Barcode Scanner, have you used one with calypso?

[[Ro...]]

So as my company is making strides to automate several things, im told they are not only looking to add a barcode scanner to the CMM's, but that they already have them on order.
Where im at we "Bag & Tag" every part, so traceability is huge with us.
The idea is that with a scan of a label we should be able input Work order and piece number data directly into the computer, and we will never ever ever have a wrong number typed in again. so basically a fix for something that almost never happens.
so i dont have anything in hand yet, but im told the company is actually called "BarTender" (i know, right...) and that they will be here soon.

My question to you guys....
1 have any of you used a barcode scanner to populate header data?
2 have any of you used barcode to open a program?
3 Have any of you used Bartender with Calypso?

[[An...]]

At our CCM we do not use a barcode scanner, I think that with scanner still manual inputs must be made!
I see no advantage here in terms of the cost / benefit factor,
On my contour measuring device I use a scanner, because it is much more flexible on the device, because I hardly have to make manual input!

[[Ja...]]

We use a barcode scanner on some automotive parts we produce. We have a Telesis EV15DS Laser Marking System that we use to laser etch every part with a 2d barcode and numeric code that includes the Julian date, part number, and serial number of the individual part. When it gets to me to measure on the CMM I can scan it instead of typing the number in the increment part number box. If it doesn't want to scan for some reason then I just type it in but it usually works great. It beats using a sharpie and the parts are traceable to production date. I don't use it to open programs. I have never heard of bartender but I like the sound of that.

[[se...]]

Our company uses scanners on our palletized/autorun parts. The operators and inspectors seem to like it. As Jason mentioned, if the scanner errors out, it is then entered manually. Not sure about BarTender, but how about an open source code scanner software? Could be called 'OpenBar'. That has a nice ring to it...... 😎

[[La...]]

We are using barcode scanners since 6 years or so and we handle it like a manual text input (via PCM).
For example, the worker is starting the programm and he has to scan the confirmation number from SAP, which is printed on the production order. A programm is connecting to SAP which is downloading and populating header details like order number, material number and so on.

to open a program with barcode "option barcode" is needed to do so. But we dont have this license, since it was only able to start
progams and nothing more (6 years ago). Maybe this has changed over the years ..

We dont use Bartender and actually i dont know anything about it.

[[Ja...]]

I use PDF417 barcodes to completely populate my header data window that pops up before run. TMy barcode is formatted to get goto the correct start field, add data, tab to next field (or passed pre-filled fields), and tab to the Next key and send "ENTER" key stroke. I build my data sheets in excel with a plug-in to create the barcode.