Should scanned data go into a form or into a table?

[DanicaDear]

I'm trying to write a complicated question for Bytes. In order to make it more cohesive, I need to ask a pre-question. LOL.

I will be scanning data for 2 text fields with a handheld device.

Here's an excerpt from my question I will be asking next:

1. I've somehow got to tell Access I'm about to enter some information and it needs to know where to put it. That's my first major hurdle because I don't have any idea where to begin.
2. Scan barcode. Check number of digits. It is 5 digits. It knows it has just read a CUST_NUM.
3. Look for that CUST_NUM's LastOrder. This might be a start. (thanks topher23)

Dim LastOrder As Long
 
    LastOrder = Nz(DMax("ORDER_NUM", "tblOrders", "CUST_NUM='" & _
 Me.CUST_NUM & "' AND ORDER_NUM < '" & Me.ORDER_NUM & "'"), 0)

4. Scan another number. Check number of digits. It is 3 or 4. It knows it has just read a BOX_NUM. Put the number it just read into BOX_NUM1, BOX_NUM2 (which are located on the same form as LastOrder from step 3), etc until another 5 digit number is scanned. When another 5 digit number is scanned, start over with step 1. Continue until user goes back to computer and does something to tell computer to stop scanning. (button, escape, save, etc)

If I want to scan data from a scanner/handheld device, does it make more sense to try to send data to a form, or straight to the table? The user will not really be interfacing with the computer while scanning the data. What makes more sense?

Thanks for your input, advice, and/or suggesions. :-)

[missinglinq]

First off, all data entry should be done thru forms, never directly into tables.

I've never used a scanner, but as I understand it, a scanner is a data input device, just as the keyboard is, and all you should have to do is place the cursor in the textbox on the form then scan.

Linq ;0)>

[DanicaDear]

Perfect Info Linq. Exactly what I was looking for. You are right about the scanner, it reads numbers like if you typed them in via keyboard.

Thanks a billion.