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Barcodes encode information into a visual pattern of lines or squares, usually black and white. This pattern can be “read” by barcode scanning software running on any smart device, handheld computer, or dedicated scanner.
One-dimensional (1D) barcodes represent data by varying the widths and spacing of parallel lines. The UPC and EAN codes used to identify products are examples of 1D barcodes. They’re also known as linear codes.
Two-dimensional (2D) barcodes encode data on both the horizontal and vertical axes. QR codes and PDF417 are examples. They’re also known as matrix codes.
Barcode scanning software decodes the visual information by using a device’s camera to read the black and white components of a barcode and extract results for the user via sophisticated algorithms.
Yes. There are many apps, such as Scandit Express, which can be downloaded to turn your phone into a barcode scanner. Enterprises and developers looking to add barcode scanning into existing apps can also integrate a barcode scanning library, such as Scandit’s barcode scanner SDK for mobile apps or barcode scanner SDK for web apps.
Yes, you can easily use your phone as an inventory scanner. Barcode scanning software such as the no-code Scandit Express and the customizable Scandit Barcode Scanner SDK help developers make inventory scanning more accurate and efficient on users’ smart devices. The SDK includes MatrixScan Count, a pre-built component to automate receiving and cycle counting workflows with guided augmented reality (AR) overlays.
To scan a barcode with your Android phone, you will need to download a barcode scanning app, such as Scandit Express.
There’s no difference between the terms barcode scanner and barcode reader – they are synonyms. Barcodes can be scanned (or read) using barcode scanning software running on any smart device with a camera, such as your smartphone.
All barcode scanners require both hardware and software, and their designs depend on the intended functions
The dedicated hardware scanners that might be the first thing that spring to mind when someone says “barcode scanner” come in a fixed form factor and run software with a limited set of functions.
A commonly used modern alternative is flexible barcode scanning software that integrates with a variety of devices, including the smartphones, handheld computers, and tablets deployed by enterprise IT teams. This software typically offers feature and UI customization with performance that meets or exceeds dedicated hardware scanners.
Barcode scanning software is typically offered as a set of libraries that developers include and build into their application. Depending on the provider, these libraries provide customization options through API calls and require testing to ensure the implementation meets users’ needs.
Barcode scanning apps, such as Scandit Express, give developers a no-code solution for barcode scanning. Rather than spend time and effort integrating libraries, Scandit Express only requires a few steps to get advanced barcode scanning features into the hands of users.
The benefits of barcode scanning are that it is inexpensive, accurate, well-proven, easy to access and and extremely versatile data entry method. Modern barcode scanning software can run on any smart device with a camera and often includes advanced smart data capture features such as batch scanning and AR overlays to improve efficiency and user experience.
There are two main types of barcode scanners: dedicated scanning devices and smart devices (e.g., smartphones or handheld computers) running apps that integrate scanning functions.
Smart devices are rapidly outpacing dedicated scanners as they offer more function flexibility, adapt more easily to changing business conditions, and improve adoption rates.
No-code applications, such as Scandit Express, and pre-built components such as Scandit SparkScan can turn a smart device into a high-performance barcode scanner in a matter of minutes. Other fully customizable options within the Scandit Barcode Scanner SDK give developers greater control over the features and UX they can deploy on smart devices.
There are six criteria to consider when selecting the barcode scanning software right for your organization:
Features: Giving users what they need, such as broad symbology support and scanning multiple labels at once, helps them do their jobs better.
Performance: Scanning speed and accuracy should reduce user effort, rather than force re-scans or manual data entry. User experience (UX): Providing guided workflows, such as with augmented reality (AR) overlays and real-time feedback, improves efficiency and reduces frustration.
Designed for real-world use: Supporting actual business environments, with low-light conditions, torn barcodes, and long scanning distances, improves accuracy and user satisfaction.
Platform support: Your software should perform well with your users’ devices and keep up with platform and operating system changes.
Development support: With minimal effort, your software should fit into your chosen development environment and programming language.
Open-source barcode scanning software and free barcode scanning apps are insufficient for fast-paced, high-throughput environments such as retail stores and shipping warehouses. Commercial software, such as Scandit SparkScan and the Scandit Barcode Scanner SDK are better suited for demanding performance and accuracy needs.
Barcode scanning software is a set of libraries and resources that developers use to enable applications to capture information encoded in a barcode on an item or product. This software is more flexible and easier to upgrade than dedicated barcode scanners without sacrificing speed and accuracy.
Barcode scanning software is typically distributed as a set of open-source or commercial software packages. The features, performance, and support depend on the provider.
Depending on the level of customization required, Scandit offers pre-built UI components with SparkScan for fast and easy integration. Fully customizable feature sets are also available within the wider Scandit Barcode Scanner SDK.
Scandit also offers a third option to deploy barcode scanning fast, the Scandit Express app. This no-code solution requires only a few steps to get advanced barcode scanning features into the hands of users.
Integrating barcode scanning software is usually a choice between requirements and effort. The decision comes down to choosing between pre-built software components that deploy relatively faster than libraries requiring customization effort.
Scandit offers a range of software solutions, from no-code standalone scanning apps to fully flexible SDKs. All solutions are built on a high-performance foundation with extensive user experience research.
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