Ram Design templates and FileMaker Pro are suitable for use in conjunction with various bar codes and scanners. Using a bar code scanner is similar to using your computer's keyboard. The bar code scanner is simply another device to get numbers and letters into the computer. Scan the bar code and the numbers and letters of the code appear on screen. Scanners can be programmed to then enter one or more tabs or carriage returns, if desired.

In order to connect a bar code scanner to FileMaker Pro for the Macintosh, the bar code scanner must connect through the ADB or USB 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, or the USB port. 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.

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

Printing the bar codes

Some bar codes can use a simple font for printing. For example, there are versions of the "Code 39" bar code font which are publicly available, and install on your computer like other fonts. Other bar codes, however, need some sort of translation software. Like printing anything, decisions also have to be made about font size and placement on paper or labels.

Ram Design's "Sales and Inventory " program is preset to print incoming inventory codes on 5160 labels (2.5 X 1), using the Code 39 bar code font.

Bar codes require crisp printing of the lines that make up the codes. The quality of the printing, the font, and the scanner combine to make successful scans.

Here are some companies which produce scanners and scanner/bar code software:

Life $uccess Institute
Barcodet is a popular commercial FileMaker Pro solution that prints a variety of barcodes.
Also available for Ram Design templates, a special Code 39 font package, with instructions.
356 Salem Tpke, Bozrah CT 06334-1518
(860) 886-7141 Voice
(860) 859-3966 Fax
E-mail: Lsisales@ctol.net
http://www.lifesuccess.org/

P.O.S. Direct
Macintosh and PC Barcode Scanners, Bar Code Readers, Magnetic Strip Readers, printers, Cash Drawers, etc.
100 W. Main St., Suite 106
Carbondale, IL 62901
Phone: (800) 622-7670
Internet: http://www.posdirect.com/

Peninsula Barcode
Everything for barcoding and FileMaker, Mac and PC
East Yorkshire, England
Tel: +44 (0)1262 673591
E-mail: sales@peninsula-group.com
http://www.peninsula-group.com/

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

Bear Rock Technologies
Mac and PC 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)

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

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)
Internet: http://www.barcodesystems.com

Percon Incorporated
Macintosh and PC Bar Code Scanners.
1720 Willow Creek Circle, Suite 530, Eugene, OR 97402
800-929-3221
541-344-1189
541-344-1399 (fax)
http://www.percon.com

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
http://www.snx.com

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 #)

Azalea Software, Inc.
POSTNET postal fonts.
PO Box 16745, Seattle, WA 98116
206-932-6028
206-937-5919 (fax)