Does the iBarControl System work on a
desktop computer?
Yes it does. However a laptop would be
best for counting stock. Their is a 30 foot
limit to Bluetooth wireless devices. If the
desktop is further away then the 30 feet the
scanner and scale will not be able to
communicate with it.
What is a Pocket PC?
This is a hand held computer, not to be
confused with a PDA. The Pocket PC works
with the Microsoft Windows Operating system
(similar to your regular desktop computer).
How does the Pocket PC link to the
desktop computer?
When you purchase your Pocket PC it will
come with a sync cable and possilbe a cradle
to physically attach the Pocket PC to your
desktop via Microsoft ActiveSync. This is
software that provides data transfer between
the desktop and Pocket PC computers.
Why does iBarControl use a
true Laser Barcode Scanner?
There are two Scanner technologies
available. Laser and CMOS. Laser scanners
work in complete darkness. CMOS scanner do
not, they need ambient light to function.
Many storage areas in a hospitality area
have no light. It is no wonder CMOS scanners
are half the price of Laser scanners.
How do I count inventory
with iBarControl software?
You can take inventory by Sight or by
using our Barcode Reader (Scanner).
iBarControl software provides three methods
of counting your inventory
Units: for products sold as a
single unit (bottled beer, bag of chips,
chocolate bar)
Percentage: for products sold
as a partial of a full container
(liquor, draught beer, tomato juice) The
system records to 10ths of 100 %. While
somewhat subjective, this count method
has been used for many years and is
accepted in the industry.
Weight: for products sold as
a partial of a full container (liquor,
draught beer) The system records in
grams. This is the most accurate method
of recording.
What is the barcode reader (scanner)
and how does it work?
The Barcode Reader (or scanner) is an
interface that attaches to the Pocket PC and
provides the ability to access an item by
scanning or reading the barcode that is on
the item. Accessing items in this manner
provides fast efficient error free product
retrieval. For locations with a large volume
of product, or ones that do not keep their
inventory in fixed locations, this will save
time as you need not input your stock into
the inventory location in a set sequence.
What are the Sight and Barcode Reader
(Scanner) Approaches?
The Sight process is when each item is
manually entered into the inventory location
(within our system). This is adequate for
establishments that have permanent locations
for all of their products. The Barcode
Reader is a small laser scanner that
connects with a Compact Flash Card slot on
the Pocket PC. You can instantly access each
item in the system by simply scanning the
bar code on each item with the Barcode
Reader. This saves time and eliminates human
error. iBarControl Inc. now offers a
wireless handheld laser scanner to satisfy
the requirements of separate count staff and
recording staff were division of duties is a
requirement.
iBarControl software provides two methods
of weighing inventory.
Use a weigh scale that
provides reading accuracy to 1 gram.
When taking inventory, first weigh the
item, then manually input the weight
into the iBarControl software. This
method is not recommended and must be
asked for when ordering.
Using
Bluetooth technology, manual entry
is not required. Just place the item on
the scale and the weight will
automatically be sent to the iBarControl
system. The inventory taker only has to
validate the reading and accept the
weight by scanning the next item.
Bluetooth is a relatively new technology
to allow wireless communication between
Bluetooth devices within a 30-foot radius.
Unlike Infra Red, Bluetooth does not require
a line of sight. It eliminates wires or
cables and allows multiple devices to be
connected at the same time. iBarControl Inc
has developed a Bluetooth connection to
enable a scale to automatically send the
weight of a product to the handheld computer
and thus eliminate mistakes.
Do I need to weigh all of my items
before I can start using the weight method
No. However, with all of the different
container types available today, we are only
able to provide estimated full and empty
container weights for all products in our
Product Pre-Select process. These weights
will be close enough to most actual weights
to get started. For complete accuracy, you
should input exact weights. If you use pour
control devices (such as jiggers), don’t
forget to weigh both the full and empty
containers with these attached devices on to
get the right weight.
Another reason to weigh your products is
specific gravity. Since specific gravity is
dependant on the altitude of you location
you must weigh your products at your
location to get the accurate weights. Once
you have the actual full and empty weights
you have one hundred percent accuracy.
Otherwise you could be out about an ounce.
Other systems I have looked at
require me to purchase additional devices
which attach on each item in order to be
able to inventory it. Do I need to do this
with iBarControl?
No, the only hardware you require is a
Pocket PC, wireless scale, and wireless
scanner. And you can request to do manual
counts with just a regular scale and no
scanner.
Other systems I have looked at include
yearly fees or recurring costs. Does
iBarControl?
No. Once you purchase the system, you own
it. We recommend you purchase an optional
yearly maintenance contract for both safety
and to ensure that you receive all system
upgrades. You do not need to buy support or
upgrades unless you want to. You do not need
to continuously purchase labels or tags that
can add up to thousands of dollars a year.
What resources are available from
iBarControl Inc. for a restaurant chain?
iBarControl Inc. realizes that chains
have different needs, and as such we have
put together a team of specialists to assist
chains in the procurement process and in
on-going functions
I am very unfamiliar
with computers. What type of training and
support do you offer?
Telephone training is available for
hardware and software setup as well as
complete system training. With the
simplicity of iBarControl, on-site training
has proven to be unnecessary. Support is
also performed via telephone. Your yearly
support packages also include all system
upgrades.
Use the handy form below.
Answering a few questions will help
us provide you with the right solution!
Can't find the answer here? Call us with
your question, we'd be glad to help.
Telephone support is always
available during business hours, (Monday to
Friday 9am to 6pm). Our iBarControl System
Specialists can be reached toll free
866-873-4227.
