Supply Inventory

[SSgt Rudin]

Does anyone use a computer program to track uniform item inventory? I have been looking at software that is barcode capable, but it runs about $120+. I know SIMS was created by a CAP member and it accepts barcode. I wish I knew how to make a functional Access database with all the bells and whistles, but I don't and don't know where to start. I plan on just using the computer we run SIMS on since basically all it is used for is sign in and then just sits there. If anyone knows someone who has created a database like this it would be appreciated if you could either pass their contact information to me or mine to them.

[SarDragon]

Look in the sample databases that come with Access. There are more free templates on the M$ site, too.

[mynetdude]

Does anyone use a computer program to track uniform item inventory? I have been looking at software that is barcode capable, but it runs about $120+. I know SIMS was created by a CAP member and it accepts barcode. I wish I knew how to make a functional Access database with all the bells and whistles, but I don't and don't know where to start. I plan on just using the computer we run SIMS on since basically all it is used for is sign in and then just sits there. If anyone knows someone who has created a database like this it would be appreciated if you could either pass their contact information to me or mine to them.

We had a guy who was implementing a barcode system using a symbol scanner. His problem was that without extensive knowledge it was difficult to get the scanner to translate certain information when it was being copied between the scanner and the PC with MS Access so certain data would get "lost" even though it was still there just in the incorrect location and upon transfer you had to manually correct this data.

We even had a wireless barcode hub that could connect to our existing computer network structure via the multitudes of hubs we have throughout the building.  After removing some 150 DoD property he decided it was no longer needed and removed it from the squadron as it belonged to him anyhow and TBH with you, MSAccess is alittle confusing to use though it works GREAT for a lot of things.

I would rather use Excel as I know it alittle better, but not good enough to create forms and such.  I know that Excel can be used with barcode data/equipment as well.

Personally I would rather just slap a barcode on a piece of equipment/clothing enter the data required scan it and tell it what it is and voila you now have a piece of property accounted for and then when you scan it again you can do the following: Issue, Dispose, Expend, etc.

Right now the system I use works for our squadron, no need to spend any money.

[SSgt Rudin]

OK so I downloaded Access 2007, used a sample template that had everything I was looking for except barcode. I guess it will work until I can figure out how to had the barcode feature. 

[mynetdude]

OK so I downloaded Access 2007, used a sample template that had everything I was looking for except barcode. I guess it will work until I can figure out how to had the barcode feature. 

I don't think Access will "accept" barcodes itself you need a barcode scanner, obviously.  A software on either on the barcode scanner itself or on the PC (and possibly both) that can convert the scanned barcode into proper usable data for Access to read.

Access will only accept tabled data in in cells or "fields".  I know that the Symbol scanners we had were also usable as a PDA in a limited form so the database software we had ON it could "talk" to MS Access and you could import data from the scanner's software and like I was saying before not all of the data will copy over to MS Access or the other way because those features or options may not be available with that configuration or particular software installed on the scanner.

IF NHQ would come up with a barcode scanner system for CAP's use we probably would not need MS Access, this software could potentially link up with CATS for equipment stuff and possibly with the NTSC for S-8/communications.  As far as uniforms, they are tracked on the F111 and "disappear" after 12 months of being issued.

Do you have a barcode scanner and printer system already?

[davidsinn]

I've got an Access database that I use. I could strip out all the data for my unit and give it to you. I've set it up so you can drag and drop certain tables from capwatch so you can populate certain fields(units, personal, etc) I can try and post it Monday as I will be out of town all weekend.

Sorry but it does not do bar codes at this time.

[SSgt Rudin]

Do you have a barcode scanner and printer system already?

We have a barcode scanner we use for sign-in, a laser printer and blank labels.

[mynetdude]

I've got an Access database that I use. I could strip out all the data for my unit and give it to you. I've set it up so you can drag and drop certain tables from capwatch so you can populate certain fields(units, personal, etc) I can try and post it Monday as I will be out of town all weekend.

Sorry but it does not do bar codes at this time.

This is how our unit's MS Access got started, through CAPWATCH. Our former Personnel/IT/LG guy started this whole thing for us 5 years ago, he even attempted to try importing barcode scanned data into the MS Access DB as I was explaining before.

MS Access does not accept scanner barcodes nor does it accept the scanned data directly. You will need to use a sync software and/or converter and figure out a way to drag/drop.

We no longer use CAPWATCH because what has happened is anytime we wanted to import certain data the CAPWATCH data would overwrite our existing custom data we implemented already so we don't use CAPWATCH.

[mynetdude]

Do you have a barcode scanner and printer system already?

We have a barcode scanner we use for sign-in, a laser printer and blank labels.

You use a barcode scanner for sign in? How? I'm interested in that concept.

[Eeyore]

I'm guessing they just scan the barcode on the ID cards, which is linked to a computer system. Instead of signing in on a sheet, they keep on the records in a computer program. Am I correct?

[mikeylikey]

Barcodes are so 1990's!   

[Walkman]

Barcodes are so 1990's!   

That's right! We installed an iris scanner on the door so that when you walk into the door it automatically updates the attendance records.   

[SSgt Rudin]

I'm guessing they just scan the barcode on the ID cards, which is linked to a computer system. Instead of signing in on a sheet, they keep on the records in a computer program. Am I correct?

^^

[mynetdude]

I'm guessing they just scan the barcode on the ID cards, which is linked to a computer system. Instead of signing in on a sheet, they keep on the records in a computer program. Am I correct?

^^

And what do you do if they don't have one on them that night? I could see the benefit of using barcodes on the ID cards for a lot of things other than just meeting attendance.

Lt Rudin can you PM me details on how this is setup and what kind of barcode scanner you use and how you track all this?

[Pylon]

And what do you do if they don't have one on them that night? I could see the benefit of using barcodes on the ID cards for a lot of things other than just meeting attendance.

Lt Rudin can you PM me details on how this is setup and what kind of barcode scanner you use and how you track all this?

SIMS allows direct input from a barcode scanner into the meeting/activity attendance function.  Scan a members barcode (which is simply their CAPID #) and it marks them as in attendance.  If a member doesn't have their card, one can still manually check them as being in attendance.  Having everyone scan their membership card, however, is a great way to encourage members to always bring their cards and to check who, in fact, has one with them that day.

If cadets know they have to scan their membership card when they check into the meeting, they're much more likely to remember to bring it every time.

[SJFedor]

I'm guessing they just scan the barcode on the ID cards, which is linked to a computer system. Instead of signing in on a sheet, they keep on the records in a computer program. Am I correct?

^^

And what do you do if they don't have one on them that night? I could see the benefit of using barcodes on the ID cards for a lot of things other than just meeting attendance.

Lt Rudin can you PM me details on how this is setup and what kind of barcode scanner you use and how you track all this?

You send their butt home to get it. They should ALWAYS have their card on them while in uniform.

[CASH172]

Just how much of an investment would a barcode scanner be financially? 

[SJFedor]

They look pretty cheap on ebay. I'm seeing "Buy it Now" options for scanners for $12.99

[RickFranz]

What are you trying to keep tract of with the bar codes?  The items on your S3 report? Or just other equipment?

[SSgt Rudin]

I'm guessing they just scan the barcode on the ID cards, which is linked to a computer system. Instead of signing in on a sheet, they keep on the records in a computer program. Am I correct?

^^

And what do you do if they don't have one on them that night? I could see the benefit of using barcodes on the ID cards for a lot of things other than just meeting attendance.

Lt Rudin can you PM me details on how this is setup and what kind of barcode scanner you use and how you track all this?

We use SIMS, we use a basic hand held scanner that beeps when it reads good. I looks cheep and probably was.

What are you trying to keep tract of with the bar codes?  The items on your S3 report? Or just other equipment?

Uniforms and associated accessories.

Just how much of an investment would a barcode scanner be financially?

You can get the scanner pretty cheep, the software however may not be, comparatively. But you could probably get a scanner with software for under $50.