Using IntelliScanner barcode readers with FileMaker Pro

Getting Started

FileMaker Pro and IntelliScanner readers integrate easily. IntelliScanner Pro and Scanabout Pro are designed to work with many applications without additional configuration. Both models perform direct keyboard emulation – meaning they function in the same way as a keyboard and type out the barcode number they read into whatever application your cursor is active in.

Integrating your IntelliScanner with FileMaker Pro

Integrating your IntelliScanner with FileMaker Pro is quick and easy. All of our small-business barcode readers - IntelliScanner Pro and Scanabout Pro - are designed to work with FileMaker Pro (and many other applications) without additional configuration.

IntelliScanner Pro advanced configuration. If you are using an IntelliScanner Pro (tethered USB model), there is no setup necessary – simply plug it in and start scanning away. One function you may want to utilize is to change the end-of-text character. By default, the IntelliScanner Pro types a carriage return (CR) after each scan. When using it with FileMaker Pro, you may want to change the end-of-text character to "tab" to the next column - here's how to change the end-of-text character to a tab.

Scanabout Pro advanced configuration. First, make sure you've paired your Scanabout Pro with your computer. One function you may want to utilize is to change the end-of-text character. By default, the Scanabout Pro types a carriage return (CR) after each scan. When using it with FileMaker Pro, you may want to change the end-of-text character to "tab" to the next column - here's how to change the end-of-text character to a tab.

Examples

We've included some simple FileMaker Pro examples below.

Inventory management In this FileMaker example, we're tracking an inventory of general computer assets. Using our preprinted Asset Tags, I've attached them to the items, scanned the number into the spreadsheet and filled in the detail information about each item.

• Inventory Management database file
• PDF documentation

Contact & event management
In this FileMaker Pro example, we're tracking which events the people in our database (Contact Management) are attending. This example consists of two, related databases: Contact Management and Event Management. The Contact Management database contains all of our people and is where we record attendance. The Event Management database contains information on the events we're hosting.

• Contact Management database file
• Event Management database file
• PDF documentation

Note

These FileMaker Pro database examples are not "ready to deploy" databases. They're simply example databases to show you some ways that our barcode readers work with FileMaker Pro.

Each database example includes basic documentation that explains how it works and the scripts are annotated so you can easily pick them apart and redesign for your own needs.