AnyDB Barcode Cell
The Barcode cell type renders a machine-readable barcode based on a value stored in another cell. It is designed for operational workflows that involve scanning, labeling, inventory tracking, and physical-world handoffs.
Barcode cells are commonly used in:
- Inventory and asset management
- Warehouse and logistics workflows
- Pharmacy and regulated environments
- Manufacturing and work-in-progress tracking
Barcode Cell Type
A Barcode cell does not store data itself. Instead, it renders a barcode from a referenced value, typically a numeric or alphanumeric identifier.
Common Fields
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Format | Must be set to Barcode to render a barcode. |
| Formula | Reference to the cell containing the value to encode (for example =A1). |
| Type | Barcode standard used to encode the value. |
| Display Value | When enabled, shows the encoded value as text below the barcode. |
| Expand Size | When enabled, the barcode expands to fill the full width of the cell. |
Barcode Types
AnyDB supports multiple barcode standards to match different operational needs.
| Barcode Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Code 39 | Alphanumeric barcode commonly used in industrial and government systems. |
| Code 128 | High-density alphanumeric barcode used in logistics and shipping. |
| ITF | Numeric-only barcode often used for cartons and packaging. |
| MSI | Numeric barcode used in inventory and warehouse systems. |
| Pharmacode | Specialized barcode for pharmaceutical packaging and verification. |
| Codabar | Numeric barcode often used in libraries, blood banks, and healthcare. |
Choose the barcode type based on scanner compatibility and industry requirements.
Example setup
Source value
Cell A1 contains the identifier:
123456
Barcode cell configuration
- Format: Barcode
- Formula:
=A1 - Type: Code 39
- Display Value: True
- Expand Size: False
Display options
Expand Size
- Enabled: Barcode stretches horizontally to fill the entire cell.
- Disabled: Barcode renders at a fixed, compact width.
Use Expand Size when the barcode needs to be easily scannable on screen or in print.
Display Value
- Enabled: Shows the encoded value as text below the barcode.
- Disabled: Renders the barcode only.
Display Value is useful for human verification and troubleshooting.
Searching by Barcode
To learn how to use Barcode cells for searching records, see the guide on Barcode Search.
Operational best practices
- Use stable, immutable identifiers for barcodes. we suggest using SEQNUM function to generate unique sequential IDs.
- Note that some barcode types are numeric-only.
- Store the identifier in a dedicated cell and reference it from the Barcode cell.
- Place Barcode cells prominently in asset, inventory, or item records.
- Enable Expand Size when barcodes are intended for scanning.
- Scanner compatibility depends on barcode type and hardware.