App Programming for Validation via Barcode Scanner

For our mobility customer MAHLE, SPIE AUTOMATION programmed a new, app-based barcode scanner for the internal validation of pallets. The app was developed cross-platform and increases the efficiency and reliability of warehouse management.

Challenge and Objective

To validate pallets, an application that reads and analyzes barcodes needed to be updated. However, this application still ran on Windows CE-based barcode scanners, an operating system line for embedded systems. The system is now outdated, and Microsoft has even discontinued support for it. Therefore, it quickly became clear: a new development was required.

Solution

A tablet-operated solution was considered. However, a simple tablet camera can only unreliably recognize barcodes. Furthermore, on-site users are accustomed to using handheld scanners. The use of tablets would have unnecessarily complicated the workflow compared to the handheld scanners already in use.

Software developer Sebastian Lindemeier decided to program an Android app. .NET MAUI (Multi-Platform App UI) was used as a cross-platform framework. This allows native mobile and desktop apps to be created with C# and XAML, compatible with Apple, Android, and Windows devices. The housing is a mobile computer from the Zebra MC3300 series, which can be precisely adapted to the customer’s needs.

Benefits

The app-based barcode scanner is easy to install, easy to use, and can be quickly updated. The device’s operation is very intuitive and can therefore be used immediately by employees. By using the barcode scanner, the internal pallet scanning system is improved, traceability is significantly increased, and thus the efficiency of warehouse management is also increased.

These SPIE AUTOMATION Strengths Were Utilized

Dynamic and eager-to-learn team that works close to actual practice
Extensive Experience in Embedded Systems and Plant Engineering
Solution-Oriented Approach and Determination
Complete Development Service from a Single Source
Simple Company Structure for Uncomplicated Project Execution

About Our Customer
MAHLE is a leading international development partner and supplier to the automotive industry, with customers in both the passenger car and commercial vehicle sectors. Today, every second vehicle worldwide is equipped with MAHLE components.

Industry
Automotive and Vehicle Supply

The collaboration with SPIE AUTOMATION was always constructive and solution-oriented. The implementation period and the final result met our expectations. All requirements for the pallet barcode scanning system were fully implemented and user-friendly integrated into the existing system structure. This minimized potential errors and improved traceability. With its expertise, SPIE AUTOMATION reliably generated a customized system solution and thus met all requirements. We highly appreciate the work of SPIE AUTOMATION.

Daniel Dosenbach
Head of Quality
MAHLE Leibertingen

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