Barcode Management and Scanning

This guide explains how barcode scanning works in Aspire Cloud and Aspire Mobile. Use it as your go-to reference for configuring, scanning, and troubleshooting barcode entries. We include visual examples for each supported barcode type to help you recognize proper formatting and entry.

Key points

Before diving into details, here are the most critical points to remember:

• Enter barcodes exactly as printed, including letter case and any required spaces.
• Aspire Cloud is case-sensitive: ABC123 is not the same as abc123.
• Aspire Mobile’s search screen is case-insensitive, but manual entry after a failed scan requires an exact match.
• Avoid unnecessary spaces, except where explicitly printed in the barcode.
• Refer to the barcode images below to verify proper format and entry.

Overview

Barcodes speed up item identification and data entry across Aspire platforms. You can scan barcodes using your device’s camera in Aspire Mobile or enter them manually in both Aspire Cloud and Aspire Mobile. This guide outlines:

• Supported barcode formats
• Entry guidelines for each platform
• Troubleshooting tips

Supported barcode formats

Aspire supports the following barcode formats. Use the accompanying images to verify the printed format and guide your entry:

• Code 39:
• Code 128:

• EAN-13 and UPC-A:

EAN-13

UPC-A When entering EAN-13 and UPC-A barcodes, input the digits exactly as printed—do not add extra spaces.

Barcode entry in Aspire Cloud

When you add or edit materials in the Aspire Cloud Item Catalog, enter barcodes exactly as printed on the item. Follow these guidelines:

• Exact match: Enter the barcode exactly as shown. For example, if the barcode is printed as ABC123, do not change its case. The system treats ABC123 and abc123 as different values.
• Automatic formatting: Aspire removes extraneous formatting such as prefixes, suffixes, or parentheses. For instance, entering ]C1123456789 stores the barcode as 123456789.
• Uniqueness: Ensure each barcode is unique across your catalog.
• Spaces: Avoid inserting spaces unless they explicitly appear within the printed barcode. For example, an EAN-13 barcode should be entered as 0123456789012, not as 0 123456 789012.

Barcode scanning in Aspire Mobile

Aspire Mobile uses barcode scanning to boost efficiency and reduce errors in the field. Here’s how to work with barcodes on mobile devices:

• Using the camera: Position the barcode within your device’s camera frame. If the scan is successful, Aspire Mobile displays the item details immediately—even when offline.
• Manual entry options: If a scan fails, you can manually enter the barcode in two ways:
  • Materials search screen  – Not case-sensitive. You can enter a partial or full barcode without worrying about letter casing. 
  • Manual entry after a failed scan – Case-sensitive and exact. Enter the barcode exactly as printed. For example, if the barcode is ABC123, you must type ABC123 precisely.
• Handling spaces: Follow the same guidelines as in Aspire Cloud. Enter spaces only when they are part of the printed barcode. For example, if a Code 128 barcode shows as Code 128, include the space. Avoid adding unnecessary spaces.
• Additional features: Use the flash icon in low-light conditions and tap the keyboard icon for manual entry if needed.

See Adding Material - Materials in the Aspire Mobile User Guide for more information. 

Troubleshooting tips

If a barcode does not scan or match an item, consider these steps:

• Verify entry accuracy: Double-check that the barcode is entered exactly as printed, including the correct case and any necessary spaces.
• Review format: Confirm that the barcode follows one of the supported formats (Code 39, Code 128, or EAN-13/UPC-A).
• Consult visual examples: Compare your barcode with the images provided in this guide to ensure proper formatting.
• Contact support: If you continue to experience issues, reach out to your system administrator for assistance.

Additional resources

• IDAutomation Barcode Educational Guide: For more technical details and photographs, consult the IDAutomation Barcode Educational Guide.
• AspireCare: Contact the AspireCare support team by submitting an AspireCare ticket. For more information, see Guidelines for Submitting an AspireCare Ticket in the Aspire Knowledge Base.

This reference guide helps you accurately enter and scan barcodes across Aspire Cloud and Aspire Mobile. Follow the instructions for exact entry, note the differences in case sensitivity between platforms, and handle spaces carefully. Use the visual examples as a guide to ensure that your barcodes match the printed format. With these best practices in place, you can maximize efficiency and reduce errors in material identification.