Axicon Verifier User Guide Setup and Basic Settings The Axicon barcode verifier software provides many tools for analysing various technical aspects of a barcode providing a detailed insight into the quality of a barcode. The software is straight forward but does require several steps to set up correctly. Install the driver and software Insert the Axicon CD supplied with the verifier and launch the autorun.exe program (the program should launch automatically). From the menu choose Install Axicon Verifier and follow the on screen prompts. Document Details Document version 1.0 Last update April 3, 2012 Auto ID Axicon verifier models: 6015; 6025-S; 6515; 6525-S; 7015; 7025-S. Axicon verifier software version 2.0.25.2 and above. During installation you will be prompted to select software components you wish to install. The default options are all that is required in order to use the verifier. However if you intend to use the Product Look Up plug-in you will need to select it during installation although it can be added later on as a separate plug-in. Technical Support support@progressive-id.co.uk www.progressive-id.co.uk/help Call 01892 837722 You may be prompted to connect the barcode verifier when installing the driver(s). You do not need to plug the verifier in to install the driver but it is advisable to do so if prompted. You may also be prompted to install two drivers. This is normal as one driver will be for USB 1.0 and the other for USB 2.0. Page 1 of 7
Initial setup and calibration Once the software and driver have been installed connect the barcode verifier to a USB port and open the Axicon Verifier application. When launching for the first time you will be asked to calibrate the verifier. How to Calibrate a Verifier In the dialog box make sure that the minimum and maximum reflectance are the same values as printed on the calibration sheet (located in the bottom right hand corner). With the 6500 series (6515 and 6525-S) and 7000 series (7015 and 7025-S) use the bottom barcode (ITF-14) on the calibration sheet and press the scan button on the verifier 10 times. With the 6000 series (6015 and 6025-S) use the top left barcode (EAN-13) on the calibration sheet and scan 10 times with the verifier. After the last scan click OK and the verifier will be calibrated. To calibrate at any other time choose Options > Calibrate from the top menu. Page 2 of 7
About the Calibration Sheet To comply with the ISO 15416 standard and ensure accuracy the verifier must be calibrated by scanning the calibration sheet 10 times. It is recommended that the verifier is calibrated once a month in order to maintain its performance. The calibration sheet is an essential part of verifying barcodes and must be kept in the supplied wallet (inside the transit case) and out of direct sunlight. If the calibration sheet becomes damaged or discoloured please ask for a replacement immediately. The calibration sheet has a minimum life expectancy of 12-months however it is recommended to renew the sheet every 24-months. Basic Settings Workspace The Axicon verifier software has several diagnostic windows that display various technical details about the scanned barcode. To open go to View and select the diagnostic window. Once open you can save the layout by choosing View > Save Positions or press F4. It is recommended to have the Summary, Pass/Fail and Details windows open at all times but this will depend on each user and your Quality Control procedure. The workspace saved is unique to each user profile. If the software is to be used by more than one user profile each workspace will have to be saved separately. Page 3 of 7
Total Number of Scans To verify barcodes you need to scan a barcode several times in order to calculate an average result of its performance. In order to comply with the ISO standard you must scan any barcode at least three times. To set the total number of scans enter or select the number in the Command window. The maximum number of scans that can be saved in a scan profile is 100. This figure is capped in order to keep file sizes down and to avoid unnecessary scans. Continuous Scan Mode High speed verifiers (6025-S, 6525-S and 7025-S models) can be used in a continuous scan mode which scans the barcode in rapid succession. The total number of scans captured will vary and is fully automatic so there is no need to set a total number of scans. The Axicon Verifier software will automatically default to this mode when a high speed verifier is connected. A small window may pop up when this mode is switched on. This can be closed as it does not affect the use of the scanner. Page 4 of 7
Scan Profile and Reports After verifying a barcode it is possible to save the scan profile which can be used to generate a printed report. A scan profile is only created once the total number of scans has been completed at least three scans per barcode. You can choose where to save each scan profile everytime one is created or you can set an auto save to a chosen location. When auto save is enabled the default location for scan profiles will be the folder Saved Scans in My Documents. To change these settings choose Options > Setup and click on the Logging tab. It is recommended to enable auto save and to use the Number and Time as Filename features so that each Scan File has a unique identifier and is saved without prompting the user when scanning the barcode. Page 5 of 7
Calibration Options Password Setup It is strongly recommended to enter as setup password in order to prevent any unauthorised changes to the software settings. To set a password choose Options > Setup and select the Advanced tab and enter your password in the Password for Setup section and click OK to save. Write down the password you have set! If you forget your password you may not be able to calibrate your verifier or use the software. The password can only be reset by an on-site visit from Axicon and this is a fully chargeable service. Calibration Options It is recommended to disable the Allow scans after calibration has expired feature and enable the Require Setup Password for calibration feature. This will prevent the verifier being used or calibrated by any unauthorised user. Page 6 of 7
Advanced Settings and Plug-ins The Axicon Verifier software can be extended and customised by various plug-ins to provide new features or decode unique barcode symbologies. What plug-ins you use will depend on your Quality Control procedure and your industry as many plug-ins are industry specific (mostly pharmaceutical, publishing and retail). Each plug-in has to be installed separately and then configured, for details please see our Advanced Settings guide. To activate and configure installed plug-ins choose Options > Setup and click on the Plugins tab. To activate any plug-in enable the tick box and to configure highlight the plug-in and click configure. Page 7 of 7