RE: Barcode databases

[Keith Doxey <keith.doxey@xxxxxxx>]

Hi Russ,

Havent seen your original post yet so I will reply to this one ;-)

I have done a little work with a barcode scanner for a project at work.
It connected to the keyboard input and basically typed the barcode details
into the PC. If you had Notepad open then scanning the item would type the
numbers you can see as the human readable part of the barcode. There are
several different formats of barcode and one manufacturer may use several
different codes for one item.

eg.

Can of coke
can of coke from a multipack
can of coke on special offer

If you basically wanted it to compile your shopping list for you, you would
have to identify all the possible codes as "can of coke". I dont
know where
you could obtain a list of all codes, and personally I wouldnt bother. From
a previous project I worked on I learnt that a well known supermarket
(****)
has a total inventory of around 36000 items with the average store stocking
23000 of them. Typically I buy from less than 400 products....(and they are
always out of stock but thats my problem) but not always from the same
store.

Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury, Heinz all have unique codes for a tin of Baked
Beans.

By using Active server pages and personal web server you can have an access
database that is updateable from any PC in your house via a web browser. I
would suggest you create your own database with tables for Barcodes, Actual
Products, and Store product codes/descriptions if you want to order on
line.

eg Barcode table contains all codes you scan for items in your
cupboard/fridge with a reference to an actual produce eg 400g Tin of Beans

You select 4 Tins of beans and that prints on the shopping list.

For online ordering you run a query to the Store table with the shopping
list and Store Name to get the actual Product Code and description to order
a 400g tin of beans from <storename> and use that information for the
ordering.

It is by no means a simple task but it is one that possible. Thats the kind
of stuff I do all day. Once set up it should require minimal maintainence
unless you want to include prices.

I also tried to open the Tesco access database and was refused permission.
I
did notice that their online system took an awful lot of updating
especially
if you didnt use it for a while taking over 20 minutes to update the
database via ISDN !!!

We received an email from Tesco the other day saying they now had a new web
based ordering system but like others, they have fallen into the trap of
getting graphic designers to put loads of glitzy pictures on screen slowing
the process to a crawl. I want to click on links as quickly as possible to
order the stuff and only get pictures when either I ask for them or get to
the item I want.

eg.

WELCOME TO MyStore-OnLine
Tinned Goods *
Frozen Food
Fresh Meat
etc

TINNED GOODS
Vegetables *
Fish
Meat
Soup

TINNED GOODS - VEGETABLES
Beans *
Peas
Carrots
Potatoes

TINNED GOODS - VEGETABLES - BEANS
Please Enter Quantity....
Beans 200g			( )
Beans 400g			(4)
Beans & Sausages 400g	( )
Update Order *


Result - 4 tins of beans in 5 or 6 actions.  * indicates clicked link
Not glitzy but lightning fast reponse times and happy customers. Of course
you can have a pictorial browsing section as well but give people the
option.

Hope that hasnt put you off :-)

Keith

> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Olivant, Russ" <russ_olivant@xxxxxxx>
> To: <ukha_d@xxxxxxx>
> Sent: Tuesday, December 12, 2000 12:04 PM
> Subject: [ukha_d] Barcode databases
>
>
> > Hi,
> >
> > I'm toying with the idea of utilising a barcode reader to
> aid with grocery
> > list creation - and perhaps even semi autonomous online ordering.
> > Does anyone know where I can obtain a mapping of barcodes
> to products.
> > Obviously this mapping is going to be huooooge - perhaps I
> can just obtain
> > product mappings for some manufacturers.
> >
> > Anyone have any ideas?
> >
> > thanks
> >
> > Russ
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
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