Bar code Scanner into Excel

I have the need to maintain an inventory using MS Excel. I want to scan the serial numbers of systems, and have the program check to see if that serial number has already been entered. If not, then it should prompt me to enter the full information for that missing (new) system, putting that data into the spreadsheet in the correct cells. I also need the program to inform me of any system in the inventory that were not scanned (possibly the system was removed). That means the program needs to know which systems have been scanned, and can tell me which have not. The inventory has already been created by hand, and needs to stay in Excel or StarOffice format (prefer Excel, I can convert as needed). I am using a Symbol hand-held scanner to scan the serial numbers. The scanner will read the data and place it into whichever cell is highlighted, followed by a carraidge-return which drops the highlighted cell to the next cell in the column. I am currently scanning the serial numbers into the find function to search if the system has already been entered. I am open to your ideas! This does not have to be a stand-alone program, although I think that would provide some nice functionality. I'm sure someone out there knows how to use the macro's and functions within Excel to have it done automatically. That is certainly an option. I have attached a blank copy of my inventory. Although I know this could best be handled by using a database, that is not the format I have been given or must provide. If a database is the best solution, then it must be able to provide me the results in Excel spreadsheet form. I know little about MS Office, so I don't know the capabilities of the software. Thanks for your consideration! ## Deliverables 1) Complete and fully-functional working program(s) in executable form as well as complete source code of all work done. 2) Deliverables must be in ready-to-run condition, as follows (depending on the nature of the deliverables): a) For web sites or other server-side deliverables intended to only ever exist in one place in the Buyer's environment--Deliverables must be installed by the Seller in ready-to-run condition in the Buyer's environment. b) For all others including desktop software or software the buyer intends to distribute: A software installation package that will install the software in ready-to-run condition on the platform(s) specified in this bid request. 3) All deliverables will be considered "work made for hire" under U.S. Copyright law. Buyer will receive exclusive and complete copyrights to all work purchased. (No GPL, GNU, 3rd party components, etc. unless all copyright ramifications are explained AND AGREED TO by the buyer on the site per the coder's Seller Legal Agreement). ## Platform Microsoft Excel 2002 SP3 running on Microsoft XP Pro.