We generate orders and print the Picking Slip.
Warehouse staff picks the items for shipping.
Staff next enters the Order # on their UPS Shipping Software.

Here is what we need: We do not want the warehouse staff to use the keyboard. Instead, we would like them to scan the Order # into the UPS system using a bar code gun. If the Order # were printed on the Picking Slip as a bar code, this would be ideal!
How do we do this?

In specification maintenance, there are many fonts available including the 3of9 barcode.

You could add the order number field with this font to the top of the order. Be sure to use Bold and a large size to make it easily readable.

The 3of9 font that Kate mentions might do the job for you. You can download it for free at:

http://www.squaregear.net/fonts/free3of9.shtml

However, it depends on the handheld scanners you are using. The 3of9 font uses a special character (i believe an * ) to signify the start and end of the code. Unfortunately, it isn't possible at this point to add that character through a formula field (like in Excel, using a concatenate formula) though that would be ideal. I've been told that there are some handheld scanners that can overcome this limitation, but i've tried on a couple with no success.

If your scanners don't work straight up, you could try placing a text field with an asterisk (using the 3of9 font) immediately before and after the order number.

Or you may want to get in touch with the guys at RF Pathways. They are Adagio Developer Partners with a number of barcode warehousing solutions that interface into Adagio.

http://www.rfpathways.com/softrak.htm

Ryan & Kate:
Thank you for your suggestions.
We downloaded the free 3of9 font and I added the Order to the Pick Slip. You are correct, in that the scanner ignored the bar code because it requires an asterisk both immediately before and after the Order #.
So in the spec editor, we created two separate asterisk texts and I have tried to coax the two text fields as close to the Order # field as possible.
And it is working, sort of.
We have to hold the gun just at a certain point and after a two or three shots it reads the code.
It would be great if Softrak allowed us to enter a formula field in the specs.
What do you think? Is this something we can request and see in the next update?
Samuel

Hello Samuel,

I cannot promise this for the next release.

However, I have added this suggestion to the wishlist for a future release of OrderEntry.