Is there a way we can put a bar code on a Lotus Notes form ? I want to be able to print out a document with an embeded barcode, then somebody will scan the printed document’s barcode and having Notes automatically open the document …
Can this be done ?
Thanks in advance.
Tung H.
Subject: PLEASE HELP !!! Can Notes read barcode on a document ?
AFAIK (I don’t have direct experience with this) it should be possible. There are 2 techniques:
You can use 3th party software, wich can handle Bar codes through ActiveX. You can put that ActiveX-object in a Notes form.
There are solutions, where a bar code is represented by a font. installing that font should be enough to put it on the screen (and printer). But I don’t know how it exactly works
The easiest way to read the code is to buy a scanner that’s connected on the keyboard. You can open an inputbox, scan the bar code (wich is then types in by the scanner) and search for the corresponding document.
Subject: Thanks for your help
I will look into ActiveX topic and see if we can do it. The idea is to enable us to quickly open a Notes document just by scanning the document (without seaching for that documents in views … )
Thanks,
Tung H.
Subject: I don’t think you need activeX’s or anything. Barcodes are just a Font.
We were doing a similar thing w/ Architectural drawings. Basically, if you have the view Open with docs sorted by the BarCode Number, Just running the scanner over the number essentially types the number, followed by a . If you try that in a notes view, that will find the document. Modify the scanner software a little and have it send 2 's instead of 1 and the document will be open.
Subject: RE: I don’t think you need activeX’s or anything. Barcodes are just a Font.
(Way overdue I know) But, a) having a wedge type barcode scanner WILL open a document in a view (and only 1 ‘cr’ needed) provided the first column is searchable (ie: it is a sorted column). This works because you can jump to any value in the view-column just by typing the first few letters/chars. This causes notes to open a built-in search box and will do a partial match on whatever you type-in IF it is a sorted view.
b) Barcodes are NOT just fonts. Only some basic barcodes, like Code39, are simple character based barcodes. Almost all other (especially modern codes, like Code128) use embedded checksums and special formatting which can only be produced using a software package or algorythm, accessible as either active-x, dll, (DDE), COM or other ‘intelligent’ form.
So, for barcodes in views (where no automation possible) use font-based Code39 (3 of 9) (some free fonts for this on the web somewhere) or use intelligent software, either DLL or active-x/COM calls from LS.
The intelliprint reporting system includes support for many barcode formats, but you can only use barcodes on forms (not reports) (last time I looked!).
Note its virtually impossible to write your own barcode generating routine in LS/VB/VBS/VBA, as you have to output graphical bars to a high precision which is not possible. Alternatively, you can generate character strings which can be interpreted by some printers as barcode control characters if they have barcode fonts installed.
Perhaps this will help someone someday.
Subject: RE: I don’t think you need activeX’s or anything. Barcodes are just a Font.
i think it should be like barcode generator in word,excel,access …Use Barcode Generator for Excel Add-in: How to create, print barcode label in Microsoft Excel without font install. Supports Excel 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007
Subject: RE: I don’t think you need activeX’s or anything. Barcodes are just a Font.
Tim,
Can you explain how the document can be opened using just one CR? I have tested searching in the view which works fine but one CR only takes the search to correct document. It doesn’t open it.
Thanks
Subject: PLEASE HELP !!! Can Notes read barcode on a document ?
You might look into inventory control software and PDA’s.