Use of Barcode Scanners
Barcodes have become part of everyday life. They are used on a massive scale, and their potential applications are truly wide-ranging. While barcodes themselves are essentially the same in principle—representing a character string in the form of lines or a mosaic—their final use can differ depending on the type of scanner used. A scanner can be either basic (everything it scans is sent to the computer as if typed on a keyboard) or smart (it does not require a direct connection to a computer and has its own operating system, e.g., Windows CE).
Keyboard-emulating scanners
At OLC Systems, we strive to get the most out of these basic barcode scanners. For example, if an operator is working with individual raw materials in production, and these materials are labeled with different barcodes from various suppliers, we take advantage of these differences by automatically positioning the cursor in the correct fields within the information system during scanning. Naturally, we also check the entered data against the production batch currently loaded in the machine.
Smart scanners
We use smart scanners whenever the operator needs to move around large premises (such as warehouses) where it is not possible to remain within reach of a computer screen or audio signal. It is not uncommon for operators to move between warehouses where there is no Wi-Fi coverage, and thus no access to the information system’s online services.
The key difference between smart scanners and keyboard-emulating scanners is their built-in intelligence, independent of a computer connection. A smart scanner does not need to be connected via cable or wireless network. It contains specially adapted programs that allow the operator to scan multiple codes sequentially and later (once a connection to a computer is available) upload them in bulk to the information system for further processing.
At OLC Systems, we use this type of scanner not only for collecting codes but also for enabling users to add additional information directly from the scanner’s keypad. For example, in an inventory application, the warehouse worker simply scans the barcode of each material item and, after each scan, enters the quantity physically available. They can also adjust this quantity directly on the scanner’s screen. All data is stored locally in the scanner, meaning there is no need to be online during the process. Once the work is complete or a network signal becomes available, the data can be uploaded to the information system on demand.