Mobile Data Capture and Barcodes Software

Software Tips

Mobile Data Capture (MDC): Definition, Benefits and Operational Value

Mobile data capture (MDC) refers to the digital recording of information directly at the point where activities take place – for example in the warehouse, in production, shipping, service or field operations. The data is captured via mobile devices such as scanners, industrial handhelds, tablets or smartphones and transferred immediately to higher-level systems such as ERP, WMS, PPS or MES. This means that data capture takes place where processes actually occur – without media discontinuities, paper lists or subsequent manual entry.

For companies, investing in MDC is particularly worthwhile when inventory, movements, status reports or traceability data need to be captured quickly, accurately and transparently. The benefit lies not only in accelerating individual work steps, but in greater process reliability across the entire value chain: goods receipts are posted faster, picking errors are reduced, inventory data is more up to date, feedback from production is available promptly, and service assignments can be documented cleanly.

Technology Check: Comparing 1D Barcodes, 2D Codes and RFID

1D Barcodes

1D barcodes such as EAN-13, Code 128 or GS1-128 are linear codes and are primarily suitable for the unique identification of items, storage locations or shipping units. They are widely used, cost-effective and entirely sufficient for many standard applications. Their limitations become apparent where more information needs to be stored directly in the data carrier or where damage and unfavorable scanning conditions occur frequently.

2D Codes

2D codes such as QR Code or Data Matrix can store significantly more information than linear barcodes while often remaining smaller in size. According to GS1, 2D barcodes can contain additional data such as batch/lot numbers, serial numbers or expiration dates; at the same time, 1D and 2D codes can coexist in parallel during transition phases. This makes 2D codes particularly attractive for track-and-trace scenarios, serialization, mobile service processes and applications with limited label space.

RFID

RFID captures data contactlessly via radio waves. Unlike barcode technology, RFID does not require an optical line of sight; in addition, many tags can be read in quick succession or almost simultaneously. GS1 explicitly describes RFID not as a blanket replacement for barcodes, but as an alternative or complementary technology whose suitability depends on the respective use case. At the same time, barcodes remain the more cost-effective solution in many cases.

Practical Classification

For simple labeling and standard processes, the 1D barcode is usually economical and sufficient. If variable data also needs to be stored directly on the object or accommodated in a very small space, 2D codes are often the better choice. RFID offers advantages when items must be read without line of sight, when many objects need to be captured in a short time, or when processes are to be automated to a greater extent. GS1 classifies barcodes and RFID together within the field of Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) and emphasizes the importance of standardized interfaces for interoperable solutions.

Economic Evaluation: When Does an MDC Solution Pay Off?

The economic viability of introducing MDC usually results from a combination of several effects: less manual data entry, less search and correction effort, lower error costs, faster throughput times and better transparency regarding inventory and movements. The benefit is particularly high in areas with many scanning processes, high document volumes, frequent stock transfers, serial number or batch requirements, and a high level of coordination between warehouse, purchasing, production and shipping.

For decision-making, it is advisable to review several key figures in advance: postings per day, error rates in warehouse or shipping processes, inventory effort, search times, media discontinuities between paper and system, as well as follow-up queries caused by unclear stock levels. This makes it possible to evaluate the benefits of an MDC solution more concretely than on the basis of acquisition costs alone.

Additional specific criteria and suggested questions for evaluating software for barcodes and mobile data capture:

• Before making a software decision, conduct a thorough market research of potentially suitable solutions. Our tip: Use our free research service without any obligation. Large parts of the tender are taken over, potential solutions are presented in a structured way and the communication with the providers is documented!
• Can different fonts be used for the plain text?
• Can the line width reduction be adjusted in micrometres to compensate for the increase in print pressure when very tight tolerances are required (e.g. for retail barcodes such as EAN, UPC, IAN and JAN, or for high-density codes)?
• Can different colours be selected for the barcode and the background, and if possible, in different colour spaces (RGB, HSB or CMYK)? Can a transparent background also be set?
• Can barcodes be embedded as OLE objects? This is useful if they need to be updated frequently, as the stored barcode can then be accessed by double-clicking within the application.
• Can the font sizes be adjusted?
• Can automatically generated sequential numbering and repeats be included when creating barcodes?
• Is it possible to encode multiple variables from different parts of a form into a barcode in a single step?
• Can the barcode size be set to a fixed output size, regardless of the amount of data to be encoded?
• Please check whether the user interface is optimised for use with gloves or in low light conditions.
• Is the software tied to a specific hardware manufacturer or is it “hardware-agnostic”?
• Does the software support direct printing via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to mobile label printers?