Dashboard scanning
Category: General
Version: 1.0
Last updated: May 6, 2025
Author: Any2Info
Description
Dashboards support multiple methods for scanning and using values inside mobile dashboard workflows.
Scanning functionality can be used for:
Product identification
Asset lookup
Record filtering
Workflow automation
Mobile operational processes
Currently dashboard scanning is only supported inside the mobile viewer app and is not available in the web-based viewer.
There are currently two primary ways to use scanning in dashboards:
On scanned value event
Scanned tag in Navigational Flow
Both methods serve different purposes and use different scanning technologies.
Method 1 — On scanned value event
Overview
The On scanned value event allows dashboards to react to scanning input while the dashboard is already open and active.
This method is event-driven and primarily intended for:
Operational scanning workflows
Repeated scanning
Real-time scan processing
Continuous scan interactions
The event is triggered automatically whenever a supported scan is received.
Supported scanning methods
Zebra device scanner
Built-in barcode or QR scanners available on Zebra mobile devices
Bluetooth NFC scanner
External NFC scanning module connected through Bluetooth
How it works
When:
the dashboard is open
the dashboard is active
and a supported scan is received
the On scanned value event is triggered.
The scanned value itself is not directly returned by the event. Instead, the value becomes available inside supported actions executed by the event.
The dashboard does not need focus on a specific control or input field.
Supported actions
Examples of actions that can use the scanned value:
Set value action
Set control values using the scanned result
Execute dataflow
Execute a dataflow using the scanned value
Execute agent
Execute an agent using the scanned value
The scanned value is only available inside actions that explicitly support scanned values.
Zebra device support
Zebra mobile devices contain built-in scanning hardware.
DataWedge profile
The mobile viewer app requires a Zebra DataWedge profile to receive scans.
The application attempts to configure this automatically during startup.
If scanning does not work:
Open the app settings
Navigate to the Zebra device section
Verify the DataWedge profile configuration
Device feedback
Zebra devices usually provide:
Beep sounds
Visual scan feedback
This behavior is controlled by Zebra device settings.
Bluetooth NFC support
Bluetooth NFC scanners are also supported.
Configuration and pairing are done inside the mobile app settings.
When a dashboard is opened:
A toast notification indicates whether Bluetooth NFC setup succeeded or failed
Detailed NFC configuration is documented separately.
Typical use cases
Warehouse scanning
Production scanning
Repeated barcode processing
NFC-based workflows
Continuous operational scanning
Limitations
Mobile only
Not supported in the web viewer
Supported actions only
Scanned values are only available in compatible actions
Active dashboard required
Dashboard must remain open and active
Method 2 — Scanned tag in Navigational Flow
Overview
The Scanned tag feature allows scanned values to be used during dashboard navigation.
This method is navigation-driven and intended for:
Opening dashboards in a filtered state
Context-based dashboard initialization
Product detail dashboards
Record lookup scenarios
Unlike the On scanned value event, this method uses the mobile device camera and does not require Zebra hardware.
How it works
The Scanned tag option is configured inside a Set parameter action in a Navigational Flow.
Navigation flow
Dashboard navigation starts
The flow detects a parameter configured with Scanned tag
The mobile camera opens
The user scans a barcode
The scanned value is applied directly to the incoming parameter
Dashboard initialization continues
Dataclips and controls load filtered data using the scanned value
If the scan fails or is cancelled:
The dashboard will not open
Navigation triggers
Navigational flows currently occur when:
Dashboard opened from menu
Dashboard launched directly from application menu
Load dashboard action
Dashboard navigation initiated from another dashboard
Camera-based scanning
This scanning implementation uses the device camera.
Important differences compared to the On scanned value event:
Uses camera
Yes
Requires Zebra device
No
Requires DataWedge
No
Works on standard mobile devices
Yes
This makes the feature suitable when dedicated scanning hardware is unavailable.
Allowed tags
The following allowed tags currently exist:
Barcode
Supported
List
Reserved
Tree
Reserved
Clip list
Reserved
Clip tree
Reserved
Currently only Barcode is functionally usable.
The remaining tag types are intended for future database tag functionality.
Dataclip integration
The scanned value is applied directly to the incoming parameter.
Dataclips using that parameter can automatically filter their data based on the scanned result.
Typical flow
Barcode is scanned
Incoming parameter receives the scanned value
Dataclip filtering occurs
Matching records are loaded
Controls display filtered data
In most implementations the scanned value filters the dataclip to a single record.
Example scenario
Example:
A product barcode contains a product number
The barcode is scanned during dashboard navigation
The scanned value becomes the incoming parameter
A dataclip filters products using that parameter
Dashboard labels display:
Product name
Price
Description
This creates a dynamically loaded product detail dashboard.
Typical use cases
Product detail dashboards
Asset lookup dashboards
Record identification
Context-sensitive dashboard loading
Mobile lookup applications
Limitations
Mobile only
Not supported in web viewer
Single scan only
One scan per navigational flow step
Camera required
Device camera must be available
Barcode only
Only barcode tags currently functional
Mandatory scan
Dashboard does not open when scan fails or is cancelled
Choosing the correct scanning method
Repeated operational scanning
On scanned value event
Zebra hardware workflows
On scanned value event
NFC workflows
On scanned value event
Open dashboard using scanned identifier
Scanned tag
Camera-based scanning without Zebra devices
Scanned tag
Product lookup dashboards
Scanned tag
Real-time scan actions inside open dashboard
On scanned value event
Tips & Best Practices
Use On scanned value for continuous operational scanning.
Use Scanned tag for dashboard initialization and filtered dashboard loading.
Use Zebra devices for high-performance industrial scanning workflows.
Use camera-based Scanned tag workflows when standard mobile devices are used.
Design dataclips around unique identifiers for optimal filtering behavior.
Changelog
1.0
May 6, 2026
Initial documentation version added.
Last updated
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