Smart-er wireless barcode scanner?
October 13, 2011 8:17 AM Subscribe
Need to find a wireless barcode scanner that can either do simple logic on its own or have a computer tell it if the barcode it just scanned is correct or not.
I have a warehouse with barcoded stock and barcoded shelves. In order for the inventory system to know where things are, the item will be scanned, then the shelf it is placed on will be scanned. It seems like a simple wireless scanner that just caches all the data could pose potential problems if scans are missed or the wrong barcode is scanned, etc. So I was thinking if I had two way communication with it, maybe I could have it beep or something when it scanned up a valid pair of barcodes. Or maybe have it pre-loaded with the valid barcodes up front and then when scanning in the warehouse the scanner itself could sort out that one item was scanned then one shelf was scanned- and then download the scans when it was plugged back into the computer.
I've only dealt with USB Symbol scanners before, so this is a bit new for me and I can't figure out anything that might have two way communication. I think the Bluetooth 100m range would be ok (how does that work around shelves of inventory?) since my space is maybe 200' x 120'.
Thanks!
I have a warehouse with barcoded stock and barcoded shelves. In order for the inventory system to know where things are, the item will be scanned, then the shelf it is placed on will be scanned. It seems like a simple wireless scanner that just caches all the data could pose potential problems if scans are missed or the wrong barcode is scanned, etc. So I was thinking if I had two way communication with it, maybe I could have it beep or something when it scanned up a valid pair of barcodes. Or maybe have it pre-loaded with the valid barcodes up front and then when scanning in the warehouse the scanner itself could sort out that one item was scanned then one shelf was scanned- and then download the scans when it was plugged back into the computer.
I've only dealt with USB Symbol scanners before, so this is a bit new for me and I can't figure out anything that might have two way communication. I think the Bluetooth 100m range would be ok (how does that work around shelves of inventory?) since my space is maybe 200' x 120'.
Thanks!
They're called "Barcode Data Collectors". Usually they're used for scanning and storing data, but most have a scripting language that lets you read and write from memory and perform basic logic comparisons. Complexity increases with price, but even the basic ones should let you write a little script that compares (barcode 1) to (barcode 2) and responds if they're the same.
posted by AzraelBrown at 8:46 AM on October 13, 2011
posted by AzraelBrown at 8:46 AM on October 13, 2011
This product from Symbol, has wifi connectivity with a Win CE OS so you easily write your own apps to run on it.
posted by Confess, Fletch at 10:02 AM on October 13, 2011
posted by Confess, Fletch at 10:02 AM on October 13, 2011
About 10 years ago I wrote an application like this for the Intermec Sabre wireless scanner which had the capability to do just what you describe - send beeps and/or flash LED's on the scanner.
I would think they would still be making a similar product.
posted by canoehead at 3:38 PM on October 13, 2011
I would think they would still be making a similar product.
posted by canoehead at 3:38 PM on October 13, 2011
Response by poster: Thanks for the help. I've found some last gen smart barcode scanners (Symbol PDT8100's) I can pick up used as a lot that should do the trick. Just have to learn WinCE programming now :)
posted by prggr at 8:17 AM on October 19, 2011
posted by prggr at 8:17 AM on October 19, 2011
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posted by suedehead at 8:44 AM on October 13, 2011