Microsoft has recently released an updated Barcode Scanner Control for Power Apps, and it's a game-changer. With new features like single scan, automatic scan, and multi-scan capabilities, it's now easier than ever to integrate barcode scanning into your apps. In this blog post, we'll discuss some of the exciting use cases for barcode scanning in Power Apps and walk you through adding the new control to your app, along with configuring its key properties. Let's dive in!
New Barcode Scanner Control in Power Apps
The newly released Barcode Scanner Control in Power Apps has brought a range of powerful scanning options, making it a perfect addition to any app that requires data collection, inventory management, or asset tracking. By offering single scan, automatic scan, and multi-scan features, this versatile control can significantly improve the user experience and streamline the scanning process.
Use Cases for Barcode Scanning in Power Apps
Inventory Management: Easily track and manage inventory by scanning barcodes to update stock levels, product information, or location data.
Asset Tracking: Effortlessly monitor and update the status of your company's assets by scanning barcodes and updating relevant details in your Power Apps.
Event Management: Use barcode scanning to validate tickets, manage attendance, and streamline check-in processes at events.
Retail and Point-of-Sale: Integrate barcode scanning for a seamless point-of-sale experience, simplifying product lookup and data entry.
Warehouse Management: Enhance efficiency in your warehouse operations by scanning barcodes to track incoming and outgoing shipments, monitor stock movements, and optimize warehouse space.
Field Service Management: Empower field service technicians with barcode scanning capabilities to quickly identify and update the status of equipment, order parts, and manage work orders.
Library Management: Streamline the process of lending and returning books, tracking inventory, and managing patron information by integrating barcode scanning into your library management system.
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Adding the Barcode Scanner Control to Your App
To add the Barcode Scanner Control to your Power Apps app, follow these simple steps:
In Power Apps Studio, open your app or create a new one.
Navigate to the screen where you want to add the Barcode Scanner Control.
From the Insert tab, select "Media" and then click "Barcode reader."
Resize and position the control as needed.
Key Properties of the Barcode Reader Control
The Barcode Reader Control offers several properties that you can configure to customize its behavior and appearance. Here are some of the key properties you should be aware of:
Scanning mode: Choose between SelectToScan (single scan), AutomaticallyScan, and ScanMultiple modes to suit your app's needs.
BarcodeTypes: Select the barcode formats that the control should recognize, such as QR codes, EAN, UPC lables, and Code 128. Or just leave it at Auto. Power Apps hasn’t let me down yet finding the code.
PreferFrontCamera: Defaults to false so it uses the rear camera. You can also change it within the Scanner interface. Bonus, you can even turn on the Flash.
OnScan: Define the actions to perform when a barcode is scanned, such as updating data or navigating to another screen.
Barcode Reader Control Outputs
This version of the barcode reader outputs a table of the results. Assuming your control is named BarcodeReader1, you would reference the table with BarcodeReader1.Barcodes. This table has 2 columns: Type and Value. Type is the type of barcode that was read, and Value is the data from the scan.
The easiest way to view your output is in a Gallery. Set the Items property to: BarcodeReader1.Barcodes, and then ThisItem.Type and ThisItem.Value will display the data you have scanned in.
If you want to show a single scan in a label, use the First function like so: First(BarcodeReader1.Barcodes).Value. This will show you the scanned information.
If you want to show multiple scans in a label, use the Concat function like so: Concat(BarcodeReader1.Barcodes, Value, ";"). This will show the values separated by a semicolon.
Conclusion
The updated Barcode Scanner Control in Power Apps is a powerful tool that can significantly enhance the functionality of your apps. With single scan, automatic scan, and multi-scan features, it caters to a wide range of use cases, including inventory management, asset tracking, event management, warehouse management, field service management, and library management. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can quickly add the control to your app and start harnessing its full potential.
Don't forget to check out our comprehensive YouTube video tutorial on the Barcode Scanner Control for a more in-depth guide and demonstrations of its capabilities: Microsoft Power Apps Barcode Reader