When I use URL for SAAS DataMatrix and pass 10, the barcode does not display 10

Question

When I use the URL for Barcode Image Generator Service (web link) and put 10 in data that I want to ben encode, it converts it into LOT: and not 10. Every other number I put, the DataMatrix barcode is good. I tested it with the free URL and it is doing the same thing. Here is my test: https://www.bcgen.com/demo/IDAutomationStreamingDataMatrix.aspx?D=10 Can you please correct the issue so the right value is encoded in the DataMatrix Barcode ? Thank you

 · Accepted Answer

debrac · Answer

When it comes to URLs, there can be reserved characters that you must replace with another value or an ASCII equivalent as per this chart:

Encoding of Reserved Characters - Some special characters have a reserved meaning in URLs and may not be transmitted correctly when included directly in barcode data. If your scan result is missing or changes certain characters, encode them using either their ASCII escape sequence (~d###) or their URL-encoded equivalent.

Common examples:

+ = ~d043 or %2B
# = ~d035 or %23
& = ~d038 or %26
% = ~d037 or %25
? = ~d063 or %3F
= = ~d061 or %3D
Space = ~d032 or %20

It is up to your internal teams to determine how best to replace those characters in your data, and if you are pulling from tables, you can replace those characters in the data as you best see fit.

This is not a limitation of the barcode generation; it's a limitation of what you can encode via a URL.

AMarie · Answer

The value is not PAD but "PAD U" so there is a space in the middle, I don't think it's a scanner issue. Is there a way to put in the link a condition to replace the space by %20 ?

debrac · Answer

This barcode also scans with all 3 of my scanning devices as PAD, so the generation of the barcode is not the issue here, and the URL is working normally. I suspect your scanner is not set up to read very short barcodes, and I recommend that you reach out to your scanner manufacturer for assistance.

If you were referring to the space for PAD U, the space character may not be encodable as a space as certain characters can be reserved, and then you can replace it with %20 so it would be: D=PAD%20U.

That said, when I take that URL and enter D=PAD U it encodes correctly for me and scans as PAD U as well. If you are having issues try replacing the space with the %20

AMarie · Answer

I have another question but with another kind of value but in this case, the DataMatrix is not generated.

When There is a space in the value, no barcode is displayed. I tried a couple of things but nothing conclusive.

Here is my example: https://www.bcgen.com/demo/IDAutomationStreamingDataMatrix.aspx?D=PAD U (and it is not working either in our custom URL).

Is there a function or some parameters that I have to add ?

Thanks

AMarie · Answer

Ok ! I will take a look more closely to the scanner settings, that is probably the cause.
I will do some more testing and try the "Barcode Data Decoder Verifier App" you told me about.
Thanks again !

debrac · Answer

I do understand using the DEMO instead of your personal URL in a public forum! I think your scanner may be configured to alter the scan when it's a 10-value, or it may not accurately scan a barcode with fewer than 3 digits. You would need to reach out to your scanner manufacturer for assistance with your scanner settings. You can use the Barcode Data Decoder Verifier App, which is a free-to-download app from your app store, or even download the Cognex scanning application to test scan this barcode to compare with your scanner.

AMarie · Answer

Hi !

Thanks for the quick respond. We already have a subscription but I didn't want to use it here :)
I'm glad it's not on your side, I'll do some more testing.
Have a great day

debrac · Answer

Hello,

When I test-scan the barcode generated from this DEMO URL with the encoded value of 10 with 3 different scanning devices, it scans as a 10 for me and does not change it to LOT: so I cannot reproduce the issue, and the DEMO URL is functioning correctly. Likely this is a problem with your scanner, as it is not a problem with the generation of the barcode.

Additionally, the DEMO URLs are not to be used in production, only for testing purposes, so if you want to use this service in a production environment, you would need to purchase a subscription here: Dynamic Barcode Generator (SaaS), and we would create a custom URL for you.