1. Introduction
The eMaint system allows you to generate and print normal (1D) barcode labels for any entity in the system. Common entities where barcode labels are used include Parts, Assets, and Contacts. By default, these barcodes are generated from the record IDs that each record in eMaint has (Item No, Asset ID and Contact ID). Although, X5 allows you to select what field the barcode renders.
2. Usage
Within the eMaint system, barcode scanners can be used to easily search for, issue, or purchase parts. A barcode scanner can be used in any place within eMaint that allows a user to find a part number.
These locations include, but are not limited to:
- List Views
- Work Order Charges
- Lookups
2.1. Printing Labels
To generate a barcode open a record (part, asset, contact, etc.) and tap the Actions button in the upper right-hand corner. See below for reference.
A download should begin shortly with PDF document. The document will contain the selected 3” x 1” label.
Note - The barcode labels are not formatted for any specific barcode printer so adjustments to the printer properties may be required.
2.2. List View
You can use a barcode scanner in a list view to quickly find a record. To get started open the desired list view, place your cursor into the barcode field (e.g. item no, asset id, or contact id) and scan the barcode.
Note - Depending on the specific barcode scanner you use, you may have to hit Enter on your keyboard after scanning.
2.3. Work Order Charges
When issuing inventory to a work order, barcode scanners can be used to speed up the part charge process. To get started, open a work order and navigate to the Part Charges related entity on the right-hand navigation bar.
2.4. Lookup
User can decrease the time spent when filling out eMaint forms by using barcode scanners to make drop down field selections. Simply click on the drop-down field you wish to populate, scan a label, and select that record.
3. Hardware
If you have any type of barcode readers (wired or wireless) you will be able to scan those codes into any fields in eMaint. As you may already know, a Barcode reader act as a translator, it reads the code printed on the label and it translates it back to a value, which in eMaint will be the record ID.
We don't really make specific recommendations on what device to buy, but there are multiple good options in the market. The most common barcoding devices are the USB scanners and the Bluetooth scanners (which can be synced with computers or mobile devices).
Note - The system uses a barcode font named 3-of-9. It is a very common barcode font so many scanners already support it.
4. Barcoding in Mobile
Barcoding in mobile works much the same as it does on the desktop version of eMaint. The only difference may be the hardware used as the scanner. When it comes to barcoding in mobile you have two different options:
Use a wireless Bluetooth scanner. The benefits of using a wireless scanner are that no additional software is required and it will work with eMaint across any browser (including the offline app).
Download a barcode scanning app. They offer both keyboard and web browser apps that are capable of scanning barcode labels into a field. The downside to using a barcode scanning app is that you are limited to the specific browser and keyboard you must use within eMaint.
You can perform the same barcode related functions on a desktop directly within the mobile site with the help of a barcode scanning app or Bluetooth scanner.
