Barcode generation is supported in SEQUEL Software’s Client Report Option (CRO). Unfortunately, many users have found that applying a free barcode font to a data field may result in something that prints like a barcode, but does not scan like a barcode—if it scans at all. Generating accurate, scannable barcodes with CRO requires three items:
First, your data—the field (or fields) from your data file that you want to convert to a barcode. Along with this, the data must be formatted to the specifications required by the barcode you want to create as each type requires a specific format, length, checksum, and so on. Luckily, the next item will take care of this formatting for you.
Next, you need to acquire a third-party Barcode Font UFL (User Function Library). This UFL adds a set of Crystal functions to the formula editor for each barcode the vendor supports. Each function converts a string or data field to the proper format based on the desired barcode type. You use these functions with your data field like you would any other Crystal function. Without the function to first process the data, the barcode will not scan correctly.
Lastly, you need a font package for the barcode to be generated. The same UFL vendor will offer (always for a fee) corresponding fonts for any barcode you want to create. Once the CRO formula field is added to the report layout, it must be formatted to use the barcode font that corresponds to the function. So, if you use the UPC function, then you must format the new field with the UPC font.
In the section that follows we will detail the use of a UFL and font to generate a UPC type barcode. The UFL and font package used are a demo version offered by IDAutomation.com. A web search for ‘Crystal Barcode Fonts’ will yield many vendors for you to choose from.
Once you have a font UFL and font set downloaded and installed on your PC, use the following steps to create and format a barcode in CRO.
If you plan to use a ViewPoint server to process your barcode report with the Run Remote command (RUNRMTCMD), a registry key is required on the server PC.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432NODE\BUSINESS OBJECTS\SUITE 12.0\CRYSTAL REPORTS\EXPORT\PDF
This process is described in the SAP article located here:
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