You can connect a barcode scanner directly to a MariaDB database using the Orca Scan mobile app. Each scan retrieves matching records, fills mapped fields, and can optionally write updates back. MariaDB remains the system of record.
How barcode scanning with MariaDB works
It helps to understand the difference between scanning and saving a barcode.
On scan
- Orca searches the MariaDB column mapped to the Barcode field
- If a match is found, mapped fields are populated on the device
On save
- If enabled, updates to mapped fields are saved to MariaDB
- If enabled, new scans create a new row in MariaDB
- When write is not enabled, no data is written to MariaDB
Records are never deleted from your MariaDB database.
Before you start
Before connecting Orca Scan to MariaDB, make sure you have:
- An Orca Scan account and a sheet created
- Orca Scan installed on your barcode scanner, phone or tablet
- Your MariaDB connection details
- A MariaDB table with the required columns
- Database access allowed from
138.68.235.55
Connect your Barcode Scanner to MariaDB
- Login to the Orca Scan web app
- Select the sheet you want to connect to MariaDB
- Click the Integrations button on the toolbar
Orca scan integrations button - Click the Connect to the right of the MariaDB connector
Orca scan sql connectors mariadb - Grant the MariaDB connector access to your sheet
Mariadb connector permissions - Enter your MariaDB connection details
Mariadb connector connection details - Select the database you want to connect to your sheet
Mariadb connector select database - Select the MariaDB table you want to use
Mariadb connector select table - Choose how Orca Scan should interact with MariaDB
Mariadb connector access mode - Map MariaDB columns to Orca Scan fields using the field mapper
Mariadb connector field mapping
That’s it. Invite your team by adding users and start scanning into MariaDB.
How do Orca Scan fields map to MariaDB?
This table shows how Orca Scan field types map to MariaDB column types. Only the listed MariaDB column types can be mapped.
| Orca Scan Type | Compatible MariaDB Type |
|---|---|
| Text | VARCHAR, TINYTEXT, TEXT, MEDIUMTEXT, LONGTEXT |
VARCHAR, TINYTEXT, TEXT, MEDIUMTEXT, LONGTEXT |
|
| URL | VARCHAR, TINYTEXT, TEXT, MEDIUMTEXT, LONGTEXT |
| Drop-down | VARCHAR, TINYTEXT, TEXT, MEDIUMTEXT, LONGTEXT |
| Unique ID | VARCHAR, TINYTEXT, TEXT, MEDIUMTEXT, LONGTEXT |
| GPS Location | VARCHAR, TINYTEXT, TEXT, MEDIUMTEXT, LONGTEXT |
| GPS Location (automatic) | VARCHAR, TINYTEXT, TEXT, MEDIUMTEXT, LONGTEXT |
| Time | TIME, VARCHAR, TINYTEXT, TEXT, MEDIUMTEXT, LONGTEXT |
| Number | TINYINT, SMALLINT, MEDIUMINT, INT, INTEGER, BIGINT, FLOAT, DOUBLE, DECIMAL, DEC |
| Number (auto-inc) | TINYINT, SMALLINT, MEDIUMINT, INT, INTEGER, BIGINT, FLOAT, DOUBLE, DECIMAL, DEC |
| Number (auto-dec) | TINYINT, SMALLINT, MEDIUMINT, INT, INTEGER, BIGINT, FLOAT, DOUBLE, DECIMAL, DEC |
| True/False | BOOL, BOOLEAN |
| Date | DATE |
| Date (auto) | DATE |
| DateTime | DATETIME |
| DateTime (auto) | DATETIME |
| Multi-select | VARCHAR, TINYTEXT, TEXT, MEDIUMTEXT, LONGTEXT |
| Currency | DECIMAL, DEC |
| - not supported - | |
| - not supported - | |
| - not supported - | |
| Formula | VARCHAR, TINYTEXT, TEXT, MEDIUMTEXT, LONGTEXT |
| Created by | VARCHAR, TINYTEXT, TEXT, MEDIUMTEXT, LONGTEXT |
| Created Date | DATETIME |
| Last Modified by | VARCHAR, TINYTEXT, TEXT, MEDIUMTEXT, LONGTEXT |
| Last Modified Date | DATETIME |
MariaDB Connector FAQs
Does Orca Scan modify my MariaDB schema?
No. Orca Scan only reads from and writes to existing tables. It never creates, alters, or drops tables or columns.
Does Orca Scan delete records from MariaDB?
No. Records are never deleted from your database. If this would be useful to you, please raise a feature request.
What SQL operations are performed?
On scan, Orca Scan performs a SELECT using the column mapped to the Barcode field.
On save, Orca Scan performs an UPDATE on the matched row, or an INSERT if no match exists and write access is enabled.
Which column is used for barcode lookups?
The MariaDB column mapped to the Orca Scan Barcode field.
What permissions does the MariaDB user need?
SELECT is required for read access. INSERT and UPDATE are required if write access is enabled.
Does Orca Scan create triggers, jobs, or background processes?
No. All database access is request-based and occurs only during scans and saves.
What happens if the scanner is offline?
The device must be online for MariaDB lookups and writes to occur.
How secure are my database credentials?
Credentials are encrypted, never logged, and never accessible to the Orca Scan team. For best practice, restrict access to 138.68.235.55 and your trusted systems.
What if my database config changes, how do I resolve issues?
If there is an issue with your MariaDB connection:
- Go to Integrations > Connectors
- The connector will show a red warning, click Resolve Issue
- Follow the prompts to fix the issues
How do I change my field mappings after setup?
To change your field mappings:
- Go to Integrations > Connectors > … > Configure
- Change your field mappings and save
How do I update existing rows after changing field mappings?
After changing field mappings, existing rows do not update automatically:
- In the web app, right click a row to Update from Lookup URL
- On mobile, data is refreshed on the next scan
Are there any field mapping limitations?
Yes, a couple:
- Dropdown fields only accept values that exist in your sheet
- The following Orca Scan field types cannot be mapped:
- Signature
- Photo
- Attachment
Can I extract data from barcodes before saving to MariaDB?
Yes. You can use Orca Variables to extract data from barcodes such as GS1 before they are saved to your MariaDB database.
Related SQL connector guides
- Scan barcodes into Oracle DB
- Scan barcodes into MySQL
- Scan barcodes into PostgreSQL
- Scan barcodes into SQL Server
Need help scanning barcodes into MariaDB?
We’re happy to help, chat with us live or book a free implementation call.
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