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 SSRS & Power BI Barcode Solutions

  • The Native Barcode Generator for SSRS 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.
  • Barcode Fonts may be used with the SSRS Font Encoder. This solution is a 2-step process: install the barcode font and install the SSRS Font Encoder.
  • The SSRS Barcode Generator Service (SaaS) is a hosted SaaS solution that streams dynamic barcode images directly into internet-capable SSRS environments by sourcing a custom URL that uses parameters to specify how the barcode image displays. 

Other Barcode Solutions for SSRS

Legacy solutions for SSRS 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 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 not currently 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.