Marc,
I'm sorry for not replying sooner. I have integrated the barcode reader into my system. All readers essentially provide "keyboard input", so if you have a field, you can scan a barcode ( connected to the computer ) and it will put the data into that field.
The products all have UPC. ( Universal Product Codes ) which may differ from the partnumber printed on the box. For that reason, I provide a partnumber field and a separate UPC field. I also developed a function so my barcode reader could scan in a code, and add it to an array on the computer, and then the array UPC numbers could be processed however you want. Many barcode readers now are wireless. Some are bluetooth, and some have a USB receiver. Some work over a long distance, others require a closer proximity.
Although I provided the option to print barcodes years ago, I really don't see anyone using that anymore. Most barcoding is done for inventory control and parts sales. Since they are already on the packages, there is no need to print them.
My clients use the barcode reader for vehicle ID numbers, and to place items into inventory, and later to sell them ( place on an invoice ).
Make a list of where you want to use barcodes, then find a reader that suits your needs, and can read the codes associated with the items you will be scanning. After that, programming routines for the reader will be simple. Just consider it to be like programming for typed input, but the reader actually replaces the keyboard in that field.
Tim
