The power of bar code scanning devices
Tuesday/10/17 2006 | Soapbox
Capturing data without keyboard entry limits errors and increases speed. Entellic's Nathaniel Hein mastered the programming aspects of bar code scanners, enabling Entellic clients to customize data capture for their systems.

Last year, Entellic installed a point-of-sale system for a college bookstore that incorporated Symbol™ bar code scanners. This experience with the scanners prompted us to find new ways to use the technologies beyond retail operations.

A short while ago, a government client was seeking a way to eliminate data entry into their document tracking systems. Bar code readers were the logical choice. The result: Now, as paper records are delivered to clerks, a small bar code label is immediately affixed to the margin. Every time an activity with a document takes place, such as check-in or check-out of records during various technical review processes, the bar code is scanned to record the activity: This process creates a virtual audit trail without a number of entry steps.

And, more importantly, when the final document is ready for archive as a PDF, the document is named properly during the conversion process by scanning the barcode as its title. The bar code scanner is used to make each document process less cumbersome and error-free.

This is just one inexpensive way to automate what was once a clumsy manual entry process.

That same organization is currently incorporating bar code scanning into their inventory control operations. But, this inventory is not typical. Containers of radioactive material are moved from control areas. Therefore, the error rate for these movements must be "zero."

Entellic assisted the organization by creating several bar code applications that are uploaded into several industrial-grade batch scanning units. The applications administer remote data capture operations in a tightly-controlled, linear process. Upon docking the scanner, the data is uploaded as a batch into a FileMaker™ application. This application, named MoveControl, evaluates the data for errors. Three things occur as a result of the evaluation:

  1. The operator is released to make the sensitive container movement from one inventory control area to another.

  2. Live data is synchronized to the primary container tracking systems, allowing administrators to have a "live" portal into container movement activity.

  3. An "audit trail" is created to demonstrate compliance to procedures for all container movements.

    4. Obviously, each example in this story is specific to the needs of our clients. However, the combination of remote data capture, error control, and live reporting makes a strong case for any organization.

    For more information about how bar code scanners (or other devices that scan labels that incorporate radio frequencies in lieu of optical bar codes), call Entellic, today.