Handling Datamatrix Codes on iOS and Android: A Close Look

| Developers

Handling Datamatrix Codes on iOS and Android: A Close Look

DataMatrix codes are two-dimensional (2D) codes consisting of black and white modules. These codes can encode huge amounts of data using minimal space, which makes them ideal for marketing and tracking small products or electronics. Today, we’ll be taking an in-depth look at DataMatrix codes—including how you can support them on your iOS and Android apps using the Scandit Barcode Scanner SDK

The History & Benefits of DataMatrix Codes

DataMatrix codes were originally created by Data Matrix, Inc, which was acquired by Siemens in 2005, and then Microscan Systems in 2008. Today, DataMatrix code standards are public domain for many applications, and covered by several ISO standards. 

DataMatrix codes can encode both numeric and text-based data up to 1556 bytes. These 2D codes feature exceptional data density and can be read in any scanning position. Much like QR codes, DataMatrix codes have built-in error correction capabilities, which allow them to be read even when a portion of the code is damaged.

Error proofing is likely the greatest advantage of DataMatrix codes. These codes are designed to ensure that their data can always be recovered, even when they are partially obscured or compromised. DataMatrix offers a unique combination of scanning flexibility, security and dependability—making them ideal across a wide variety of applications. 

Applications for DataMatrix Codes

The Electronic Industries Alliance recommends using DataMatrix codes to track small electronic components. DataMatrix codes are great for identifying small products that have limited label space. Thanks to their combined strengths, these codes are commonly used to enhance quality assurance in the aerospace industry. The US Department of Defense also uses DataMatrix codes for fast, dependable asset tracking.

The manufacturing industry makes exceptional use of DataMatrix codes, particularly across supply chain operations. In the face of growing global competition and standards, manufacturers need efficient solutions to ensure traceability across the production, assembly and distribution processes. DataMatrix codes can be used to mark even small components with a unique, traceable ID—allowing it to be scanned and tracked across the entire manufacturing workflow. 

The Scandit Solution for DataMatrix Codes

Now that we’ve reviewed some of the most effective business applications for DataMatrix codes, let’s review how you can support them on your applications. The Scandit Barcode Scanner SDK supports scanning DataMatrix codes on iOS and Android, as well as the Phonegap and Titanium platforms. 

The Scandit Barcode Scanner SDK can transform almost any camera-equipped smart device into an expertise-grade scanner. This solution is compatible with over 20,000 mobile device types and all major barcode types, including DataMatrix codes. We provide the fastest, most dependable barcode scanning software on the market for your applications. 

Get Started with Scandit Today

We offer a free 30-day trial for the Barcode Scanner SDK, so you can begin testing DataMatrix code scanning in your app right away. We’ve worked hard to make it simple for developers to integrate our Barcode Scanner SDK. 

Want to see our next-level barcode scanning software in action before signing up? Here’s a video on our iOS Barcode Scanner SDK. You can also see a video of our solution scanning tiny DataMatrix codes used in Direct Part Marketing (DPM) here

Please contact us today if you have any additional questions about our powerful mobile data capture tools—and how they can support DataMatrix scanning your iOS and Android apps.