Using Barcode Support for routine tasks. Follow
Overview
This article explains how to use barcodes in Printer’s Plan to speed up order processing, track jobs, assign tasks, and operate power tools like TimeTracker, Scheduler, and JobTracker. It also details how to configure barcode readers, print barcode sheets, and download necessary fonts.
This article includes the following:
Getting Started with Barcodes
You can accomplish some of the daily routine tasks by simply scanning barcodes.
Process Orders
- Add Jobs
- Find Jobs/Items
- Print Work Orders/Invoices
Increase Efficiency in the Following Power Tools
- TimeTracker
- Scheduler
The Barcode Font
Be sure the font WASP 39M or Free 3OF9 font exists (Located in C:\Windows\Fonts) on all computers from which you will print barcodes. You can copy the font from one computer to another. If none of your computers has this font you can download it at the bottom of this article. Click here to jump straight there.
Barcode Readers
The following are types of barcode readers you can use with Printer's Plan and its power tools:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Pen Wand | A pen wand is the simplest barcode reader. It contains no moving parts and is known for its durability and low cost. A pen wand can present a challenge to the user, however, because it has to remain in direct contact with the barcode, must be held at a certain angle, and has to be moved over the barcode at a certain speed. |
| CCD Scanner (recommended) | A CCD scanner has a better read-range than the pen wand. Typically, a CCD scanner has a "gun" type interface and has to be held no more than one inch from the barcode. |
| Wireless Scanner | Wireless scanners can scan from long distances. However, they are not recommended for use with Printer's Plan because: a) Interference (e.g., desks/walls blocking signal) b) Printer’s Plan scans may require visual confirmation, disrupting workflows. |
Configuring the Readers
For reader installation and setup, refer to their user guides. If you do not have one, please contact the manufacturer.
Be sure to apply the following:
- Set the terminator code to “None”. (The default setting is usually “Carriage Return”.) The terminator code may also be referred to as the suffix character.
- Set the Code 39 Full ASCII Character set.
Printing Barcode Sheets
Select Barcode Options from Printing under the Settings tab. Make the appropriate selections and print the barcode sheets you will need.
Figure 1 – The Settings tab with the Printing folder expanded and Barcode Options selection highlighted.
Barcode Sheet Functions
| Sheet | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Documents | You will use the barcodes on these documents to find Jobs, Items, and Services. |
| Commands | You will use these barcodes to print documents, to change statuses of orders, to create new orders and quotes, and to clear a scanned barcode. |
| JobTracker | You will use these barcodes with the JobTracker tool. |
| TimeTracker | You will use these barcodes with the TimeTracker tool. |
| Employees | You will use the CSR and SalesReps barcodes to search for jobs and Operator barcodes with the Scheduler and TimeTracker tools. |
| Customer Barcodes | In the Customers section, highlight the customers that buy from you often. Click Print to print barcodes. Use them to create jobs for these customers. |
| Weekdays | You will use the weekday barcodes to assign dates to tasks in Scheduler. |
| Item Barcodes | In the Jobs section, highlight the Template jobs you use often. Click Print to print Items barcodes. Use these barcodes to create new Items for orders and quotes. |
Where to Use Barcodes
With Scheduler
To use barcodes with Scheduler, you need to print the Service Barcode page with the Work Order.
Figure 2 - The Print & Email window of an order in Printer's Plan.
Scheduler Barcode Tasks & Workflow
| Task | Scan (in order) | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Mark service done + assign operator | 1. Service barcode 2. Operator barcode |
Scheduler finds the Service and marks it as Done; then, it assigns the Operator to the Service. |
| Assign due date to service | 1. Service barcode 2. Weekday barcode |
Scheduler finds the Service and marks it as Done. When the Weekday barcode is scanned, the Done checkmark is removed so the Service is in progress and the Due Date is assigned. |
With TimeTracker
Use the TimeTracker Barcodes page printed from the Settings section and the Service Barcode page printed with the work order.
TimeTracker Barcode Tasks & Workflow
| Task | Scan (in order) | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Start/Pause/Resume/End Day | 1. Operator barcode 2. Use the appropriate barcode under "My Day" for each command. |
TimeTracker selects the operator and executes the selected command. |
| Start a task | 1. Operator barcode 2. Service barcode |
TimeTrakcer selects the operator and starts the Service task. |
| Pause/Resume/Finish task | 1. Service barcode 2. Use the appropriate barcode under "My Day" for each command. |
TimeTracker executes the selected command for the selected Service |
JobTracker Barcode Tasks & Workflow
| Task | Scan (in order) | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Set item location | 1. Item barcode 2. Location barcode |
JobTracker finds the Item and sets its location. |
Processing Orders
In Printer’s Plan > Jobs section – Use the Commands page printed from the Settings section.
Order Processing Barcode Tasks & Workflow
| Task | Scan (in order) | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Find an order | Order or Item barcode | Printer's Plan finds the order and lists it. |
| Find customer’s orders/quotes/history | 1. Customer barcode 2. Order/Quote/History barcode |
Printer's Plan finds the jobs and lists them. |
| Print work order/invoice | 1. Order/Item barcode 2. Print barcode |
Printer's Plan finds the order, lists it, and opens the Print window. |
| Set order status: Ready-to-Ship | 1. Order/Item barcode 2. Ready-to-Ship barcode |
Printer's Plan finds the order, sets its status to Ready-to-Ship and lists it. |
| Set order status: Shipped Today | 1. Order/Item barcode 2. Shipped Today barcode |
Printer's Plan finds the order, assigns today's date as Shipped Date and lists it. |
| Create Order/Quote | 1. Create barcode 2. Customer barcode |
Printer's Plan creates an Order/Quote for the customer and opens the job. |
Downloadable Barcode Font
Be sure the font WASP 39M or Free 3 of 9 is installed on all computers from which you will print barcodes. These fonts should be located in:
C:\\Windows\\Fonts
You can copy the font from one computer to another. If none of your computers has the barcode font installed, you can download it below.
Download Free 3 of 9 Barcode Font (ZIP)
Key Points
- Barcodes accelerate common actions like printing, locating jobs, and logging time.
- Reader Configuration is critical – disable carriage returns and use Code 39 Full ASCII.
- Barcode sheets must be printed from Settings > Printing > Barcode Options.
- Separate barcode types are used for documents, commands, services, operators, and dates.
- Compatible tools include Scheduler, TimeTracker, and JobTracker.