What is a Barcode Scanner?

A barcode scanner is a device that reads barcodes, which are optical representations of data. These devices are an integral part of automated data collection (ADC) systems that include various technologies such as voice systems, RFID, OCR, pick-to-light, laser scanners, CCD scanners, hand-held batch and RF terminals, vehicle-mounted computers, and wearable computers. The primary function of barcode scanners is to capture and relay the barcode information to other systems for processing and interpretation.

There are multiple types of barcode scanners, each utilizing different technologies to suit various applications. Laser scanners and CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) scanners represent the two primary technologies. Laser scanners use a laser beam to read barcodes and are particularly effective in warehouse environments due to their longer scan distances. Conversely, CCD scanners, which utilize an array of sensors, are more suitable for shop-floor production-reporting applications due to their shorter scan distance.

Handheld scanners are the most common form of barcode readers and they come in various configurations including mobile units, which combine a handheld computer with scanning capabilities, and in-counter scanners that are embedded within countertops for easy scanning of items. There are also fixed mount scanners for automation purposes, which are commonly used in warehouses and manufacturing settings. Presentation scanners are another type of stationary scanner designed for wide-area reading.

Barcode scanners work by autodiscrimination, which is the ability to recognize different barcode symbologies that are being scanned. Some scanners are designed to connect via a keyboard-wedge interface, which sends ASCII data to the computer as if it were a keyboard input, providing a low-cost method for integrating ADC into existing systems for shop-floor reporting and shipping applications.

Barcode Scanner Plugins for Excel

Barcode Add-In Installation and Features

The Barcode Add-In is an installable feature for users of Excel 2003 and Excel 2007. It is located within the /Resource subdirectory of the trial package and is named ConnectCodeBarcodeFontAddinTrial.xla. For Excel 2003, it adds a new toolbar, while for Excel 2007, it introduces a new item in the Add-In tab. This plugin features a Generate Barcode button on the toolbar or item, which opens a dialog allowing users to select a column of data to convert into barcodes and to choose a Barcode Symbology.

Scan-IT to Office Add-On Capabilities

TEC-IT's \"Scan-IT to Office\" is an Excel barcode scanner add-on that enables barcode scanning directly into Excel and supports a variety of platforms such as Android, iOS, and multiple desktop and web applications. It can be used with custom data acquisition forms and supports real-time data collection, end-to-end encryption, and offline functionality. Although the add-on is free to use, the companion mobile app offers a free trial and can be purchased for full functionality. The add-on is also compatible with other applications like Microsoft Word, Google Sheets, and SQL databases.

Orca Scan Integration with Excel

The Orca Scan mobile app allows for barcode data collection, which can be integrated into Excel sheets using the Orca Sheets feature. Users can access Orca Sheets globally and configure data import frequency and format through URL parameters. This integration is set up by using the 'Integrations' button in Excel to configure settings, including the ability to include an audit trail in the data push to Excel.

Common Use Cases

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  Inventory Management
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  Order Processing
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  Data Analysis and Reporting
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  Multi-user Data Collection
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  Asset Tracking and Management

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Scan-IT to Office plugin work with Excel for barcode scanning?

The plugin allows real-time mobile data collection and barcode scanning into Excel by using the Scan-IT to Office app on a mobile device. Data is transferred wirelessly to the desktop computer and inserted directly into the active spreadsheet, eliminating manual data entry.

Can I create custom forms for data capture using the Scan-IT to Office plugin?

Yes, the plugin supports custom data acquisition forms that can include a variety of input fields to match your data collection needs, such as for stocktaking or attendee tracking.

Is the Scan-IT to Office plugin able to work without an internet connection?

The plugin can operate offline by caching the collected data until internet connectivity is restored, ensuring no data loss during the collection process.

What types of data can be captured with the Scan-IT to Office plugin?

The plugin enables the capture of a wide range of data types including barcodes, NFC tags, camera images, manual inputs, time-stamps, GPS locations, and more.

Is the Scan-IT to Office plugin free to use?

The add-in for the plugin is free, but the mobile app may require a subscription for unrestricted use. Free support is offered via email and Skype.