Barcode scanning applications and asset recording

On the bar code scanning, most scanners are "wedge" type devices that get installed between a PC and a keyboard.

In doing that, you can type on the keyboard or scan a bar code whenever the PC is waiting for input, be it in Excel or whatever.  Of course there are more sophisticated setups (ie. wireless, scans stored in a gun, etc) if you need those.

As far as the scans you outlined, typically the way it works is that each asset is given a unique number.  You scan one bar code and then have all the information on it.

In terms of the app, there is a lot more to fixed assets then just the tracking and it depends on what your looking for.   One of the better known ones is Sage Fixed Assets Accounting:

http://www.sage.com/us/sage-fixed-assets

 I don't believe they have a free trial, but there's plenty of info there to show you what I'm talking about.

But given what I said about the scanning, I'd focus on what you want the app to do for you.  The scanning really is just an add on.

Jim.

Jim, thanks for the input. I am looking for a "more - sophisticated" solution than what the professional scanner I have at the moment does. Give it a bar code it will scan it, however it does not manage the input into relevant - computer - laptop - smartphone categories - which is what I suspect the professional software would allow me to do.
In theory - as above - I could define an individual bar-code to represent an individual "type" then follow it with the actual items bar-code.
Our fixed assets tend to be x150+ of a particular type - so any additional item information is generic.
Scanning manufacturer bar-codes negates mistakes in part number or serial number input - especially when having to manually input using the keyboard.
Eventually the "spreadsheets" will be rendered ready for input / importing into our asset management system.
But that is a little way off.

What make/model scanner are you using now?

Jim.

Apologies Jim for the tardiness of reply. Usually responses to my questions are sent to my email.
This did not happen.
I will be in work tomorrow and will get the make and model of the scanning device

Device:
Honeywell - Hand scanner
Powered by - AdoptUs Imaging Technology
Item: 4600GSF051CE
S/N: 10145B0018

While this concurs with my thoughts, your additional recommendations and ideas have been invaluable in assisting me.
I am currently exploring Excel (where the scanner will input - straight dig - as the typographers used  to refer), where the scanner will input into a pre-formatted page layout.
Thanks again