Is this what happens, then, when an “NHS-wide solution” is attempted (…see the current thread about Equipment Library Software)? wink

Actually, bar-codes are very interesting, are they not? For instance, see http://www.barcode-systems.com/faqs.html

But in this case, Chris, would it not be more expedient to have the supplier provide a list of the serial numbers in any common format (eg, an Excel file, or whatever), and simply append them to your database?

Then you can worry about bar-coding later! At the moment, you’re almost guaranteed to get it wrong (ie, Sod’s Law applies). smile

If you don't inspect ... don't expect.