Support Centre

Barcodes

Barcode usage scenarios and best practices.

Introduction

AE supports the following types of barcodes: UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN-8, EAN-13, Code 39, Code 93, Code 128, ITF, Codabar, MSI, RSS-14 (all variants), QR Code, Data Matrix, Aztec and PDF-417

Example 1

Barcode type: QR Code Barcode value: http://www.dad.net.au

Example 2

Barcode type: EAN-13 Barcode value: 8901072002478

It is recommended that the barcode images themselves are not stored in DAD, just the barcode value itself. This should be stored in a “Barcode” string attribute on each object. By storing the value itself, any search with DAD or AE will yield this object as a result.

DAD and AE do not generate barcode images for printing. We recommend the use of online tools, barcode printers and/or 3rd party suppliers.

Barcode Usage Scenario A (Pre-Installation)

  1. Equipment/cable exists in the digital model
  2. Update each piece of equipment/cable in DAD by populating an attribute with its barcode value
  3. Use these values to generate your barcode labels (via printer/3rd party supplier)
  4. Apply them to physical equipment/cables before installation
  5. Technician uses ActivityExchange (Mobile Edition) to scan barcodes and bring up activities relevant to the respective equipment/cable e.g. Install: Security Camera 12A. Technician fills out the activity, attaches a photo and submits as completed.

Barcode Usage Scenario B (Mid/Post Installation)

  1. Technician locates physical equipment
  2. Technician removes a barcode label from a file of unallocated barcodes and affixes it to the equipment/cable.
  3. Technician scans the barcode and records it against the equipment/cable for permanent assignment.
  4. Once approved, PC uploads those values from AE into the DAD Barcode attribute for permanent record/utility.

Barcode Usage Scenario C (Commissioning, Operations & Maintenance)

  1. Technician approaches physical equipment
  2. Technician opens the Search on the mobile device and selects “Scan”:
  3. Technician scans the barcode and can now access all relevant activities *AND* data for that piece of equipment/cable.
  4. The technician can now raise a new activity by using the “Raise” button in the bottom right of the object’s details screen.