Using Barcode Scanning

Solutions with Oracle

Applications and Desktop
Computers
An Oracle White Paper
August 2000
 Using Barcode Scanning Solutions with Oracle
Applications and Desktop Computers

ORACLE APPLICATIONS
Oracle Applications provides a full-suite of applications that enable a business to
maximize operating efficiencies while tracking a high level of operational data,
allowing easy access to important information. One way to increase the speed
of data entry is to integrate Oracle Applications running on a desktop computer
with a barcoding and scanning system. This paper provides an outline of how
this would be accomplished and illustrates the options available when
implementing such a system. For information on Oracle mobile applications for
radio frequency (RF) enabled computers, refer to the product release
announcement for Supply Chain Mobile Applications and/or Oracle Warehouse
Management System.

Barcodes
Barcodes can be thought of as a font for information on a label; often these
labels that contain bar codes also have human readable text. Utilizing a bar code
symbology to encode information on a label allows that information to be read
fast, with accuracy, and with 1 in 1 million substitution error rate. Using
barcodes as part of any operation has many advantages over other labeling
methods. First, barcodes virtually eliminate data entry errors due to labels being
misread or typographical errors. Information is entered exactly the way it
appears on the label all the time, every time. If a barcode is illegible (or mis-
scanned), the system will not recognize it and generally requires manual keyed
input or a valid scan. Second, barcodes significantly increase the speed of data
entry. It is no longer necessary to carefully type information into a keyboard.
The barcode immediately transmits all encoded information directly to the
computer -- sometimes as much as an entire page of text in one scan. Finally,
barcodes make higher levels of information tracking possible. While some
information might be cumbersome to track through keyboard entry systems
because of the volume and complexity of data (such as serial number
information), that information can be collected effectively and efficiently by
using barcodes.
There are many different types of barcode symbologies that can be used
depending on the size of barcode needed and amount of data encoded. Linear

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 barcode symbologies (Code 39, Code 39 Extended, Code 128) are usually
capable of encoding numbers and letters, but grow larger with the amount of
data stored in them (Figure 1). More advanced 2D barcodes (PDF417, Data
Matrix) are capable of encoding large amounts of data in a very small barcode
(Figure 2).

Figure 1: Example of a linear Code 39

Extended bar code

Figure 2: Example of a 2D PDF417 bar

code.
Barcodes can be used in any number of industries and operations.
Manufacturing facilities can use barcodes to encode SKU, lot, and serial number
information. Distribution facilities can use barcodes to encode document
numbers like Purchase Orders, Pick Slips, and Sales Orders. The uses for
barcodes are practically limitless.

Barcode Scanners

Barcode scanners enable immediate retrieval of data from barcodes to be

entered directly into a computer system. Just as there are many types of
barcodes, there are many types of barcode scanners depending on the industry,
location, and usage of the scanner. Wand scanners (Figure 3) are extremely
small, lightweight, and are ideal for environments where a small, rugged device
is needed. Handheld wedge scanners (Figure 4) are larger and feature a trigger
for initiating the laser scan. They are comfortable and rugged while remaining
light and very mobile. Fixed scanners (Figure 5) usually sit within a desk and
the barcodes are brought in front of the scanning surface. They are used
primarily where the objects to be scanned are relatively small and light and can
easily be passed over the surface. Finally, there are wireless wedge scanners
(Figure 6) that can be used where mobility is important and it may be difficult
to move the items that need to be scanned.

Figure 3: Example of a wand scanner

Figure 4: Example of a handheld wedge

scanner

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 Figure 5: Example of a fixed scanner

Figure 6: Example of a wireless wedge

scanner

Using Scanning Systems with Oracle Applications

Most barcode scanners are capable of connecting directly to a desktop
computer. The scanner plugs directly into the desktop computer that is running
Oracle Applications and is recognized as keyboard input to the operating
system. Information entered via the barcode scanner gets populated into the
field the cursor is currently on, just as if that information had been typed into
the keyboard. All Oracle Applications list of value (LOV) and field validation is
processed in the same way as well.
Using a barcode scanning system is an excellent way to ensure accurate and
efficient data entry. Such an implementation is best suited for a workstation
location with close proximity to a terminal running Oracle Applications. In
work areas where high velocities or volumes of transactions within Oracle
Applications are needed, a barcode scanner may yield significant improvements.
Different locations within the same facility can even use different types of bar-
coding equipment according to the particular needs. At the end of a
manufacturing line, a fixed scanner may be used to enter item and lot
information for material as it comes off the line. A wireless wedge scanner
might be used at the shipping dock to scan shipping information and document
numbers. A wand scanner might be used within Oracle Assets to scan fixed
assets tags.
Integrating a barcode scanning system with Oracle Applications is an easy and
effective way to streamline a slow data-laden operation into a much more
efficient and accurate organization.

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Using Barcode Scanning Solutions with Oracle Applications and Desktop Computers
August 2000
Author: Paul Taylor
Contributing Authors:
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