Printing Barcodes
Abstract
The Capable 21C Stock Control module has the ability to recognise barcodes on
products. In addition, the Workflow Director has the ability to
acknowledge patient/client check-in using a barcode reader. An office may
find that they have a need to produce their own barcodes for use with either (or
both) of these features. This knowledgebase article discusses barcodes and
how to produce them.
Underlying challenge
There are a number of international standards that dictate how barcodes should
appear, and how they should be produced. Each barcode scanner will support
one or more of these standards. The first step in producing barcodes (or
barcode labels) is to identify which of these standards is supported by your
scanner. One of the more common standards is often known as '3 of 9'.
Once the standard has been identified, it is quite easy to locate a matching
barcode font on the internet. Some of the fonts carry a small cost (eg
around AU$30). Some are free.
When the font has been identified, it should be downloaded, installed onto the
PC, and then a word processing tool such as Microsoft Word (tm) can be used to
produce barcoded labels.
Resolution
Most barcodes have a text representation beneath them that shows the number
represented by the barcode. It is possible to reproduce the barcode by:
- Starting a new blank document in Microsoft Word.
- Type the barcode number visible beneath the barcode.
- Select the text by dragging the mouse across it.
- Change the font to the barcode font.
Note that if a label sheet is used with many labels, it may be time consuming to
key in all the numbers (either identical for product labelling, or different for
patient/client ID Cards). It is advisable to save the document for future
reference once the desired outcome is achieved.
Detailed Information
It is advisable when producing barcodes to type the desired barcode number twice
(underneath eachother), and change only the first number's font to the barcode
font. This way, it will be easy for a person to identify the number
originally used.
Different barcode readers require barcodes of a different size. It may be
necessary to experiment with some sample sheets (printed on plain paper instead
of labels) to ensure that the font size is adequate to achieve consistent
results with the barcode scanner.
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This knowledge resource is designed
for use on a Windows (tm) XP system operating at a screen
resolution of 1024x768 or better. Windows Media Player must be
installed for this training resource to operate correctly.
Copyright 2008 Capable Software
Pty Ltd
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