I'm new to bar codes. How I can benefit from their use?

Scanning bar codes is an alternate method of data entry that is exceptionally quick and error-free. By scanning a bar code, you can also continue a script that pulls up a record and processes data automatically. This is significantly faster than using the keyboard.

  I've been attempting to use some shareware fonts to produce bar codes, but they don't always scan properly. Why is that?

The problem may not be your scanner. Most shareware and freeware bar code fonts are created by inexperienced users and do not meet industry standards. Sometimes they work, and sometimes they don't. For reliable scanning you must use high-quality fonts.

  What about plug-ins?

There are a few good plug-ins out there, and a bunch of not so good ones. Even the good ones can fail when you upgrade to a newer operating system or to a newer version of FileMaker Pro. Plug-ins are notoriously restrictive and difficult to configure. We use only native FileMaker Pro files and commercial-grade barcode fonts to avoid such problems.

  I've heard that all one needs to do to print bar codes is assign a barcode font to some text to get a bar code symbol. Is it really that simple?

Unfortunately, the answer is "no." At a minimum all bar codes require stop/start characters so the scanner can recognize a coded string as a specific type of bar code. Most bar codes also require one or more check digits for error verification. For many bar codes there is no direct correspondence between the barcode symbols and the characters they represent. For example, some bar codes use identical groups of bars and spaces to represent entirely different things, depending where certain characters appear in the code, or what characters precede others. With one type of bar code, bars convey one type of data while intervening spaces convey completely different information. The calculations required to compute and assemble such bar codes can be quite complex.

  I only want to scan existing bar codes and then process the information. What do I need in order to do this?

All you need is a reliable scanner. We recommend the kind that connects via the keyboard. When you scan a bar code, the information is decoded and sent to your application program just as if you had typed it in the first place.

  Can I use your barcode fonts with other programs?

Yes. Our fonts work with all programs, not just FileMaker Pro.

  Can I purchase bar codes other than those listed on your web site? For example, we have a need for application identifiers.

Yes. We offer a variety of specialty and advanced-capability bar codes. Please call for details.

  Can I vary the dimensions of my bar codes?

In general, the width of a bar code is proportional to the amount of data encoded, whereas the height is a function of the font. However, by changing the font's type size you can vary both the height and width of your bar codes. You can always scale up in size. However, if you scale down too much in size, you may adversely affect the proper spacing. Once the bars and spaces lose their proportionality, the bar codes can no longer be read. Changing the font styling in an attempt to expand or condense the bar codes yields much the same result. The proper bar width and spacing necessary for reliable scanning is built into the fonts themselves.

  Can I print your bar codes using a specialty label printer such as the Dymo LabelWriter?

Yes. Current models print at 300 dpi, which is the minimum recommended resolution for obtaining reliable bar codes. Earlier models print at 203 dpi. While this is normally too low an output resolution for producing bar codes that scan properly, if you enlarge the fonts proportionally to compensate for the lower resolution, then you can also produce readable bar codes with these earlier printers.

  Does your postal module automatically CASS certify my mailing lists?

No. The CASS certification process is one that validates a given mailing list so that you can certify to the Post Office that the addresses are correct. Depending on the sizes of your lists and the frequency with which they must be validated, you may find it economical to subscribe to an update service.

  Can we incorporate your software into our client projects?

Yes. We offer low-cost developer licensing for this purpose. Some restrictions apply, so please contact us directly if you have questions.

  How do I reach you if I have questions?

Full contact information can be found on the Order Form.

  I sent you an email, but never got a response. How come?

We normally respond within 24 hours. To ensure that your email gets noticed, the subject line should contain the name of the program you are inquiring about. If for some reason you don't receive a reply, please send another email or give us a call.

  Do you accept returns if I decide for some reason not to use the products I ordered?

For reasons specified in the License Agreement there can be no returns. All sales are therefore final.

  How long have you been in business?

Life $uccess Institute has been developing custom solutions for our clients since 1985, and bar code and scheduling programs since 1988. We are specialists in creating practical software to meet the continually changing needs of business and industry. Here is a partial listing of our many satisfied customers.

 

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