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A nifty tool that allows users to scan bar codes directly to a desktop with a webcam

A nifty tool that allows users to scan bar codes directly to a desktop with a webcam

Vote: (36 votes)

Program license: Free

Developer: QS QualitySoft GmbH

Version: 2.5.7

Works under: Windows

Vote:

Program license

(36 votes)

Free

Developer

Version

QS QualitySoft GmbH

2.5.7

Works under:

Windows

Pros

  • Simple application designed to scan barcodes
  • Easy to use and requires no advanced training
  • Free application with the ability to upgrade to a professional version
  • Makes it easier to insert barcodes into text fields for selling products online

Cons

  • Effectiveness of the program depends on the quality of your camera
  • Won't search the Internet to find information about your product
  • Not very feature rich and only supports barcodes
  • Must purchase the professional version to unlock advanced features

BCWebCam lets you turn your WebCam into a barcode scanner. Using this application you can quickly scan barcodes to catalog items in your home. All barcodes are traditionally used in the store to bring up purchases and to total the cost of goods. A barcode scanner at home makes it easy to create a spreadsheet of all of your valuables and to document them for insurance purposes or to track the total value of your assets. The application requires no expertise and can be up and running in just a few moments. There is no fee to use the software, but it's features are limited.

To use the barcode scanner software most effectively, you'll need to get a good WebCam. The detail required to allow barcodes to show up properly requires a high-definition camera. If the software doesn't identify your camera immediately, then you should make sure that your camera is installed correctly. If that doesn't work, you can try rebooting your computer and the application again. The software should immediately detect your WebCam, otherwise you're probably going to have some issues getting it to work on your system. One solution is to buy a higher-quality WebCam.

When you launch the application, you'll find that there is a very simple interface. The main application window shows you exactly what your computer's WebCam sees. Once the application loads, Select the "Start" button and line up your barcode in the preview window. In another window, place the cursor where you want to insert the barcode data. Then simply hold the barcode for the camera and adjust the focus on your WebCam if the barcode isn't showing. Once the application detects the barcode, it is read and inserted into the text field where you place your cursor. Overall, it's a very simple process that should pose many issues for most users. For first-time users, there is a wizard that provides you with the steps you need to get started reading your barcodes and taking your first images.

A professional edition of the software does exist, however you need to purchase it. One of the useful features of the software is that you can scan a barcode into a site like Amazon.com to quickly sell your goods to people on the Internet. The software doesn't do much more than extract barcode information, but it does function well in the background to scan it and put barcode information into the available text fields.

Pros

  • Simple application designed to scan barcodes
  • Easy to use and requires no advanced training
  • Free application with the ability to upgrade to a professional version
  • Makes it easier to insert barcodes into text fields for selling products online

Cons

  • Effectiveness of the program depends on the quality of your camera
  • Won't search the Internet to find information about your product
  • Not very feature rich and only supports barcodes
  • Must purchase the professional version to unlock advanced features