mobXscan
Barcode Reading Software for Industrial Mobile Devices
mobXscan
Add barcode scanning to compatible Android and Windows devices
Barcode data is widely used across industrial inspection, maintenance, asset management and inventory applications. In hazardous areas, however, introducing barcode scanning can mean purchasing and carrying additional certified hardware alongside the mobile devices already being used by operators.
mobXscan provides a software-based alternative.
Installed on a compatible Android or Windows device, mobXscan uses the device’s built-in camera to capture and decode barcode information. The resulting data can then be entered directly into the active application or data-entry field, allowing the mobile device to perform both its normal operational role and barcode scanning.
What is mobXscan?
mobXscan is a camera-based barcode reading utility developed for Android and Windows mobile devices.
When a barcode needs to be captured, the user presses the scan button and points the device camera towards the code. mobXscan reads the barcode and enters the decoded information into the selected data field in a similar way to text entered through a keyboard.
For straightforward data-entry applications, this allows barcode reading to be introduced without replacing the customer’s existing software. Where greater control is required, mobXscan can also be triggered from another application using the supplied integration tools.
How mobXscan Works
1. Open the required application
The operator opens the inspection, maintenance, inventory or asset-management application they already use.
2. Select the data-entry field
The cursor is placed in the field where the barcode information is required.
3. Scan the barcode
The user activates mobXscan and points the device camera towards the barcode.
4. Capture the information
mobXscan decodes the barcode and enters the resulting information directly into the selected field.
This enables barcode data to become part of the existing mobile workflow without requiring the operator to transfer information manually between separate devices.
Key Advantages
Use one device for multiple tasks
Add barcode data capture to a compatible mobile device already being used for communication, inspection, maintenance or reporting.
Work with existing applications
Barcode information can be entered into applications that accept keyboard-style text input, reducing the need to replace established software and workflows.
Read difficult or damaged barcodes
mobXscan is designed to read common barcode formats, including codes that are damaged, poorly printed or otherwise difficult to capture.
Avoid separate scanning hardware
Where the application is suitable, camera-based scanning may remove the need to purchase and carry a separate handheld or Bluetooth barcode scanner.
Configure the data output
Barcode types, scan controls and data output can be configured to suit the application, including the use of preamble and postamble characters.
mobXscan supports commonly used one-dimensional and two-dimensional barcode formats.
These include formats such as:
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Code 39
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Code 93
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Code 128
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EAN and UPC
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GS1 formats
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QR Code
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Data Matrix
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Aztec Code
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PDF417
The required barcode format should be confirmed as part of the application review.
mobXscan can be used as a keyboard-style barcode input tool or controlled through another application.
Available configuration options include:
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Manual scan activation
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Activation from an external application
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Keyboard-style data entry
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API-based integration
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Barcode format selection
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Camera and scanning-area configuration
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Preamble and postamble characters
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Additional keystrokes following a scan
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Exporting setup information for additional devices
The appropriate configuration will depend on the mobile device, operating system and customer application.
The official mobXscan download service currently provides:
| Platform | Current supplier information |
|---|---|
| Android | Android application and installation guidance |
| Windows | Windows 10 application |
| Windows requirements | Version 1903 or later |
| Trial | Fully featured 30-day trial |
| Integration | Windows API example and launcher tools available |
Specific device and operating-system compatibility should be checked before deployment.
