Barcode Scanner Types
xAssets supports two categories of barcode scanner: Keywedge and Intelligent. The right choice depends on your workflow, budget, and whether you need offline or remote scanning.
Keywedge Scanners
A Keywedge scanner connects to a computer or mobile device via USB or wireless and behaves like a keyboard. When a barcode is scanned, the scanner types the barcode value into whichever field has focus, followed by a carriage return (Enter).
Requirement: The scanner must be configured to append a carriage return after each scan. Most Keywedge scanners support this out of the box.
Keywedge scanners can be used in xAssets for:
Benefits:
- Low cost
- Minimal configuration -- no setup required in xAssets
- Real-time data entry -- no import/export step needed
- Versatile -- usable across multiple xAssets functions
Limitation: The xAssets browser window and the barcode input field must have focus when the barcode is scanned.
Intelligent Scanners
Intelligent scanners are dedicated scanning devices or mobile devices (tablets, phones) running third-party software to collect barcodes and additional data. xAssets recommends TracerPlus and includes built-in import/export support for TracerPlus scanners. See TracerPlus Configuration for setup details.
Intelligent scanners are used primarily for asset auditing.
Benefits:
- Can collect additional data beyond barcodes -- for example, quantities, condition notes, photographs, or signatures
- Built-in screen with lookup database provides feedback without a live connection to xAssets
- Work independently of the browser -- no need to maintain field focus during scanning
Related Articles
- Introduction to Barcodes — Overview of barcode concepts
- Barcode Types — The different barcode symbologies available
- RFID — Using RFID technology for asset identification
- Configuring Barcode Scanners and Audit Types — Setting up scanners and configuring audit types
- Keywedge Barcode Scanner Introduction — Alternative keyboard wedge barcode scanner approach