Power Apps: Barcode Scanning Guide

Key insights

• Barcode Scanner Control: a native Power Apps control that uses a device camera to read barcodes, QR codes and data-matrix codes so apps can capture data directly.
  
• Scanning modes: supports Automatic scan (Windows only), Select to scan (Android/iOS) and Multi-scan (Android/iOS) to handle single reads or batch scanning in one session.
  
• Cross-platform & USB support: works natively on Android, iOS and Windows apps; desktop use with a USB scanner is possible by treating the scanner as keyboard input, but the control is not available in web browsers.
  
• Features & customization: developers can enable zoom, flashlight, choose camera preference, set supported barcode formats (QR, UPC, EAN, Code 128) and handle results with an OnScan event to store or act on data.
  
• Business use cases: ideal for Inventory, Asset management, event check-ins, retail and field service to speed data entry and reduce manual errors.
  
• Limitations & tips: not supported in browsers, so test features on target devices, configure formats and event handlers, and use multi-scan for batch workflows while handling USB scanner input as keyboard focus.
  

Shane Young [MVP] published a practical video walkthrough titled "The Ultimate Guide to Bar Code Scanning in Power Apps" that demonstrates how to add and use barcodes within Power Apps. The piece serves as a hands-on guide and shows real examples, including an asset management app and a UPC scanning demo. Consequently, the video clarifies how barcode capabilities work across mobile devices and even on desktop setups using a USB scanner. Overall, the presentation aims to help developers and administrators understand when and how to use scanning controls in real projects.

What the Video Covers

The video opens with a clear demo of an asset management application, followed by a UPC scanning example and a segment on connecting a USB scanner to Power Apps. Shane shows both the mobile scanner control and the desktop approach, and he explains how QR codes can trigger actions like opening a URL. Therefore, viewers can see each feature working in context rather than only learning about APIs or theory. The timestamps in the demo help users jump to the parts they need, making the resource practical for busy teams.

In addition, Shane explains how to create and use your own asset tags, which is especially useful for organizations that manage inventory or equipment. He contrasts native camera-based scanning on Android and iOS with the option to use a standard USB barcode reader on Windows. As a result, the video highlights both small-team and enterprise scenarios where different hardware choices make sense. These examples help frame typical deployment decisions for real-world operations.

Key Features Demonstrated

At the core of the video is the Barcode Scanner Control in Power Apps, which supports multiple scan modes: automatic scan, select-to-scan, and multi-scan. Shane demonstrates how to toggle the flashlight, change zoom, and select the preferred camera, which can improve success rates in low light or at range. He also walks through handling the scan result with event handlers so you can update records, navigate screens, or open links detected in a QR code.

Moreover, the video emphasizes cross-platform support for Android, iOS, and Windows apps, while noting that the control does not run in web browsers. Importantly, Shane shows that a USB scanner can act like a keyboard wedge on desktop, enabling barcode input into Power Apps running on Windows. Thus, the presentation covers both native device cameras and peripheral scanners, helping teams choose the best fit based on workflow and hardware availability.

Practical Tradeoffs

Choosing between automatic, select, and multi-scan modes involves tradeoffs in speed, control, and accuracy. Automatic scanning can speed up single-item workflows but may capture the wrong code in cluttered scenes, while select-to-scan gives users control at the cost of an extra tap. Multi-scan mode is efficient for batch tasks, yet it requires careful handling of duplicates and scan queues in the app logic to avoid data errors.

Likewise, deciding between a device camera and a USB Scanner depends on environment and scale. Cameras offer flexibility and zero extra hardware cost, but they are sensitive to lighting and focus distance. Conversely, USB scanners deliver consistent reads and faster throughput for large volume operations, though they introduce hardware procurement, mounting, and training considerations. Balancing these factors determines both user satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Implementation Challenges

Developers must handle a few practical hurdles when adding barcode scanning to Power Apps, including format variety, collision handling, and offline behavior. Different barcodes like UPC, EAN, and Code 128 encode information in distinct ways, so apps need clear parsing logic and validation to avoid wrong matches. Additionally, apps should implement retries, user feedback, and error messages to guide users when a scan fails due to angle, distance, or damaged labels.

Permissions and device differences also create testing complexity, since camera APIs, flashlight controls, and scanning performance can vary across phones and tablets. Shane recommends testing on the actual target devices and simulating real workflows, which reduces surprises at rollout. Furthermore, integrating scans with backend systems requires careful handling of concurrency and batch updates to keep inventory and asset data consistent.

Why This Matters for Businesses

For organizations focused on inventory, field service, retail, or events, barcode scanning in Power Apps can significantly cut manual entry and speed up operations. By streamlining data capture within familiar apps, teams reduce errors and free staff for higher-value work. The video shows how even small teams can get started quickly, while larger operations can adopt USB scanners for higher throughput and reliability.

Finally, Shane Young’s tutorial acts as a practical starting point, offering clear demos and guidance that teams can adapt. While no single approach fits every scenario, the video helps decision makers weigh usability, cost, and complexity. Therefore, watching it can save time during planning and accelerate deployments that rely on reliable barcode scanning in Power Apps environments.

Keywords

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