You can connect a barcode scanner directly to your Oracle database using the Orca Scan mobile app. On each scan, Orca Scan looks up records, populates mapped fields, and can optionally write back changes. Oracle DB remains the system of record.
How barcode scanning with Oracle DB works
It helps to understand the difference between scanning and saving a barcode.
On scan
- Orca searches the Oracle column mapped to the Barcode field
- If a match is found, mapped fields are populated on the device
On save
- If write is enabled, updates to mapped fields are saved to Oracle
- If write is enabled, new scans create a new row in Oracle
- When write is not enabled, no data is written to Oracle
Records are never deleted from your Oracle database.
Before you start
Before connecting Orca Scan to Oracle DB, make sure you have:
- An Orca Scan account and a sheet created
- Orca Scan installed on your barcode scanner, phone or tablet
- Your Oracle Database connection details
- An Oracle DB table with the required columns
- Database access allowed from
138.68.235.55
Connect your Barcode Scanner to Oracle DB
- Login to the Orca Scan web app
- Select the sheet you want to connect to Oracle
- Click the Integrations button on the toolbar
Orca scan integrations button - Click the Connect to the right of the Oracle DB connector
Orca scan sql connectors oracle - Grant the Oracle Database connector access to your sheet
Oracle connector permissions - Enter your Oracle DB connection details
Oracle connector connection details - Select the database you want to connect to your sheet
Oracle connector select database - Select the Oracle table you want to use
Oracle connector select table - Choose how Orca Scan should interact with your Oracle DB
Oracle connector access mode - Map Oracle DB columns to Orca Scan fields using the field mapper
Oracle connector field mapping
That’s it. Invite your team by adding users and start scanning into Oracle.
How do Orca Scan fields map to Oracle DB?
This table shows how Orca Scan field types map to Oracle DB column types. Only the listed Oracle column types can be mapped.
| Orca Scan Type | Compatible OracleDB Type |
|---|---|
| Text | VARCHAR2, NVARCHAR2 |
VARCHAR2, NVARCHAR2 |
|
| URL | VARCHAR2, NVARCHAR2 |
| Drop-down | VARCHAR2, NVARCHAR2 |
| Unique ID | VARCHAR2, NVARCHAR2 |
| GPS Location | VARCHAR2, NVARCHAR2 |
| GPS Location (automatic) | VARCHAR2, NVARCHAR2 |
| Time | VARCHAR2, NVARCHAR2 |
| Number | NUMBER, FLOAT, BINARY_FLOAT , BINARY_DOUBLE |
| Number (auto-inc) | NUMBER, FLOAT, BINARY_FLOAT , BINARY_DOUBLE |
| Number (auto-dec) | NUMBER, FLOAT, BINARY_FLOAT , BINARY_DOUBLE |
| True/False | NUMBER(1) |
| Date | DATE |
| Date (auto) | DATE |
| DateTime | TIMESTAMP |
| DateTime (auto) | TIMESTAMP |
| Multi-select | VARCHAR2, NVARCHAR2 |
| Currency | NUMBER |
| - not supported - | |
| - not supported - | |
| - not supported - | |
| Formula | VARCHAR2, NVARCHAR2 |
| Created by | VARCHAR2, NVARCHAR2 |
| Created Date | TIMESTAMP |
| Last Modified by | VARCHAR2, NVARCHAR2 |
| Last Modified Date | TIMESTAMP |
Oracle DB Connector FAQs
Does Orca Scan modify my Oracle 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 Oracle?
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 Oracle column mapped to the Orca Scan Barcode field.
What permissions does the Oracle 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 Oracle 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 Oracle DB 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 Oracle?
Yes. You can use Orca Variables to extract data from barcodes, such as GS1, before they are saved to your Oracle Database.
Related SQL connector guides
- Scan barcodes into MySQL
- Scan barcodes into MariaDB
- Scan barcodes into PostgreSQL
- Scan barcodes into SQL Server
Need help scanning barcodes into Oracle DB?
We’re happy to help, chat with us live or book a free implementation call.
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