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Quick Start
 Using
barcode scanners in data collection saves time, improves accuracy
and is a whole lot more convenient. It can be quite simple to
make use of barcodes in your information management solutions.
Barcode Scanners and Printers
Bar code equipments used in large scale applications are usually
quite sophisticated. Thermal barcode printers may be used to print
out water-resistant barcode tags which can withstand frequent
rubbing and scratching. Laser
barcode scanners may then be used to read the barcode automatically
when one is positioned within range of its laser beam and properly
oriented. You may also use handheld barcode scanners, barcode
PDA scanners, or wireless bar code scanners where mobility is
needed.
For most purposes, printing barcode labels on laser or inkjet
printers may be sufficient. They are not water-resistant nor scratch-proof,
though adding a piece of transparent sticky tape on top of the
labels may help. To produce high-quality barcode labels, you need
dedicated thermal bar code printers. They require special software,
which are either provided with the printer or supplied by a third-party
vendor. You may also add code to your database management system
to drive the printers to produce customized bar code labels.
There are two methods of thermal barcode printing. Direct
Thermal is a less expensive method of printing labels. It
requires only one label roll because the printhead burns the image
directly on the labels. However, the labels can be easily damaged
by heat or pressure. Thermal Transfer produces the highest
quality labels. This method requires one label roll and one film
or ribbon roll because the print head burns the image on the film
first and then the film is pressed on the labels.
There are many popular barcode symbologies. One of them is Code
39. Its encoding is simple -- you just put an "*" in
front and behind the alphanumeric string. You can then use an
appropriate barcode font to print it out. A free
code 39 barcode font is available here. If you need dependable
barcode labels with the highest rate of successful scans, we advised
you to purchase this high quality
Code 39 Font Package. Please note that you need to use all-caps
alphanumeric strings with these fonts.
Using Barcodes
STEP 1: Set up Database
Set up a simple database to manage the data you want to capture.
You may use FileMaker Pro, Microsoft Access, or your favorite
RDBMS. Include a unique tracking code in each data record, such
as item serial number, or ISBN if the items are books. Add a new
field that automatically copies the tracking code and encodes
it by adding the "*" marks in front and behind. Finally
set up a label form in your database to print the barcode labels.
On your barcode label, set the C39 encoded tracking code in
the appropriate barcode font, and your favorite font for all other
data you include. However, you will likely find that the barcode
is either too short in height or too wide. The steps to create
the best barcode is to first set it to the biggest font size that
can fit within the label, then duplicate the field one to two
times, align them perfectly at the left, and shift them one on
top of another to extend the height of the barcode.
STEP 2: Acquire Handheld Barcode Scanner
Acquire a barcode reader
that works with your computer and database. Most barcode readers
today transmit what they read as keyboard inputs. Check that this
is the case with your hardware and software.
Once you have your new scanner, you often need to configure it
first. Find the hardcopy or softcopy manual, and you will likely
see pages of configuration barcodes for you to easily set up your
scanner. Follow the instructions and scan the several barcodes
to configure your scanner.
STEP
3: Testing
Test with your sample labels and fine-tune your whole setup.
Once successfully done, you can begin experiencing the increased
efficiency barcode brings.
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