Barcodes

[[To...]]

Is anyone taking advantage of using a barcode scanner? If so, please post with what you're doing with the scanner and what software you are using, i.e. Barcode Reader license only, PCM, FACS, etc.

The following is a response from Zeiss

Regarding the Bar Code Scanner you don’t need any special software to do BASIC functions: you can use a scanner as a “Keyboard Wedge” to just directly enter scanned info into a textbox. Note the operator would have to click in the appropriate textbox before scanning the tag. Now, if the desire is to scan a big long ID string from a traveler and parse it out into different bits of information, PCM is needed. Finally, if the desire is to scan a barcode and automatically begin inspection, that’s a HUUUGE deal that requires FACS and the BARCODE option.

[[Is...]]

I have a local development for automatic execution of programs, however if you have operators in the CMM the option in Autorun is much easier to implement:

[[Is...]]

Normally when you plug a barcode reader to the usb port this works like a keyboard input..
For more advanced developments some barcode readers come with drivers to send the data to a simulated serial port… then the information is captured in background.

[[ke...]]

I generate the barcodes for the company job travelers out of the ERP system and serial numbers in Excel and print on Dymo's,
For the Zeiss the operator's scan in the Job#, Revision, Customer PO, Heat Lot#, and Serial number. As the run progresses, they scan in the next parts' heat lot# and Serial number.

I use Code39 (barcode style) and have not had an issue with Zeiss or any of the other floor computers reading it even a Windows 98 can, no special software.