I’ve received a few questions recently about at-home barcode solutions and how to send information from a barcode scanner to an Excel database on a home computer.  For instance, here’s one…

I do not seem to grasp how a bar code reader will scan the bar code label and send it back to Excel. Do you know about this?

This is actually quite simple and all it requires is a keyboard wedge.  I thought it’d be good to go over what a keyboard wedge is, how it works and what it can do for you.

Keyboard wedges can be either hardware or software wedges.  A hardware keyboard wedge is a device that “wedges” between the keyboard and computer unit and helps translate data read by another device into keyboard data.  When you use a keyboard wedge with a barcode scanner, it will convert all barcode characters to keyboard key strokes and send it to the database in use.  The computer actually thinks that any data scanned is being typed in on the keyboard.

A software keyboard wedge offers the same benefits, but in a different way.  A software keyboard wedge connects directly to the COM port and not to the keyboard.  Data from the barcode scanner is sent to the COM port and is rerouted to the keyboard buffer.  Once again, the computer believes the information is coming directly from the keyboard.

Many barcode scanners, like the Intermec SR60 pictured above, come equipped with multiple interface options including a keyboard wedge.  The keyboard wedge is a low-cost answer for those wishing to implement a simple barcode solution and it’s also perfect for in-home use with PC’s.  For more complicated barcode solutions it’s always a good idea to talk to a systems integrator.  If you have any questions about hardware, software or pricing, you can use the tab at the top of the page to contact a systems integrator who sponsors barcode.com.

Next month, Intermec is offering a complimentary webinar that will discuss various solutions to reduce costs and maximize efficiency in fleet management.  Learn about the most cost effective solutions from a panel of industry experts including David Alexander, ABI Research, Jon Rasmussen, Intermec Director of Consumer Goods, Dan Titus, ALK Technologies VP of Business Development, Cindi Brandt, UPS Logistics Director of Marketing and Jeff Sibio, Intermec Director of Transportation and Logistics Marketing.  Find out about the technologies that you should be implementing, including mobile thermal printing, 2D image capture, route optimization and more.  The webinar is scheduled to last one hour and should be very informative.  To view a complete event description and more information about the scheduled speakers, Click Here, or just Register now and mark your calendars…

Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Time: 12:00 PM Eastern / 9:00 AM Pacific

Datalogic recently released their next generation of Gryphon 2D barcode imagers, the Gryphon D432/D412.  These recent additions can improve productivity in a variety of applications, and are ideal for retail and light industrial environments.  The Gryphon 2D Plus supports numerous symbologies, including 1D, 2D, postal barcodes, as well as stacked and composite codes like PDF417 and GS1 DataBar.  Equipped with Datalogic’s patented Green Spot Technology and 5-dot aimer, you’re sure to get accurate reads.  In addition to the standard features of the Datalogic Gryphon, the 2D Plus also enables image capture for applications that require signature capture or wide document scanning.  For more information about the new Datalogic Gryphon 2D Plus barcode imager, you can read the Product Profile.

Zebra is partnering with Supply Chain Digest to provide a free webinar next month that will demonstrate the Zebra Enterprise Connector Solution.  The Zebra solution was designed to streamline label printing using ERP solutions such as Oracle or SAP.  This webinar is a must attend event for organizations that want to lower costs, improve throughput and are looking for a scalable and easy to implement solution.  Learn how the Zebra Enterprise Connector Solution can benefit your business by looking at its effectiveness when applied to real-world applications.

Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Time: 11:30 EST, 10:30 CST, 9:30 MST, and 8:30 PST

If you can’t make the date you can still receive an on-demand version of the broadcast, so Register Now.

During EPC Connection 2008, Kovio Inc., announced the development of the world’s first silicon ink-based RFID tag.  The patented technology consists of tags with printed silicon HF integrated circuits that provide printed read-only memory and 106kbps data rate.  Pictured at left is metal nanocrystal powder and ink that is used to create these tags.  The use of silicon inks and graphics printing technology allows these tags to be produced at a fraction of the cost of other silicon technologies.  This new development dramatically reduces the cost per tag and is expected to facilitate the adoption of item-level RFID tagging.

“Printed electronics is no longer a vision — it is here,” stated Kovio CEO Amir Mashkoori, “The platform will enable new opportunities for advertisers, retailers, consumer packaged good manufacturers, and system integrators to provide instantaneous and contextual experiences to everyone who interacts, uses and purchases everyday consumer goods.”  Now that item-level RFID technology is becoming more affordable it will be interesting to see what retailers begin adoption first.  Kovio plans to initially use the HF PIC-based tags for item-level promotions and advertising, authentication, asset management and ticketing.