FileMaker And Wireless Barcode Scanning
Since I get a lot of questions in regards to the new wireless barcode scanner, I decided I’ll do a little write-up to answer some of the questions that arose around this topic and maybe give you all a little more info.
So, let’s start with why is this such a great idea. We were able to use Barcode scanners with FileMaker databases before; what benefit will the Scanfob 2002 scanner bring?
Let me tell you how we did things at my last jobs as an in-house developer. We had 30,000 members at the Union. We organized rallies, and had to keep track of when people showed up and when they left. Printed plastic ID cards for them with their photo and a barcode representing their ID in the system (among other things). Purchased Symbol (now Motorola) 1504 portable barcode scanners and gave them to the organizers to went out on the field to gather the data.
These are the steps they had to follow:
- Collect the data (scan the cards when they come and leave);
- Go back to the office;
- Download it on Windows to an application;
- Export it as a text file;
- Put it on the server;
- Import it into FileMaker on a Mac;
- Massage the data (get rid of duplicates, etc.).
I know, there are two steps that could be bypassed had we worked on Windows, but we didn’t. We had one machine for good measure and for these situations mentioned above.
Instead of all the above steps, all you have to do now is scan directly into a FileMaker database field.
If your database is hosted on the FileMaker Server, your data is safe; presumably backed up every 30-60 minutes. You never have to worry, what if someone loses a barcode scanner on the way back to the office, or the person doesn’t come in for days. You can also get instant reporting on your data. Let’s say you’re scanning people attending an event. You can easily tell who is there and who’s missing, how many people attended, and you can even do a raffle on the spot.
To connect the Scanfob 2002 scanner, you need a Bluetooth chip in your mobile device. It’s very easy to pair them; you will be provided with a printed sheet of codes that will help you with the pairing process. Once you’re paired and connected you’re ready to scan. The device acts like any other Bluetooth device, therefore the scanning distance applies.
You can charge it from your notebook out on the field, because it charges from a USB port. The battery actually holds up pretty well, too, especially if you disconnect it from your device when you’re not scanning.
Hope this tickled your fancy.
If you need more information, you can learn more from the links below. If you still have more questions, contact us.
