SecurMed

Scanner & Software Configuration Issues

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Users of FMD scanning solutions should only employ a scanner which has been recommended by their software supplier, to ensure compatibility with their FMD solution.

Scanners are sometimes not set up (configured) correctly to enable 2D barcodes for FMD to be scanned accurately. Errors caused by incorrect scanner setup which are submitted via software solution to the NMVS generate unnecessary exceptions and alerts.

The four elements (GTIN, Batch ID, Expiry Date and Serial Number) encoded in the 2D barcode on the pack must be submitted correctly so that they  exactly match what is held in the NMVS.

The following five scanner configuration issues are reported regularly to our Service Desk:

1. Upper and Lower Case Characters are Switched.

Case Sensitivity issue.

Result: Incorrect characters are passed through to the software/NMVS.

Resolution:   Set ‘IGNORE CASE’ or ‘CAPS LOCK = OFF’.

 Note: Keyboard CAPS LOCK may affect the scanner output.

2. Some Characters are Replaced with other Characters

Language / Keyboard Configuration issue.

 Result: Incorrect characters are passed through to the software/NMVS.

Resolution:  Set correct language for user location – ‘ENGLISH for UK’.

3. Scanner Unable to read Inverted Barcodes (White on Black)

Scanner Setup issue.

Result: Barcodes cannot be read by the scanner or are read incorrectly

Resolution:  Set ‘NORMAL/INVERTED – ENABLED’.

4. Data Elements are Shortened or Combined

Incorrect Scanner to Software Compatibility issue.

Result: Incorrect characters are passed through to the software/NMVS.

Resolution:  Confirm scanner recognises the ‘GS1 Standard’ or the ‘ASCII 29’ equivalent. Confirm scanner is recommended for use with the software.

5. Data Elements are Misread due to Different Order of Elements

Software Configuration issue

Result: Incorrect characters are passed through to the software/NMVS.

Resolution:  Software Developers should develop software which expects any sequence combination of Elements.

Recommendations
  1. Users of FMD scanning solutions who are unsure about how to setup and configure their scanner correctly (whether for initial setup or to correct any of the issues noted above) should, in the first instance, contact their Software Supplier for help and advice.

  2. To help users of the UKNI MVS verify their Falsified Medicine Directive (FMD) software and scanner is set up correctly and avoid false-positive errors, SecurMed also provide Scanner Check Packs, which will help with the identification of potential genuine cases of falsified medicines.

    For more information, including a link to download a single page guide with 2D barcodes, go to this page:      Scanner Check Packs