How to Build Apps for Barcode Scanners

Handheld barcode scanners are indispensable in many sectors today, from retail and logistics to healthcare, shipping, and manufacturing. These devices play a critical role in capturing real-time data, such as inventory updates, order tracking, and customer details. However, integrating scanned data seamlessly into backend systems is just as important as collecting it. Barcode scanner apps can bridge the the gap with the ability to transfer scanned information to databases and business systems.

While the need to integrate barcode scanner data into mobile apps is a common requirement, building scanning apps is often a challenge. Traditional development methods require specialized expertise and can take too long, especially in industries that demand rapid deployment.

Support for connecting to barcode scanners in Altova MobileTogether changes all of that. With this low-code app development framework, you can create, test, and deploy barcode-scanning solutions in a fraction of the time compared to conventional coding approaches.

Custom Barcode Scanner Apps

Given the need for apps to integrate scanner data with business systems, there are a number of off-the-shelf, generic barcode scanning apps available for various industries. These promise ready-made solutions for scanning and processing barcodes.

While useful for basic tasks, they often fall short in key areas, especially when businesses need custom functionality or integration with their existing systems.

Ready-made apps are typically designed for generic use cases and may not support the specific workflows, data formats, or app security requirements that most industries require.

Off the shelf apps may require additional middleware or manual processes to connect, adding complexity and cost.

Custom barcode scanner apps allow businesses to tailor workflows, integrate with backend systems, and handle unique data formats that generic solutions may not support. They also offer flexibility to implement advanced features like automated data processing and customized scanning behavior, ensuring the app meets specific operational needs.

Apps build in MobileTogether connect to backend systems via XML, JSON, HTML, or legacy formats – as well as all major backend database systems for easy integration. Low code tools in MobileTogether make custom scanner integrations easy to define, providing flexibility to both small businesses and large enterprises. You can add as much sophistication as required to your apps, and comprehensive security options mean MobileTogether scanner apps are useful in all industries.  

Develop Barcode-Scanning Apps

To build custom apps, developers need tools that can streamline the process of integrating data from different scanner devices into their app workflow. MobileTogether offers seamless support for popular scanners, including those from Zebra and Datalogic.

Zebra Mobile Computers and Datalogic Mobile Computers are Android mobile devices with an integrated barcode scanner. The MobileTogether solution can reside directly on these devices. For other Zebra scanners, the scanner connects via a Bluetooth or USB connection to a device like a tablet or laptop running the MobileTogether app. In these cases, the app can run on Windows, Android, iOS, or even in a browser.

Additionally, MobileTogether apps can process QR and barcode scans captured via the device camera when an external scanner is not required.  

MobileTogether’s unique approach to drag-and-drop UI creation and visual programming make it easy to implement scanner support without diving into extensive code. Specialized scanning components including Actions, functions, variables, and page sources provide out-of-the-box functionality for managing barcode scans from the initial connection to data transmission and processing.

Below is an example of an ActionTree being built to integrate scanned data from a Zebra scanner. Individual Actions are added via drag and drop and further configured using context menus and XPath/XQuery when required.

Barcode scanning apps built in MobileTogether can support a range of barcode and QR code scanning tasks, including reading data, customizing scanner behavior like beeper volume and LED color, and executing automated actions once data is captured. This not only shortens the development timeline but also reduces the complexity of building scanner-enabled solutions.

Testing and Debugging Scanner-Enabled Apps

Testing mobile barcode scanner functionality is essential for delivering reliable apps. MobileTogether includes an integrated simulator to replicate scanner actions so you can test logic, UI, and data flow in real time. You can even simulate the app on actual devices prior to going live. The simulator accepts recorded barcode sample data to recreate real-world conditions during testing.

In addition to simulation, the platform offers automated testing and app debugging tools that make it easy to pinpoint issues and validate the scanning implementation at each step.

Start Scanning Now

With the MobileTogether low code approach to creating sophisticated apps, integrating barcode scanners into mobile apps is no longer a complex, time-consuming task. Companies in any industry can deploy custom scanning apps in record time, providing teams with the tools they need to capture and process data accurately.

MobileTogether Designer is free – download it today to get started.