Barcode Scanning

Barcode scanners are a useful way to identify athletes against race results in an efficient manner. When a barcode is scanned it simply is decoded into numbers related to the barcode image, for instance '1234'. These numbers are then sent to the software screen in a very quick manner and this avoids the need to have to type in these numbers. So the end result is that you are able to scan in athletes much faster than typing them in, reducing a potential botteneck. 

There are many barcode scanners around from wired to wireless, from budget to premium. Timing Solutions software uses 'barcode font 39' which should be legible by most barcode scanners. 

Barcode scanners each have various configuration settings that are specific to that scanner, please read the instruction manual carefully. One tip: Ensure that a 'carriage return' is included when the barcode is scanned -> this has the same effect as pressing the Enter key after typing in the digits so that your cursor will move down to the next available row, therefore avoiding the need to have to touch the keyboard. 

Below are some examples of barcode scanners that we have used, but please do your own research

POS-mate Wired Barcode Scanner USB - from Officeworks

• Click sub-heading above for link to Officeworks product page
• Simple but effective entry level barcode scanner
• Connects via USB cable to computer - so scanning of athletes generally can only occur near computer

POS-mate Barcode Scanner Wireless - from Officeworks

• Click sub-heading above for link to Officeworks product page
• Wireless functionality via the provider docking port, allowing you to move away from computer with the scanner - this can be very useful when scanning athletes into lanes (if scanning at end of race)
• Note: Also capable of 'QR code scanning' which may be a feature of Timing Solutions products in the future