Level 5 and Higher Feature

The plethora of barcode features found in AnyOrder are a significant addition to the program.

It is not necessary, of course, to use any of the barcode features.  AnyOrder runs fine without barcodes, but they do open a world of possibilities for your business.  Here is an abbreviated list of what can be done:  1) Product barcodes can scanned for automatic entry on invoices;  2) Invoices, royalty reports & statements can be barcoded;  3) Invoices can be quickly located by scanning the barcode;  4) Products can be located in the Product Information Database by scanning the barcode;  5) You can create your own barcodes for products and print barcode labels;  6) Tracking numbers can be scanned into the program; 7) Shipping labels can be created with barcodes; and 8) Barcodes can be used to double check the content of packages.

With a barcode reader, you can scan products right onto the Main Invoice Screen.

Barcodes are not just for big businesses.  Any small business can benefit from the use of barcodes.  They help improve productivity and they make it possible to compete on a level playing field with your competitors.

Moreover, the tools that you need are simple.  To take advantage of the barcode features in AnyOrder, all you need is a barcode reader.  That's correct.  That's all you need.  Barcode readers are inexpensive.  Some can be purchased for significantly less than $100.  They easily connect to any computer.  No special boards or equipment are required.  They just plug into your keyboard.  The time they save you will easily pay back your investment in month's use.

Purchasing a Barcode Reader for AnyOrder. AnyOrder can be used with nearly all barcode readers.  (The term "barcode scanner" means the same thing as "barcode reader.")  The type that you'll want to use with AnyOrder is called a "Keyboard Wedge."  What that means is the barcode reader acts just like a keyboard.  Such barcode readers come with a cord that plugs into the same socket on the computer that your keyboard plugs into.  The barcode plug has two wires leading from it.  One wire leads to the scanner and the other cord has a socket for your keyboard.

AnyOrder will also work fine with barcode scanners that plug directly into the USB port.  The principle is the same.  The scanner acts like a keyboard.  When it reads a barcode, it sends the string of numbers from the barcode to the computer just as if you had typed it.

The other feature that we suggest you look for in a scanner is the ability to be programmed.  In particular, you should be able to program a function key prefix into the scanner.  A prefix means that the barcode reader will always start by sending one or more keys each time it scans a barcode.  AnyOrder looks for the F2 key.  If a F2 key is detected, then AnyOrder automatically knows that a barcode is coming its way.

Just to reiterate, look for a scanner that can be programmed with a prefix.  And make sure that the prefix can be programmed with the function keys. (More about programming scanners is found below)  Note that it's not absolutely necessary to be able to program the scanner.  AnyOrder will work fine without the F2 prefix, but, over the long run, you find that a programmable scanner will be far more efficient.

There are various types of barcode readers.  One type is called a "wand" or "pen" barcode reader.  These are the kind of readers that you see in libraries or video rental stores.  The other kind is CCD scanner which looks roughly like a gun.  There are also wireless scanners and laser readers for detecting barcodes at long distances.  Any of these will work fine in AnyOrder.

Pen scanners work well when you are working on a desk since they are small and unobtrusive.  The gun-shaped CCD scanner can be placed in a stand which is very handy for shipping applications since it allows your hands to be free while you are packing.  Moreover, the CCD scanner can pick up a barcode a bit quicker when trying to scan at odd angles.  If you plan to use a barcode reader to do inventory, the wireless scanner is a good choice.

Programming the Barcode Reader

Programming a barcode reader is quite easy to do.  When you purchase a programmable scanner, it will come with a pamphlet.  The pamphlet will have several pages of barcodes.  To program the reader, you scan the barcodes.

For use with AnyOrder, you'll want to program the scanner so that it has a prefix of F2.  That means it will send F2 to the computer before it sends the string of numbers on the barcode.  It's just like pressing the F2 key on your keyboard.  Whenever AnyOrder receives F2, it knows that it is dealing with a barcode, and it will automatically open up the barcode dialog box and accept the input.

That's all you need to do.  You'll want to leave the rest of the scanner's default settings the same.  Be sure not to the change the "terminator" character.  The terminator character is "CR" or ENTER and signifies the end of the barcode.  Like most software programs, AnyOrder needs to have the terminator character to correctly process the barcode.

You can still use AnyOrder's barcode features if you are unable to program your barcode reader.  In that case, you'll need to manually open the barcode dialog box by selecting the appropriate menu choice.

Barcode Fonts.

AnyOrder can accept nearly of all the standard barcodes used to price products.  For internal uses, it utilizes the Code 39 barcode.  The Code 39 barcode (also called 3 of 9) is a very common barcode.  In AnyOrder, it is used for coding invoices, shipping labels, and royalty reports.

In particular, AnyOrder uses a font called "Free 3 of 9."  This is a free font developed by Matthew Welch (http://www.squaregear.net/).  Barcode fonts are particularly expensive, and Matthew's generosity in making this font available is a breath of fresh air in an otherwise very costly world.

Barcoding Invoices

When you install the program, AnyOrder copies "Free 3 of 9" to your windows font folder.  Some systems, however, may not readily accept the new font.  To find out, try printing an invoice.  Begin by selecting FILE >> PRINT INVOICE.  When the "Print Invoice" dialog box appears, click on the "More Options" button.  Make sure the checkmark has been removed from "Do NOT print barcodes on invoice."

Then print an invoice.  Take a look at the bottom, right corner of the printed invoice.  If you find the barcode, you'll all set.  But let's say you find something like the following:

* %345612 *

The "345612" would be the invoice number.  If that's the case, it means that your system hasn't registered the font file.

The best way to solve this problem is to look in the C:\AnyOrder directory.  You'll find the following file:  'FREE 3 OF 9.TTF.'  Copy this file to C:\Windows\Fonts.  Then try printing.  Sometimes, it is necessary to delete the font file in C:\Windows\Fonts and then do the copy.  When you re-copy the font, Windows is forced into recognizing it as a font and makes it available to AnyOrder and other programs on your computer.  To test it, try printing a second invoice.

If the above doesn't work, try this method.  1) Click on the Start button, then click "Control Panel."  2) In the Control panel window Double Click on the Fonts Folder.  3) In the Fonts folder window, click on FILE >> INSTALL NEW FONT.  4) On the lower part of the "Add Fonts" dialog box, navigate to the "C:\AnyOrder" folder.  You'll see "Free 3 of 9 Regular (True Type)."  Highlight it.  5) Click "OK".  To test it, try printing a second invoice.  

Coding System for Invoice Barcodes

If you look at the example above (* %345612 *), you see that the barcode number is surrounded by asterisks.  The asterisks identify the barcode as Code 39 and indicate starting and ending points.

Next you'll see the percent (%) sign.  AnyOrder uses the percent sign to signify an invoice.  Whenever a series of barcode numbers are preceded by a percent sign, AnyOrder immediately goes into the invoice search mode and displays the invoice on the screen.  If the barcode doesn't start with a percent sign, then it assumes that you are scanning in a product.

Printing Barcodes for Products.

AnyOrder has a feature in which you can print barcode labels for your products.  This feature is found in the Product Information Database.  It's important to point out that the product print feature only produces labels with for Code 39 barcode.  While you can use Code 39 for a number of different purposes, you should be aware that the books use the EAN system, and many other products use UPC codes.  Those are different than Code 39.  If you need to print product barcode labels that will be used in chain stores and other retail business, you'll want to purchase special barcode printing software.

However, you may find that AnyOrder's internal Code 39 printing capability will come in handy for a variety of uses. You can use it to mark boxes for internal inventory purposes.  You can use it for products which are not sold in the normal market place.  For example if you're an artist or craftsperson, you can barcode your own work with it.  You can also use AnyOrder's barcode labels if you have your own store and you want to use your own barcoding system.

Scanning Product Barcodes

The Level 5 (or higher) program has the ability to scan products directly to an invoice.  From the Main Invoice Screen, you can scan a product barcode, and AnyOrder will automatically enter the name of the product, its catalog number and price in the Item Area.

For more information on scanning products, see Scanning Product Barcodes