FileMaker Pro, and other Claris applications are suitable for use in conjunction with various bar codes and scanners. The most common types of bar codes in use include:
- POSTNET: used to print for bulk mail
- UPC (Universal Product Code): retail stores
- Interleaved 2 of 5: industrial purposes, shipping containers
- Code 39 - popular because it contains all numbers, letters and some other characters.
Some of these bar codes translate characters directly, so that a simple font can be used. For example, there are public domain versions of the "Code39" bar code font which are available from user groups and bulletin boards. Other bar codes, however, need some sort of translation software.
Note: FileMaker Pro has no provision for special bar code scanner hardware. There are several bar code scanners on the market that enter the data just like it was typed on the keyboard. In order to connect a bar code scanner to FileMaker Pro for the Macintosh, the bar code scanner must connect through the ADB port. In order to connect a bar code scanner to FileMaker Pro for Windows, the bar code scanner must connect to the cable in between the keyboard and the computer. Neither FileMaker Pro for the Macintosh nor FileMaker Pro for Windows can access bar code scanners that enter data through the serial port on the computer.
Additionally, when using a bar code font, be sure that the font style for the field (or text object, as the case may be) is set to Plain Text.
Note: information about proper usage of postal bar codes can be obtained from the post office. This publication may also be on the Web at
http://www.usps.gov/
Here are some companies that produce scanners and scanner/bar code software:
American Microsystems (Bar Code Scanners and Software)
2190 Regal Parkway, Euless, TX 76040
800-648-4452
817-571-9015
817-685-6232 (fax)
http://www.amltd.com
IBS Intelligent Barcode Systems, Inc. (Macintosh and PC Bar Code Scanners and Software)
16031 Kaplan Ave., City of Industry, CA 91744
800-765-2271
818-968-6265
818-968-5527 (fax)
http://www.barcodesystems.com
Metrologic Instruments, Inc. (DOS and Windows Bar Code Scanners)
Coles Rd at Rt 42, Blackwood, NJ 08012
800-ID-METRO
609-228-8100
609-228-6673
http://www.metrologic.com
Percon Incorporated (Macintosh and PC Bar Code Scanners)
1720 Willow Creek Circle, Suite 530, Eugene, OR 97402-9171
800-929-3221
541-344-1189
541-344-1399 (fax)
http://www.percon.com
Datapath Systems (ADB Compatible Scanners, Bar Code Fonts, & Software)
220 California Avenue, Suite 110, Palo Alto, CA 94306
(800) 988-1914
415-325-0379
415-325-1779 (fax)
http://www.inpath.com
info@inpath.com
Bear Rock Technologies (Mac, DOS and Windows Post Script Bar Code Fonts and Bar Code Scanners)
4140 Mother Lode Dr., Suite 100, Shingle Springs, CA 95682
(800) 232-7625
(916) 672-0244
(916) 672-1103 (fax)
Worthington Data Solutions (Windows Label software and Bar Code Scanners for Mac, Win)
(800) 345-4220
(408) 458-9938
(408) 458-9964 (fax)
(353) 1-6614-566 (Ireland phone #)
River City Grafix (Windows Bar Code fonts)
11765 West Avenue, Suite 321, San Antonio, TX 78216
(210) 496-5109
(210) 490-6544 (fax)
Rivers Edge (Windows Bar Code Fonts)
10902 Forest Summit, San Antonio, TX 78233
(210) 590-9528
(210) 656-8993 (fax)
Synex
692 Tenth St, Brooklyn NY 11215-4502
(718) 499-6293
(718) 768-3997 Fax
(800) 447-9639
Web:
http://www.snx.com
Vendors of POSTNET postal fonts:
Azalea Software, Inc.
PO Box 16745, Seattle, WA 98116
206-932-6028
206-937-5919 (fax)
Barcodet
Barcodet 5.0 is a suite of 15 modules that allow you to process and print a variety of bar codes directly from within FileMaker Pro. No longer must you export data to standalone external programs that produce only static bar code images. Now you can generate all the bar codes you will ever need without ever leaving FileMaker.
For more information visit the publisher, Life $ucess Institute, at
http://www.lifesuccess.org/