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Definition.
The barcode specific hardware that we supply generally falls into three
categories: handheld mobile units - usually with integrated barcode
readers; barcode readers for use with desktop or laptop computers; and
barcode printers.
Range of products.
SageData supply hardware from many different
manufacturers. We generally focus on barcode
specific hardware, but will supply servers and desktop computers if
they are part of a system using barcodes or mobile handheld
units. We have a close relationship with the top vendors, and
often participate in the initial field testing of new products.
Handheld units.
This is the basic workhorse for many of our systems. The
standard products include a screen (usually quarter VGA), a
keyboard, processor and memory. Most
units today use a colour, touch sensitive screen.
These devices place great emphasis on robust construction and long
battery life. Handheld units can be broken down into two
categories: batch and RF.
Batch mode mobile
hand held computers.
These units are intended to operate autonomously - independent of all
other support systems. Data is loaded to the
machine. During use, that data can be referenced for
confirmation
or direction. At the conclusion of the mission,
information is moved back to the central system. Key elements
include data security (protection from loss of data), and the
requirement to synchronise copies of a database which may have been
independently updated.
RF Mode Handheld
computers.
These units are set up to operate in conjuction with a central
server. In operation, they pass the users request back to
that central server, and display the servers response to the
user. Use of these units is restricted to the area covered by
the radio system - usually some hundreds of feet in any given
direction. Benefits include ease of use and immediate access
to current data.
Barcode readers.
Sometimes called wedge readers, tethered scanners, or presentation
scanners, these devices are connected to a conventional Windows machine
(either desktop or notebook) and enable that machine to read
information presented in barcode format.
What is a "wedge
reader"?
In recent years, desktop machines often connected the scanner between
the keyboard and system unit. Now, most readers connect
through the USB port. Some configuration may be required.
What is a
"presentation scanner"?
Most readers are operated manually - the user picks them up and points
at a bar code. Sometimes it is more convenient to leave the
scanner in place, and present the bar code to the reader. The
reader in this case is called a presentation scanner, as the bar code
is "presented" to the scanner. This set up is particularly
useful in a manufacturing environment, where a worker may be handling
an item, and needs to identify that item by scanning a barcode.
Barcode Printing.
Bar code printing is very difficult. But it is also very easy.
By this we mean that it is very easy to do, if you follow carefully a
long list of pre-requisites. But very easy to get wrong if
you miss a single step.
Barcode printers.
The first step is to buy the right printer. Many printers on
the market today are far from robust. They are
difficult to get working, and easily fall out of adjustment.
We recommend investment in an industrial quality printer.
Barcode printing
software.
Having selected the printer, the application is the next
issue. The application must be capable of
controlling the printer, or a seperate software application
is required. These packages can be extremely complex and
difficult to set up.
Barcode printing
supplies, labels and ribbons.
After that, there is the selection of supplies, label stock and
ribbons. Plenty of scope for error there.
Barcode printing
label design.
And finally, the design of the labels themselves. Did you get
the quiet zone right?
The barcode
registry.
One of the key administrative challenges is that of keeping a registry
of numbers issued. We have helped several clients who have
ended up with overlapping ranges (and logical chaos) in their
systems. SageData provides a registry for our
clients. They need only order "another ten thousand of the
small ones", and we will ensure that the new sequence will be
contiguous, and not overlapping.
Barcode printing -
summary.
None of these issues is insurmountable. But there is plenty
to get wrong. Make sure you work with a barcode professional,
before selecting and setting up your barcode printing system.
Further questions? We will be glad to help.
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