Origin: You must have a source of bar codes. These
can be preprinted or printed on demand.
Reader: You must have a reader to read the bar
codes into the computer. The reader includes an input
device to scan the bar code, a decoder to convert the
symbology to ASCII text, and a cable to connect the
device to your computer. Percon markets a line of
decoders, called PowerWedge, that require input devices.
Percon also markets a product called SnapShot (decoded
model), which is a decoder and an input device all in
one.
Computer
System: You must
have a system to process the bar code input. These can be
single-user, multi-user, or network systems.
Bar code systems require three elements:
