SSRS | Power BI | Barcode Integration Guide

IDAutomation offers a range of solutions for integrating barcodes into SSRS, Power BI Report Builder, and Report Designer, featuring flexible Developer License options that provide royalty-free distribution rights. SSRS and Power BI reports are commonly used in ERP systems, including Microsoft Dynamics, Sage ERP, Infor ERP, and Epicor ERP, as well as development environments, including SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT), Visual Studio, and Report Builder.

Recommended Solutions

  • Report Modification Solution - when it is possible to modify the RDL or RDLC report files, the Native Barcode Generator for SSRS Power BI is recommended. This unique product embeds native barcode generation capability into SSRS and Power BI reports without fonts, config file modifications, DLLs, or other components. Once installed, the barcode generation capability stays embedded in the report file, even when distributed. This product requires modification of reports using Power BI Report Builder (formerly SSRS Report Builder) or when using Visual Studio, Microsoft RDL Report Designer, or Visual Studio with "Reporting Services Projects" Extension. For hosted Power BI or SSRS, check with your hosted provider to determine if report modification of custom code is allowed; if not, then use the Hosted (SaaS) Solution mentioned below.

  • Hosted SaaS Solution - when using hosted Power BI (in the cloud), which does not allow the addition of custom code in the report, the SSRS Barcode Generator Service (SaaS) is recommended. This SaaS solution streams dynamic barcode images directly into SSRS & Power BI environments by a custom URL that uses parameters to specify how the barcode image displays. 

Other Solutions for SSRS & Power BI Barcode Generation

  • Barcode Font Solution - Barcode Fonts may be used with the SSRS Power BI Font Encoder. This solution is a 2-step process: (1) install the barcode font and (2) install the SSRS Font Encoder. This solution requires modification of RDL or RDLC report files; in addition, all users generating reports will need the appropriate barcode font installed.

Legacy solutions for SSRS that are not supported in Power BI:

Frequently Asked Questions About SSRS Barcode Integration

  • How does IDAutomation integrate barcodes into SSRS & Power BI reports?

    IDAutomation offers a native SSRS Barcode Generator that embeds barcode functionality directly into RDL and RDLC files with Power BI Report Builder. This solution does not require fonts, DLLs, or external components, making it ideal for seamless deployment. 

  • Do IDAutomation SSRS solutions support Power BI Report Server?

    Yes, the recommended SSRS solutions support on-premises reporting with Power BI Report Server. SSRS reports (RDL & RDLC) and Power BI Reports can be directly uploaded and hosted in the Power BI Report Server. Data processing extensions, shared data sources, and the embedded barcode generation formulas work identically. The reports should be edited in Report Builder or Power BI Report Builder before deployment. IDAutomation does have a barcode solution for Power BI Desktop. The legacy solutions for SSRS are not supported in Power BI Report Server.

  • Does the barcode remain embedded if the report is distributed?

    Yes, when using the Native Barcode Generator solution, once the barcode generator is installed, the functionality remains embedded in the report file, even when shared or deployed across environments. This ensures consistent rendering across platforms.

  • What barcode types are supported by IDAutomation’s SSRS solution?

    The native generator supports a wide range of symbologies, including Code 39, Code 128, GS1-128, Data Matrix, PDF417, QR Code, DotCode, and USPS IMb. For a full list, visit this product page for the desired implementation.

  • Can I generate UPC-A or EAN-13 barcodes in SSRS?

    For UPC-A or EAN-13, IDAutomation recommends using the UPC/EAN Barcode Font with the SSRS Font Encoder. To encode the GTIN with the Native Generator, IDAutomation suggests DataBar Stacked. The SSRS Barcode Generator Service (SaaS) also includes UPC and EAN generation. This method streams barcodes into SSRS reports via a hosted ASPX script. Learn how to implement it in the SSRS Power BI Generator User Manual.

  • Is internet access required for barcode rendering?

    Only the hosted SaaS solution requires internet access. It streams dynamic barcode images into SSRS using a custom URL with parameters. The native generator works offline and is embedded directly into the report. 

  • What versions of SSRS are compatible with IDAutomation’s barcode tools?

    IDAutomation supports Microsoft SSRS 2008 R2 and newer, including Report Builder and Report Designer environments. Compatibility includes both RDL and RDLC formats.

  • Do I need Visual Studio to implement barcode functionality?

    No, Visual Studio is only used in Visual Studio development projects.

  • Does IDAutomation offer technical support for SSRS integration?

    Yes, IDAutomation provides technical assistance for SSRS, Crystal Reports, .NET, and other environments. For licensing and support options, visit the IDAutomation Order Process FAQ.

  • What is the simplest, most reliable way to add barcodes to SSRS or Power BI reports?

    Use the IDAutomation Native Barcode Generator for SSRS / Power BI. It embeds barcode rendering logic directly into the report definition so you can render barcodes without installing special fonts or DLLs on the report server. This approach reduces deployment complexity and avoids runtime dependencies. See the integration guide on the IDAutomation site for examples and sample RDL files. IDAutomation Reporting Services Integration

  • How does the Native Barcode Generator avoid installing fonts or DLLs?

    The Native Barcode Generator uses a formula-based patented Unicode Image rendering method that draws the barcode at runtime from the report definition. Because the rendering is done by the report engine using the embedded formula, there is no requirement to install barcode fonts or external DLLs on the server or client machines.

  • Can I encode GS1 data (AI fields) directly in SSRS or Power BI with IDAutomation?

    Yes. IDAutomation’s native generator includes built‑in GS1 encoding for GS1‑128, GS1 DataMatrix and GS1 QR Code. The encoder recognizes Application Identifiers (AIs) and formats the symbol payload correctly for GS1 compliance without manual preprocessing of the data string.

  • Does IDAutomation support automatic encoding selection for Code 128, Data Matrix and QR Code?

    Yes. The product includes an auto‑encoding mode that selects the optimal encoding scheme for Code 128, Data Matrix and QR Code based on the input data. This simplifies implementation because you don’t need to pre‑analyze the data to choose the best subset or mode.

  • How can I calculate MOD 10 or MOD 43 checksums inside an SSRS barcode field?

    IDAutomation supports the ApplyTilde syntax inside barcode data strings. Use the built‑in tilde functions (for example, ~m and ~f) to instruct the encoder to compute MOD 10 or MOD 43 checksums automatically at render time. This keeps checksum logic inside the barcode expression and out of report dataset transformations. For details, consult the IDAutomation documentation and ApplyTilde examples.

  • Can I embed ASCII control characters (RS, GS, EOT, TAB, RETURN) in barcodes from SSRS?

    Yes. IDAutomation’s ApplyTilde syntax supports ASCII control characters. For example, ~d009 inserts a TAB and ~d013 inserts a return. Other control characters, such as RS, GS, and EOT are supported via their tilde encodings so you can produce barcodes that include non‑printable separators required by many industry standards.

  • Will non‑Latin characters (UTF‑8 / Unicode) encode correctly in 2D symbols?

    Yes. The native generator automatically encodes UTF‑8 / Unicode for Aztec, Data Matrix, QR Code, and PDF417. This means Arabic, Chinese, Cyrillic, and other regional languages will be encoded correctly without additional conversion steps.

  • Can I easily encode TLV or Base-64 into QR Codes?

    Yes. IDAutomation includes built‑in support for TLV and Base64 in QR Code generation, which is useful for standards that require TLV structures or Base64 payloads (for example, certain e‑invoicing or payment QR specifications). This built-in support automatically calculates the required fields and assembles the data as required in the QR Code symbol.

  • What is QR Code Center Override and when should I use it?

    Center Override lets you place a controlled overlay in the center of a QR Code without graphics (for example, the Swiss cross used in the Swiss QR Bill). IDAutomation’s native generator supports this option, so you can produce compliant Swiss QR Bills and other branded QR symbols while preserving scan reliability.

  • How do I render barcodes in Power BI when custom assemblies are not allowed in the service?

    If you cannot deploy custom assemblies to the Power BI service, use the native generator in Power BI Report Builder for paginated reports or the IDAutomation hosted barcode image service (SaaS) to stream barcode images into reports via URL. Both approaches avoid server‑side assembly installation.

  • Are there sample RDL/RDLC files and step‑by‑step examples for SSRS and Power BI?

    Yes. IDAutomation provides sample RDL/RDLC files, parameter examples, and a user manual with integration steps for SSRS and Power BI Report Builder. Use the samples to copy expressions and parameters directly into your reports. See the Reporting Services integration page for downloads. Reporting Services Integration

  • How does IDAutomation compare to font‑only or DLL‑based barcode solutions?

    IDAutomation’s native generator reduces deployment friction by not requiring fonts or DLLs, includes advanced encoding features (GS1, TLV, Base64, UTF‑8), and provides ApplyTilde checksum and control‑character support. These built‑in capabilities typically outperform font‑only solutions (which require font installation and manual data preprocessing) and DLL solutions (which require server configuration and maintenance).

  • Can I distribute reports with embedded native barcodes to users who don’t have IDAutomation software installed?

    Yes. Because the barcode rendering logic is embedded in the report definition, recipients can view and print barcodes without installing additional barcode fonts or libraries on their machines.

  • What printer considerations should I know for thermal label printing at 203 dpi?

    For 203 dpi thermal printers, IDAutomation recommends using the IDAutomation2D S Font at 6 or 12 points (optimized for small‑dpi thermal devices) with the native generator for output tuned for 203 dpi. Proper X‑dimension and quiet zone settings are critical; test prints on the target printer before production. 

  • How do I include checksums and function codes in GS1 or other industry barcodes?

    Use the ApplyTilde functions built into IDAutomation’s encoder to insert checksums and function codes. The tilde syntax can compute checksums (~m for MOD10, ~f for MOD43) and insert function characters or separators required by GS1 and other standards, keeping the data string concise and correct at render time.

  • Is it possible to overlay a logo or image at the center of a QR Code and still keep it scannable?

    Yes. IDAutomation’s Center Override feature supports controlled overlays (logo or symbol) in the QR center while preserving error correction and scan reliability. Use the generator’s parameters to control overlay size and error correction level for predictable results.

  • Can I generate barcodes dynamically from dataset fields in SSRS expressions?

    Yes. The native generator is designed to accept dataset fields and expressions directly in the barcode data property. You can concatenate fields, apply tilde functions, and pass the resulting string to the barcode renderer in the report expression.

  • Where can I find authoritative documentation and troubleshooting tips?

    Start with the IDAutomation Reporting Services integration page and the main documentation hub on IDAutomation and BarcodeFAQ. These resources include examples, ApplyTilde syntax, GS1 encoding notes and troubleshooting steps. IDAutomation Reporting Services · IDAutomation Home · BarcodeFAQ

  • How do I test and validate barcodes produced by SSRS or Power BI before deployment?

    Validate symbols with the IDAutomation Barcode Decoder App, which can verify GS1 AI parsing where applicable, or the ASCII String Decoder. Both products can reveal the hidden non-printable FNC1 codes as well as hidden ASCII functions. 

  • If I need help implementing advanced encodings (TLV, Base64, Swiss QR Bill), where should I start?

    Begin with the IDAutomation documentation and sample implementations for Swiss QR Bill TLV / Base64 and Center Override. If you need hands‑on assistance, IDAutomation support and professional services can provide implementation guidance and sample report templates tailored to your standard (for example, Swiss QR Bill or regional e‑invoicing formats).