StockCheck works with Excel files (.XLS). It updates columns
that it understands, and leaves other columns alone for your
use.
You can use worksheets in the Excel file to organize groups of
items in any way that is convenient for you (e.g. by location or
category). These worksheets will show up as tabs as they do in
Excel.
The steps below walk through setting up some RFID tags. We
recommend stepping through with the actual reader as well to
familiarize yourself with the reader and the software.
(We are starting out with an example that is suitable for
smaller asset quantities that are also low turnover. We will
discuss additional options below).
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With the program started, tap File menu > New. A new document
will be created with a single worksheet.
Some initial columns will be created for you. (The text for
these default columns and their order is configurable).
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Take a sample tag and isolate it from other tags. Press the
reader's trigger to scan it.
If the tag is isolated sufficiently, only one Electronic Product
Code (EPC) will be read. If multiple tags are read, you can select
the rows and use the Edit menu > Delete Row to remove them and
start over.
StockCheck uses blue to mark a tag that has been scanned. (The
color is not saved in the spreadsheet itself).
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With a single tag scanned, you can now associate the tag with a
visible ID if you like.
To enter text, click once to select the cell, then click again
to enter edit mode. When you're done, click outside the cell to
exit edit mode.
If you have a trackable asset that you would like to attach this
tag to, you can enter the description of the asset at this time as
well.
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You can repeat the steps to set up additional tags.
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Tap the Edit menu > Rename Worksheet. The New Worksheet Name
box will appear. You can tap and drag the stylus to select the
current name, then give it a new name and tap OK.
Tap the File menu > Save, then choose a name and location to
save the file out.
Tap the File menu > Exit to quit StockCheck.
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Start StockCheck again. The "Reopen Last File" option is on by
default, so you see the file you just created again.
When StockCheck starts up, the RFID tag columns are always shown
without any blue scan indicators.
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Take one of the tags you set up and put it aside. Now scan the
remaining ones. You will see that the scanned tags are marked, and
the Last Scan time is also updated.
You have just done a stock take, and easily identified the the
missing item.
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Barcode Reading
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If you have labeling scheme that uses barcodes with RFID, you
can get StockCheck to read a barcode and associate it with an RFID
tag.
Select the row for the RFID tag, then tap the Tools menu >
Read Barcode.
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A box will pop up saying that it is waiting for the barcode.
The reader is now in barcode reading mode, and you can scan a
barcode with the trigger.
The box will automatically close when a barcode is read.
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By default, the barcode will be stored in the Visible Id column.
(If there is text present in this column, it will be
overwritten).
(Barcodes can be read into any editable column instead by
changing the setting in Preferences).
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Notes
As documented, the tag provisioning process follows this
flowchart:
Tag Setup
Depending on the RFID tag, the high power and sensitivity of the
reader may not lend itself well to setting up individual tags one
at a time due to the possibility of picking up other tags in the
vicinity. If this is a problem, some options are:
1. You can cover the non-target tags with metallic foil or place
them in a metal container.
2. You can use a dedicated low-power, low-range desktop RFID
reader for setup. This can be tied to Excel for tag provisioning
(after which the files can be transferred over to the reader).
We've listed some options on the Other
Hardware page. (Immedia Systems can provide software solutions
for these if needed).
High Volume / High
Turnover
For situations where individual tag provisioning is not
practical, the options are:
1. Use an RFID printer - these can print human-readable labels
that can include barcodes, and program the tag's Electronic Product
Code (EPC).
2. Locate a contractor who can make print runs of RFID labels as
needed.
3. With very high volumes, RFID label manufacturers can be
contacted and they can make batches of tags to your
specifications.
Electronic Product Codes
(EPCs)
If you would like to work with standardized product types (e.g.
with products that come pre-tagged with RFID from manufacturers), a
Tag Data Translation (TDT) option is available for StockCheck to
convert the tag EPCs into standard identity types that include
GIAI, GRAI, SGLN, SGTIN, SSCC, and US DOD. If needed, please
contact Immedia Systems.
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