| The user who scans a barcode must be able to | | | | cheapest models. Since everything is networked one |
| identify any issues with scanning and rectify them | | | | way or another these days, it is deemed unacceptable |
| during the scanning process in order to prevent | | | | for a user to travel over to a computer after scanning, |
| problems further down the supply chain. Likewise, | | | | for example, to input the data or transfer the inventory |
| knowing how the PDA barcode scanner works is only | | | | file manually. |
| really the sure-fire way of rectifying problems in the | | | | Is there anything else you need to know other than to |
| first place. | | | | get a PDA with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi? First of all, |
| Here are 5 top tips to help you manage your users | | | | battery life certainly needs to be considered since |
| and ultimately a barcode scanning operation. | | | | these kinds of wireless connectivity do take a lot of |
| Top Tip #1: Understanding barcode scanner interface | | | | battery power. A Palm barcode scanner is more |
| Probably one of the most important and often | | | | desirable in this department since it takes much less |
| overlooked aspects of using a barcode scanner is | | | | battery life than a Pocket PC barcode scanner. |
| understanding how the PDA scanner works. This is | | | | However, both can transfer data over a wireless |
| especially important when we mention the words | | | | network to a host PC for inventory management |
| Pocket PC and Palm. Even though a Palm barcode | | | | (which should be able to receive data wirelessly itself). |
| scanner might operate differently from a Palm | | | | Making sure you find a model that has all types of |
| barcode scanner, there are some differences (and | | | | connectivity will save your skin in the long run. For |
| similarities) which allow management of both types of | | | | example, the Motorola MC70 barcode scanner is great |
| barcode scanner easier. | | | | for all kinds of scanning and connectivity and can even |
| For example, a Pocket PC barcode scanner will | | | | be used to make calls. Such a device would need |
| integrate well with Word and Excel, a massive plus if | | | | extensive training in order to get the most out of it, |
| you need to inventory stock manually or make notes | | | | however, since there are many features that can |
| and later transfer them to a PC. Of course, a small | | | | make scanning and everyday usage much easier. |
| resolution on your Pocket PC may pose a few | | | | Top Tip #3: Scanning Procedures |
| problems when editing a document, but most Pocket | | | | Just like any type of barcode scanner, process of |
| PCs (and Palm's) that support a resolution higher than | | | | scanning your barcodes is also very important. In terms |
| 320x320 will make its operation much easier. | | | | of software, look for the ability to control how much |
| In addition, it's important to know the different types of | | | | information users can edit. Ideally, item information |
| input available for your barcode scanner. Most Palm | | | | should not be altered but the inventory ID might need |
| and Pocket PC barcode scanners offer the ability to | | | | changing if it was read incorrectly by the PDA |
| write on the PDA using a stylus just as you would use | | | | scanner. In addition, standardise the scanning procedure |
| pen and paper. However, the PDA barcode scanner | | | | by providing a small guide on the relevant fields to edit |
| may need calibrating to suit individual users, which may | | | | and any information that might need to be added |
| be a problem if a number of people are using the | | | | manually. Top Tip #4: Understanding the Barcode |
| same barcode scanner. For most PDAs, using the | | | | Understanding the type of barcode you are scanning |
| keyboard onscreen is only the other option unless you | | | | (termed symbology) will not only help your users scan |
| have a built in keypad (which most PDA barcode | | | | the correct barcodes but also allow you to choose the |
| scanners now do). | | | | right PDA barcode scanner. Most PDA scanners now |
| So, when choosing your PDA barcode scanner, | | | | scan with CCD technology, meaning that a camera is |
| consider the functionality, compatibility and issues that | | | | used to capture the image which is then interpreted by |
| may be raised when implementing a PDA barcode | | | | the software. This allows much more flexibility than a |
| scanner in your organisation. Pocket PC barcode | | | | laser barcode scanner, which can only scan in a linear |
| scanners integrate much better with everyday | | | | fashion. Using a CCD PDA barcode scanner, you can |
| applications such as Word, although types of user | | | | scan 2D barcodes as well as the more traditional 1D |
| input, such as the stylus method or built in keyboard, | | | | linear barcodes. |
| are common between both the Pocket PC scanner | | | | Before purchasing your PDA barcode scanner, make |
| and the Palm barcode scanner. | | | | sure you choose the correct scanner based on the |
| Top Tip #2: Knowing connectivity | | | | specification of your barcodes. |
| Back in the day, PDAs could only really communicate | | | | Top Tip #5: Dealing with User Errors |
| with other PDAs and PCs via infra-red or serial COM | | | | Suggest ways of scanning the barcode to users. |
| (gasp!). The late 1990s brought wireless, although that | | | | Usually, laser PDA barcode scanners are faster than |
| really only became popular in the early 2000s when | | | | CCD scanners, although recent advances in |
| laptops came down in price and a demand for mobile | | | | technology means this gap is closing all the time. As a |
| connectivity went up. During this time, Bluetooth | | | | result, errors should not be that much of a problem. |
| became popular with mobile phones and for short | | | | However, there may be times during transit that the |
| range networking, this method was both convenient | | | | barcode becomes unreadable or damaged. Using top |
| and easy to set up. | | | | tip #3, create a reference guide to the fields that need |
| Since a PDA barcode scanner is a cross between a | | | | to be filled and offer advice on inputting information if |
| phone and a PC as well as taking a small form factor, | | | | the barcode is not scanned correctly. |
| both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi is now prevalent on even the | | | | |