Zebra Plastic Card Printers.

Zebra Plastic Card Printers come in a variety of styles and price ranges, including single-sided printers, dual sided printers, and security printers

Healthy Solutions for Healthcare.

The healthcare industry benefits from barcoding. Barcoding enhances patient safety and operational efficiency.

Seagull Scientific Products

Seagull Scientific BarTender is an industry-leading label design and barcode software. Seagull Scientific also develops true Windows printer drivers for bar code and thermal printers.

MC 9190G

The Ability To Satisfy Your Company Software Requirements.

Wireless Broadband

The unrivalled Motorola portfolio of Point-to-Point (PTP), Point-to-Multipoint (PMP), and Mesh Wide Area Network (MWAN), WLAN and VoWLAN solutions make governments, enterprises, and service providers more agile by helping them deploy voice, video, and data applications right where they need them.

Thursday 30 April 2009

Barcode Label and Reporting Software: TFORMer 6.0 Release Candidate


Here it is - the release candidate of TFORMer 6.0!

TFORMer is an advanced Barcode Label Software and Reporting Software. Two components are part of each download:
  • TFORMer Designer: A visual layout designer for labels and reports with instant data entry, instant printing, live preview, multiple data sources and export capabilities (PDF, HTML, PostScript, images, ZPL-II).
  • TFORMer Runtime: A SDK for integrating versatile output and reporting functions in your own applications. This reporting SDK is available with COM, DLL, NET and JAVA APIs.

As promised in a previous post here are the download links:
TFORMer installs on Windows 2000 or higher (Vista and Windows 7 are supported!), any feedback is welcome - just let us know.
TEC-IT wish you nice holidays!

Wednesday 29 April 2009

Barcode and RFID Wedge / Software Wedge: TWedge V2.1

As of today TEC-IT released a new version of the data acquisition software TWedge.

TWedge is a smart data collection tool which is in use as barcode wedge, software wedge, keyboard wedge, serial wedge, scale wedge, etc. Just choose the name you prefer :-).
V2.1 introduces:
  • User Input Functionality: The new function 'InputBox' allows a user to enter data in real-time (validation is optional).
  • Clipboard Access Functions: The clipboard functions "CopyToClipboard" and "GetFromClipboard" were introduced. These functions are useful for larger amounts of data, where a simulation of keystrokes is not feasible or too slow.
  • Multiple Control Strings: Now it is possible to send a combination of key constants and modifier keys using the '+' character' (e.g.: "{CTRL+f}" or "{CTRL+SHIFT+h}"). Multiple modifier keys can be now processed through multiple control string.
  • Improved User Interface (GUI): Toolbar and application icons were redesigned.
Product descriptions and downloads are available here: Software Wedge TWedge V2.1.

Barcode Maker Software: Barcode Studio V9.2

Barcode Studio V9.2 is available to the public!

As mentioned in a previous blog-entry this release fixes a major problem with missing human readable texts when exporting barcodes as image on Mac OS X and Linux.

In addition a minor DataMatrix encoding bug was fixed. The handling of quiet zones was also corrected.

More information and downloads are available here: Barcode Maker Software: Barcode Studio.

Enjoy - and feedback is more than welcome!

Tuesday 28 April 2009

Useful Test Data Generator

A colleague of mine just stumbled over a very useful generator for test data. He used it for preparing some test cases for our label printing and reporting software TFORMer. Below are 2 screenshots - the first one shows how to adjust the general characterics of the test data to be generated:

The second one shows the results:

Hope this tool is also helpful for you!

Monday 27 April 2009

Barcode Server Component Updates

by Nate Schubert


IDAutomation.com, Inc. announces a major update of the ASP Barcode Server Component for IIS and ASP.NET Barcode Web Server Control. Updates include Caption Feature improvements, 1BMP or One Bit per Pixel update, which allows for quicker streaming and produces a smaller bmp file and the addition of the QR Code symbology in the 2D version.

A fully functional evaluation copy of the
ASP Barcode Server Component for IIS may be downloaded at www.idautomation.com/aspbarcode/.

A fully functional evaluation copy of the ASP.NET Barcode Web Server Control may be downloaded at www.idautomation.com/servercontrols/.


Product Update: .NET Barcode Windows Forms Control


IDAutomation.com, Inc. announces an update to the Linear .NET Barcode Forms Control, which allows for easy integration of barcode technology directly into .NET Framework applications. The .NET Forms Control and DLL package update includes a One Bit per Pixel update, which allows for quicker streaming and thereby produces a smaller bmp file, updates to the GS1 Databar symbology and additional performance enhancements.

The demo version may be downloaded from www.idautomation.com/formscontrols/ and is fully functional.


Product Update: QR Code Font and Encoder


A new update has been released for the QR Code Font and Encoder for Windows, which corrected a minor bug where some scanners were having difficulty reading the QR-Code barcode with ease. IDAutomation's QR Code Barcode Font and Encoder for Windows enables printing of two dimensional QR-Code barcodes from Windows with TrueType, PostScript or PCL laserjet soft fonts.
The advanced QR (Quick Response) Code font uses IDAutomation Vertical Interleaved Technology, which allows increased throughput and printing at small X dimensions. The install package includes Word, Access, Crystal Reports and VB examples with COM and .NET framework encoder DLLs.
A fully functional evaluation copy may be downloaded from www.idautomation.com/fonts/qr-code/


Product Update: GS1 Databar Image Generator & Windows Forms Control


A new update has been released for the GS1 Databar Image Generator and GS1 Databar Windows Forms Control. Updates include streamlining and updating the apply tilde functionality of the composite component and enhanced the Expanded GS1 Databar symbology encoding.

A fully functional evaluation copy of the GS1 Databar Image Generator may be downloaded from www.idautomation.com/generator/.

A fully functional evaluation copy of the GS1 Databar Windows Forms Control may be downloaded from www.idautomation.com/formscontrols/.


New Tutorial: How to create USPS 24 Digit IM™ Tray Labels

This tutorial outlines how to create USPS 24 Digit IM™ Tray Labels (including flat tub and sack labels) with IDAutomation's Code 128 Barcode Fonts, Label Software and other various barcode generation products. This tutorial should be used with USPS-L-3216 for additional formatting and placement specifications. USPS-L-3216 specifies ISS Code 128 to be used as the barcode type, which is compatible with all Code 128 products IDAutomation offers.

Friday 24 April 2009

Software Wedge: TWedge V2.1 RC

Based on user-feedback a new service release of the data acquisition software TWedge is announced. TWedge V2.1 installs and runs on all current Windows-based operating systems (32 bit and 64 bit).


V2.1 introduces:
  • User Input Functionality: The new function 'InputBox' allows a user to enter data in real-time (validation is optional).
  • Clipboard Access Functions: The clipboard functions "CopyToClipboard" and "GetFromClipboard" were introduced. These functions are useful for larger amounts of data, where a simulation of keystrokes is not feasible or too slow.
  • Multiple Control Strings: Now it is possible to send a combination of key constants and modifier keys using the '+' character' (e.g.: "{CTRL+f}" or "{CTRL+SHIFT+h}"). Multiple modifier keys can be now processed through multiple control string.
  • Improved User Interface (GUI): Toolbar and application icons were redesigned.


TWedge V2.1 was released on 04-29-2009. More details are available here: Barcode Software Wedge TWedge V2.1


Readers of this blog can download the release candidate here: Software Wedge TWedge V2.1.

Barcode Software on Twitter

TEC-IT is now on Twitter too...

http://twitter.com/tecit

The advantage: twitter.com helps us to get to the point ;-)

Wednesday 22 April 2009

Barcode Studio V9.2 RC is available!



A new release (V9.2) of the barcode creator software Barcode Studio will be available to the public in a few days. This release introduces just one enhancement - but it is a major one:

Barcode image export with human readable text works now on all operating systems.
In previous versions of Barcode Studio this feature was only available on Windows.

Barcode Studio V9.2 was release on 04.29.2009 - see XXX.

The release candidates are available exclusively to readers of this blog:


Existing customers of Barcode Studio V9.0 or V9.1 can update to this version free of charge. All license keys are still valid.

Monday 20 April 2009

Friday 17 April 2009

Free Music Download - JAMENDO

Warning! Non barcode-related post ;-)

Are you listening music while developing software? If yes - the same is true for some members of TEC-IT. A few days ago I read about a free music portal named Jamendo. Because I think it is worth trying it here is some advertisement:

Jamendo is a community of free, legal and unlimited music published under Creative Commons licenses. Share your music, download your favorite artists!

My favorites (mostly progressive and trance) until now: Opener of the Ways (by Solaris), Psychonaut (by Solaris), Encre (by Silence), Wood (by Greg Beaumont), Pretium Doloris (by A.n.K.h).

Highlight: You can listen to music without registration.

There is also a little draw-back: Music download is free but I was unable to manage downloads on Windows Vista (not sure if it depends on Vista or something else). However - MP3 download worked with FF on Ubuntu. Hopefully the Jamendo team will fix this issue shortly.

Wednesday 15 April 2009

Product Updates

by Nate Schubert

Sign up as an affiliate with IDAutomation and earn 30% of every sale
http://www.idautomation.com/affiliates/#Affiliate
Wed, Apr 15, 2009 2:45 PM

In an effort to touch base with all of our current affiliates and new prospective affiliates, IDAutomation is offering some insight as to how affiliates can promote our products better, in turn creating more commission-based revenue on IDAutomation product sales. Who doesn't want to make more money, especially in these tough economic times?

First and foremost, it is important to reiterate that the IDAutomation Affiliate Program pays an impressive 30% commission on all IDAutomation software in addition to a 5% commission on all NiceLabel products and IDAutomation hardware sold through or referred by those currently enrolled in the program. This is a much higher commission rate than many of our competitors, and it may be even easier to convert your visitors into our customers since IDAutomation is a well-known brand and recognized industry leader. Since our products range in price from $99 to over $10,000 USD, this is a great opportunity to make some real money as an IDAutomation affiliate.

So, how can you increase awareness of IDAutomation products on your own Website? Following are some quick tips that should help you to direct more referral traffic to IDAutomation.com, thus increasing the opportunity for higher overall commission-based revenue:

Get to Know IDAutomation Products

IDAutomation offers a host of products such as barcode fonts, barcode components such as ActiveX Controls or Java Packages, and even stand-alone applications such as the IDAutomation Barcode Label Software. Get to know the products you're offering on your Website. If you know what you're talking about, it's a good bet that your visitors will trust what you've said and take action.

Out of Sight, Out of Mind?

Whether you are linking to the IDAutomation Home Page or a specific product page on the website, it won't matter if your visitors don't see it. Many successful affiliates find that visitor attention is drawn to the upper right portion of the page first before other areas. Put your most important links here and you may find an increase in click-through to the Websites that will make you more money.

IDAutomation in Review

If there's one thing the internet has shown us, it's that people love reviews. If you or someone you know has used IDAutomation products, try posting a review on your Website about not only how the product works, but also about the company itself. Many visitors will understand through the vast amounts of reviews out there that IDAutomation offers quality products, but very few Websites actually touch on the company itself. IDAutomation happens to have a very capable staff of intelligent employee's who are dedicated to providing fast, friendly service pre and post-sales. Let your visitors know not only that we work, but also HOW we work and it may pay off.

Make the Effort

If a visitor clicks over from your Website to IDAutomation and completes a $1,000 sale, you get $300. If a visitor never sees your link to IDAutomation.com, you get nothing. It's pretty obvious which option most of us would prefer, but the latter does take a bit of effort. Take the time to create an individual web page dedicated to a specific IDAutomation product, or the company as a whole. Our products are in high demand and Search Engines, which will in turn bring you more targeted visitors, will surely recognize any extra effort.

Questions? Just Ask!

When running an affiliate Website, it's important to take advantage of your advertisers. IDAutomation is in a unique position to assist any affiliate who is looking for specific ways to increase click-through. If anyone has any questions, please do not hesitate to respond to this email and let us know. The more business you do, the more business we do.



Product Update: GS1 Databar Image Generator
http://www.idautomation.com/generator/
Wed, Apr 15, 2009 2:14 PM

A new update has been released for the GS1 Databar Image Generator, which streamlined and updated the apply tilde functionality of the composite component and enhanced the Expanded GS1 Databar symbology encoding. The GS1 DataBar Image Generator allows easy generation of quality barcodes for pasting into other Windows applications or generation of high quality graphic image files. Commonly used to place images in desktop publishing applications, such as Quark, Publisher and PhotoShop. Supports all DataBar variants including DataBar Expanded. Command line options are available for creating bar codes in DOS.



Product Update: GS1 Databar Windows Forms Control
http://www.idautomation.com/formscontrols/
Wed, Apr 15, 2009 2:14 PM

A new update has been released for the GS1 Databar Windows Forms Control, which enhanced the Expanded GS1 Databar symbology encoding, plus streamlined and updated the apply tilde functionality of the composite component. The GS1 DataBar Windows Forms Control by IDAutomation.com generates high-quality, dynamic barcode images in the .NET Framework 1.1 or greater environment. Easily integrates into Visual Studio .NET, C# and Visual Basic.

The control may be used as a DLL or loaded on a form. Several methods are available that allow images to be printed directly to the printer, saved to a file or copied to the clipboard. The following GS1 DataBar types are supported: Omnidirectional, Stacked, Truncated, Stacked Omnidirectional, Limited, Expanded, Expanded Stacked Omnidirectional and Composite Components. The same DLL also supports PDF417, MicroPDF417, UPC-E, UPC-A, EAN-8, EAN-13, GS1-128 and Code 128. The package includes the complete source code solution for an image generation application, which was written in VB .NET.



Product Update: QR Code Font and Encoder
http://www.idautomation.com/fonts/qr-code/
Tue, Apr 14, 2009 10:47 AM

A new update has been released for the QR Code Font and Encoder for Windows, which corrected a minor bug where some scanners were having difficulty reading the QR-Code barcode with ease. IDAutomation's QR Code Barcode Font and Encoder for Windows enables printing of two dimensional QR-Code barcodes from Windows with TrueType, PostScript or PCL laserjet soft fonts. The advanced QR (Quick Response) Code font uses IDAutomation Vertical Interleaved Technology which allows increased throughput and printing at small X dimensions. The install package includes Word, Access, Crystal Reports and VB examples with COM and .NET framework encoder DLLs.



Product Update: .NET Barcode Forms Control
Thu, Apr 2, 2009 3:25 PM

IDAutomation.com, Inc. announces an update to their release of the Linear .NET Barcode Forms Control which allows for easy integration of barcode technology directly into .NET Framework applications. The .NET Forms Control and DLL package update includes a One Bit per Pixel update, which allows for quicker streaming and thereby produces a smaller bmp file, updates to the GS1 Databar symbology and additional performance enhancements.

The Linear .NET Barcode Forms Control is compatible with any development environment that can utilize .NET Forms Controls and DLLs. Several bar code symbologies are supported in this control including Code 39, Code 128, UCC-128, Interleaved 2 of 5, UPC, EAN, Codabar and Postnet. The 100% managed code control is very easy to use and is provided with sample projects in C# and VB.NET. By integrating barcode technology directly into .NET Framework applications, it is no longer necessary to export data to a proprietary label program to print barcodes.

The demo version may be downloaded from www.idautomation.com/formscontrols/ and is fully functional. This package also includes the IDAutomation RFID component which encodes smart tags and labels on RFID printers from .NET Framework applications. The control has many advanced features such as device independent graphics, data binding, adjustable orientation and strong name support. All functionality is implemented in a single file that is less than 150K in size, which makes it easy to distribute with other applications. A distributable royalty-free Developer License for the Linear .NET Barcode Forms Control starts at $395.

IDAutomation.com, Inc. also provides barcode fonts and barcode components for ActiveX, COM, ASP, Oracle and Java. IDAutomation.com, Inc. has been marketing ID automation products for businesses since 1996 and is privately held. For more information, visit their website at http://www.idautomation.com/.



Product Update: ASP.NET Barcode Web Server Control
Tue, Mar 31, 2009 11:58 AM

IDAutomation.com, Inc. announces a major update of their ASP.NET Barcode Web Server Control, which updates include Caption Features improvements, 1BMP or One Bit per Pixel update, which allows for quicker streaming and produces a smaller bmp file and the addition of the QR Code symbology in the 2D version.

The ASP.NET Barcode Web Server Control is a drag-and-drop component that easily adds dynamic barcoding capability to MicrosoftR .NET Web Applications. It is a server-side component that creates JPEG images, therefore all processing takes place on the server and it is compatible with all web browsers. On-line tasks that involve something that is printed from a web browser, such as online tickets, coupons, name badges, invoices, registrations, rebate mailers, check-in confirmations, RMA packing slips and gift certificates can be automated with barcodes. The ASP .NET Barcode Server Control is both flexible and easy to use. On-line barcodes may be easily included in .NET Web Applications by dragging the control on a form in the same way a text box control is used. Several barcode types are supported in a single control including Code 3 of 9, Code 128, UCC/EAN-128, GS1-128, Interleaved 2 of 5, Intelligent Mail, UPC, EAN, Codabar, Planet and Postnet.

The 2D version includes linear symbologies plus Aztec, PDF417, Data Matrix ECC200, QR-Code and Maxicode. The Barcode Server Control has many advanced features such as adjustable orientation, automatic sizing, automatic temp file maintenance and high quality image creation. A fully functional evaluation copy may be downloaded from their website at http://www.idautomation.com/servercontrols/. A single server license costs $199 USD and royalty free developer licenses start at $790 USD.

IDAutomation provides barcode fonts, components and software applications that support several barcode types. IDAutomation.com, Inc. has been marketing products for businesses since 1996 and is privately held. For more information, visit their website at http://www.idautomation.com/.



Product Update: ASP Barcode Server Component for IIS
Mon, Mar 30, 2009 5:23 PM

IDAutomation.com, Inc. announces a major update of their ASP Barcode Server Component for IIS, which updates include Caption Features improvements, 1BMP or One Bit per Pixel update, which allows for quicker streaming and produces a smaller bmp file and the addition of the QR Code symbology in the 2D version.

The ASP Barcode Server Component for IIS easily adds barcode generation capability to webpages hosted on Microsoft IIS (Internet Information Server) through ASP (Active Server Pages). It is a server-side component that creates GIF or JPG images in any application that can display a dynamic URL and is compatible with all web browsers. No temporary files are created on the server because the resulting barcode image is sent directly to the browser as a base-256 binary stream which results in faster and efficient performance. Easy installation of the ASP Barcode Server Component is completed by copying just three files to the virtual directory where barcodes are required. This is a 100% managed code product created in Visual C# .NET with strong name signatures and signed DLLs. Several barcode types are supported in a single control including Code 3 of 9, Code 128, UCC/EAN-128, GS1-128, Interleaved 2 of 5, Intelligent Mail, UPC, EAN, Codabar, Planet and Postnet.

The 2D version includes linear symbologies plus Aztec, PDF417, Data Matrix ECC200, QR-Code and Maxicode. The Barcode Server Component has the ability to set several properties with parameters in the URL such as the symbology type, orientation, color, barcode height and X dimension. A fully functional evaluation copy may be downloaded from their website at http://www.idautomation.com/aspbarcode/. A single server license costs $299 USD and royalty free developer licenses start at $1190 USD.

IDAutomation provides barcode fonts, components and software applications that support several barcode types. IDAutomation.com, Inc. has been marketing products for businesses since 1996 and is privately held. For more information, visit their website at http://www.idautomation.com/.



New Product: QR Code Font and Encoder for Windows
Fri, Mar 27, 2009 12:19 PM

IDAutomation.com, Inc. announces the release of their new QR-Code Barcode Font and Encoder. The QR-Code barcode fonts make use of Vertical Interleaved Technology which allows printing of high-density QR-Code symbols with TrueType, PCL and PostScript fonts. Includes the Windows COM and .NET Framework DLLs. QR-Code is an area efficient two-dimensional (2D) barcode symbology capable of encoding large amounts of data. The data encoded may include letters, numbers, text and actual bytes of data, including extended characters, Unicode characters and small photos.

A demo version may be downloaded from www.idautomation.com/fonts/qr-code/ and includes fully functional examples. A single user license for the QR-Code Font and Encoder starts at $199 and a royalty-free Developer License starts at $1190.



Product Update: Barcode Label Software
Fri, Mar 27, 2009 12:38 PM

This is an easy to use professional grade barcode label design and printing software application that also contains many advanced features. It contains a built-in, embedded database for creating custom values in labels and also connects to comma delimited text files, CSV files, Microsoft Excel and Access. Barcode values can also be incremented or determined by VB script formulas. Static data can be easily appended to the beginning or ending of any variable data. It accurately prints ANSI and ISO compliant barcodes on any graphics printer, including thermal printers. The linear version of the Barcode Label Software includes several performance and compatibility enhancements and has been updated to support the office 2007 file format. A fully functional evaluation copy may be downloaded from http://www.idautomation.com/labelsoftware/download.html



2010 Sunrise Date for Databar
Fri, Mar 27, 2009 1:02 PM

GS1 DataBar is a new barcode type approved for the retail supply chain where UPC and EAN symbols are currently used. GS1, formerly known as EAN International and Uniform Code Council, has set January 1, 2010 as the "sunrise" date for global adoption of this new barcode type. As of 2010, all manufacturers worldwide will have the option of marking their packages with GS1 DataBar codes - as an alternative to the EAN/UPC bar codes used today. Retailers must be ready to scan these packages at the point-of-sale and elsewhere within their logistics systems.

The following is a list of hand-held barcode scanners that read DataBar:
  1. IDAutomation USB Barcode Scanner with DataBar at http://idautomation.com/scanners/usb-barcode-scanner.html
  2. Metrologic USB VoyagerPDF Scanner at http://www.idautomation.com/laser/ms9544.html
  3. Hand Held Products IT3800PDF USB Scanner at http://www.idautomation.com/ccdreaders/pdf417ccd.html

IDautomation also offers the DataBar font at http://www.idautomation.com/fonts/databar/, Databar Windows Forms Control at http://www.idautomation.com/formscontrols/ and the DataBar Image Generator at http://www.idautomation.com/generator/.



New Product: GS1 DataBar Barcode Font
Thu, Jan 22, 2009 3:12 PM

GS1 DataBar is a new barcode type that is over 50% smaller than current UPC and EAN barcodes and may be used in all POS systems after January 1, 2010. It encodes GTIN, UPC and EAN data and may include additional information such as weight, expiration date and serial numbers in a single barcode. The IDAutomation GS1 DataBar Barcode Font Package includes TrueType, OpenType, PostScript and PCL fonts that support all DataBar variants including Omni-directional, Limited, Stacked and Expanded types. The download is available at http://www.idautomation.com/fonts/databar/ and includes encoders in VB, Java, C++ and .NET for Windows, MAC, Linux and Unix operating systems.



Product Update: Aztec Font and Encoder Advantage Package
Thu, Jan 22, 2009 2:58 PM

The Java Class Library has been added to the Aztec Font and Encoder Advantage Package. The Java class file was compiled with the Sun JDK 1.3 and is compatible with Windows, MAC, Unix and Linux. This Aztec barcode font uses IDAutomation Vertical Interleaved Technology to print high-density Aztec symbols with TrueType, PCL and PostScript fonts. Includes Signed ActiveX Control with CAB file, ASP.NET Web Control, .NET Forms Control DLL and Java Library plus examples for Excel, Word, Access, Java, .NET and Crystal Reports. A fully functional evaluation copy may be downloaded from http://www.idautomation.com/fonts/aztec/.

Friday 10 April 2009

New Release: Labeling and Reporting Software



Do you know the German proverb "Alles neu macht der Mai"? It means that in May everything will be renewed. And of course this is also true for TFORMer - the label printing software / reporting software from TEC-IT.

We are glad to announce the new version with GREAT useability features (data-sources, manual data-source, preview, extensive bar code support, improved API, and much more).

Stay tuned for the release cadidate - the download link will be published next week exclusively in this blog!

Happy Holidays!