EPX-B Brochure

For more information about the EPX-B framework, download our brochure.

NOTE: EPX has been replaced by our ID-Engine Software

EPX-Barcode

Add scanning options to your application with EPX-Barcode. Our unified solution provides developers with a single, simple API that unifies access for many different types and methods of barcode scanning, including camera, laser, and imaging scanners.

Because EPX-Barcode is compatible with a wide range of scanners from Zebra (Symbol) and Code, in many cases you can use scanners you already have. Use EPX-Barcode in inventory management, asset management, retail, hospitality, kiosks, and other applications.

What is EPX-Barcode?

• Barcode scanning solution for Android
• Supports phone camera, laser and imaging barcode scanners
• Works over USB and Bluetooth; serial option available

Benefits of EPX-B

• No hardware lock-in
• Apps are written for many devices with one SDK
• Easy integration with existing hardware
• Full control of barcode scanner, including image capture.
• Can be easily extended for greater functionality

EPX-Barcode in Depth

Barcode scanning is an integral part of the work day for many enterprise and industrial users. The problem with most existing barcode scanning solutions is that they are not flexible. Bluetooth scanners are convenient in size, but establishing and maintaining pairing can often be problematic. Camera scanners are convenient, but are often slow. Using both hardware and camera scanning requires you to maintain multiple applications or interfaces.

EPX-Barcode, or EPX-B for short, gives you a unified approach to scanning: use the camera for occasional scanning, or plug in a USB scanner when high-volume scanning is required. EPX-B provides a single API for developers to support your application whether you're using the camera or a hardware scanner. (Bluetooth scanning is coming soon, and will also utilize the same API.)

Here are some of the key benefits of EPX-B:

• EPX-B supports hardware and camera scanning in a single design, which means that if a hardware scanner isn’t available, you can just use your device’s built-in camera to read a barcode. EPX-B also supports USB barcode scanning on Android tablets from Samsung, Google (Nexus), and others.

• EPX-B includes an optional keyboard wedge mode. Keyboard wedge mode allows a scanner to send information to a computer as if it came from a keyboard. This means that you can scan barcode information directly into a text field. It is very useful when you need to enter data into spreadsheets or web applications.

• EPX-B gives you the ability to enable or disable symbologies. This feature prevents someone from scanning the wrong type of barcode, and it also reduces the likelihood of false-positive (invalid data) scans (especially for ZXing). It improves scanning performance since there are fewer symbologies for the decoder to check.

• EPX-B has a hardware-agnostic design, which means that it works with a variety of systems without requiring special adaptations. This flexibility allows you to use scanners from different manufacturers without needing to modify the EPX core or your applications.

Benefits for Manufacturers

• EPX-B supports hardware triggers. Because a hardware trigger is a physical button, it is easier to use than a virtual button on a screen. You get tactile feedback from a physical trigger, and physical triggers also allow you to scan barcodes faster.

• Improved time to market and lower risk. Market-proven software, with source code, means you can be confident at your deployment.

• EPX-B provides better value than in-house development. Because EPX is a proven design, you can assign your engineers to other projects that increase the value of your product.

For ISVs and End Users

• Reduced risk. With a common API for multiple scanners, you can reduce the risk of vendor lock-in by having support for multiple scanner brands.

• EPX-B supports Eclipse and Android Studio. Developers can write programs with Eclipse or Android Studio. EPX-B also integrates well with other Android libraries; it uses interfaces and semantics familiar to Android developers

• The Scanner Settings Activity can be launched from any application, and the settings shown can be restricted to a certain scanner, so that any application can allow the user to change scanner settings.

We have scanning drivers available for barcode scanning engines from Symbol (formerly Motorola Solutions, now Zebra, using SNAPI, the Symbol Native API), Honeywell, Intermec, and Code Corporation. Additionally, EPX-Barcode can run on Android consumer devices with USB-attached scanners, as well as on sleds, kiosks, or Bluetooth scanners. The camera scanning uses Google Mobile Vision or libraries from the Zebra Crossing (ZXing) project.

EPX-Barcode SDK

Developers leveraging our EPX framework can download the SDK files here:

http://developer.sdgsystems.com/sdk/epx/EPX-B-SDK-1.0.12.zip

EPX-Barcode on Google Play

Our EPX-B apps are available to download at the Google Play Store. Please contact us if you have any questions about using EPX-Barcode.

Compatible Scanners

Several Zebra and Code scanners are compatible with EPX-Barcode. If you're looking for a scanner to integrate with your application, take a look at the models we carry: the Code CR2300 and CR2600 scanners.

Barcode Scanner User Guides

Find user guides for EPX-compatible scanners in the list below:

• LI2208 Linear Imager Quick Start Guide
• Symbol DS6707 Quick Start Guide
• Code CR2300 Quick Start Guide
• Code CR2300 Configuration Guide
• DS3508 Quick Start Guide

These scanners are available for purchase on our online store.

EPX-Barcode Setup Video

Watch the video below to get an idea of how EPX-B works.

EPX-Barcode Core with Scan Now 3.0 for Android

Watch the video below to see our EPX-Barcode software in action. Copy barcode data to the clipboard, or lookup with Google Search or Amazon Shopping. Or, launch Contacts or Appointments.

Inventory Management with EPX-B

Watch the video below to see how EPX-B can make inventory management a lot easier.

EPX-B Architecture

The Enterprise Platform eXtensions for Barcode Scanning provide a modular approach to adding barcode scanning to Android. The SDK supports Eclipse and Android Studio, ensuring that your developers will be quickly adding barcode scanning support to your application.

EPX-B FAQs