We do all our custom shipping labels via Report Builder but since you are already doing Crystal then for future (Vantage 8.x) that is definitely the way to go. For years I've dodged Code 128 requests by customers. Most of them that request it are having a third party manage their ID and scanning systems. If the consultants are used to doing big warehouse systems they usually prefer Code 128 for the check digit scan error catching capabilities. BUT....these automated conveyor routing systems that really need the error trapping are seldom used my our customers who are themselves manufacturers. Most of their scanners do Code 39 automatically and in several cases we've just sent that and not told them it is not Code 128. They scan, they're happy and that's all they really care about.
Code 128 does an internal calculation based on the data to add to the barcoding extra characters. The calculation is not simple or straightforward. Back when I was last exploring this someone in this group had forwarded to be a function add-in for Crystal that returns the calculated data ready to be represented with the Code 128 font. I never ended up using it. Then, for a completely different reason (2D coding) I ended up getting BarTender and if I ever really need Code 128 I can do it with that.
But the first thing I would try is asking the customer if they are really using the error checking feature and try sending them Code 39 labels to try out. I'll see if I can dig up that Crystal add-in...contact me off list if you think you will need it.
-Todd C.
________________________________
From: vantage@yahoogroups.com [mailto:vantage@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Ken Cary
Sent: Monday, February 02, 2009 1:35 PM
To: vantage@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Vantage] Code 128 and PDF 417 Barcodes
Do any of you run your shipping labels straight out of Vantage. We are currently on Vantage 6.0 and utilize their shipping label with a couple of minor customizations. That label is actually just a Crystal Form. One of our customers has asked us to change to a Code128 barcode font and add a PDF 417 Barcode at the bottom of our labels. I'm trying to find a way to do this without reinventing the wheel. Right now, I can only see where Crystal will allow me to do a Code39 font. Do any of you know how to keep the barcodes in Crystal without sending the code out to a barcode program and then copying the barcode back into Crystal?
Ken
TMF Center, Inc.
765-762-1000 Ext. 327
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Code 128 does an internal calculation based on the data to add to the barcoding extra characters. The calculation is not simple or straightforward. Back when I was last exploring this someone in this group had forwarded to be a function add-in for Crystal that returns the calculated data ready to be represented with the Code 128 font. I never ended up using it. Then, for a completely different reason (2D coding) I ended up getting BarTender and if I ever really need Code 128 I can do it with that.
But the first thing I would try is asking the customer if they are really using the error checking feature and try sending them Code 39 labels to try out. I'll see if I can dig up that Crystal add-in...contact me off list if you think you will need it.
-Todd C.
________________________________
From: vantage@yahoogroups.com [mailto:vantage@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Ken Cary
Sent: Monday, February 02, 2009 1:35 PM
To: vantage@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Vantage] Code 128 and PDF 417 Barcodes
Do any of you run your shipping labels straight out of Vantage. We are currently on Vantage 6.0 and utilize their shipping label with a couple of minor customizations. That label is actually just a Crystal Form. One of our customers has asked us to change to a Code128 barcode font and add a PDF 417 Barcode at the bottom of our labels. I'm trying to find a way to do this without reinventing the wheel. Right now, I can only see where Crystal will allow me to do a Code39 font. Do any of you know how to keep the barcodes in Crystal without sending the code out to a barcode program and then copying the barcode back into Crystal?
Ken
TMF Center, Inc.
765-762-1000 Ext. 327
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]