Category: Barcode scanning

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Barcode scanning

How to scan barcodes in low light or with damaged codes using AI

Smartphone scanning barcodes on packages in a warehouse, displaying successful detection of rotated, low-light, and damaged labels using Scanflow AI Asset Identification.
smartphone scanning barcodes on packages in a warehouse, displaying successful detection of rotated, low-light, and damaged labels using Scanflow AI.

Low light, damaged labels, and rotated barcodes aren’t rare exceptions they’re part of the daily grind in logistics, retail, and warehousing. These conditions slow teams down and break most traditional scanning systems.

Scanflow AI Asset Identification is made for exactly these real-world challenges. Built for speed and accuracy, it consistently outperforms legacy scanners in fast-moving, high-volume environments where precision can’t wait.

1. Low-Light Scanning

Scanflow reads barcodes even in poorly lit warehouses, dim corners of storage units, or night-time field operations. It compensates for shadows, glare, and motion blur—making it ideal for mobile or fixed-camera use cases.

2. Damaged or Partially Obscured Labels

Where traditional scanners fail, Scanflow succeeds. It can interpret:

Torn or scratched barcodes

Smudged, faded, or dirty labels

Codes covered by plastic or partially blocked

This ensures high readability even during rugged use across supply chains.

3. Rotated and Misaligned Barcodes

Scanflow’s AI Asset Identification can decode barcodes regardless of their orientation sideways, upside down, or curved around surfaces. This flexibility eliminates the need to manually realign items for scanning, saving time and reducing errors.

Where Scanflow Stands Out

Scanflow is designed for environments where speed, accuracy, and tough conditions are the norm:

For logistics teams, it eliminates delays caused by unreadable barcodes on moving cartons and pallets.

For retail operations, it enables seamless shelf and POS scanning, regardless of packaging shape or label condition.

For delivery and warehouse workers, Scanflow acts as a top barcode scanner that performs even under poor lighting or inconsistent label placement.

It’s not just about reading codes it’s about improving throughput, reducing scan failures, and enabling automation at scale.

Mobile SDK for Seamless Integration

Scanflow offers a lightweight, developer-friendly Mobile SDK for iOS and Android that brings its AI barcode scanning capabilities directly to any mobile device. Whether integrated into your warehouse management app or a last-mile delivery workflow, the SDK ensures:

Fast, accurate scans using the device camera

Support for real-time processing under variable lighting

Robust performance on damaged, distorted, or rotated barcodes

Easy integration with minimal code and full documentation

With Scanflow’s SDK, you can turn any smartphone into an enterprise-grade AI scanner, drastically cutting hardware costs while scaling with ease.

Proven Results

Companies using Scanflow have reported:

Over 98% scan accuracy in poor conditions

30–50% faster processing speeds

Reduced scan retries and manual interventions

Better visibility and tracking across supply chain workflows

Ready to Experience the Difference?

Whether you’re modernizing warehouse processes, managing field logistics, or enhancing retail operations, Scanflow delivers the speed and reliability expected from a top AI barcode scanner.

Explore our capabilities or request a demo.

Categories
Text Scanning Barcode scanning Manufacture Retail Logistics label capture

Top 5 Ways Asset Identification Transforms Pharma Pick and Pack Operations

AI asset identification in pharma warehouse: workers using mobile scanning for accurate picking and packing with Scanflow technology

Pharmaceutical companies today face real problems with manual tracking systems that just don’t cut it anymore. Workers spend hours manually entering batch numbers, checking labels, and verifying products  all while dealing with tight deadlines and zero tolerance for mistakes. One wrong batch number can trigger a costly recall. Scanflow’s asset identification SDK changes this completely by using AI mobile scanning to read and verify product information straight from the packaging, making pharma distribution operations faster and more reliable.

How Scanflow Transforms Pharma Operations

1. Batch Number Capture

Manual batch tracking is where most pharma operations lose time and money. Workers squint at tiny printed numbers, type them into systems, and hope they got it right. With thousands of products moving through facilities daily, human error is inevitable.

Scanflow’s system reads batch numbers directly from packages using AI technology. It achieves 98% accuracy rates, which beats manual entry by a wide margin. The system works even when batch numbers are printed on difficult surfaces like curved bottles or glossy labels. No more transcription errors, no more having to double-check every entry, and no more recalls caused by tracking mistakes.

2. Real-Time Inventory Control

Most pharma distribution centers still rely on outdated tracking methods that update inventory hours or even days after products move. This creates blind spots where nobody knows exactly what’s in stock or where specific batches are located.

Scanflow optimizes asset tracking and inventory management, automating barcode processing and improving in pharma distribution and warehouses. The asset identification solution provides real-time visibility into pharmaceutical inventory levels, locations, and movement throughout the pharma distribution supply chain. When products move, the system updates immediately. Integration with existing WMS and ERP systems means inventory records stay current without extra work from warehouse staff.

3. Complete Label Verification in One Scan

Current label checking processes require workers to manually verify multiple data points – expiration dates, lot numbers, NDC codes, dosage information. This takes time and creates opportunities for oversight, especially during busy periods.

Scanflow’s system reads and validates different data fields from pharmaceutical labels in a single scan. This eliminates the tedious manual checking process while ensuring every package meets specifications.

4. Faster Operations With Better Accuracy

Traditional pick and pack operations in pharmaceutical facilities and pharma distribution centers often involve time consuming manual verification processes. Scanflow’s asset identification solution improves operational efficiency by automating multiple verification steps simultaneously. Workers can scan, verify, and process products 70% faster than manual methods.

The system handles product codes, batch numbers, expiration dates, and quality checks all at once. This speed increase means facilities can process more orders per day without adding staff. Workers focus on handling products and solving problems instead of data entry and verification tasks.

5. Complete Product Traceability from Start to Finish

Tracking products through the entire supply chain is mandatory in pharma, but most companies struggle with gaps in their traceability records. When regulators ask for complete product history or when recalls happen, teams scramble to piece together information from multiple systems and paper records.

Scanflow creates an unbroken chain of custody for every product that passes through your facility. Every scan captures location, timestamp, operator ID, and product details automatically. The system tracks products from receiving through storage, picking, packing, and shipping without requiring extra data entry from workers.

When you need traceability information whether for a routine audit, customer inquiry, or recall situation – everything is already documented and searchable. The system shows exactly where each batch has been, who handled it, and when each step occurred. This complete visibility helps companies respond faster to regulatory requests and reduces the time spent investigating product history issues.

Scanflow’s Mobile SDK Technology

Scanflow’s asset identification solution is built on a mobile SDK that works with existing pharmaceutical operations. The platform uses computer vision algorithms trained specifically for pharmaceutical packaging, handling different box sizes, label formats, and printing styles commonly found in pharma distribution.

The scanning technology adapts to various lighting conditions and package orientations that occur in real warehouse environments. The AI learns from each facility’s specific products and improves recognition over time. The mobile SDK works on handheld devices, tablets, and fixed scanning stations, giving companies flexibility in how they deploy the technology.

Business Impact and Measurable Results

Companies using Scanflow’s asset identification solution see results within months of implementation. Labor costs drop significantly when workers stop spending time on manual data entry. Error rates decrease, which means fewer returns, recalls, and compliance issues. Processing speed increases allow facilities to handle more volume without expanding staff.

The system scales across multiple facilities and product lines as companies grow. The technology integrates with existing warehouse management systems without disrupting current workflows. For pharmaceutical operations dealing with increasing volume and tighter regulations, automated asset identification isn’t just helpful it’s becoming necessary for staying competitive.

Categories
Barcode scanning Logistics label capture Text Scanning

Inventory Management and Data Traceability in Pharma Distribution

In today’s rapidly evolving pharmaceutical distribution landscape, maintaining accuracy and efficiency in inventory management is crucial, especially for organizations working in mission-critical sectors such as humanitarian aid and global healthcare. However, many organizations continue to rely on manual workflows, which are prone to errors, inefficiencies, and compliance risks.

Manual data entry, especially in pharmaceutical packaging, can lead to costly mistakes, including incorrect labeling, missed batch numbers, and missing expiry dates, resulting in delays, stock discrepancies, and non-compliance with regulatory standards. These inefficiencies not only affect the timely delivery of vital medicines but also undermine the integrity of the entire supply chain. Without automation, organizations may face:

  • Inaccurate data capture: Errors in batch number entries, expiration dates, and labeling inconsistencies.
  • Compliance risks: Regulatory requirements are not met, leading to potential penalties and product recalls.
  • Inventory discrepancies: Mismanaged stock levels due to incorrect data tracking, resulting in overstock or stockouts.

Scanflow provides an advanced, offline-capable AI solution that transforms manual data entry into an automated process for seamless inventory management. By leveraging Barcode/QR code recognition, OCR for text extraction, and accurate capture of batch numbers, Scanflow ensures that pharmaceutical distribution is streamlined, error-free, and compliant with regulatory standards.

Here’s how Scanflow enhances inventory management in pharmaceutical distribution:

  • Barcode/QR Code Recognition: Automated scanning of barcodes and QR codes provides real-time, accurate tracking of product inventory. This ensures that batch numbers, manufacturing, and expiry dates are captured effortlessly, ensuring that all items are traceable and compliant with industry regulations.
  • OCR for Text Extraction: Scanflow uses Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to capture and validate essential details like batch numbers, expiry dates, and product information from labels, ensuring no vital information is overlooked.
  • Seamless Integration with Existing Workflows: Scanflow can integrate with a variety of existing systems and platforms, ensuring smooth data flow from warehouse management systems (WMS) to inventory tracking platforms without disruption.
  • Offline Functionality: Even in areas with poor connectivity, Scanflow’s offline capabilities allow users to continue scanning and updating inventory data, which is then synced with the central system when connectivity is restored.

A leading humanitarian NGO involved in the global distribution of medical supplies faced challenges in their inventory management. The organization required a solution that would ensure real-time tracking of pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, while ensuring compliance with international regulations. Scanflow provided the perfect solution, using AI scanning to automate processes across multiple stages:

  • Barcode Serialization: Ensures traceability and data integrity for every product distributed.
  • 2D Barcode and QR Code Scanning: Facilitates efficient parcel tracking during transport.
  • Datamatrix Scanning on Packing Lists: Accurately identifies key product information even on space-constrained packaging lists.
  • OCR for Shelf-Stored Items: Extracts critical data from medical supplies stored on shelves, enabling seamless inventory tracking.

With Scanflow’s automated data capture solution, the organization significantly improved its inventory accuracy, reduced manual workload, and enhanced regulatory compliance across its global operations. This led to more efficient supply chain management, reduced errors, and improved healthcare outcomes in the field.

In today’s fast-paced pharmaceutical distribution industry, leveraging automation is no longer optional; it’s a necessity. Scanflow’s visual AI solution helps organizations streamline their workflows, enhance inventory accuracy, and improve compliance. Whether it’s in pharma packaging, warehouse management, or distribution, Scanflow ensures that the right product gets to the right place on time, every time, with complete traceability and data integrity.

Explore the benefits of Scanflow for your operations and see how it can help you streamline your pharma logistics and improve your inventory management.

Interested in improving your pharmaceutical distribution with streamlined inventory management?

Discover how Scanflow’s automated data capture can ensure accuracy, compliance, and operational efficiency. Request a Demo or Get in Touch with Our Experts to learn more.

Categories
general vin scanning Quality control Tire Sidewall Text Scanning Barcode scanning ID Scanning uncategorised

How AI is Transforming Data Capture Across Industries

In today’s fast-paced world, businesses are turning to AI for data capture to collect, process, and manage complex information with greater accuracy and speed. This technology extends beyond simple data extraction, it efficiently handles alphanumeric data like VIN plate scanning, tire sidewall numbers, serial numbers, Bar codes, QR codes etc., ensuring precision even in the most challenging conditions. 

Industries such as automotive, logistics, manufacturing, and retail are integrating AI visual inspection solutions and AI for data capture to streamline workflows, reduce manual errors, and enhance operational efficiency. This shift isn’t just a technological upgrade but it’s redefining how businesses capture and use data in real time.

  1. Expanding Data Capture Beyond Traditional Methods

AI is revolutionizing data capture by automating the collection of complex information across various environments. What once required manual data entry or specialized equipment can now be handled seamlessly by AI visual inspection workflows. 

Key applications of AI in advanced data capture include: 

VIN Plate Scanning: Essential in the automotive and logistics industries, AI quickly and accurately captures vehicle identification numbers, streamlining tracking, registration, and inventory. 

Tire Sidewall Numbers: AI can extract detailed information from tire sidewalls, supporting product verification, recall management, and quality assurance in manufacturing. 

Serial Number Scanning: Useful in electronics and industrial sectors, AI captures serial numbers for inventory tracking, warranty management, and equipment identification. 

Alphanumeric Text Recognition: AI retrieves data from labels, machinery plates, and industrial documentation, ensuring error-free data input and reducing manual workload.

Why it matters?

AI captures data from worn, distorted, or low-visibility surfaces, ensuring accurate collection under challenging conditions. This reduces errors, enhances data consistency, and allows businesses to maintain accurate records without manual oversight. 

  1. Automating Workflows for Greater Efficiency

Manual data entry is labor-intensive and prone to mistakes. AI introduces automation across industries, reducing the need for human intervention while improving accuracy and speed. This is particularly valuable in environments requiring high-volume data capture. 

Benefits of AI-automated workflows include: 

Faster Data Processing: AI captures and processes large volumes of data in seconds, accelerating operations in industries like logistics and automotive. 

Error Reduction: AI eliminates human error by accurately reading and recording alphanumeric information, even from difficult angles or damaged surfaces. 

Seamless Workflow Automation: AI integrates with existing ERP systems, warehouse management software (WMS), and supply chain platforms to automate data transfer and reporting. 

Industries such as manufacturing and retail benefit significantly from automated workflows, as AI can track incoming and outgoing shipments, verify product details, and ensure smooth operational transitions. 

  1. AI for Data capture: From Capture to Insight

AI doesn’t just capture data. Once collected, the data is processed, organized, and integrated with existing systems to provide a comprehensive view of business operations. 

Applications of AI for data management across industries include: 

Inventory Control: In warehousing and logistics, AI tracks product movement and ensures real-time updates, reducing miscounts and stock discrepancies. 

Automated Audits: AI facilitates internal audits by automating the collection and verification of critical data, ensuring compliance with industry regulations. 

Data Accuracy and Reporting: AI improves reporting precision by capturing real-time data across multiple touchpoints, enhancing supply chain visibility and operational transparency. 

By automating data management, businesses can process vast information efficiently while maintaining accuracy, ultimately enhancing decision-making and optimizing resource allocation. 

  1. Industry-Specific Use Cases of AI in Data Capture

AI’s adaptability makes it invaluable across multiple sectors, where it enhances efficiency and reduces human error. Here’s how AI-driven data capture transforms different industries: 

Automotive Industry: AI simplifies VIN plate scanning, improves inventory accuracy, and facilitates compliance tracking across vehicle fleets. 

Logistics & Supply Chain: AI automates serial number scanning for package tracking, delivery validation, and warehouse automation, ensuring faster and more accurate logistics. 

Manufacturing: AI captures tire sidewall numbers and other industrial identifiers, streamlining product lifecycle management and enhancing production efficiency. 

Retail & Consumer Goods: AI supports large-scale inventory tracking and customer data management, improving efficiency in managing supply chains and retail stock. 

Healthcare: AI assists in capturing device serial numbers and alphanumeric codes on medical instruments, ensuring accurate records for regulatory compliance. 

The Future of AI in Data Capture

The future of AI visual inspection solutions is poised to bring even more advanced capabilities to data capture and management. With ongoing advancements, AI will offer: 

Improved Recognition Accuracy: Enhanced models for capturing data from irregular surfaces, low-light environments, and damaged labels. 

Integrated Systems: Seamless communication with broader digital ecosystems, including IoT devices and smart supply chains. 

Scalable Automation: Greater scalability for industries handling high volumes of alphanumeric data, ensuring accuracy across diverse applications. 

Conclusion: AI is Redefining Data Capture 

AI is transforming the way industries handle data capture, moving beyond traditional methods to deliver faster, more accurate, and automated solutions. From VIN plate scanning in the automotive sector to serial number scanning in logistics, AI enhances efficiency and reduces human error across various touchpoints. 

By integrating AI visual inspection workflows and AI for data capture, businesses can automate complex processes, improve operational accuracy, and gain real-time insights. This shift not only optimizes resource allocation but also ensures smoother, more efficient workflows across industries. 

As AI continues to evolve, its applications in data capture will expand, offering smarter, more scalable solutions that drive innovation and operational excellence. Embracing these advanced technologies is no longer optional, it’s essential for businesses looking to stay competitive in a data-driven world.

To stay ahead of this curve, Explore Scanflow AI and see how it can benefit your business operations, visit – https://www.scanflow.ai/get-in-touch/

Categories
Barcode scanning

Taking scanners to the Sky!  All you need to know about Drone Scanning

Scanflow - Intelligent data capture for Smart inventory management! Drone Scanner App

In today’s world, drones have progressed as a technological headway that helps businesses to utilize them in building capabilities. The advancement in artificial technology and computer vision has created new ways of adopting drone technology in the business process. The applications of drone scanning vary and cover a wide range of industries such as agriculture, field services, and inventory management.

However, there is still a significant opportunity for other industries and technology companies to implement drone scanning to save costs and improve efficient workflows in their enterprise.

Industries are already shifting toward software-based scanners for efficient automation of their workflow process. Unlike conventional scanners, software scanners can be integrated into any existing smart device such as smartphones, tablets, wearables, drones, etc. They have the capability of transforming any smart device into an enterprise-grade scanner.

In certain scenarios of scanning, workers need to scan items placed on high shelves which require some external support such as a forklift or reach truck with which the workers have to manually scan the stocks and inventory. This procedure is time-consuming, expensive, and dangerous to workers handling it. Drone scanning is a game-changing solution for scanning products and pallets in warehouses. The drone captures data from text, barcodes, or any other object and provides the workers with real-time insights. Drone scanning has the ability to capture high-quality videos from aerial angles at any orientation.

Some of the use cases of drone scanning are farm surveying, tower inspections, and stock counting in large warehouses. These applications are gaining popularity, and help businesses to save money, improve safety, and produce quality results. Drone scanning requires less labor, reduces workforce hazards, and saves time and money

.

Drones help scan from places where workers cannot access them and provide instant information on the product or items being scanned without any errors. Drone scanning will act as an excellent method of liberating workers from potentially hazardous situations and the scanning can be completed without any human support from a safe distance.

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