I've never set up a barcode scanner before; I will be using the AnyEast Image Barcode Scanner, and wish to make entries using the Excel database. I am starting a laser etching business of etching images onto ceramic tile, and have lots of images to enter, but when it comes to knowing how to correctly select barcode type, I'm greener than grass. The scanner has 1D and 2D capabilities, but 1D is probably fine. I need to use the customer as a verification tool by having them compare what is on the display to what is in their hand, before placing the order, unless it's already been verified previously. Using the barcode, the software should go to the location of the image on file and display the image. I need a short descriptor under the barcode saying what the image should be. If they are holding an image of a cat playing with a Christmas ball, the display shouldn't be displaying an elephant blowing a trumpet. I have two left hands when it comes to data entry, and not much time for unnecessary data corrections.

A big part of my problem is getting set up in the first place. I know scanning a barcode into Excel is supposed to be easy, but so far I have yet to get Excel to enter what is being scanned into a cell, and did manage to scan into Notepad exactly one time. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Mike