could you use a web app and then wireless handheld units on the network connecting to the intranet and throught to the application? This would allow for 10 or more scanners. symbol make some good handheld scanners including rugged versions. to get an automatic lookup you can code the page and do the work on the server, it would be much faster than working off the handheld. you can get the data into the vfp application from the intranet site and this means that you will not need new pc's.
~M

>Hi
>
>I have had some barcode applications developed fro me but this time I want to do it all myself
>
>I want to use portable scanners which first read a barcode lable on a mail bag and then read a barcode label on the package which is due to be sent out - if the destinations agree the package can be put in the bag otherwise the operator will get a warning message
>
>If the package matches the bag I want to be able to read the data into a VFP database there and then
>
>I could have upto 10 scanners operating at the same time
>
>Any views on the easiest scanner to use for this purpose?
>Is the comparison done on the scanner or on a nearby pc?
>Can I get the data into a VFP program - if so how?
>For 10 scanners how many host pc's would I need to have?
>
>This I know is all very basic stuff - any help would be appreciated
>
>Thanks
>
>Colin