Newbie Q: Using a barcode scanner with VB
Quote:
> I was wondering if it was possible to use a barcode scanner with VB. Specifically,
> the scenario is this:
No reason why you shouldn't use one.....
Quote:
> Currently, an associate in manufacturing can access a bunch of on-line work instructions
(written in MS word) by clicking buttons on a front-end interface developed in VB. There has
been some discussion of using a bar-code scanner whereby an associate can scan the serial number
for a particular model and get specific info pertaining to work instructions (which will still
be in MS word files) associated with the features for this model.
Quote:
> I hope this makes sense
> Would appreciate if anyone has info to my query. Thanks in advance,
To my knowledge, there are essentially 2 types of bar-code scanner, and i've worked with them
both recently. "Wedge" types wedge themselves in between the computer and the keyboard, and
when you scan a bar-code the unit wedges the data into the keyboard buffer as if it had been
entered from the keyboard. We use this type here at our company, and we rather like the HP
KeyWand, which although expensive, feels good, and can recognise a remarkable range of
bar-codes.
The second type is one that plugs in the serial port. If my memory serves me correctly, these
are more off-line devices, and it is quite common for the data to be captured into a file on
disk rather than entered through the keyboard buffer, so it can be processed later.
Providing VB takes data entry via the keyboard buffer, and doesn't use some kind of funny data
entry system, it whoudl work a treat......Let me know how you get on, and if you want anymore
information...
Regards
Dan Lyon
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* Full Time Student, Part Time VB Programmer, and general Good Egg *
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