Bar Codes

  • Thread starter Thread starter Steve
  • Start date Start date
S

Steve

Can anyone suggest a good barcode reader and software
that is best compatible with Access? I would assume
Access is a good database for bar codes. Am I correct?

Thanks,

Steve
 
You have a wide choice of devices and many data entry options. The
simplest one is a keyboard wedge (I think Symbol ones are the industry
standard). When a barcode is scanned, it is inserted wherever the cursor
is positioned, and a Tab char is inserted afterwards. This makes it easy
to automate Access to take action on barcode reads.
You have other options like Bluetooth readers, PDA readers and others.
As far as reliabilitygoes, I would recommend using a Class II laser
scanner if your barcodes are high density. LED scanners are cheaper but
can not reliably read dense symbologies.
As far as choosing Access for BC applications - I think any program will
work. If you are familiar with Access, it will work. I think the
question is whether Access is a suitable database for you.
Pavel
 
Steve,

For a scanner, I would probably recommend any Welch Allyn PS/2 unit.
You simply plug it into your PS/2 port (they usually come with a
splitter keyboard cable). When scanning, the barcode data will simply
be entered into any text box with focus.

For printing barcodes in Access, take a look at our page for
step-by-step instructions with screen shots on how you can set it up
in Access Reports (using our ActiveX component):

http://www.barcodewiz.com/screenshots_Access2000.asp

Note that although the page shows our component (BarCodeWiz ActiveX),
the procedure is similar with any barcode component with data binding
capabilities.

You can also download a demo of the component -- it includes an Access
2000 file for you to "play with."

Another option is using barcode fonts, but that's much harder to set
up. With fonts, you will need to worry about start/stop characters,
calculating check digits, scaling. Commercial barcode fonts usually
come with a "barcode generator" program that encodes the correct
string of characters. You would need to copy and paste it into your
database table first.


Please don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions.


Alek Szymanski

Add barcode capabilities to your programs and documents
http://www.barcodewiz.com
 
For an introduction into barcode scanning and how to connect a barcode
scanner to your PC have a look at the "barcode scanning" section of my
site.

Also, there is info available on how to print barcodes from within MS
Office.

http://www.axelwolf.org

HTH Axel Wolf
 
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