How to Use Barcodes and QR Codes With Caspio

From contactless payment to tracking inventory, barcode technology has revolutionized how businesses operate at scale.

In fact, according to a recent study, QR code usage alone saw a 94% growth in the number of interactions from 2018 to 2020. Most respondents agree that QR codes make life easier in the touchless world brought upon by the pandemic.

Want to use barcodes with your custom web apps, too? Here’s how to get started.

Already a Caspio customer? Contact us to learn more about generating barcodes and QR codes from your Caspio apps.

The Difference Between a Linear Barcode and a QR Code

Barcodes have continued to evolve in form and usability since their commercial breakthrough in tracking and retrieving information many decades ago. Today’s barcodes usually fall under two main types:

Linear barcodes

Also known as one-dimensional (1D) barcodes, linear barcodes store a limited number of numeric or alphanumeric characters in a set of black-and-white, variable-width lines and spaces. The data is mostly read in one direction from left to right and is widely used to identify items residing in a database. Popular examples include Code 128 for shipping and UPC for products sold in stores.

Matrix barcodes

Also known as two-dimensional (2D) barcodes, matrix barcodes are capable of holding more information per unit area than their linear 1D counterparts. The compact label, which mostly consists of blocks arranged on a square or rectangular grid, can be read from any direction with minimal errors. QR codes serve as prime examples of 2D barcodes capable of many uses like instant URL access, multimedia content display, touchless payment and so much more.

Top 5 Industries That Benefit From Barcode Workflows

A custom barcode workflow improves your ability to manage your records and implement dynamic features, especially when records are linked to physical assets or unique services. You can extend the workflow across the entire organization if you operate within a centralized online database.

Contact us to learn more about generating barcodes and QR codes with Caspio.

Here are some industries that often leverage barcodes:

1. Retail

Successful retail outlets use barcodes across every single product in their catalog. Retail staff save time and energy during day-to-day operations by scanning codes rather than manually keying in SKUs or prices, allowing them to process check-outs faster and close more sales. Barcodes also ensure the integrity of the store’s inventory while providing opportunities for customer engagement, such as loyalty programs.

2. Logistics

Supply chains come with a lot of complexities that require logistical staff to strictly monitor various data points. Barcode technology proved to be a critical component in key processes, such as determining where packages should be routed inside a warehouse, connecting workers with drivers, and ensuring transparency in every step of the logistics flow.

3. Healthcare

Every healthcare facility deals with sophisticated inventory control to manage in-demand supplies for easy access. It involves tasks that become more efficient with cost-effective barcode workflows. For instance, you can order specific supplies from the inventory department by simply scanning a custom barcode. When it comes to patient care, barcodes help ensure patients receive proper medication and that the information is automatically saved in the patient’s medical record.

4. Manufacturing

The production line juggles many moving parts that incrementally build batches of finished goods for shipping and distribution. Barcodes are issued for each individual item in the assembly process to track the entire history of each unit – down to the components used, the operator in charge and the machines involved.

5. Marketing

QR codes enable Marketing teams to lead prospects into their mobile-friendly landing pages. Marketers can launch integrated campaigns by using billboards or flyers that contain a QR code, which then opens a dedicated web page when scanned. Businesses can also use barcodes to provide promotions to customers or prospects. You can even use QR codes as a virtual business card.

Implement Barcodes and QR Codes Using Caspio

Caspio’s online database allows businesses to dynamically scale custom applications in the cloud for unlimited users. It’s the perfect platform to streamline operations using barcode workflows, which typically involve many end users.

Here are some ideas on how you can leverage our Professional Services team to extend your Caspio apps with barcodes:

Inventory system

If you already have an inventory app in place with unique IDs for each item in your database, consider generating your own 1D barcodes to instantly track individual details. It’s also possible to scan various types of linear barcodes with Caspio’s barcode scanner extension. This turns your smart mobile device into a label scanner that automatically inputs data on your web form, which then submits to the Caspio database.

Patient management

Enhance the functionality of your online patient portal by generating QR codes linking to updated patient details. The unique 2D barcodes you generate can be scanned to update vital signs, provide the right medication, set appointments, view vaccination certificates and more without much manual input. You can even apply 1D barcodes to medicines in your inventory and simply scan them with your patient’s QR code to track dosage.

Order tracking

Quickly reference specific orders by generating a QR code that links to data concerning purchased items, shipping addresses, involved buyers and other pertinent details for authorized users to access. Additionally, you can request Caspio’s QR code scanner to read QR codes on smartphones or tablets without having to search through your database or input a specific order ID.

Student portal

Implementing QR codes as part of a student portal makes it easier for teachers, parents, administrators and the students themselves to view and access overall performance, upcoming school events, important reminders, online exams and more. It’s also possible to attach 1D barcodes to school assets like laptops and other devices for easier tracking. The list of possible use cases in a school setting is virtually limitless.

Transform Your Operations With Caspio

From asset management to brand awareness, barcodes help improve the way you look up and manage information on your database. They simplify otherwise mundane manual processes. They even help bring leads into your sales pipeline.

Whether you need to generate QR codes to look up detailed information or scan shipping labels using a mobile device, Caspio can help you integrate barcodes into your processes.

Eliminate the complexities of implementing a barcode system now with help from our Professional Services team.

Contact us today to learn how you can generate barcodes with your Caspio web apps.