2
    RE: Barcodes

    Andy:

    Put simply, yes.

    I'd suggest CODE 39 as the barcode format, as it can be used to represent both alpha and numeric characters. This is particularly handy with part numbers that contain characters. You will need to purchase barcode fonts, which will allow you to create barcodes on labels, forms, and reports in Alpha.

    You will also need a keyboard "wedge" and a scanner for each computer that is involved. A wedge is a decoder that usually hooks up to your keyboard PS2 socket, and the keyboard, in turn, plugs into it. The wedge will convert the barcode into keyboard pulses, and allow the keyboard to function as it would normally.

    It should be noted that other wedges are available, some of which (serial) require third party software running in the background (used to be called a TSR, but now is nameless...) for use.

    All the user does is scan the barcode into the Alpha field.

    Craig

    Comment

      #3
      RE: Barcodes

      Andy:
      I agree with the CODE 39 as the barcode format.
      Consider data idenifiers.
      These are characters embedded into the barcode to verify that the scanned item is going into the correct field.
      Example.
      Employee badge may start with a B ex *B012345*
      Purchase orders may start with a P ex *P1234-0987*
      The astrick * is required for the scanners to pick up the code 39 font.

      The data identifer will be stripped off befor it is entered into the field.
      This allows the programmer to verify the the user is scanning the correct barcode.

      We use several different scanners. Both swipe (slot) scanners and laser scanners.

      If you can afford 250 to 300 dollars look at the Metrologic scanners at metrologic.com. They come in a serial and a keyboard type. The keyboard has a built in wedge and a Y cable to plug into the Keyboard. With the keyboard type no additional software is needed to make the scanner work.

      If you need handheld scanning (mobile device) consider the Windows CE device by Unitech- PT900.This unit is good for taking warehouse inventory,picking items from shelves where a computer is not available.This requires Windows CE and the scanner is more expensive. ($ 1250.00)

      The barcode fonts that we use are WASP Fontware. You can order it from PC Connection for about $ 80.00

      Charlie Crimmel

      Comment

        #4
        RE: Barcodes

        Being rather cheap, we used a free barcode acquired from the internet (using a search engine, type in free barcode software) and a wasp wand for less than $150.00. We also saved about 1,000 man hours per year for this negligible investment.

        Regards,

        Jay Talbott
        Jay Talbott
        Lexington, KY

        Comment

          #5
          RE: Barcodes

          James:

          How right you are...

          Around two years ago, I was dealing with a large retailer on Long Island. (Pergament Home Centers).

          They carried 35,000 items, or SKU's, as they were called.

          It was determined that 15,000 of those items were poor sellers, and were to be removed from certain stores. For the first 3 - 4 stores, they closed the store they were extracting the poor sellers from, and had the entire store staff (of 30 full timers +/- and many part timers) work for three weeks to remove the product.

          The store personnel were given stacks of printouts (by department) which they had to manually flip page by page to find the product to be removed.

          I asked the IT department for a ASCII file of the discontinued barcodes, programmed them into a portable data collector, and set them up so they could have 7 people do the same job in 5 days. All they did was scan the barcode, and the data collector reflected the status of the item.

          This simple solution saved the company $50,000 dollars in each store thereafter, and allowed them to stay open during the extraction, allowing sales to continue.

          Barcodes save time and money, and help to eliminate human error.

          Craig

          Comment

            #6
            RE: Barcodes

            How do you enter the asterisks on a barcode number. Does it have to be a calculated field and will the asterisks show up on the printed report so you can scan it.

            Thanks for any help you may give me.

            Nip Lewis

            Comment

              #7
              RE: Barcodes

              How do you enter the asterisks on a barcode number. Does it have to be a calculated field and will the asterisks show up on the printed report so you can scan it.

              Thanks for any help you may give me.

              Nip Lewis

              Comment

                #8
                RE: Barcodes

                Just to get the terminology straight, you can't attach an asterisk to a number. You have to have the "number" to be barcoded in string format. At that point it is a simple string concatenation...

                "*"+number_string+"*"

                The concatenation can be a calculation in a field rule for a calculated field in a table or it can be a calculation for a calculated field for a layout (label, report, etc).

                The asterisks are not part of the visible barcode when you place the concatenation on a layout and specify that the result appear in a code 39 font. The asterisks are there to tell the barcode scanner where the information to be barcoded begins and ends.
                There can be only one.

                Comment

                  #9
                  RE: Barcodes

                  Hi Stan

                  Thank you for the information

                  Nip Lewis

                  Comment

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