Choosing the Right Barcode Scanner

The Barcode Scanner must be able to read ITF-14 barcodes, also known as 1D or ITF-14-Interleaved 2 of 5. This is a fairly standard barcode and most barcode scanners are capable of reading multiple types of barcodes.

Both laser and wand scanners work.

The following are scanners that have been verified to work with SkanPoint:

• WoneNice USB laser Barcode Scanner Wired ($21)
  • Used by HMIS Team
• Alacrity USb Wired Barcode Reader ($17)
• Metrologic Voyager MS9520 ($86)
• Symbol LS1900T-1000
• LaserChamp Mobile Barcode Scanner
• Unitech MS 180-1UBG
• Wasp brand scanners have been confirmed to work as well

Many scanners are capable of “Plug and Play”, requiring no additional software. Others will require software to interact with your personal computer.

• ServicePoint is not compatible with “Memory Scanners”. Additional software from the scanner vendor is necessary to facilitate data transfer in these cases.

Barcode Recommendations

The following is WellSky's recommended combination for adding a barcode scanner to ServicePoint.

• Client OS
  • Any of the supported Microsoft operating systems for ServicePoint
• Client Browser
  • Recent versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari or Internet Explorer
  • All supported browsers for ServicePoint
• Adobe Acrobat Reader version
  • 5.0 or higher
• Barcode reader
  • Symbol LS series
• Printer
  • Any Windows compatible 600 DPI or greater Laser Printer
• Paper
  • Cardstock
    • Standard 10-up business-card stock
    • 50 – 75 lb.
    • 2-columns of 5 cards, shoulder to shoulder, centered on the sheet, (any brand)
    • ServicePoint’s .pdf layout fits just inside the cut-lines of "business card" size.

Barcode Incompatibilities

The following is a list of substitutions not to make when adding a barcode scanner to ServicePoint.

• Client OS
  • Do not use Linux, UNIX versions or Mac OS.
• Browser
  • Do not use any browser not supported by ServicePoint (i.e. Netscape, Iron, Opera, SeaMonkey, etc.)
• Acrobat Reader
  • Do not use Version 4 or below.
  • Only use Adobe software.
• Barcode reader
  • No specific prohibitions
• Printer
  • Laser Printers only - other printer types lack sufficient clarity
• Paper
  • Only use smooth card stock.
  • Textured papers do not hold toner well.
  • Lightweight papers do not hold up.

Printing Recommendations

• Printers must be able to print at 600 DPI or greater.
• Monochrome laser printers are recommended.
• Inkjet printers must be high quality and capable of printing at 600 DPI.
• Paper stock should be 50-75 lbs. Xerox quality paper may not produce readable cards.
• Label spacing varies based on the printer used.
• Run a test printout on the printer of choice.
  • If spacing requires adjustment, contact your customer support specialist for assistance.

Note: Label spacing varies based on the printer used. Run a test printout on the printer of choice. If spacing requires adjustment, please contact your Customer Support Specialist for assistance.

Additional Info for Barcode Setup

• Bowman Systems has tested the Wasp Barcode Scanner with good results from setup.
  • Info on the Wasp Barcode Scanners can be found at www.waspbarcode.com/scanners.
• The barcode scanner must be wired to the computer and immediately submit scans.
• Do not use a barcode scanner designed for remote data gathering (Memory Scanners). These scanners are not compatible with ServicePoint at this time.
• Barcode scanners will require some setup before they can be used:
  • Set the scanner up to immediately transmit the scan as key presses followed by a carriage return.
  • The barcode scanner must be attached.
  • The OUTPUT of the barcode scanner must be set up to be sent as a string of key presses.
  • Most instruction manuals have a scan-line in the manual, so that when the barcode scanner reads it, the function is set in the barcode scanner.