Barcoding

f4av8r

Grumbler in Training
Joined
Jun 11, 2003
Posts
1
Loc
Austin, TX
I just joined "grumble" and want to start a thread on barcoding--unless the topic has been addressed previously. If it has someone please tell me where to find it. My grumble is that only two vendors that I use offer barcoded samples--those being Larson & Williamson. I realize that talking to the individual reps is a start, but I felt that if I voice it on this forum that I might get others to jump on the bandwagon with me and employ the old "strength in numbers" rule. Thanks for reading my post and happy grumbling--or is that framing?
 
Welcome to The Grumble, f4av8r. I'm curious about your screen name. Are you a pilot? What would you like us to call you? A nickname or alias is fine, but not many Grumblers are going to address you as f4av8r. (Most of us are dyslexic to some extent.)

I don't think barcoding has been discussed here for some time, so this is as good a place as any.

Are you using a bar code reader with the samples that are coded? If so, have you investigated printing your own bar code labels for the other samples?
 
f4. phantom. av8.harrier. fun. f4 must fly fast or fall like rock. Harrier is just for marines. I've got the bar code software but haven't invested in the hardware to put it to use. One of those things I keep saying I'd like to do when I have the time and some extra cash. Our order write-up and register are very low tech. Customers don't seem to mind, but automation could save some time. Wondering if those doing it in a small retail environment think it is worth the investment.
 
Originally posted by f4av8r:
.....My grumble is that only two vendors that I use offer barcoded samples--those being Larson & Williamson...........
Welcome f4av8r,

As far as I'm aware the only other wood vendor that supplies true UPC barcodes on their molding is Nurre Caxton. Nielsen-Bainbridge of course started putting UPC barcodes on their metal corner samples about 2 years ago. Crescent and Bainbridge also both do this to their mat corner samples.

I'm a big fan of using barcode readers, and added a third one to our three computers in the front of the shop. We use Specialty Soft as our shop's POS software, and the barcode scanners do make bouncing back and forth from different moulding options, not only quicker, but easier, and more accurate!

I'm sure that most of the other POS people allow you to generate your own barcode labels. The only difference is that it is different type of barcode number and read. With Specialty Soft it is the product ID number; with FrameReady it is a randomly generated bar code.

I've been pushing several of my key suppliers to "raise the bar" and supply true UPC barcodes on their samples. It's going to be a slow process, as only 20% of the industry uses POS/POP software, and only a small number of them use the barcode readers! :(

Regards,

John

[ 06-11-2003, 04:28 PM: Message edited by: John Ranes II, CPF, GCF ]
 
I use FrameReady and added barcodes to all of my in-stock moulding.

The key is to use the same font (style) as everyone else uses or to have a reader that will read all of the fonts that are in use.

FrameReady sells barcode labels ($1.00 for 30 - one sheet) that can be attached to the moulding. The code is then added into the proper line of a file and checked (flagged) as to use this code. The rest is automatic. With FrameReady you can also type in the barcode number and it will retrieve the actual part number and all other data. If $1.00 per sheet is too much you can also print your own with label generating software.
 
We use FrameReady and have barcoded all our mat samples, molding samples and retail merchandise. We use UPC codes for some merchandise but use the regular stock # for mats & frames. Bar code readers are not infallible and it is a lot easier to type in B8517 than it is to type a UPC code plus if I want to enter a black mat without finding a sample 4 digits is about the max I can remember. With Frameready we can simply print labels with our stock # in barcode font and then scan. Don't skimp on your bar code readers - you get what you pay for. It take some doing to set up but it is a major timesaver

Peter Bowe
Saline Picture Frame Co.
 
Basic question for those of you using bar codes for framing materials and other merchandise. Do you have this integrated with your cash register or do you use a separate computer set up and then ring sales through a cash register. If your computer is integrated with a register/cash drawer, can you point me to a hardware source. Currently I have Lifesaver on a laptop and an old, very simple cash register. I'd love to merge our framing and photographic operations into one point of sale system that can help me generate proposals/estimates, monthly account invoices,perhaps maintain inventory, and process daily retail transactions. Needs to be a simple system that my employees can easily learn to use. I've got a computer I can dedicate, so I'm looking for guidance on hardware for a cash drawer and whether there is any other software necessary to ping the drawer when we ring in a sale.
 
Originally posted by katman:
.....Do you have this integrated with your cash register or do you use a separate computer set up and then ring sales through a cash register........
katman,

We set up all three of our PC's with barcode scanners, and two with their own dedicated receipt printer and cash drawer. (The Server shares the cash drawer with one of the workstations.)

When we launced our POS software, it was our intention for it to replace our cash register entirely. We ran for thirty days with both, for old hand written orders ("Security blanket"). We then pulled the plug and have not looked back since.


Having our general merchanidse sales (30%) rung on the same software as our framing orders is the only way to be efficient. We batch out the two cash drawers daily now, where we would balance out bi-weekly before. To answer more of your questions, our software, Specialty Soft "pings" and opens our cash drawers and is talking to the receipt printer and the Laser printer (Server - Work Orders).

I believe that our Receipt Printers are Starr Brand, and work very well. We acquired these and the cash drawers through our local computer shop. They have a web sales department, so take a look to see how they compare with your own local "computer guys". Visit: J&J Electronics - Drop them an email inquiry, as this would be a good starting point.

Regards,

John
 
We use Specialty Soft for our design work, and we have the ability to use it as our cash register as well. (We just happen to have another program that we have been using for a little more than ten years, and are VERY used to it.) :rolleyes: (It is in DOS.)

As for the barcodes, we can use the Specialty soft program and print the barcodes (by the sheet) on labels bought at the local office supply store, or we have a "Barcode Blazer" that will print lables one at a time. The unfortunate thing is that the Barcode Blazer works in our old DOS program, and the company that wrote it is out of business.


As for companys that use barcodes, Furst Brothers here in Maryland also use barcodes on their frames.
 
We use Specialty Soft also.
After we got it last year, I went crazy and barcoded every darn thing in the store. (Except prints. That's still somewhere on the "To-Do" list).
We use an integrated cash drawer with the system.
(Bought it and scanner from Specialty Soft--it was easier to get it all from them as I have limited sources here and was unfamiliar with what I really needed starting out....)

(For gifts, which I sell a good deal of...)
Click on POS screen.
Type in the customer's name.
Zap the items with the scanner.
Take their money.
And from that, you have a history on the customer, inventory history, yadayadayada.
We Love That.

I DO love those samples that come in already barcoded. WISH THEY ALL CAME THAT WAY!
Gifts, too. (Many do). I don't understand why any forward thinking company wouldn't go that route.

I hope to add a second station this year, preferably before Christmas. We'll see. Maybe that'll be my reward for barcoding all of the artwork.
 
Thanks all for for sharing your experience. I think I'll plan to phase in POS and barcode thelast half of July. Losing one good employee to her Navy love when he returns from the gulf. Might as well bring the new system in while we are training her replacemnt. Might have to call on you for help!
 
Katman: How did you make out with the barcode project?

Your thread inspired us. We switched to a barcoding system this week with our (Lifesaver) software and LOVE it so far. It's a real time saver and we don't have to worry about typos.

We opted for the WASP LASER scanner with auto sensing stand. It sits on the counter and we just wave the mat, moulding, workorder, frequent framer card, or customer invoice by the reader - and it's good to go.

Larson, Nielsen, Artique, Crescent, and Bainbridge were already pre-labeled - but we had to print and label everything else. Our Nurre's were not pre UPC labeled, unfortunately. Is this something new?

The only thing it couldn't read were the black mats with the UPC in white ink. Those (dozen?) had to be re-stickered with a white barcode. The POS prints the labels on demand, with standard avery label sheets. It also prints a description of the item with size, color, finish, etc.

I'm surprised this technology hasn't been more widely adopted by frame shops and moulding manufacturers.

Mike

[ 10-24-2003, 10:44 AM: Message edited by: Mike-L@GTP ]
 
My wife and I have been discussing the pro's and con's of barcoding for the past several months. I have been of the opinion that using bar codes would be a maintenance headache.

We have two frame shop / art galleries. I would hazard a guess that most of the prints and originals we carry are from local artists - which are on consignment. We also carry a limited number of gifts.

We are using Lifesaver as our POS.

I am hoping that some of you Grumbler's might be able to help me with some of my questions. I have to admit that I am not very knowledgeable about bar coding.

1. How much effort did it take you to get your inventory of artwork and gifts bar-coded in the beginning?

2. Do you have a good method of identifying which items are on consignment, and a method of weekly determining how much to pay the different artists?

3. Is it very hard to enter items already bar coded into your database? What I am thinking of is the gifts we buy have bar codes already on them. Can I just scan them in and develop an inventory database for them?

4. Is there someplace I can get information on the details of barcoding to help me understand them better?
 
I'll take a try at answering your questions

1. How much effort did it take you to get your inventory of artwork and gifts bar-coded in the beginning?

It was a piece of cake. We just ran a barcode report and told it to print all art/gift items from 0-zzz, which we had already entered in the database. Then we just put the stickers on the items. The labels include the item ID #, description, price, and the barcode itself.

2. Do you have a good method of identifying which items are on consignment, and a method of weekly determining how much to pay the different artists?

Adding consignment items to inventory

From the main menu:

-Click on ART (art/gift item inventory)
-Click ADD
-Enter normal information about this piece (desc, title, item #, artist, selling price, etc)
-At the bottom, Fill in the CONSIGNED FROM and PERCENT TO ARTIST fields
-Click STOP ADD to save


Generate manual report of consignment activity

From the main menu:

-Click on ART (art/gift item inventory)
-Click FILE (pulldown menu)
-Click ART COMMISSION REPORT
-Select either “commissions paid” or “commissions due”
-Select starting and ending dates for the report
-Enter consignee name, or leave blank for all
-Click OK to generate report



Enable the automatic daily art consignment due report
This will create daily closing reports to properly pay your consigned artists. It will also include what sold, to whom, and for how much.

From the main menu:
-Click on CLOSING
-Click on PREFERENCES
-Click a check next to ART CONSIGNMENT DUE REPORT
-Click OK to save


Note: I will add this to the LifeSaver tips and tricks thread, in case anyone else will benefit. The full thread lives at: http://www.thegrumble.com/showthread.php?t=6635

3. Is it very hard to enter items already bar coded into your database? What I am thinking of is the gifts we buy have bar codes already on them. Can I just scan them in and develop an inventory database for them?

This is no problem. In most cases, you can use the existing barcode label from the manufacturer. When entering the items, put the cursor in the UPC field in the art database. Scan the item, and it will associate that item's barcode with the record.

4. Is there someplace I can get information on the details of barcoding to help me understand them better?

It is explained somewhat at the above link. Barcoding is an optional module that requires a barcode reader. It translates a special picture into text, which the POS knows how to interpret. It lets you call up an art item, gift item, mat, moulding, workorder, or customer slip instantly.

When you have this module installed, you will notice small barcodes will print on all receipts and workorders. This is helpful as well. Example: When an order is complete, just scan it and the calendar system will mark it "done". When a customer comes in to make final payment/pickup, scan their slip (or the workorder). This shortcut will automatically call up their name and pending orders in the accept payment screen. There is also a frequent framer card system, which we don't use at our shop.

You can get additional info in the LifeSaver manual by hitting F1 anywhere in the program, or you can give them a ring. Others may have more to add.

I hope this info was helpful

Best regards
Mike L
moderator
 
Almost -- but not quite -- a Frankenthread

If you want to try a bar code scanner, I have a good used one for sale. It is a Wasp linear-imaging type, hand-held, wedge-connected with a PS2 keyboard. That means it will work only with a PS2 (standard keyboard connector) wired keyboard.

It s available because it will not work with my wireless keyboard. Make me an offer I can't refuse.
:shrug:
 
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