Re: wedge barcoding and gui -- BPCS-L

While I have never done bar-coding with BPCS, I did a ton of it with
PRMS.

There are generally two approaches -- the one you are taking ("wedge")
uses the bar-code reader just like a keyboard.  The wedge is essentially
a Y adapter between the keyboard and the PC/terminal.  You can
theoretically use it on the existing BPCS screens, whether gui or green
screen.  This only works in practice as a way to reduce keying errors,
not as a way to reduce people.  Or you can custom write an "entry"
program that accepts the bar-code entry as the only input on the screen
and does something.  This approach is good on an assembly line, where
the bar-code can be on a predictable spot.  Often, the entry program can
be an adapted version of an existing program, with defaults.  For
instance, at the end of an assembly line a reader can be mounted to read
the UPC bar code, and a modified version of the production entry program
written to default the rest of the entries (maybe from the terminal data
area?).  I did a PRMS version of this with great success.

The second approach is for the bar-code reader to be a serial device,
and there to be an intermediate device (or program) accepting the input
and dealing with it.  In this respect the bar-code process is similar to
some of the client-server/sockets programs that have been done on the
AS/400.  I have never done this, but there are a ton of vendors who
have.  Generally, the intermediate device/program is not cheap.

If you like I can go into more detail, either on the list or off-line.

Good luck, this stuff is fun and can save a ton of money and
headaches.


>>> Tom.Sult@bwaycorp.com 10/10/02 06:45AM >>>
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--
We are currently running version 6.0.01 on HP-Informix,
and are investigating wedge barcoding, primarily
in a parts inventory and management scenario.
Has anyone had good experiences?  With whom?
Can it run on GUI, or are dumb terminals required?

Thanks




=================================




Tom Sult
x4844

770-645-4844

770-645-4810 (fax)

tom.sult@bwaycorp.com

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