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Here are 5 top tips to help you manage your users and ultimately a barcode scanning operation.

Top Tip #1: Understanding barcode scanner interface

Probably one of the most important and often overlooked aspects of using a barcode scanner is understanding how the PDA scanner works. This is especially important when we mention the words Pocket PC and Palm. Even though a Palm barcode scanner might operate differently from a Palm barcode scanner, there are some differences (and similarities) which allow management of both types of barcode scanner easier.

For example, a Pocket PC barcode scanner will integrate well with Word and Excel, a massive plus if you need to inventory stock manually or make notes and later transfer them to a PC. Of course, a small resolution on your Pocket PC may pose a few problems when editing a document, but most Pocket PCs (and Palm’s) that support a resolution higher than 320×320 will make its operation much easier.

In addition, it’s important to know the different types of input available for your barcode scanner. Most Palm and Pocket PC barcode scanners offer the ability to write on the PDA using a stylus just as you would use pen and paper. However, the PDA barcode scanner may need calibrating to suit individual users, which may be a problem if a number of people are using the same barcode scanner. For most PDAs, using the keyboard onscreen is only the other option unless you have a built in keypad (which most PDA barcode scanners now do).

So, when choosing your PDA barcode scanner, consider the functionality, compatibility and issues that may be raised when implementing a PDA barcode scanner in your organisation. Pocket PC barcode scanners integrate much better with everyday applications such as Word, although types of user input, such as the stylus method or built in keyboard, are common between both the Pocket PC scanner and the Palm barcode scanner.

Top Tip #2: Knowing connectivity

Back in the day, PDAs could only really communicate with other PDAs and PCs via infra-red or serial COM (gasp!). The late 1990s brought wireless, although that really only became popular in the early 2000s when laptops came down in price and a demand for mobile connectivity went up. During this time, Bluetooth became popular with mobile phones and for short range networking, this method was both convenient and easy to set up.

Since a PDA barcode scanner is a cross between a phone and a PC as well as taking a small form factor, both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi is now prevalent on even the cheapest models. Since everything is networked one way or another these days, it is deemed unacceptable for a user to travel over to a computer after scanning, for example, to input the data or transfer the inventory file manually.

Is there anything else you need to know other than to get a PDA with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi? First of all, battery life certainly needs to be considered since these kinds of wireless connectivity do take a lot of battery power. A Palm barcode scanner is more desirable in this department since it takes much less battery life than a Pocket PC barcode scanner. However, both can transfer data over a wireless network to a host PC for inventory management (which should be able to receive data wirelessly itself).

Making sure you find a model that has all types of connectivity will save your skin in the long run. For example, the Motorola MC70 barcode scanner is great for all kinds of scanning and connectivity and can even be used to make calls. Such a device would need extensive training in order to get the most out of it, however, since there are many features that can make scanning and everyday usage much easier.

Top Tip #3: Scanning Procedures

Just like any type of barcode scanner, process of scanning your barcodes is also very important. In terms of software, look for the ability to control how much information users can edit. Ideally, item information should not be altered but the inventory ID might need changing if it was read incorrectly by the PDA scanner. In addition, standardise the scanning procedure by providing a small guide on the relevant fields to edit and any information that might need to be added manually. Top Tip #4: Understanding the Barcode

Understanding the type of barcode you are scanning (termed symbology) will not only help your users scan the correct barcodes but also allow you to choose the right PDA barcode scanner. Most PDA scanners now scan with CCD technology, meaning that a camera is used to capture the image which is then interpreted by the software. This allows much more flexibility than a laser barcode scanner, which can only scan in a linear fashion. Using a CCD PDA barcode scanner, you can scan 2D barcodes as well as the more traditional 1D linear barcodes.

Before purchasing your PDA barcode scanner, make sure you choose the correct scanner based on the specification of your barcodes.

Top Tip #5: Dealing with User Errors

Suggest strategies to scanning the barcode for you to users. Usually, lazer PDA barcode code readers are faster when compared with CCD scanners, although recent advancements in technology implies this gap is closing continuously. As a consequence, errors should not be a whole lot of of a trouble. However, there could possibly be times during transit that this barcode becomes unreadable as well as damaged. Using prime tip #3, create a reference guide on the fields that should be filled and offer suggestions about inputting information if your barcode is certainly not scanned correctly.

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