How do I add complex (2D) bar codes on Legacy?

Knowledge Article

🔹 Article Title:

Barcode Registration in Legacy vs. Enterprise (Linear vs. Complex Barcodes)

🔸 Applicable Device Information:

- Device Type: Pharmacy
- Software/Firmware Version: Legacy KTMS

🔹 Problem Description:

Users may encounter issues when attempting to register complex (2-D) barcodes into Legacy KTMS. Unlike Enterprise, which supports parsing GS1 2-D barcodes, Legacy is typically only able to handle simple linear (1-D) barcodes. This can lead to confusion when registering drug barcodes, especially with items that only provide a complex Data Matrix code.

🔸 Common Symptoms:

- Legacy KTMS cannot parse 2-D/complex barcodes.
- Barcode scan results appear inconsistent due to inclusion of lot and expiration data.
- Items may fail to register in Legacy if only a 2-D barcode is scanned.
- Barcode data strings change between shipments due to varying lot numbers, preventing consistent registration.

🔹 Common Causes:

- Legacy KTMS limitation: Not configured to parse complex GS1 2-D barcodes.
- 2-D barcode contents: Complex barcodes contain NDC, Lot, and Expiration, which change from batch to batch.
- Missing linear barcode: Some syringes or vials may not display a 1-D (linear) barcode on the unit itself.

🔸 Common Resolutions / Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Register linear (1-D) barcodes whenever possible — typically 10 or 14 digits long and contain only the NDC.
   2. If no linear barcode is present on the item, attempt to register the barcode from the box/outer packaging.
   3. Confirm barcode type:
   - Linear = stable NDC-only (best for Legacy).
   - 2-D/Complex = contains NDC, Lot, Expiration (variable).
   4. Upgrade, Enterprise: If the barcode is in GS1 format, Enterprise can parse the full 2-D string correctly.
   5. In Legacy KTMS Setup menu under 'NDC Barcode,' the system requires scanning once to input and a second time to confirm (like a password). The string can be reviewed, and if it contains Lot and Exp, this will usually be visible. The NDC appears in the first ~10 characters, with Lot and Exp data appearing later.
   6. In Legacy, scanning is not required to encode medications. Instead, medications can be selected from the drop-down menu. This is faster and avoids registering barcodes that change with each lot. If multiple scan options exist (e.g., three barcodes on a product), choosing from the drop-down ensures correct selection.

🔹 Escalation Criteria:

- Item cannot be registered in Legacy due to lack of linear barcode.
- Repeated failures to scan/register barcodes despite troubleshooting.
- Manufacturer supplies only 2-D barcodes without a corresponding linear option.

🔸 Related Documentation or References:

🔹 Last Updated By:

Name/Role: Amber Schauer, Clinical Support Specialist

Date: 09/09/2025
Version: 1.0