ACOM Adds MaxiCode Support to EZeDocs/400 Solution

Published: January 27, 2009

by Alex Woodie

ACOM Solutions has added support for the two-dimensional MaxiCode barcode standard to its EZeDocs/400 suite of document and forms management software for the IBM i Power Systems (AS/400) server. MaxiCode barcodes enable companies to store much more information about the package, and in some cases can be more easily read than traditional one-dimensional barcodes. The enhancement was made with the release of EZeDocs/400 version 8.1.

The MaxiCode barcode was introduced in 1992 by United Parcel Service to help the shipper more easily track the movement of packages. The barcode can store more information by arranging optical marks in a horizontal fashion, as well as vertically. A bull's eye located in the middle of the MaxiCode, providing a quick reference point for portable scanners, and earning the barcode the nickname "Target" or "Bull's Eye."

MaxiCode barcodes such as this one can now be generated by ACOM's EZeDocs/400 version 8.1, which was unveiled last week.

Compared to standard one-dimensional symbologies, the MaxiCode barcode can store much more information (up to 93 characters of information) in a compact space that is about one-inch square. This eliminates the need to print larger and longer 1D barcodes to include the necessary information. However, some customers may have to upgrade their barcode scanners to be able to read the MaxiCode standard.

ACOM already supported about 30 different barcode scanners, and added support for MaxiCode to help its System i (i5, iSeries) customers who make and ship products. "EZeDocs/400 is in widespread use by manufacturers, distributors, and wholesalers, and we think these package-handling enhancements will be very well received," said James Scott, a senior vice president with the company, in a press release.

EZeDocs/400 version 8.1 brings another enhancement in the preparation and packaging of sets of documents. This so-called "sets" feature of EZeDocs/400 is commonly used to help automate document-intensive business processes, such as mortgage operations or insurance businesses that must produce and distribute multiple forms to their customers.

ACOM also unveiled the version 8.1 release of EZPayManager/400, a piece of software that allows companies to make payments electronically, over the ACH payment network. Both version 8.1 releases of EZeDocs/400 and EZPayManager/400 support IBM i 6.1 (i5/OS V6R1). For more information, visit www.acom.com.

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