Barcode Generator

Usage

A Barcode Generator creates a barcode based on an alphanumeric value.

Each Barcode Generator module can create only one barcode type. To create different barcode types, you must use several Barcode Generator modules.

The alphanumeric value used to create the barcode must be transmitted to the module by means of an incoming XML message. You will specify the barcode type to be generated when you configure the Barcode Generator module.

The barcode is output as an SVG file in an XML message, which can be processed in an FO Converter module to generate a PDF file, for instance.

Sample Workflow Using a Barcode Generator

The workflow shown creates a barcode from an item number in a text file.

ASCII > XML

The File Connector sends the text file to a flat XML adapter. The flat XML adapter generates a simple XML structure from the flat text structure:

157560 | 40684 | 2700928058BJ | 64130037058

becomes

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?>
<Flatfile>
  <NS>
    <ProductionOrder>157560</ProductionOrder>
    <Sep1>|</Sep1>
    <Project>40684</Project>
    <Sep2>|</Sep2>
    <Iteml>2700928058BJ</Iteml>
    <Sep3>|</Sep3>
    <ItemNoCust>64130037058</ItemNoCust>
  </NS>
</Flatfile>

XML > XML

The XSLT Converter uses the XML code to generate the following specific XML format expected by the Barcode Generator:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?>
<Barcodes>
  <Barcode>
    <ID>CustomerItemNumber</ID>
    <!-- was: ItemNoCust -->
    <Value>64130037058</Value>
  </Barcode>
</Barcodes>

You can find the XML barcode schema in the repository at Global/System/Mapping Templates/Barcode Utility/barcode.xsd.

XML > Barcode XML

The Barcode Generator generates an SVG-encoded barcode from the content of the Value element:

From this XML, you can now generate a PDF, for instance, by using an additional XSLT converter and an FO converter.

Barcode Generator Properties Dialog

You can use this dialog for barcode generator properties to define the type and layout of the barcode you want to generate.

Once you have selected a barcode type, the dialog displays an explanation of the barcode, and the input and selection fields are preset accordingly.

The input and selection fields displayed for defining the layout depend on the type of barcode you selected.

Lengths must be specified in mm or mw (in relation to the width of the module).