The Pluss Corporation

Transcription

1 The Pluss Corporation BARCODING Barcoding is a feature available within Vision. It has the capability of assisting with the management of inventory. Before we get into what barcoding can do for you inside Vision let s first understand how barcoding works in a business and the variation of the codes. The UPC (Universal Product Code) is the standard with UPC-A, B, C, D and E code type. Barcoding has grown to include variations like Codabar, Code 25, 11, EAN 2, 8, 13, Pharmacode, POSTNET and recently QR codes. While the UPC code seems to be universal like it says in the title they are in fact customizable to each user s individual business software system. In this way a single barcode can mean 10 different things to 10 different businesses. The code is whatever you need it to be and is determined by the software you scan it into. The bars on the code actually represent an alphanumeric string of characters that may be displayed at the bottom of the code. These are the characters that will be entered into the active field in your software. Let s take a look at how barcoding works in Vision. Vision can create a barcode based upon the information in inventory, on the inventory screen. It will first look at the UPC field, and if that is blank, it will then use the Item Number field to create the barcode. When you scan the barcode with the scanner it types in the alphanumeric characters from the barcode into the highlighted field on the screen and presses enter. That s it. The scanner acts like a keyboard input device. The scan just replaces you entering the characters and pressing enter on the keyboard. It makes things a little quicker and less likely for a user input error to happen. You can also use the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) barcode inside Vision. You will need to scan the code s alphanumeric characters into the UPC field on the item s screen. This is simply done by editing the inventory item (F4), clicking into the UPC field and then scanning the OEM barcode. You should never enter this code manually, always scan the code in with the scanner. This will again stop user input errors. Within Vision you can use the scanner to search for inventory items from the F10 search, add items to a salesorder, workorder, estimate or search for an order from the open order grid and go into a labor operation on a workorder from a scan sheet. For inventory control you can label bins and shelves with a singular label so that you don t need every item with a label. Some will have labels on them and they can be used in Vision (see above) so then printing a label will not be necessary. Using a device that can be mobile, like a tablet, laptop or other handheld device, along with a scanner will allow you to walk around your inventory locations and alter existing orders or the items themselves without being held at a desk. Doing this in conjunction with a monthly cycle count will keep your inventory hyper accurate and allow you to control the ordering system.

2 SETTING UP INVENTORY FOR BARCODES Once Inventory Part Numbers are setup with Descriptions, Pricing and Locations the Manufacturing UPC numbers can be added to the inventory part, Adding the Manufacturing UPC will then connect the Inventory Part information with the electronic Barcode read by the Barcode Scanner. If using the existing UPC numbers already on the parts/package simply go to the part in the Inventory Management screen and using [F4] Edit go to the UPC field use the Barcode Scanner to scan the existing barcode and UPC. It is not recommended to type in the UPC number, use the barcode scanner to ensure the accurate UPC number is recorded from the barcode.

3 F7] PRINT The [F7] Print option will access the Label Menu for printing Inventory labels and the detailed Transaction report. This menu is not alphabetical, the menu selections are associated with the Letter that best fits the function. The top section is related to Inventory Labels and Barcoding. If you are not using the existing UPC and will be printing your own barcodes, go to the Inventory Management screen where the part number, description, pricing and location is setup. Select [F7] Print, B. Label Bar Code. The system will prompt for how many labels (defaulting to the quantity in stock) to print and to create the Barcode as Part Number. The default is Y for Yes on the prompt: Create Bar Code Label as Part Number, because this lessens the opportunities for mistakes. Allowing the system to build the Barcode based on the Part Number as the UPC the system will easily create a unique barcode for you.

4 INVENTORY LABELS L. Label Normal The Normal Label option will print a basic label used on the storage shelf. P. Label Include Price The Label to include price is typically used on retail shelves. B. Label Bar Code If using the Barcode Module the label including the Bar Code will speed up the inventory count and upload process if the shelves are labeled appropriately. C. Setup Custom Barcode To change the spacing or information on the Barcode Label. Use the same tools and features available for Custom Forms. Suggest to get a qualified Pluss Corp Tech to help with a custom label. S. Label Bar Code Serial Number If using the Barcode Module this option will print the Barcode and the Serial Number to be placed on the part to ensure the item is sold properly with the correct serial number and barcode handy. A. Label Laser Sheet 3x10 Normal Labels can be printed to a Laser sheet with 3 x 10 size labels (typically all areas use Avery 5160 style labels). These laser labels cannot be used for barcoding.

5 PRINTING BARCODE s by Line code, by Location, and one at a time. Once Barcode are setup you can print one label at a time or by location, or by a whole line. Printing barcode by line, 8. REPORTING SYSTEM A. Inventory A. Parts Grouped by Line A. By Line (enter line code) V. Report By Location (Use this option if you want to print by location and not by line code) O. Other Option Menu B. Print Labels For Condition Set Change Print Bar Code Label to upper case Y to print labels Change Prompt for Quantities to Print to a upper case N to not ask for Qty

6 Example of next screen where you have the option to print one label, automatically print all labels, or skip the item and go to the next item. You can also exit the menu with the X. PRINTING BARCODE TO SHEET Once Barcodes are setup and the appropriate labels are printed some companies prefer to have preprinted scan sheets for smaller inventory items. Scan Sheets can be done from the Reporting System. 8. REPORTING SYSTEM A. Inventory A. Parts Grouped by Line A. By Line (enter line code) O. options 2. Barcode as Part Number P. Preview

7 Symbol Ls 2208 Barcode scanner Comes in wired and wireless version Plug and play install Low cost Scans most barcodes Interfaces with Vision software Simple design and use Works with current user license in Vision