Scott,
Thanks for keeping this discussion alive, and for the off-line tips you've given us. We are using the Barcode Manager plugin so have nothing to add on custom barcode implementations, but would be interesting in participating in the ongoing discussion of the general topic.
1. Yes, we use the GS Barcode Manager plugin. We've been content with its performance and the batch mode model it embodies (see #3). I think that using Gallery System's plugin makes sense if it meets your needs, as that leaves the responsibility to keep up with changing database schema, logic, error checking, data verification, bug fixes, etc. fully in their court.
2. TMS 2012; 7/11/2014 version of Barcode Manager for TMS 2012, incorporating recent fixes.
3. We've used barcoding largely for crated material being moved to a new facility, recording the moves from the old shelves to pallets to new shelves. The key to the accuracy of these files is that the user scans in the appropriate sequence (e.g. Location, crate, crate, crate, next location, etc.). I can see where some real-time error checking would be useful on the scanner (e.g. "did you scan a box BEFORE a location?") but not a big enough issue for us to want to try to re-invent the Barcode Manager wheel or develop custom software for that purpose.
4. Scanners: We currently use Unitech HT630 bar code readers. These are simple, DOS-based devices that upload data to a PC via an FTDI (seria l<--> USB) cable. The hardware seems sturdy, scans quickly and accurately, and has been pretty trouble free. Until very recently we were confounded by no-longer-supported "custom" software. We have just discovered that documentation/utilities provided free by the manufacturer (and which is also the basis for our "custom" software) let us easily produce and download the simple text file of UUIDs that the Barcode Manager requires. This software appears to work fine with all Windows operating systems from Vista (& probably XP) through Win 8.
We are also looking at Unitech Android devices (PA 700). Based on tips from Scott WIlliams and Unitech support, it looks like these devices can also produce the simple files needed for Barcode Manager, using the built-in scan service and a simple text editor or other Android apps (e.g. Barcode2File) - no custom software required!
Printers: Monarch 9855; Crystal Reports to print labels for locations, crates & components.
5. Nothing to add - we use standard off-the-shelf Barcode Manager plugin.
Larry Felton
California State Parks
TMS Support
________________________________
From: The Museum System (TMS) Users [[log in to unmask]] on behalf of Yer Vang-Cohen [[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Monday, September 22, 2014 6:24 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Barcoding follow-up
We’re also interested in joining this working group. To answer your questions Scot, we have nothing in place currently because we have yet to acquire our complete collection. Our museum is in the early stages of being built so we don’t have permanent storage facilities.
Thank you for starting this conversation!
Yer Vang-Cohen
Manager, Collections Database
M+, Museum for Visual Culture
Tel (852) 2200 0231
Mobile (825) 9217 6563
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[image001]
29/F, Tower 6, The Gateway, 9 Canton Road
Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
From: The Museum System (TMS) Users [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Williams, Scott
Sent: Tuesday, September 23, 2014 12:59 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Barcoding follow-up
Hi all --
I wanted to follow-up on the discussion last month and see if there is anyone who has bypassed the GS BarCode manager and is doing live (or semi-live) location updates in TMS. If you have implemented such a system, what (if any) pitfalls did you encounter during the process and is there anything you wish you knew at the beginning?
Is there any interest in forming a small working group around location management in TMS (share project plans, research, existing implementations etc)? This would include not just traditional barcodes but RFID, QR codes, and both Gallery Systems BarCode Manager and in-house systems. If you would like to be involved in this, please let me know and complete the informal survey below (feel free to respond offline).
1. Do you use the GS BarCode Manager plugin?
2. What version of the BarCode Manager are you using? What version of TMS?
3. How are you capturing scan data to upload via the plugin?
4. What hardware are you using? OS? How old are the devies?
5. If you are not using the GS BarCode Manager please describe your process.
Many thanks,
Scott
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