Pocket PC Barcode Scanners and How to Use Them (Part 3 of 3)

Barcode Varieties

Surprisingly, numerous bar code types exist out there. The standard bar code is what most people are used to seeing and features a series of lines. You often use a laser to read this code.

However, newer systems have a more two dimensional system and will need to be scanned with newer CCD or picture capture technology. In picture capture, the bar code is merely photographed, and afterwards translated by the computer to read the code.

Even if you currently use the standard laser bar codes, you will likely not want to be held back by limitations in your pocket PC barcode scanner and should consider purchasing the most advanced machine in your budget range.

User Error and Training

Make sure you train the people who will be using your pocket PC barcode scanner so they can use it. Teach them to look for issues with the input system so they can identify them, though you'll likely encounter user error more often than that. You often have to calibrate CCD scanners, so they can pick up the data more easily; if your employees are adequately trained with the scanner, you'll be able to avoid a great many problems that could arise. If you like, you can assemble a quick troubleshooting manual to address any potential problems. Use the scanner yourself in order to know what problems crop up more often, and how to fix them, passing that information along to your employees. This way, there will be less time wasted figuring things out for them.

Pocket PC Barcode Scanners and How to Use Them (Part 2 of 3)

Communication in Your Network

When hand held computing devices were first introduced, data transfer was accomplished manually. This was accomplished by connecting your barcode scanner into an appropriately networked PC to get the info from one place to another. Now, everything is networked and almost always wireless. You'll find WiFi or Bluetooth features on nearly every scanner. Unfortunately, this makes the battery life of your scanner quite short, so bring backup batteries in order to ensure the data gets transferred.

Scanning Flexibility

You computer will fill in a lot of the blanks required to get information processed, but it can make mistakes sometimes. You want to be able to have the capability of editing items that either input incorrectly or have data that is missing. Look for this flexibility on your machine.

Pocket PC Barcode Scanners and How to Use Them (Part 1 of 3)

If you or your employees regularly use a bar code scanner, it's helpful to be able to troubleshoot and correct problems before they interrupt normal operations. In order to use it effectively, you have to know how a pocket PC barcode scanner works. Here's a few things to keep in mind.

Product Features

You'll want to know from the start what you machine can do and how it does it. For the most part, Microsoft Word and Excel work well with the scanners, so you can even change things manually. You can often enter data with a keyboard or a stylus - a higher resolution to your screen will help prevent inaccurate reading of information. Also, make sure that your pocket PC barcode scanner works seamlessly with any other existing software.