>>The other 3 worked like a charm. The user hits the button, the UPC code pops into the appropriate textbox and the valid code fires. The end-user loves it and the guy in the warehouse says it's easier than the RF scanner -reader they were using earlier. We picked the one the warehouse-guy liked best and sent the others back.
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>One of my project involves a scanner in the components. It's a scanner with memory which at the end of the day or after a shift, the user is going to a workstation and download the data in an ASCII file using a software from the manufacturer of the scanner. Then, he will switch to Visual FoxPro and choose the Import option to bring the data into the master files.
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>The manufacturer of the scanner told us that it might be possible to do our own Import function directly from Visual FoxPro and avoid the first step. I guess this will involve using low level file function like FOPEN('COM1:') or something like that.
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>Comments?

We had done several BarCode projects. The most important factor is compatability of the barcode hardware to the operating system. The easiest for the programmer is keyboard interface between scanner (or portable reader) and PC for input. The Interface has the intelligence to convert barcode *TYPES* into text, be sure it matches the barcade type you are using 3 of 9, UPC, etc. Lots of formats !

Output to a portable reader for downloading a program is generally done through the comm port. Portable readers have their own proprietary programming languages, with few standards, and even fewer meeting the standards.

Many BarCode projects fail due to user expectations beyond the programming environment. Failure to control the product area. BarCodes on containers of products where the product is easily removed from the container. Failure of labels to adhere to products, because of many special glue mixtures required to adhere to plastic in particular. Barcode *Pens* destroy un-laminated labels, and readability is 70% to begin with.
More in-depth issues if you are interested.

On the lighter side:

At night, people can paste large BarCode labels on their shoulders. Then use the portable readers, and chase one another around the room. The one with the most *Hits* on that label, wins the Laser Tag game.
We thought the breakage rate from dropping the readers was high :)