Seeking advice on barcode scanner/inventory system

[qualtrough]

I am looking for advice on what I need to do to get up and running with handheld barcode scanner and inventory database that would allow me to log in items via a bar code so that I can assign a shelf location and details and save it in a database for later retrieval. I am really unfamiliar with these systems, so apologies if some of my questions are stupid.

 

What I want to be able to do is:

 

1. Scan in an item.

2. Indicate what it is/product details, etc.

3. Assign a shelf location so I can find it later.

 

My business is a one man operation so I am looking at a low cost system, nothing too elaborate or expensive.

 

Any advice on systems/equipment, etc. will be greatly appreciated!

 

 

[RichCor]

Handheld barcode scanners are usually just alternative keyboards inputs or USB HID (Human Interface Device) or SERIAL Port Connected instruments that detect and spit back the encoded data of the barcode. In this instance ANY application can be used to read and store the result "keyboard" input entry.

 

In the "old days" people would just use computer spreadsheets to collect, compile, sort and organize their scanned data. Some started using simple DataBases.  The issue with these 'simplistic' DIY application is having the cursor in the desired field entry location when activating the scanner ...otherwise you get barcode data where you don't want it.

 

Given that these are no longer the "old days" there are probably many many free open source programs out there that will do most of what you want. Or you can 'buy' a database management system. One of my favorite DIY systems was FileMakerPro back in the day. 

 

EDIT:

https://www.google.com/search?q=simple+handheld+barcode+scanner+inventory+database

 

https://www.google.com/search?q=open+source+barcode+scanner+inventory+database

 

Some even for Android or iPhone...

 

https://www.google.com/search?q=smartphone+barcode+scanner+inventory

 

Edited October 12, 2020 by RichCor

[qualtrough]

On 10/12/2020 at 4:49 PM, RichCor said:

Handheld barcode scanners are usually just alternative keyboards inputs or USB HID (Human Interface Device) or SERIAL Port Connected instruments that detect and spit back the encoded data of the barcode. In this instance ANY application can be used to read and store the result "keyboard" input entry.

 

In the "old days" people would just use computer spreadsheets to collect, compile, sort and organize their scanned data. Some started using simple DataBases.  The issue with these 'simplistic' DIY application is having the cursor in the desired field entry location when activating the scanner ...otherwise you get barcode data where you don't want it.

 

Given that these are no longer the "old days" there are probably many many free open source programs out there that will do most of what you want. Or you can 'buy' a database management system. One of my favorite DIY systems was FileMakerPro back in the day. 

 

EDIT:

https://www.google.com/search?q=simple+handheld+barcode+scanner+inventory+database

 

https://www.google.com/search?q=open+source+barcode+scanner+inventory+database

 

Some even for Android or iPhone...

 

https://www.google.com/search?q=smartphone+barcode+scanner+inventory

 

Thanks for your input!

[BigStar]

On 10/12/2020 at 4:49 PM, RichCor said:

In the "old days" people would just use computer spreadsheets to collect, compile, sort and organize their scanned data.

This, and can be good for nowadays as well. OP's requirements sound so simple that a spreadsheet should be all that's needed. Scanner will collect all the codes in a column, interpret, and perform the needed lookups to fill in the other columns. Partly depends how many items. Excel should be fine with a few thousand.

 

So first just Google "use Excel as database." Here's something for a start:  How to Create a Database in Excel. If not Excel, free LibreOffice Calc will do. LibreOffice also has Base, which would make it fairly easy to write a front end data entry form and storage into MySQL/MariaDB, Adabas D, MS Access and PostgreSQL, locally or remotely.

 

But there are lots of databases & front ends for them out there. Microsoft has Access, of course, but it's not free, proprietary, and rather annoying.