Mobile barcode scanning

  • Release version: Xanadu
  • Updated August 1, 2024
  • 2 minutes to read
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    Summary of Mobile barcode scanning

    Mobile barcode scanning in ServiceNow allows users to use their mobile device cameras to scan barcodes directly into their instance via mobile applications. This feature supports efficient data entry for assets by replacing manual input with barcode scans, enhancing speed and accuracy.

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    Key Features

    • Multi-scan barcode scanning: Enables scanning multiple barcodes sequentially without leaving the scanning interface. After scanning, users can review a list of scanned items for easy verification.
    • Grouped barcode scanning: Allows grouping multiple barcodes related to a single item (e.g., asset number, serial number, model number) into a single set. Buttons can be configured to accept grouped entries, streamlining complex data capture.
    • Supported barcode types: Both iOS and Android apps support a wide variety of 1D and 2D barcode formats. iOS supports additional barcode types and uses an enhanced barcode scanning framework starting with version 18.3 for improved reliability and broader barcode compatibility.
    • Zebra scanning device integration: ServiceNow’s Android app supports most Zebra scanning devices, requiring camera permissions to be disabled for the app. The Zebra scanner outputs results directly into QR/Barcode input fields and can be configured to append return/enter strings for seamless input.
    • Scanning environment recommendations: For optimal accuracy, scan in well-lit environments and keep the device camera steady. Use built-in flashlight apps on mobile devices if needed.

    Important Considerations

    • Code-128 and Code-39 barcode scanning on Android may be inconsistent due to known issues with Android libraries; enabling enhanced barcode scanning can improve accuracy.
    • The new iOS barcode scanning framework is not compatible with some older iOS devices; customers should verify device compatibility to ensure smooth operation.

    Practical Benefits for ServiceNow Customers

    This functionality empowers end users to quickly and accurately input asset information using their mobile devices, significantly reducing manual data entry errors and improving operational efficiency. The ability to scan multiple barcodes together or in groups makes asset tracking and management more streamlined, while Zebra device support extends hardware integration options for mobile workforce scenarios.

    Use the camera on your mobile device to scan barcodes into your instance using mobile applications.

    Multi-scan barcode scanning

    To scan barcodes as accurately as possible, make sure that you:
    • Scan in a well-lit environment. Both Android and iOS mobile devices have flashlight apps that you can use to make sure your device's camera has adequate light to scan barcodes accurately.
    • Keep the device camera in a steady position while scanning. If the camera is shaking, barcode scans will become blurred and inaccurate.

    Use multi-scan to scan multiple barcodes sequentially without leaving the scanning interface. Enter information for your assets faster than manual entry or individual scans. After scanning in multiple barcodes, end users can review a list of their scanned items.

    		 Multi-scan interface

    Grouped barcode scanning

    Use grouped barcode scanning to scan multiple barcodes and group them into a set. For example, a single item that has an asset number, serial number, and model number. You can configure a button to use grouped entries to accept multiple barcode scans.

    		 Group scan interface

    Supported barcode types

    The ServiceNow mobile apps for iOS and Android support scanning the following barcode types:
    Note:
    • Code-128 and Code-39 barcode scanning isn’t consistent on Android devices due to a known open issue with Android libraries. Incorrect scanned values might be intermittently returned. For more accurate barcode scanning, see Enable enhanced barcode scanning.
    • Starting with version 18.3 of ServiceNow iOS apps, the barcode scanner uses a new framework that improves its reliability, ease of use, and enables scanning a wider variety of barcode types. However, the new barcode scanner framework isn't compatible with some older iOS devices. See KB1702599 on the ServiceNow Support website for details. You must be logged in to the website to view this content.
    • 1D barcodes:
      • Both iOS and Android: EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, UPC-E, Code-39, Code-93, Code-128, ITF, Codabar
      • iOS only: Code 39 Full ASCII, Code 93i, GS1 DataBar, GS1 DataBar Expanded, GS1 DataBar Limited, MSI
    • 2D barcodes:
      • Both iOS and Android: QR Code, Data Matrix, PDF-417, AZTEC
      • iOS only: MicroPDF417, MicroQR

    Zebra scanning devices

    The Android version of ServiceNow mobile apps can be used with most Zebra scanning devices. The scanner only works when permissions for the Zebra device camera have been denied for the ServiceNow mobile app. If you have already granted permissions to the Zebra device camera, you can turn them off in the settings for the Zebra device. In the ServiceNow app, when the cursor is in a QR/Barcode input field, the scanner outputs the results. End users can modify the barcode output to include a return/enter string at the end of each scan with other apps, such as DataWedge.