What are the Differences Between Online and Offline Licenses for Barcode Scanning?

Reviewing Frequently Asked Questions about the Flexibility of Code’s Data Capture Licenses

Barcode readers and decoding software reshape industries, like manufacturing, and drive new ones, such as scan and go shopping. Barcode scanning enables smartphone users to make purchases or manage assets. Machines use data capture to perform tasks like granting facility access.

To unlock these capabilities, Code Corporation offers scanners and the CortexDecoder software development kit (SDK) in mobile, web and embedded variants to suit app developers and machine builders. Each SDK type brings enterprise-grade decoding capabilities to any camera-equipped device via online and offline licensing options.

• For those unfamiliar, barcode-scanning SDKs carry a license that outlines usage terms.

Why Does Code Offer the Flexibility of Online and Offline Licensing?

Code’s license options provide scalability and ease of use. For instance, a tech firm chose offline scanning to broaden healthful food access in Mexico. Offline licensing frees this developer efficiently to add new users without managing a prepaid license inventory.

Retail chains are common online licensees because their barcode reading needs are relatively consistent year after year, streamlining budgets.

How are Online and Offline Scanning Licenses Different?

With either license type, Code’s SDKs pass data to the user’s parent application or system when scanning. Decoded data is not pushed to third parties. However, activation and license renewals differ.

Online licenses require some data transfer via an Internet connection so the SDK can automatically:

• Activate a license on a new device (e.g., smartphone)
• Perform license renewals

Conversely, offline data capture licenses support sensitive facilities and products with limited (or no) Internet access, preventing online license activation or renewals.

• Because these uses remain offline, device and application data are sequestered and never shared with third parties, such as SDK developers like Code.

What Businesses use Online and Offline Licenses and Why?

Online scanning licenses serve firms with well-established business needs. Offline scanning supports regulated industries and creates opportunities for app developers, such as mobile specimen collection and AI-propelled shopping assistants.

• Mobile app developers and startups prefer offline licensing because it can be difficult to project how many smartphone users will download or delete apps. Offline activation spares developers from perfectly forecasting their data capture needs.
• Power plants, non-acute and acute healthcare facilities and high-tech manufacturers go offline for total data privacy, greater security and regulatory compliance.
• Machine builders prefer offline scanning for mobile machines, such as on-bus ticket scanners.

Retailers and maintenance firms represent typical online licensees because they see consistent device use and staff levels annually. Online licenses help inform these businesses of precise SDK usage and device counts.

• Device data helps bolster operations, staffing, device management, sales and service.
• Insights give maintenance firms a better understanding of barcode reader and smartphone scanner usage to optimize asset allocation and economize operations.

It’s not uncommon for a firm to switch license types as needs dictate.

Does Online or Offline Scanning Perform Better?

Whether online or offline, Code’s devices and CortexDecoder SDK perform identically. This scan-and-go app developer discovered that Code’s offline data capture outperformed open-source and competing SDKs by reading shiny, rumpled and poorly printed grocery barcodes. A digitalization expert selected CortexDecoder offline because it reliably decoded all symbologies tested, including GS1 DataMatrix barcodes.

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How Long do Online and Offline Licenses Last?

Code’s online and offline licenses provide terms spanning from one- to five-year intervals. Device manufacturers and OEMs may opt for a "perpetual" offline license option for Code-customized embedded SDKs.

• Often, device and component suppliers embed an SDK into their components, which are then sold to other manufacturers for larger systems or machines. Through perpetual licensing, these component suppliers avoid renewing SDK licenses for machines they can’t access.

How are Barcode Scanning Licenses Renewed?

Renewal hinges on Internet access. Online license renewals are essentially automated - an SDK-equipped product will "call home" before its agreed-upon term expires. This gives the user a chance to modify terms or switch license types.

Because their offline SDK licenses can’t call home, offline licensees can either:

• Opt to receive a license renewal key via an external portal before their term expires.
• Select to receive a secure software license or USB dongle to perform renewals via an internal network. Most device and component suppliers using an embedded SDK go this route.

How do I Choose Between Online and Offline License Types?

Choosing a license type begins with contacting Code. Our data capture experts will review your needs, facilitate performance testing and help you find the best data capture value.