Focused Rescue
Use the device imager on a single hard-to-read label for a constrained OCR rescue, applied only when a valid barcode is not present and never silently overwriting decoded barcode data.
The problem
Some labels are worn, partial or have a missing barcode.
A single package may carry a GTIN in text but no scannable symbol, or a symbol too damaged to decode. The operator needs a constrained path to recover identity without leaving the field blank or guessing.
How it works
Constrained OCR rescue. OCR is bounded to recovering identifier text from a focused capture when decoding fails. It is not general document reading and does not run over a sweep.
Operator steps
Focused capture
Use the device imager on the single label. This is a deliberate, one-item capture, not a sweep.
Attempt decode first
The core attempts deterministic barcode decoding and GS1 interpretation before any text recovery.
Constrained OCR rescue
Only when no valid symbol is present does a constrained OCR rescue propose the identifier. The proposal is marked as rescue, shown to the operator, and never overwrites a valid decoded barcode.
Review
The operator confirms or rejects the rescued value. Rejected or ambiguous rescues stay visible for review.
Operator journey
Outputs
- Decoded GTIN when a valid symbol is present
- Rescue-proposed identifier clearly labelled as OCR rescue
- Operator review decision recorded with the event
- No silent overwrite of valid barcode data
Honest limitations
- OCR rescue is constrained to identifier recovery on a focused capture. It is not a substitute for barcode decoding and is not used when a valid symbol decodes.
- Rescued values require operator confirmation and remain part of the receiving review workflow.
- Designed for visible, sufficiently resolved text. Hidden or unreadable labels require another angle or focused scan.
Add focused rescue to your receiving stack.
- Canonical JSON
- Zebra quickstart
- API overview
- View the full workflow page — the public product page for this workflow.