This topic discusses the various
aspects of using barcodes and barcoding hardware

Barcoding
 (overview, software, hardware, reading, tips, etc)

  • Overview
  • Barcoding Software
  • Barcoding Hardware-Printers
  • Barcoding Hardware-Reading
  • Barcoding Tips & Tricks
  • Barcoding Installation
  • Wireless & Remote Solutions

Overview
 The subject of covers is very broad.   There are many types of barcodes used by different industries.  The most popular include UPC-A, UPC-B, ISBN, Code 39 & others.  There are many kinds of reading devices including pens, CCD & Lasers whch can be handheld, counter mounted or wireless.  Barcode reading is just an alternate input device.   The barcode hardware translates the barcodes to the equavalent of keystrokes.

Wands are difficult to use, you need to learn the exact speed with which to swipe across the bar code and usually need direct contact with the label.   The CCD version is not on until the trigger is pressed and needs to be within a few inches of the label.   The Laser version is always on and can read bar codes from a much further distance.

Cougar has are a rather unique approach to handling barcoding.   Some software publishers force you to make your stock number the barcode number.   Others have a special field to store the barcode number which is a problem since some products could have multiple barcodes or the same stock number coming from different sources may use different barcodes.  Cougar uses its very powerful alternate part number ability to store as many barcodes for a particular part as desired.

There are types of bar code formats.   The most popular include:  UPC-A,  UPC-B,  UPC-c, ISBN and Code 39.   Basically, the industry your in, determines the most likely barcode format you will use.

Most bar code readers and software can handle multiple bar code formats.  

Software
 Hardware  

Tips & Tricks 
Installation 
I recommend that Bartender be installed on the same drive letter as the Cougar Mountain programs.  It maybe even be installed as a subdirectory underneath Cougar's program directory (eg. f:\cmswin\bartend)

Barcoding Software
 There are lots of different barcode software packages available.   They all generate bar codes in different fromats.  Cougar employs Seagull's Barcode Generating software called Bar Tender to provide a seamless intregration into its inventory or purchase order modules.   From the Inventory Report Menu> you can select the inventory label report, turn the barcode option on and print one label, the number of labels in inventory or a user specified quantity of labels.  In Purchase Order, you access the receiving menu and the user can generate the number of labels needed on a purchase order that the supplier doesn't have labels.

The size and type of labels can be changed by enterring the Bar Tender software and modifying the pre-designed files as needed.

Menu-driven label printing software that produces the bar coded inventory labels you need. You have the flexibility and power of barcode generating software that works with the information already stored inside your Cougar Mountain Software inventory data files.

  • Includes professional, pre-made labels
  • Create new or customize existing labels
  • Full control of label format and size
  • Creates as many label formats as you need
  • Unlimited number of bar code or text fields per label
  • Automatic check digit capability
  • Supports a dozen bar code languages
  • Intuitive pull-down menu
  • Print bar codes from exported data files
  • Batch printing capabilities

Barcode Generator is produced and supported by Seagull Scientific.

 

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