Hi Michelle,

I have been using the Barcode Manager for the past few years to assist with our collection moves , and wrote a thesis on barcoding museum collections for moves, so I hope I can be of some assistance.

1. We are using the Zebra CS3000 scanner.  It is a small compact scanner that has Bluetooth capabilities, but will also store scans itself if so desired.  We went with a simple press one button to scan scanner due to the number of staff and buildings, so there is less time spent on training for the scanner and maintenance is virtually non-existent.  Ultimately there are hundreds of different scanners out there, so assess your needs.  Some things to keep in mind are: do you want Bluetooth capabilities, access to the database right on the scanner, the ability to store scans for future transfer, what type of environments will you be using them in (dark/high light, from heights, will you be needing both hands on ladders/machines), do you need to scan 1D, 2D, etc. barcodes.

2. For printing we are using a TSC TTP-244CE printer.  This is a small compact printer that had a low cost.  It is a thermal transfer printer that can accommodate a variety of label and roll sizes.  The thermal transfer printers do require not only the labels but also the ribbon.  There are several different ribbons (at a variety of prices) depending on which printer you get, so when looking at printers remember to look not only at the cost, speed of printing, size of labels but also the ongoing cost of the ribbon as well.

3. As for phone apps, we did investigate these as well as an option.  There are a lot of apps out there that will work for the Barcode Manager's needs.  Again this is something that you may want to experiment with when you are looking at scanners.  Although there are a lot of apps out there that would work, or you could build your own, there are considerations to look at.  Do all staff have phones available to them, what will be the added cost of ensuring there is fall protection for the phones (when working from heights or on ladders/machines there is always a possibility of a scanner being dropped), is the app processing the scans into a file format that is easily loaded into the Barcode Manger (it needs to be a text file), if not then how much extra work is required to convert it.

4. We use Crystal Reports for our labels, we have not used any other software for report making.  I have attached a sample report of our Human History object labels and the location labels.  If you would like more information on these please let me know.

5.  As for the labels themselves, we have a few different kinds depending on the type of object or use needed.  Once again I will emphasize that you need to identify what system of labelling will work best for your collection and may need to have a couple of options available, as not everything fits into one system.
        a. First our main labels for objects/specimens is a polyester thermal transfer adhesive labels that is conservation approved.  We have gone with a slightly more expensive option that has a second layer that is a clear cover which is placed over the white polyester labels.  This extra cover helps to prevent the possibility of the label becoming scratched or damaged, protects against UV light fade, and adds an extra protective layer over the labels for our fluid collections that have the potential of coming in contact with ethanol.  We tested the labels on the variety of surfaces we would need them to adhere to in our collections and found that they work great on everything from Coroplast boxes, Archive boxes, glass jars, envelops, file folders.  They also will remain attached/maintain integrity through freezing and fumigation. We also use these labels for our crates/pallets to track our collections are they are moved to our new buildings.
        b. We have paper labels that we use for objects/specimens that can have a tag stung .  This paper is acid and lignin free paper, which we print on using our laser printer. We either use them as sheets of barcodes for objects that cannot have tags attached to them in any way (e.g. plates and bowls) or we have them cut apart and have strings attached.  We use white embroidery floss for the thread, as it is easy to purchase, and can be cut to any desired length.
        c. Finally for our locations we have metal shelving and trays for our cabinets.  This has allowed us to take advantage of using magnets for the labels.  Currently we are using simple business card sized magnets (found at Staples) that we adhere an Avery printed location label to.  We do have plans to update the Avery labels to laser cut aluminum plates that will be adhered to the magnets, which will result in less need to replace the labels as they get dirty or come away from the magnet.  Right now our focus for the aluminum plates for our fluid collections as we do not want to have paper in this collection room.  The aluminum plates also are easier for us to apply to any wood shelving or trays that may still be lingering in our collections.

Ultimately, the best plan is to thoroughly assess your needs and how you and your staff will be utilizing the barcoding system.  There are a lot of places for labels that will provide you samples you can test with (free of charge usually) that was a great benefit to me.

If you need any other help, advice, or just a sounding board, please feel free to email me.  I know that when I was starting out it was beneficial to have others experiences on what works and doesn't!

Good Luck!
Daniela

DANIELA BORYS MA
COLLECTIONS DATABASE COORDINATOR
780-217-7859 (c) | [log in to unmask]

Royal Alberta Museum
12841 102 Ave | Edmonton Alberta | Canada | T5N 0M6
www.royalalbertamuseum.ca


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-----Original Message-----
From: The Museum System (TMS) Users <[log in to unmask]> On Behalf Of Michelle VanAuken
Sent: Wednesday, July 25, 2018 6:19 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: TMS Barcode Manager

Hello fellow TMS'ers.

I'm interested in hearing from anyone using TMS Barcode Manager:

- what brand/model of barcode scanner and printer are you using; any pros/cons, or points to consider when choosing?
- anyone using a phone app for scanning?
- if using Crystal Reports, do you have a customized label report you’re willing to share?
- if using something other than Crystal Reports, what software, and does it work seamlessly with TMS?
- what kind of labels/material do you use; Avery, direct thermal, thermal transfer? adhesive pros/cons?

In general, I'd be happy to hear any tips or thoughts that might benefit the novice barcoder. Please feel free to reply to me directly, if preferred.

Many thanks to all. Have a great day.

Michelle

--

Michelle VanAuken
COLGATE UNIVERSITY
Information Service Technologist, University Museums Picker Art Gallery and Longyear Museum of Anthropology; Visual Resources Assistant Curator, Art and Art History
315.228.7692  |  [log in to unmask]

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