Frequently Asked Questions/ FAQs > How do I use barcodes?

Requirements: To print and use barcodes, you will need to have the Bar Code module, an add-on for the Standard & Professional editions. If you wish to evaluate the module please contact sales@smglobal.com for a trial or to purchase a license. You will also need to have or purchase your own barcode scanners to scan in the bar codes. The bar code scanners should be of the "wedge" type (plug into the keyboard) OR should use software that makes it seem like the bar codes are being entered as text on the keyboard.

Barcodes for equipment, parts, etc. can be printed on work orders. With barcodes it is easier to scan out parts from stores, work orders can be easily retrieved as needed and so on. The add-on currently supports "Code 39(Extended)" and "Code 128" barcodes. These barcode types are the most commonly used in manufacturing industries worldwide and are supported by most barcode scanners.

1. First you will need to set the bar code options by selecting "Settings" from the "Administration" menu on the main window.

2. Option 1: You can print bar code labels for equipment, parts or people by selecting "Barcode Labels" from the "Tools" menu on the main window. This can be useful if you want to stick the labels on the equipment/ parts and use the label in conjunction with a hand held scanner and the "Find" function available on the main window to pull up equipment/ part details.

3. Option 2: Select the option to print bar codes in the Planning report. This will print barcodes for equipment, parts, work orders, etc. For example the printed part barcodes on the work order could be used by the inventory manager to pull up the parts when the technician goes to get the maintenance parts from inventory. The work order barcodes can make it easy to pull up & update/ close the work orders using the "Find" function on the main window once the technician completes the work order and returns it with their comments/ feedback.