SuccessWare21 Implementation Guide > Barcodes > Searching vs. Scanning

Searching vs. Scanning

As mentioned previously, it is not required to use barcodes when using SWRemote. To this end you have 3 different choices when looking for items in SWRemote.

Scanning

The simplest, and less prone to errors, option is to scan barcodes in the system. This prevents the end user from either knowing the part number or going through a process to find the part number in the system. The user will simply use the barcode scanner on the P55 device to scan either a task from the pricebook or from barcodes in your trucks.

Searching

The other option for finding items on the device is to search for it. This is done in one of two ways, item number searches and category searches.

Item Number Search

Item number searches function by having the technician in the field knowing the item numbers in the system. If the technician knows the item number it can be typed into the application and located in the database. The system will check the local copy of your pricebook for the item number. If the system finds the item number, the system will perform the same as if a barcode has been scanned.

Catalog Search

The last option for finding an item in the pricebook is to do a catalog search. This option, while requiring a few more steps, provides the user the ability to find the part without knowing the exact part number. The user simply selects the type of item they're looking for (Task, Part, Misc, Labor) and the categories associated with those types. This allows the user to narrow down the part they're looking for in the system.