Leverage Barcode Intelligence APIs to Enhance Data Retrieval

Manufacturing, supply-chain services, retail and healthcare industry databases contain a wealth of information about numerous products that can be tracked with barcodes. When frontline workers can scan barcodes and instantly access those databases, they can make better decisions. To put them in a position to do that, you can use Zebra Data Services’ Barcode Intelligence Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to build scanning applications that tap into those data sets.

Barcode Intelligence identifies, decodes and enriches barcode data from a single API using Zebra Data Services’ vast set of data sources, freeing up developers to do what they do best: quickly customize robust new applications. No need to build barcode applications from scratch and set up contracts with multiple databases. Zebra Data Services—your single-source API provider—takes care of much of the front-end technical work.

Your barcode enrichment needs might vary from one application to the next. That’s why this API portfolio gives you a choice in breadth of information retrieval from industry databases.

Comprehensive API: For instant ‘pulls’ from multiple databases

A comprehensive Barcode Intelligence API is set up to ‘pull’ granular data from all the supported databases and more in a single inquiry.

Individual APIs: For industry-specific data fetches

The current Barcode Intelligence portfolio offers individual APIs for organizations that need to use barcode scanning to retrieve data in narrowly defined categories. Applications built from these APIs fetch data records from one or a few databases within the same industry:

FDA Recall

A quick check of active U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) recalls of food products and pharmaceuticals by UPC or product description gives workers the knowledge they need to take appropriate action.

UPC, EAN, ISBN Lookup

Supply-chain workers and retail associates can quickly obtain a product’s dimensions, weight, pricing and other information. Those data points can help them do a better job of tracking and selling goods.

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Lookup

This API instantly fetches 30 data records for every vehicle. That level of access enables a fleet manager to get a snapshot their overall operating condition so they can run a more effective preventive maintenance program.

FDA’s Unique Device Identifier (UDI)

The FDA’s Unique Device Identifier (UDI) system provides medical device expiration date notifications and other critical historical data.

Shipping Carrier Tracking Information

Order shipping status from UPS and USPS, enabling status reporting to supply-chain partners and customers they’ll no doubt appreciate.

You can get access to all these APIs and software developer kits (SDKs) in most major languages from the API Documentation page on Zebra Data Services’ Developer Portal.