For the first time, DPM decoding is no longer limited exclusively to specialized warehouse technology. This software-based feature extends the DPM reading capabilities of Zebra/BARTEC’s Android mobile and touch computers, as well as its tablet PC series, to a wider range of devices.

By using the standard integrated scan engines or even the rear-facing cameras, organizations can now address DPM use cases without purchasing new, single-purpose hardware. Now, for the first time customers can take advantage of a wide range of Zebra devices and enable DPM scanning across an organization's user types.  

This enhancement dramatically lowers the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for implementing component-level tracking. It’s a zero-cost capability extension available through a DataWedge update (v15.0.87+ on Android 14+), eliminating the need for specialized DPM SKUs or extra licensing fees. This approach makes robust tracking financially viable for more applications, empowering organizations to connect their frontline with the real-time data needed to optimize workflows.


DPM marking examples:

Laser Mark on Rough Surface with Clean Up Pass
Laser Mark on Rubber
Peen Mark on Cast Surface
Painted Over Peen Mark Shows How Dots light up from Angle Lighting
Peen Mark on Hard Plastic
Rectangular Laser Marks on Shiny Curved Surface


For more information read the Zebra article: Unlock Hidden Value: Software-Based DPM Scanning for Your Mobile Fleet


Supported devices and the minimum required version of Android:

BARTEC device nameZebra device nameAndroid versionminimum Android build number (or later)
BARTEC MC9400/9450EX2 Mobile ComputerMC9400/MC9450 Mobile ComputerAndroid 1414-15-22.00-UG-U149
Android 1515-18-19.00-VG-U17
TC78ex-NI Touch ComputerTC78 Mobile ComputersAndroid 1414-35-10.00-UG-U140
Android 1515-18-09.00-VG-U20
BARTEC ET60/65EX2 Android TabletET60/ET65 Enterprise TabletsAndroid 1414-35-10.00-UG-U140
Android 1515-18-09.00-VG-U20


How do I get the latest operating system versions? See the article on operating systems.


What settings do I need to configure in Datawedge to be able to read DPM?

See the Zebra TechDocs online manual for Datawedge 


Open the Datawege utility.
  1. Datawedge utility
  2. Datawedge demo application for testing and demonstration
    Note: The demo has its own profile that must be configured for testing purposes.

Select the profile you want to configure for DPM.
  1. The default profile, which applies to all applications in the default settings (except for the Datawedge Demo)
  2. The Datawedge Demo profile
  3. You can create your own profile that is assigned to a specific application in which DPM barcodes are scanned.


The following steps are the same for all profiles.

Select the menu "Configure scanner settings".
Select the menu "Reader params".
Select the menu "DPM Mode".

Disabled:
DPM is disabled.

DPM Mode 1 - smooth surfaces:
Perfect for the tiny, laser-etched Data Matrix codes found on printed circuit boards (PCBs), medical instruments, and electronic component housings. This mode enables end-to-end component traceability in high-tech manufacturing and automates surgical asset management and FDA Unique Device Identification (UDI) compliance in healthcare.

DPM Mode 2 - rough/machined surfaces:
Designed to capture larger, stamped, or dot-peened barcodes on machined metal parts, engine blocks, and heavy industrial fittings. This mode streamlines sub-assembly verification, work-in-progress (WIP) tracking, and long-term maintenance logging in industrial, automotive, and aerospace environments.