Jul
8
Written by:
Pam Burnham
7/8/2008
We often receive calls from those interested in taking advantage of bar code technology and interested in more information on our solution for Dynamics GP which will add the ability to use this bar code technology to scan their inventory. I have found that many of those calling assume they purchase a bar code scanner for $200 and they are ready to go. While this is true to some degree, it is important to understand the differences between a bar code scanner and a mobile computer.
First, let’s get an understanding of what a bar code really is. Typically, a 1D bar code is the unique identifier for a record stored in a database. This might be an item number, a location ID, a purchase order number, a sales order number, etc. The idea of bar coding is that when that identifier is scanned or captured, the details of that record can be found or accessed in the database. The actual details of that record are not stored in that bar code and minimal details would need to be included in a label.
Let’s take a look at the difference between a bar code scanner and a mobile computer (or handheld). Let’s use an item look up as an example. If you have a tethered bar code scanner2, you would need to be in the appropriate field in the host system. Using Dynamics GP in this example, positioned in the Item Number field on the Item Inquiry screen. Instead of typing in the item number or using the look up to select it, you could then scan the bar code which would populate the Item Number field just as if it was manually typed in. This type of bar code scanner replaces the need to manually enter in information in any specific field. However, you still can only access the information from the host computer.
A mobile computer with a bar code scanner1 on the other hand, is just that. It is a computer that can easily be carried and moved around. You may have heard references to difference operating systems such as Windows Mobile or Pocket PC. These mobile computers have the ability to hold contacts, maintain a calendar, browse the Internet, and have Pocket Word and Excel. Just like any other computer, a software application can be installed. Our PanatrackerGP application has a software component that runs on the mobile computer. There is an Item Inquiry as part of our inventory application. Just like the tethered scanner, the item number can be scanned (key entry and look up options are also available). Since our application communicates directly to the Dynamics GP database, we can look up the item the same as if sitting at the computer and display the same Site/Bin quantities information real-time. The difference… the person with the mobile computer can access this information on the warehouse floor.
Accessing data is one thing. Mobile computer applications can also capture and update transactions in the same manner. The user gets the same validation as the person entering the transactions directly. Receiving can be completed at the receiving dock in one step. Inventory can be put away faster since the receipt is created immediately. Inventory moves can be recorded when they happen and sales orders can be updated with the items picked before leaving the warehouse. You can’t do that with a tethered scanner.
I’m not saying there isn’t a place for the tethered or cordless bar code scanner. I have worked with customers that simply wanted to be able to scan the bar coded serial numbers in at receiving. A small investment sometimes can also have a big payback.
1
A mobile computer is often referred to as an Enterprise Digital Assistant (EDA), handheld, portable terminal, or a Data Capture Mobile Device. EDAs are to the business sector what the Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) is to the domestic sectors. EDAs may include a touch screen, bluetooth, and one or more data capture devices such as a bar code scanner or RFID reader. EDAs have many uses in many types of business: Warehouse Management, Inventory Control, Field Service and Sales, and Fixed Asset tracking. An EDA is designed to withstand all-day, every day use in more harsh or hazardous environments.
2
There are several types bar code scanners or readers: Handheld scanners, pen scanner or wand, stationary scanner, and a fixed position scanner. Most bar code readers use a PS/2 or USB cable for output. The bar code characters are received by the host computer as if they came from its keyboard decoded and converted to keyboard input within the scanner housing.