Bar coding works best with fixed information that can be preprinted such as pricing in retail and grocery stores. When a staff member requests a chart, you can scan the client ID, the staff ID, and a code indicating that the file's checked out. When the chart's returned, repeat the process using the appropriate code, and another record is created. Each chart can be checked in or out in a matter of seconds, and each transaction is permanently recorded. You have immediate access to the location of a bar coded chart and, depending on your organization's needs, you can design a report that lists charts that have been checked out but not returned.
Bar coding consists of two functions, printing and scanning.
The scanning process lets the system interpret the data represented by the bar code. The scanning process requires special equipment to interpret the bar code. CMHC Systems offers two configurations for bar coding. The first is for serial device connections and uses an external decoder. The second configuration is designed for a networking environment and includes a laser gun scanner with an internal decoder.