At 02:11 PM 7/30/1998 -0700, [EMAIL PROTECTED] so eloquently stated:
>> I suppose you could. A bar code merely has bars that are read by
>> a reader -- not magnetically-encoded. When I demonstrate the use
>> of bar codes I often carry a storyboard book where the bar codes
>> are in plastic. And there are a lot of cheap bar code programs
>> available. So, you could generate a bar code, attach it to your
>> banner, scan it, and find it in your inventory. If that were the
>> case I would use UPC-A, rather than UPC-C as the first only needs
>> 6 digits (internal use) whereas the second needs 12 digits,
>> included the number assigned by the UCC.
>
> Many of the bar code readers will do code 39, which has alphanumerics.
>I have some programs that produce code 39. Why inventory numbers when you
>can have the full URL?
>
That's another form of bar coding. UPC is numbers only. I agree
about the URL, but, hey, he was dreaming.
> You can buy bar code scanners that sit between the keyboard and the
>computer. Some require a physical wipe across the code, others move the
>beam for you and let you read the item without physical contact.
>
There are three types of scanners: pen wand, CCD and laser. Pen
wands are worthless, as they misread often (a retail client
called me in after their system was condemned by the state of NJ
for misreading.) CCD read the entire code, but need to touch the
bar (or be within 2-4 inches). Lasers are the most reliable, and
some can shoot twenty feet (for inventory).
> A good book on this is "The Bar Code Book", by Roger C. Palmer,
>Helmer's Publishing, 174 Concord Street, Peterborough, New Hampshire
>03458. ISBN 0-1911261-05-2. It specifies, not just describes, each of the
>more common bar codes, talks about equipment for reading and printing the
>codes, etc.
>
> Whenever I do a large mailing to clients, I use bar codes below the
>return address so that I can retrieve the database record from which the
>envelope or card was generated. That lets me phone them and update or
>weed out returns rather quickly. It is not that hard to print bar codes
>using a laser printer.
And that is still another type of bar code (from the USPO). Most
WP software will print those.
Printing of bar codes from a laser printer will work for small
volumes but are not too reliable for mass reading as in a retail
store. Then you need thermal printers.
Gee, you'd think I know something about bar coding and retail <g>.
George
_______________________________________________________
George Matyjewicz, C.M.O. mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
GAP Enterprises, Ltd. http://www.gapent.com/
Moderator of E-Tailer's Digest http://www.gapent.com/etailer/
Your Resource for Retail on the Net
Moderator E-Marketing Digest http://www.webbers.com/emark/
Marketing Your Web http://www.gapent.com/myweb/
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