Read, inspect and process barcodes for warehousing, logistics, laboratories and measurement tasks
Capture barcodes reliably, inspect them and integrate them into processes
Barcodes are a key building block for safe and efficient processes in warehousing, logistics, production, shipping and laboratories. Dat-inf develops custom solutions for reading, checking and processing barcodes – from compact test software to a client-server solution for multiple workstations, devices and locations.
Depending on the application, barcodes are captured with scanners from different manufacturers, industrial cameras or smartphones. The captured data can be validated, documented, forwarded and directly integrated into existing workflows or systems.
At its core, this is a visual task: a code must be detected reliably under real conditions – despite distance, perspective, surface shape, movement or changing lighting. This is exactly where camera-based solutions are strong: they capture not only the code, but also the context of the image and therefore additionally enable inspection and measurement functions.
Classify the barcode process
Which code needs to be read reliably, how, where and with which device?
Whether a handheld scanner, industrial camera or smartphone makes sense depends on how the code is applied, what distances occur and how the data needs to be processed further. These points can usually be clarified in advance.
- classification of code type, surface, distance and movement
- guidance on the appropriate device and software architecture
- recommendation for test software, a pilot solution or scalable overall architecture
Helpful to get started
- sample images or details about code format and size
- information on the workstation, mobility and process step
- a description of where the captured data needs to be transferred
Even if the device choice is still open, a short process description is often enough for an initial recommendation. After receiving your inquiry, we will respond promptly with an initial assessment.
Typical barcode-related tasks
- Read barcodes at workstations, packing stations or goods receipt
- Advice on choosing suitable code types such as DataMatrix, QR, Code 39, Code 128 and other formats
- Check codes for readability, content and plausibility
- Capture with different devices such as handheld scanners, industrial cameras or smartphones
- Transfer the data to databases, ERP, warehouse management or custom software
When a barcode solution is worthwhile
- When barcodes need to be captured reliably and traceably
- When it is unclear which code type is suitable for the product, surface, size or distance
- When different devices or manufacturers need to be integrated into one common solution
- When warehouse and logistics processes need to be accelerated and errors reduced
- When a simple capture process should later grow into a scalable system
From visual capture to actionable information
A barcode is more than a data container. In practice, it must remain readable under real conditions: on flat or curved surfaces, at different distances, angles, materials or during movement. That is why it is often not enough to think only about the scanner – the entire capture situation matters.
Especially with industrial cameras or smartphones, visual capture can be used not only for reading, but also for inspection, documentation and in certain cases even measurement. This turns simple identification into a robust, technically traceable process solution.
Solution: barcode software from a single station to a client-server architecture
Not every application needs a large system right away. That is why we develop solutions in suitable stages: from test software for first trials and feasibility studies to a client-server solution for distributed processes in warehousing and logistics.
This allows barcode processes to be tested simply at first, expanded later and finally integrated into existing workflows. The software can be built as a local, network-capable or centrally managed solution – whichever best fits the way you work.
Capture with scanners, industrial cameras or smartphones
- Integration of barcode scanners from various manufacturers
- Capture via industrial cameras at fixed workstations or in automated workflows
- Use of smartphones for mobile applications and flexible processes
- Uniform downstream processing despite different capture devices
- Stationary capture in warehousing or shipping
- Mobile data capture for picking or inventory
- Camera-based code reading in machines or inspection systems
- Barcode use in laboratories for sample and container identification
- Combination of manual and automated capture steps
Which hardware is appropriate depends on reading distance, cycle time, environmental conditions, code quality and integration depth. Dat-inf develops the right software layer for existing or new devices.
Advice on selecting code type, surface and scan distance
In many projects, the first question is not only about the reading device, but already about the right code. We advise on selecting suitable formats such as DataMatrix, QR, Code 39, Code 128 and other barcode types – tailored to data volume, available space, print quality and process requirements.
- Selecting suitable code types for the product, label or packaging
- Evaluating information density, size and reading reliability
- Matching the solution to printing method, material and contrast
- Advice for stationary, mobile or camera-based applications
The real installation situation is also crucial. Barcodes on round objects or curved surfaces pose different requirements than codes on flat labels. The scan distance also plays an important role, for example with handheld scanners, fixed workstations or camera-based reading systems.
- Advice on codes on round or challenging surfaces
- Evaluation of distance, viewing angle and field of view
- Selection of suitable scanners, optics or cameras
- Early assessment of technical feasibility
Applications for warehousing, logistics, laboratories and measurement tasks
In warehousing and logistics, barcode solutions help capture goods movements reliably, accelerate bookings and avoid errors in assignment, shipping or traceability. The captured codes can be linked directly with orders, items, load carriers or storage locations.
Barcodes are also frequently used in laboratories, for example to label samples, containers, trays or workflow steps. In certain applications, barcodes can even serve as a scale reference for measurement tasks when they are deliberately combined with image evaluation or camera-based measurement systems.
Typical applications range from goods receipt to picking and packaging through to shipping control. Mobile workflows with smartphones or scanner-based workstations can also be integrated into one common software logic.
Barcodes as references and scale markers in measurement tasks
In some applications, barcodes are used not only for identification, but additionally as a reference or scale marker. This can be useful when objects need to be assigned clearly and evaluated geometrically at the same time.
In combination with camera-based measurement systems, a barcode can help assign images, automate workflows or integrate defined references into measurement processes. The achievable accuracy and robustness depend on code size, placement, optics and capture conditions.
From a test system to a production barcode solution
Many projects start with compact test software. This makes it possible to evaluate quickly which code types are suitable, which devices read reliably under real conditions and how the data should be used in the workflow. This reduces risk and creates a reliable basis for further implementation.
On this basis, the solution can be expanded in a targeted way – for example into a single-station application, a mobile solution or a productive client-server system with central data storage, guided workflows and interfaces to warehousing, logistics, laboratory or production systems.
Technology behind barcode capture
Simply reading a code is often not enough for a robust barcode solution. Device integration, data validation, operator feedback and integration into existing systems and processes also matter.
- Device integration for scanners from different manufacturers
- Camera-based code reading with industrial cameras
- Mobile capture via smartphone
- Design of code type, distance and field of view to fit the application
- Validation and further processing of the captured data
Depending on the task, single-station solutions, mobile applications or network-capable client-server systems may be appropriate. Dat-inf develops not only the interface, but also the technical integration into the respective workflow.
Further information is also available under Camera Systems, Retrofit und Implementing a custom solution.
Benefits of custom barcode software
- Reliable barcode capture in real processes
- Integration of different devices into one common solution
- Scalable from a test system to a central application
- Advice on code type, reading situation and technical feasibility
- Traceable workflows and data transfers
- Fewer manual inputs and lower error rates
- Suitable integration into warehousing, logistics, laboratory and production processes
- Additional inspection and documentation options with camera-based capture
Why Dat-inf for barcode solutions
We do not develop rigid standard applications, but custom software for specific workflows. In doing so, we consider not only the reading device, but the entire process: capture, verification, operation, data flow and future expandability.
Our focus is on practical integration, robust device connectivity and sensible scalability. This creates a solution that works in everyday use – from a single test station to a networked system.
Would you like to read barcodes reliably, choose the right code type or build a solution for scanners, cameras or smartphones?
Helpful details include code format, surface, reading distance and the desired system integration. After receiving your inquiry, you will get a prompt response.
Frequently asked questions about barcode solutions
Which devices can be used to read barcodes?
Depending on the application, classic barcode scanners, industrial cameras or smartphones can be used. Which solution makes sense depends on the process, mobility, installation situation and desired integration.
Which classic barcode scanners are worth considering?
The selection is very broad. We recommend devices from HIKROBOT, ZEBRA and DATALOGIC or the more affordable models from INATEK, if budget is the main priority.
Which barcode types make sense?
That depends on the application, available space, data volume and reading situation. Commonly relevant formats include DataMatrix, QR, Code 39 and Code 128. Dat-inf advises on selecting the right format for the specific task.
What needs to be considered for barcodes on round objects or with a large scan distance?
Curved surfaces, small codes, variable distances and unfavorable viewing angles can significantly affect readability. That is why code size, placement, hardware and capture conditions should be considered together early on.
Can you start with test software and expand it later?
Yes. Many projects begin with a compact test solution to evaluate devices, codes and workflows quickly. This can later evolve into a production single-station or client-server solution.
Is this also suitable for warehousing and logistics?
Yes. Barcode solutions are especially suitable for goods receipt, picking, packaging, shipping and traceability. The captured data can be integrated directly into warehousing and logistics processes.
Are barcodes also used in laboratories?
Yes. In laboratories, barcodes are often used to identify samples, containers, trays or process steps. Depending on the workflow, stationary, mobile or camera-based solutions may be appropriate.
Can barcodes also serve as scale markers or references in measurement tasks?
In certain applications, yes. In addition to identification, barcodes can also be used as references in image and measurement tasks. Whether that is sensible depends on the accuracy requirement, code size, placement and capture conditions.
Can scanners from different manufacturers be integrated?
Yes. Dat-inf develops software for integrating different scanners and devices so that capture can be integrated into one unified application.