Interface with SAP / Bar code scanner.

Question

Hello,
we are going  to integrate bar code reader to SAP directly
Our thought are , Scanning  the bar code and then using IDOC or directly connected to SAP - ZTables for converting the data into the SAP system..
is it possible to convert the bar code information ( such us material / batch etc..) in to SAP with an interface.
Any Input will be appreciated
Thanks for your help
JJ

Answer 1

Hi JJ,
I may be just re-iterating what has already been said, but for clarity I will put down the points again, since I was also faced with the same confusion regarding how barcode and sap will work.
1. Barcode Scanner has nothing to do with SAP or any software.
   In simple terms, it is just like a keyboard. To demo;
    a) Plug in the barcode scanner in the USB port
    b) Open Notepad in windows
    c) The cursor will be inside the notepad
    d) Now scan the bar code against any barcode image.
          (Suppose the barcode image contains the information XYZABC)
   e) As soon as you scan, the characters   X Y Z A B C (without spaces)
      will AUTOMATICALLY GET TYPED on the screen, inside the notepad, at the place of cursor.
    Hence, the SCANNER  just acts as a KEYBOARD.
   and autommatically types in the characters WHEREVER the CURSOR is.
   We can test this using notepad, Excel, word or any where the cursor can appear.
   We can test in any standard sap screen on any text field also, etc.
2. Saving the data in SAP.
    a) First we have to figure out how to save data in SAP,
        considering we are entering data MANUALLY.
   b) This can be a STANDARD Transaction or a Z transaction.
   c) Suppose the field / information is material number,
     then instead of TYPING the material number on the screen, in the field,
    we simply place the cursor on that field.
  d) then we simply scan the image (containing information on material n umber) and hooooooray,
    it gets automatically TYPED IN on that field.
    Thats it.  Other fields we may have to enter manually and press the SAVE button to save the data.
  Scanner just saves TYPING the information manually, and hence reduces time and error both.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Amit Mittal.