Developing an application is not easy. It takes days of planning, researching, designing, prototyping, developing, and testing before it gets released. And if you’re going to build an app for barcode scanning, the process can get even more challenging as there are a lot of features to incorporate.

What if we tell you that you can do it with just a few lines of code? What if you can do it without facing the development struggles? Sounds like a developer’s dream, but it’s possible! A barcode scanner SDK can help you do so. You can either build a new barcode reader app or integrate scanning capability into an existing application. All you need is to choose a robust barcode reader SDK, and you can save significant costs, time, and effort.

What to Look for in a Barcode Scanner SDK?

While the market is filled with different barcode reader SDKs, it can get tricky for you to make a decision. Does it support multiple barcode symbologies? Can it scan challenging barcodes? What speed does it offer? There are many things to consider to choosing the best option available out there. Building a barcode reader app will become so much easier for you with the right one.

Let’s get acquainted with the critical features of a barcode reader SDK.

Easy Integration:

The whole point of choosing a barcode scanner SDK is to cut down on development time and effort. Hence, it becomes crucial that the SDK must be easy to integrate. The process may vary from vendor to vendor, but the leading ones allow you to embed barcode reading functionality into your barcode reader app with just a few lines of code. Resources such as code galleries, examples, and documentation further simplify the process.

Platform Support and Runtime Environment:

Whether you are building a desktop, mobile, or web app, it’s essential to go through the platforms supported by the barcode scanner SDK. Find out what languages and frameworks it supports.

Another thing to consider is the runtime environment. Which Android/iOS versions does it support? Does it work on Windows 7? Will it work on Ubuntu? Check all these features before you proceed.

High Speed:

Once you have shortlisted different barcode reader SDKs based on the platforms and environments they support, now is the time to check their barcode scanning speeds. Inventory management, supply chain, and baggage scanning at airports are some operations that require high-speed barcode scanning. Hence, an ordinary barcode scanner won’t suffice. Speed is still a critical factor even if you don’t intend to build a barcode reader app for these operations.

Leading barcode scanner SDKs may scan more than 500 barcodes in a minute. Yes, you heard it right! These SDKs can read dozens of barcodes at once. Choosing a high-speed barcode reader SDK will only accelerate your workflows and further contribute to improved efficiency.

Good Accuracy:

Like speed, accuracy, too, matters when it comes to choosing an SDK for your barcode reader app. Being a developer, you’ll know how important it is to select a barcode engine that’s not just fast but highly robust and accurate, too, for the success of the barcode reader app. With enterprise-grade barcode detection algorithms, a barcode scanner SDK can perform better. This way, it will read and recognize barcodes with better accuracy.

Support for Multiple Symbologies:

Although every business has a specific set of barcode symbologies required, it is better to look for a barcode reader SDK that supports multiple symbologies. You never know what kind of requirement you may face in the future.

Hence, look for a barcode scanner SDK that supports at least all the common barcode symbologies such as linear barcodes, 2D barcodes such as QR Codes, DataMatrix Codes, PDF417 Codes, MaxiCode, and other types such as GS1 Composite Code, Patch Code, etc. After all, you wouldn’t want to keep altering the settings and features of your barcode reader app again and again!

Ability to Scan Tough Barcodes:

Most barcode scanners fail to read tough barcodes such as wrinkled, angled, dense, incomplete, etc. Look for a barcode reader SDK that provides customized scanning parameters to improve barcode recognition accuracy and decoding rate for reading damaged barcodes quickly.

Work Well in a Challenging Environment:

Like tough barcodes, challenging environments such as glare, low light, and shadow also make barcode scanning difficult for barcode reading apps. Selecting a barcode scanner SDK that works well in such a challenging environment will help reduce manual reviews and provide better performance.

Enhanced Modules and Customization Capability:

One of the critical benefits of developing your own barcode scanner app instead of choosing an off-the-shelf solution is the liberty to customize it as per your requirements. It is tailor-made and goes in line with all your needs. While going through the features of the barcode scanner SDK, deep dive into its parameters and modes (a specific function the barcode scanner can perform). These will further help you to customize your barcode reader app.

To cater to your unique scenario, you can also look for enhanced modules such as support for Direct Part Marking (DPM) codes, MRZ scanning for IDs and passports, etc.

Technical Support:

Most times, this feature is overlooked. But, there are multiple reasons why you should choose the vendor that offers good technical support. An SDK can make the process of developing a barcode scanner app easier but not foolproof. Also, you don’t want to end up in a deadlock. So, partner with a company known for its excellent technical support services. Whenever you face any issue, you can easily reach out to the support team for a fast resolution.

Online Demos and Trials:

Once you have gone through the features of the barcode reader SDK, now is the time to see how it performs. For this, you’ll need to try online demos and trials. Try running the sample codes, go through the resource gallery and see if it is what you need. Leading vendors provide free trials to let you explore the features and performance of their SDKs. Choosing them will be a better choice.

Tight Security:

Security is a significant concern for businesses. Partner only with ISO-certified organizations committed to keeping your data safe by following all the checks and best practices. Never forget that data is precious!