How do I use the Attendance Bar Code reader?

In PowerChurch Plus, you have the ability to enter attendance data using a standard barcode wand. We have tested this feature with an Opticon I barcode scanner. This barcode scanner is available for purchase through PowerChurch Software. For more information on pricing contact our office or visit our website at www.powerchurch.com/hardware. However, most standard barcode readers should be compatible.

Making this new feature work in PowerChurch is a simple process:

1. Print your Attendance Register Forms with the barcode option enabled.
2. Then, to enter your attendance from the Fast Data Entry screen, just scan the barcodes of those who were present.

Your barcode reader must be able to read the UPC Narrow barcode. The barcode is encoded using EAN8. This format is a standard format that most barcode scanners can read. Please refer to your scanner's documentation or contact the manufacturer to see if your barcode reader can read these barcodes.

With a simple test, you can check to see if your barcode reader is capable of reading the attendance barcodes:

1. Produce an Attendance Register Form as described above.
2. Start a text-editing program such as Microsoft Word or Notepad.
3. Run the barcode wand over a barcode on the Attendance Register Form.

If your barcode wand can read the barcode, a series of numbers will appear on the screen. Most barcode readers will beep or a light will blink to let you know of a successful read. While the series of numbers may look like nonsense to you, PowerChurch uses these numbers to identify an attendee.

If the numbers do not show on the screen, you might need to try several times to get the barcode wand to properly see the printed barcode. Different barcode wands require different techniques to use them properly. Try changing the angle and speed of the wand over the barcode.

If you cannot get the wand to read the barcode printed by PowerChurch Plus, refer to the documentation that came with your barcode reader for additional troubleshooting tips as well as sample barcodes that you can use to make sure it is connected properly.

If you need further assistance, please contact us at (800) 486-1800 or e-mail us at www.powerchurch.com/contact