Getting Started with barcodes - what is really needed.

[falkaholic]

I am starting a inventory project that will be using barcodes.

Up to this point, I've know barcodes to just be a special font to scan in via scanner, or print out via label printer.

My question is what software do I need? I see there is some barcode plug-ins, but I am not sure how they actually help. I assume I need to get a barcode font (for UPC and one for the format of the label printer). I haven't purchased the hardwhere yet so I can not try everything out.

Also, in terms of hardware, I am looking for a durable scanner and label printer. Does anyone have any recommendations ?

Thanks,

E

[Bailey Kessing]

I create and print Barcodes using the ScriptMaster Plugin

http://www.360works.com/

Fonts are limited in the type of barcode, but works well for code 3 of 9. The SM plugin make a lot more types available for you (using java).

a Zebra TPL 3842 is a nice label printer for macs and PCs or you can use a little Dymo printer also. I use both depending on use. In terms of barcodes scanners if you need a versatile scanner the DS6708 works well for linear and 2-D barcodes.

[RodSierra]

We use free 3of9 fonts on all our solutions. No need for plug ins or special software. As for printing, most any printer is capable for a 3of9 code, but size could be an issue if your using very large strings. Test your scanner before you buy the printer. As for scanners, the cheaper the better is what we recommend for factory data entry of 3of9. The cheaper ones will be less sensitive, and have a limited read distance. For the 3of9 barcode field make a calculated text field that adds an asterisk to the beginning and end of your data field, choose the 3of9 font for the field on your layout and your done.

[falkaholic]

Thank you both.

For a scanner, I am looking for one that can take some light punishment (will be used in a school). There seems to be a big price break; ~$30ish, then straight to industrial $300+. Some also are USB but only mention be compatible with certain POS system and I am not sure if that means they can be used like a regular USB scanner or not. Would any model that claims to be USB be desktop PC compatible? Any models you have used with success?

[RodSierra]

Most of my customers specify their own hardware. But I've used a brand called Birch in the past. They have cost effective models and higher end models. The cheaper ones will be led, and then into the laser scanners. If your in a warehouse environment where you need distance, then a higher end unit would be better. If your doing most of your scanning from a desk environment, then perhaps a cheaper led version would suit you. I have one I test with, it cost about $15 US. I like it because if it will scan something, you can pretty much bet the higher end ones will work also. Most of the USB scanners now are essentially what used to be called keyboard wedge type, meaning when you plug them in they act like a keyboard input device. To test one, simply plug it in open a text document and start scanning. The scanned info should show up in the text document. To use it for database applications you can set the end of scan character, and adjust your database settings so that character moves you from field to field.

[jasonwood]

For the simplest setup, you want a scanner that uses keyboard emulation. That is - the computer sees it as a keyboard and when you scan something, it "types" the bar code at the cursor.

USB scanners do not necessarily have keyboard emulation, but they often do.

Personally, I prefer to use RS-232 Serial scanners, then adapt to USB with a USB to Serial adapter, and communicate with the scanner via Troi Serial Plug-in. It's more expensive and more complicated than keyboard emulation, but you never need to worry about clicking in the scanning field first. The scanned data is passed directly to a script, regardless of the current field or layout.

[Agnes Riley]

We sell barcode scanners that work with FileMaker out of the box. We're FileMaker developers ourselves, who wanted to make the procedure easier.

We have a growing selection of barcode scanners for Desktop computers and iPhones/iPads. All Bluetooth scanners will work with iOS devices. We also have some USB scanners for desktop use. Several scanners can collect batch data (support scanning for a day, then go back to the office and download the data).

Please visit our website: store.zerobluetech.com to search and compare products.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

We will also be at Devcon 2012 and will bring products with us. Follow us on twitter.

[brian rich]

@Bailey Kessing

We currenty print labels on to page stock, but would like to be able to print both text and barcodes onto individual labels on a roll.

If you are printing to the Zebra or the Dymo printers, is this done directly from a Filemaker layout using the standard print system or do you need intermediate software?

Thanks

Brian