About DataWedge

DataWedge 7.3

Overview

DataWedge provides “zero-code” barcode scanning and processing services for Zebra devices running Android. Included with every Zebra device, DataWedge enables all apps on the device (whether stock or added later) to acquire scanned data without using scanner APIs directly. DataWedge can be easily configured to automatically provide scanning services whenever a particular app is launched; to use a particular scanner, reader or other sensor; and to manipulate acquired data according to simple options or complex rules.

When programmatic control is required, DataWedge APIs provide the ability to control, modify and query the DataWedge configuration settings and operations through Android intents. This allows new or existing Android apps to be easily modified with an organization's current development resources to acquire data using Zebra devices.

To learn more about DataWedge APIs, read DataWedge APIs - Benefits & Usage Scenarios by Zebra engineer Darryn Campbell.

Note: The appearance of sample app screens displayed throughout this guide can vary by DataWedge version, Android version, and screen size.

Main Functionality

The version of DataWedge documented in this guide provides the following primary functions and options:

Data Capture

Data Processing

Deployment

Note: Availability and operation of DataWedge features varies by device and operating system (which determine the DataWedge version installed on the device).

Ready to get started? Go to the DataWedge Setup guide.

Supported Devices

Supported scanners and imagers:

  • DS2278
  • DS3608
  • DS3678
  • DS8178
  • LI3608
  • LI3678
  • RS507
  • RS4000
  • RS5000
  • RS5100
  • RS6000

Multi-User Support

DataWedge supports the use of multiple Android user accounts on a single device, enabling separate user profiles to maintain data privacy. The supported Zebra devices are:

  • Android Oreo: TC52/TC57, TC72/TC77

Features and functionality:

  • If DataWedge is enabled, its functionality applies only for the active user - Each user has a separate DataWedge process running. DataWedge usage and functionality only applies for the active user.
  • Any DataWedge profile change takes into effect globally across all users - A DataWedge configuration or profile change by a user (through DataWedge UI or profile import) applies to all users regardless of which user is logged in when the change is made. For example, if User A makes a change to a profile, User B sees the change in the same profile. The configuration file is stored in a location (by default /enterprise/device/settings/datawedge/config/datawedge.db) where the DataWedge process across all users utilize the same configuration file.
  • Camera scanning functions only for the primary (admin) user - Camera scanning is not available for secondary (non-primary) users.
  • Bluetooth scanner disconnects when switching between primary user and other users - This applies to profiles which have a Bluetooth scanner enabled. If the primary user is active, when switching to a different user with an active profile that also enables a Bluetooth scanner, the Bluetooth scanner disconnects and does not automatically re-connect to the device. The non-primary user needs to press the reset button on the Zebra Bluetooth scanner to reconnect, even if it shows that the Bluetooth scanner is connected to the device.
  • No external SD card access - If multiple Android user accounts exist, users cannot access the external SD card. This prevents the ability to export or import the Datawedge configuration database files from the SD card.
  • Limited folder access - Each user profile has its own folder structure that is not accessible from a different user. Therefore, a user cannot access the exported DataWedge configuration database of another user, preventing the ability to import/export configurations across users.

Language Support

DataWedge has been approved to run on device operating systems localized for the following languages:

  • English
  • French
  • German
  • Italian
  • Spanish
  • Simplified Chinese
  • Traditional Chinese

For more information about approved languages or to download a localized operating system, please contact Zebra Technical Support.

New in DataWedge 7.3

Recent Version History

Added in DataWedge 7.2

Added in DataWedge 7.1

Added in DataWedge 7.0

New updates are identical to DataWedge 6.9.

Other Changes

Added in DataWedge 6.9

Other Changes

Added in 6.8

Other changes

The SimulScan Input Plug-in default template is now "Default - Barcode4.xml"

Added in v6.7

  • This version supports devices running Android Lollipop and higher only.

  • Supports multi-barcode input for simultaneous acquisition of more than one barcode at a time.

  • Enhanced inter-character delay function allows a delay to be specified for all characters or for multi-byte characters only.

  • AimType now supports Press and Sustain function continues a decode session until the Beam Timer is expired, barcode is decoded or the read is canceled.

  • A Dynamic Templates parameter allows the number of barcodes to be specified (from 1-99) for decoding on a form when using SimulScan Dynamic Templates.

  • A new IMPORT_CONFIG API allows Config and Profile settings files to be imported using an intent.

Added in v6.6

  • New serial input options allow DataWedge to specify communications parameters for a scanner or other device connected to a serial port and used to acquire data.

  • Import Reporting displays the results of imported databases and Profiles, allowing administrators to easily identify source/destination differences and make adjustments to compensate.

  • A new SET_REPORTING_OPTIONS API provides control of Reporting features with intents.

  • The SET_CONFIG API now configures multiple plug-ins with a single intent action.

  • The SWITCH_SCANNER API now supports friendly device names with a new extra.

Which Version is Installed?

To determine which DataWedge version is installed on a device:

1. On the device, locate and tap the DataWedge icon in the Launcher screen or App Drawer: Launcher icon for DataWedge 6.x

2. Tap the "hamburger" menu. The DataWedge menu appears:

3. Tap About. The "About DataWedge" screen appears. The DataWedge version number is highlighted in the image below. Notice that the Scanner Framework version also is shown.
The "About DataWedge" box showing version numbers

4. If the DataWedge version on the device is different than that of this guide, return to the TechDocs tile page and select the appropriate version from the drop-down menu in the DataWedge tile.

It also might be helpful to visit the Zebra support site and download a device-specific Integrator Guide for reference.

Related Guides: