The short answer is no.........
We looked into incorporating UPC code scanning into CYA when it was first designed. However, after carefull evaluation it was decided the benefit ratio just wasn't there for many reasons:
- The size of the database that would have to be distributed with the software for the lookups is extremely large.
- Information in the data base is changing constantly so would require frequent updates. ( Weekly? )
- The only effective way to utilize UPC bar codes is to scan them. The act of scanning and lookup is very straight forward and simple but accessing the bar code on an item with a scanner attached to a computer would be a bit of a challenge.
- It is doubtful anyone even owns a scanner or would buy one.
- The item data can be entered into CYA extremely fast thereby diminishing the value of scanning.
- Most of the items in the household having the highest value do not have bar codes ( Jewelery, Collectibles, Firearms, Antiques etc. )
- Scanning does not tell CYA the location of the item in the household.
- Scanning does not identify the item category.
- Scanning does not identify where the item was purchased.
- Items 7 thru 9, and more, still requires manual input so there really isn't much helpful information that can be retrieved by scanning.
Rest assured, if it were simple to implement and our users could benefit from it, we would have included the ability to scan bar codes a long time ago.
We are proud of our software and what it does for our users. However, we just do not see the benefit in adding UPC code scanning.
Hopefully this won't dissuade you from choosing Computerize Your Assets ( CYA ) as your home inventory software.
