Barcode Scanner Module Overview

Hardware Setup Requirements

Prior configuration of your specific barcode scanner hardware is mandatory in order to utilize the barcode scanner module features. Please reference your hardware manufacture's manual for your device(s) configuration. Specifically in regards to the preamble setup that triggers a barcode scan. Also, we cannot guarantee the functionality with non-USB scanner devices such as an Android O/S device.

The Barcode Scanner module extends Ignition to provide the ability to detect and decode barcode input. The module provides both a controller to be used on the client as well as gateway scripting methods for server barcode decoding. The module works with traditional one dimensional (1D) barcode, as well as two dimensional (2D), and GS1 international standard formats that can contain multiple pieces of data.

UPC Barcode

Code 128

Data Matrix

The module comes pre-configured with 100+ barcode patterns to decode standard barcodes like UPC, EAN, and GTIN, plus the full range of the GS1 application identification (AI) standard formats for trade items, logistic units, assets, locations, service relationships, and special applications. The pre-configured patterns will meet the needs of most operations using standard barcode formats and content. In addition, the module can be fully customized to read proprietary or industry specific barcode content.

Commonly reading barcode input would follow the scenario of having an operator select an input field, then scan the barcode to input the barcode's content into the selected field. If multiple barcodes need to be scanned or the content of the barcode contains multiple pieces of data, then it often requires additional intervention by the operator to get the input recorded correctly.

With the Barcode Scanner component, the scenario above is greatly improved while reducing the risk of input mistakes. Once the Barcode Scanner component is placed on an existing screen, it will listen for barcode input via a keyboard wedge. This is done in the background and is independent of the focused input component. Once it detects barcode input, it then decodes the barcode based on one of more barcode patterns and raises a script event with the results. The script can then simply put the results into the correct input field(s), update tag(s), write to database table(s), etc.

Barcode Detection and Decoding

Example Barcode Event Script

Expand source

#Store the result of the scan in a dictionary
result = event.toDict()
#Take the first index of that dictionary key and apply to variable
barcodeText = result['Default'][0]
 
##EXAMPLE USE CASES:

#Write the barcodeText to a text field on screen
event.source.parent.getComponent('Text Field').text = barcodeText
 
#Write the barcodeText to a tag in the Ignition Tag Server
tagPath = "Nuts Unlimited/Scan2"
system.tag.write(tagPath, barcodeText)
 
#Write the barcodeText to a database
query = 'INSERT INTO someTable (columnName) VALUES (?)'
key = system.db.runUpdateQuery(query, [barcodeText], dbName, '', True, False)
print key

Ignition supports Barcode entries and is using barcodes on most reports to identify the connected MES objects. As with most of our other features, the barcode capability is already integrated in the Sepasoft MES software. Barcodes are displayed on reports, and you can define your own custom barcode labels that will show product specific information and custom images. In short, it provides intuitive user entry and reporting. Customers can use barcode scanning capabilities to facilitate material handling. User can scan badge to sign off on materials, Master Production Records, Batch Production Records, and other production tasks. As soon as we scan an item, the corresponding MES object opens. 

The probability of occurrence of human error is reduced drastically through a barcode scanner. Barcode scans also reduce the time for manual data entry. Inventory control is enhanced when it is fast and reliable. Furthermore, barcodes can be attached to products and equipment allowing tracking of resources.

Some users have also created multiple designs and managed them using revision management as an additional use case of the Barcode scanner component.