Dynamsoft DBR vs. Open Source Barcode Reader SDK

The market is filled with different barcode reader solutions, including free, open-source options. So, why would you choose Dynamsoft Barcode Reader? While ‘free’ looks good initially, it doesn’t mean that the solution will be ideal for your usage scenario and business needs. This blog will discuss each barcode reader feature that gives Dynamsoft Barcode Reader SDK the edge over the open-source ones. 

Hidden Cost

Let’s talk about the first thing you must consider while choosing any barcode reader solution: cost. While our solution has a higher upfront cost than the free version, many costs add up along the way. The research and development time, troubleshooting, not to mention the downtime and loss of revenue you will suffer from delaying the launch of your application. In the long run, the ‘free’ solution isn’t all that free.

Features and Functionalities

You know the saying, ‘you get what you pay for?’ With a free open source solution, the scanning capabilities aren’t comparable. They don’t recognize all barcode types and often perform poorly under various usage scenarios such as damaged or distorted barcodes.

Dynamsoft Barcode Reader is a powerful barcode scanner designed to deal with the most problematic barcodes. It offers exceptional performance with all major 1D and 2D barcodes, especially in challenging scenarios where the barcode is out of focus, damaged, skewed, wrinkled, on a curved or reflective surface, has poor contrast, and so on.

Problematic Barcodes

• Skewed
• Curved
• Speckled
• Glare
• Shadow
• Poor contrast
• Multiple
• Wrinkled

Time to Market

Time is yet another barcode reader feature that plays a crucial role while making a selection. Our solution is ready today. We’ve spent years researching and developing, we’ve run into the issues already, we’ve ironed out the bugs, we’ve worked with countless users to refine and expand our SDK’s functionality. In essence, we’ve done all the leg work, so you don’t have to. If you use open source or build your own from scratch, your journey has just begun.

Technical Support

An open-source barcode reader is a lot like buying an open box at a store without the instruction manual; you don’t know what you’re going to get. It often leads to more hassle and headaches than it’s worth. If and when you encounter a problem, you’ll need to put the entire project on hold, find a solution, test, and work through the issue.

Dynamsoft offers friendly and knowledgeable technical support staff available to answer your questions and troubleshoot any issues. We’re available in every time zone via phone, email, and live chat. If you encounter any problems with your application, we’ll work with you to resolve them. With an open-source solution, you’re on your own.

Product Upgrades

Another crucial barcode reader feature that you cannot overlook is product upgrades. Dynamsoft Barcode Reader offers regular feature enhancements and upgrades. Our clients mean the most to us, and we want to provide the best possible solution. That is why we have dedicated teams of software engineers working diligently to ensure our code is bug-free, high performing, and easy to use. 

We’re also constantly looking at making our solution even better, whether it’s to improve recognition speed and accuracy, add new barcode types, and enhance functionalities.

Our SDK offers advanced features such as:

• Panorama® — reads objects in a fast-moving video stream for inventory tracking
• Data Matrix DPM — support for static or moving parts on a conveyor belt
• Text recognition — shipping and delivery of goods as well as retail packaging
• Intermediate Results — image processing results, which enables developers the ability to access several data points throughout the decoding process

Why Choose Dynamsoft Barcode Reader

Here are the highlights of why you should choose Dynamsoft Barcode Reader:

• Enterprise-grade SDKs trusted by industry-leading companies
• Powerful barcode decoding can scan over 50 barcodes at once
• Exceptional performance in various usage scenarios
• Decodes problematic barcodes from out-of-focus, skewed, wrinkled, curved, glare, distorted, grainy, poor contrast, and more
• Detects barcodes at any orientation and rotation angle
• Multi-thread barcode processing
• 100+ APIs to enable advanced customization
• Supports multiple platforms — iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Web, Raspberry Pi

Try Dynamsoft Barcode Reader

If you’re at the stage where you’re testing different options, try Dynamsoft Barcode Reader online demo or download a 30-day free trial. You can try each barcode reader feature before you make a purchase. There’s no commitment necessary. 

Dynamsoft was founded in 2003 in Vancouver, Canada. Since then, we have earned the trust of many Fortune 500 companies, including Lockheed Martin, HP, IBM, Intel, Disney, the US Government, NASA, Siemens, and many more.

Try our Free Online Demo Start your Free 30-Day Trial.