Need Help in writing SDK Code for Barcode Reader

[#1]

Hi

we have an requirement from our client.

They are in SAP B1 8.82 Pl 04.

They need the inventory documents like GRPO,Issue for Production and Inventory transfer to be posted, when fetching the appropriate field from the barcode.

Scenario:

User receives the item with Barcode from the vendor.

The barcode will have the needed information for generating GRPO.

So,when the user scans the barcode through Motorolla scanner,the details from the barcode should appear in the GRPO screen,in order to add the GRPO.

Do we need to write any SDK code or we need to purchase an addon for this.?

Kindly suggest

[edy_simon]

Hi,

Whar information does the barcode contains?

If it is an item code only, i think you can scan it directly into the sbo screen item code.

Provided that you have install the motorolla wedge, the scanner acts just like another input device.

Click on the scanner, it will wtite the code into the text box.

I have never tried this, but theoritically, it is the way,

But if your code contains more than 1 information ie, itemcode, received date, quantity,

This definetely needs a sdk customization, to parse the data read from scanner and put them in the correct sap fields.

Regards

Edy

[Former Member]

Hi

I can do customization but which programming language will support the intagretion,since i have to communicate with scanner

[Johan_Hakkesteegt]

Hi Kamba,

It doesn't really matter as long as you choose between C# and VB like Pedro Magueija suggested. The key here is to use the DI API, and avoid using the B1 client.

The important question is what type of scanner you are using. Is it only a barcode scanner, or is it a PDA (a handheld computer) with a barcode scanner)?

In the first case, you just build a simple windows form application, and use the barcode scanner with its basic wedge functionality. In other words, you put a textbox on a form, attach the scanner to your computer, and you are good to go.

In the second case, I recommend basically the same principle, except that you do not build a Windows form, but a very simple web application, that you install on the customer's intranet, and that you then access with the PDA.

Regards,

Johan

[edy_simon]

Hi,

You can use either VB.net/C#.net.

Dont worry about the scanner. Chances are you will never need to use the scanner's API.

As I've mentioned before, a scanner with the wedge installed acts like a keyboard.

ie, When the scanner is plugged into a usb drive of your PC,  you open up a notepad, and scan a barcode into it, it is the same as a user typing in the barcode into the notepad.

It is all automatic, you do not need to handle with any program.

But if you need a portable barcode(a smart device - not connected directly to a computer), then you will need to program the barcode device.

This will depend on the barcode operating system. If from Microsoft then you can write the program in Visual Studio.

OR

as Johan mentioned, you can avoid programming the barcode by creating a web app.

Regards
Edy

[Former Member]

Hi Johan & Eddy

Thanks for your replies...

we are using Motorolla Barcode scanner.

My requirement is:

we asked the vendor to put all the information in barcode, in order to generate GRPO in SAP Business one.

So,when a person scans the barcode,the information in barcode like itemcode,quantity,tax,price is automatically copied to the respective field in opened GRPO Screen.

How can we achieve this?

[edy_simon]

Hi,

One way I can suggest :

1. Create a UDF in the GRPO screen. Lets call this U_BarCodeData. This UDF will be used to store the raw Barcode data when the user scan.
2. User open up a GRPO screen.
3. After keying in the CardCode, user would put the focus in this UDF by clicking on it.
4. Using the scanner, scan the barcode. All the information should show in this field.
5. On after validate event of this UDF field, parse the data and put each of the information into respective SAP fields.

Regards

Edy

[Johan_Hakkesteegt]

Hi Kamba,

kamba dasan wrote:
...
we asked the vendor to put all the information in barcode...

This sounds logical, but you are creating a specialized solution that will hinder future development. What I mean, is that assuming that you can get this built, what happens when you want to choose another vendor, or what if the balance of your purchasing volume is moved to another vendor, who does not have the capability to create such extremely specialized barcodes ?

I strongly recommend that you reconsider your approach to one that will allow you to use the same solution with all vendors (existing and possible new ones).

For example a standard SSCC type solution. That means that you transfer the necessary vendor, item, quantity, and price data with  XML, or text, or EDI files, and use a simple indentifying code for that order / delivery. You use any scanner you like (or you can even just type that number), to read this identifyer into a program that then reads all the data it needs to create the GRPO from the relevant XML file. Any vendor is much more likely to be able to provide you with a simple XML file, than with a highly specialized barcode. Additionally, if you ever need some new information, it is much easier to adapt a file, than a barcode.

Regards,

Johan

[Former Member]

Hi Johan

We told the same to the customer earlier.

They had told us that they will ask their vendor to maintain the same methodology and they will take the responsibility

[Johan_Hakkesteegt]

Hi Kamba,

Okay, well then it will be their problem, but I would recommend building one of the two solutions I suggested earlier anyway. At least this will be the easiest to maintain and develop in future.

Regards,

Johan