MatchBenchBY SMARTFACTFREE BARCODE COMPARISON
Two labels look the same, but a system treats them as different. MatchBench compares the decoded values exactly and shows the first character that differs, including leading zeroes, spaces and control characters you cannot see on the label.
Free to use. No account, email address or trial. Works offline once prepared.
Reference barcode
00045120
Barcode to compare
45120
Illustrative values, not a real comparison. A match compares decoded values; it does not approve a label.
For production administrators, label designers and system integrators working out why a scanned code does not match the value in a system or on another label.
A USEFUL STARTING POINT
A spreadsheet can drop leading zeroes, a label template can add a space, and some barcodes carry separator characters such as [GS]. MatchBench changes nothing: it shows spaces at the start or end and control characters as visible markers, counts characters exactly and reports where the two values first differ.
FROM QUESTION TO EVIDENCE
Scan or type the value you trust, such as the barcode on the traveller or the value from the order, as the reference.
Scan the label that does not match. Spaces at the start or end are shown as visible markers, and control characters such as [GS], [TAB] or [CR] are named.
Different value gives the position of the first character that differs, counting from 1. Download the CSV with exact values to share the evidence, and import its cells as text so leading zeroes survive.
The traveller's barcode reads 00045120. A carton label printed from a spreadsheet export reads 45120. MatchBench reports Different value, first difference at character 1. The spreadsheet removed three leading zeroes; MatchBench compared the values as text and changed nothing, so the difference stays visible.
USED IN PRODUCTION
MatchBench compares the values you scan, one label at a time. Two SmartFACT services work earlier in the job: choosing the right label data before it prints, and checking that the right components go into each kit. Both are in early access, with scope agreed at onboarding.
Early accessChecking a printed label against its reference finds a wrong value after it is printed. LabelRules works before printing: describe label rules in plain English, and approved rules select each job's layout, resolve customer codes and check required values before the label prints. LabelRules Free prints at an attended workstation; Pro adds connected triggers, routing and unattended printing.
Early accessMatchBench compares one value with one reference. When a kit needs the right components in the right quantities, KitProof turns approved plain English component rules into each kit's expected parts and quantities, then checks every scan against that plan before the kit leaves the bench.
BEFORE YOU START
No. Upper and lower case are different characters, and a trailing space is a character. An accented letter stored in two different ways also counts as different. MatchBench never trims, normalises or corrects a value, because doing so could make a wrong label look right.
It might. A keyboard scanner can add a prefix or suffix to what it sends. ScannerBench shows exactly what a keyboard scanner sends, and comparing a camera read with a scanner read of the same label in MatchBench helps separate the label from the scanner.
No. MatchBench compares the whole decoded value as text and does not split it into GS1 Application Identifiers. BarcodeBench explains what a barcode contains, including GS1 data.
MatchBench compares decoded text exactly. A match shows that two values are identical. It does not show that the reference is correct, that two different labels were scanned, what a carton contains or how well a barcode is printed: it is not a barcode verifier, and it does not interpret GS1 data. There is no list of expected pairs, no shared record and no sign-off, and one person works on one device. Each value can be up to 4,096 characters, with up to 10,000 comparisons, 1,000 references and 5 MiB of data in a project, and PDF reports up to 200 pages. The camera reads Code 128, QR Code, Data Matrix, EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A and UPC-E.
Your comparisons stay in this browser. They are kept in memory while the tab is open, or in this browser between visits if you choose Save on this device. The camera starts only when you open it, and images are decoded on your device, never stored or uploaded. Nothing you scan is uploaded, and no account or contact details are needed. Google Analytics is optional and loads only after you accept; it never receives barcode values, results or file contents. Change your choice with Analytics settings on these pages or Change preference in the tool; see /privacy/.
ONE SMALL JOB, DONE WELL
Open the free tool and start with one known example.
THE SMARTFACT SUITE
Automate factory decisions with rules you describe in plain English. Explore focused SmartFACT services, plus free tools for everyday checks.
Early accessSuggested next stepDescribe label rules in plain English. Automatically select layouts, resolve customer codes and check each job before printing.
Explore LabelRules ↗Early accessTurn plain English component rules into automatic kit checklists, then check scans against the expected parts and quantities.
Explore KitProof ↗
Early accessTurn plain English rules into automatic step selection for each unit, with required evidence and a record of completed work.
Explore WorkSteps ↗
Early accessApply approved product rules and calculations automatically to turn dimensions and options into manufacturing requirements.
Register early-access interest ↗
Early accessMaintain configuration in Google Sheets and make it available as structured data your applications can query.
Register early-access interest ↗
Early accessTurn plain English rules into automatic order checks and destination selection, with controlled production release.
Register early-access interest ↗
Early accessScan the work order and the parcel choice to book the courier and print the labels. Approved plain English rules recommend or choose the parcel.
Explore ParcelOffice ↗
Early accessScan an empty container to send the right refill request to stores. Approved plain English rules set the stores queue, priority, ticket printer and escalation.
Explore RefillFlow ↗
Early accessLabel each offcut, find a suitable length before cutting new stock and record what you used. Approved plain English rules decide what to keep and where it goes.
Explore RemnantRack ↗
Free toolSee the text and key events your keyboard scanner sends. Compare them with the value you expected.
Test a scanner ↗
Free toolPrint a known PDF, measure its reference marks and compare scans from the printed codes.
Check a print ↗
Free toolCreate 100 × 50 mm bin and rack cards with Code 128 or QR, from one record or a CSV.
Make bin cards ↗
Free toolCount stock by location with a barcode scanner, compare it with a stock file and export the results. No account needed.
Start a free count ↗
Free toolSee exactly what a scanned barcode contains, with hidden characters shown and GS1 fields, check digits and dates explained. No account needed.
Inspect a barcode ↗Free toolScan a reference and each label, see an exact match or the first difference, and download the results. No account needed.
You are here
Free toolScan an item or location, note what needs attention, print a review tag and keep a review list. No account needed.
Make a free tag ↗
Free toolLoad your own parts and locations CSV, scan a code and see every location it lists. No account needed.
Start a free lookup ↗
Free toolCheck cartons, pallets or serial numbers against a list with a phone or scanner and see what is missing. No account needed.
Start a free check ↗
Free toolCheck CSV and JSON files exactly as written, preview a column mapping and compare two versions by key. No account needed.
Check a file free ↗
Free toolTime work cycles and changeovers on a phone, record interruptions with reasons and download the results. No account needed.
Start a free study ↗
HelpStep-by-step guides and interactive demonstrations for the SmartFACT suite. Read the instructions, watch a task or practise with real product screens and sample data.
Open SmartFACT Help ↗