I am looking to implement a barcode scanner into my FileMaker program. Initially I will be scanning a barcode that just consists of a long number. I can do that now with my iPhone and FileMaker Go. However, I want to roll this out in a warehouse environment with very large products that can weigh roughly 1 ton. That makes moving the product near a computer with a USB scanner inefficient. The warehouse environment makes me reluctant to use an expensive iPhone or iPad. They are sure to get dropped in front of a forklift. Some of these products can be stacked very high - up to 20 feet high - so I would prefer to use a long range laser scanner.
The next steps in my application would be to use it more for inventory and include more scanning beyond just the long number. Some of these products contain multiple barcodes so I would ultimately like to make it so they can scan each barcode into the same record. For example, the barcodes include an ID number, weight and width. When a new item comes in, the warehouse attendant can scan each barcode one after the other and populate each field. I am guessing that to make that work they would have to scan in a specific order or put the focus in each field before scanning.
I am looking for any recommendations on how best to approach this. Is there a recommended wireless laser scanner that can be used? Is it only possible to do with an Apple iOS device? Would an iPod Touch work instead of an iPhone attached to some other device to turn into a laser scanner? Do any Windows scan guns work? Fortunately the warehouses do have good wi-fi.
Thank you
Most barcode scanners essentially work as a paired keyboard. Meaning that it scans, then "types" the string of decoded barcode number/text into whatever field is "active". Using this method, you can use filemaker go (iOS devices), pro (desktops), or even WebDirect (browser on iOS, Android, PC, Mac). Just put the cursor in a field and scan. Quality barcode scanners can easily cost as much as an iPod Touch or used iPhone.
Range will be your biggest factor here. While Bluetooth's 1.0 specifications call for a range of 100m, practical range is usually under 50 feet in my experience. Dropping of pairing can result in frustration and time loss for users, so be careful if you want to go that route.
However, FileMaker Go's native barcode functionality is based on Apple's iOS native implementation of a scan.
There are rugged iPad and iPhone cases that make the "fragile" devices a little less prone to abuse. EG: https://www.barcodegiant.com/kensington/part-k67796am.htm?aw&adtype=pla&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIvvfB64vd2QIVUJ7ACh3kyQ6NEAQYAi…
Cases with hand holds and screen protection are common as well. The iPad Mini is a better "handheld" form factor, but if you want one-handed use, then iPod Touches can be a cheaper alternative to iPhones and run on the latest iOS11 as well (At $199 retail for 32gb, that's not too bad compared to a comparable barcode scanner).
There is also a large secondhand market making cheaper iPad purchases possible. Just make sure you get one that is compatible with FMGo16 (must run iOS10.2+). I have seen a few warehouse implementations on iPads and FMGo, so you shouldn't discount it from the table.
All that said, barcode quality and size should be considered. Dirty barcodes and small barcodes can be hard to scan. But at $199 for an iPod Touch, free filemaker go from the app store, and a simple 10 minute app to test scanning features should be an easy-to-swallow approach towards seeing what will work in your environment.