POSTNET barcodes

11 Apr 2005 4:53 PM

GeorgeAtkins

I am looking into the feasability of writing a program (probably as an
active-x addon) for my school district that accepts zipcodes and returns the
correct POSTNET barcode. This would most likely be used when building mailing
labels in MS Access. I realize that Word produces the barcodes, but I'm still
interested in how it would be programmed.

I presume I'll need some kind of barcode font, unless there are ways to
programmatically build the postnet graphic.

And if a font is available, then I expect that most of the coding would be
based on distinguishing standard zip, zip+4 and 11-digit codes; and
performing the verification check.

BUT...

Perhaps it is better to shuck the whole thing and purchase an existing
product?
If so, any recommendations?

Thanks a bunch!
George

11 Apr 2005 5:06 PM

Cor Ligthert

George,

VBNet is not the first choose to build activeX components.

Withouth ActiveX you can just do a search in this newsgroup.
http://groups-beta.google.com/group/microsoft.public.dotnet.languages.vb/search?group=microsoft.public.dotnet.languages.vb&q=barcode&qt_g=1&searchnow=Search+this+group

I hope this helps,

Cor

11 Apr 2005 6:11 PM

Richard L Rosenheim

Actually, the POSTNET barcode is a simple barcode to display. It consists
of evenly spaced vertical lines of two different heights. Easy enough to
draw with basic GDI+ methods. You could also just utilize a PictureBox
control and generate the appropriate bitmap image for it.

If you are serious about writing such a control, I would suggest you stop by
your local Post Office and talk to either the Postmaster, or the local "Bulk
Mailing Expert" for information on the POSTNET barcode. One of Postal
Service publications I have which documents the barcode is "Designing Letter
Mail", publication 25, August 1995 (see chapter 5). There are also other
publications from the Postal Service where the barcode is documented.

At one time, the Postal Service even had a clear plastic template that you
could use to help check the various spacing with.

Richard Rosenheim

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"GeorgeAtkins" <GeorgeAtk***@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:704848CE-84E5-4F5C-97EF-4D627D3DD071@microsoft.com...
> I am looking into the feasability of writing a program (probably as an
> active-x addon) for my school district that accepts zipcodes and returns
the
> correct POSTNET barcode. This would most likely be used when building
mailing
> labels in MS Access. I realize that Word produces the barcodes, but I'm
still
> interested in how it would be programmed.
>
> I presume I'll need some kind of barcode font, unless there are ways to
> programmatically build the postnet graphic.
>
> And if a font is available, then I expect that most of the coding would be
> based on distinguishing standard zip, zip+4 and 11-digit codes; and
> performing the verification check.
>
> BUT...
>
> Perhaps it is better to shuck the whole thing and purchase an existing
> product?
> If so, any recommendations?
>
> Thanks a bunch!
> George