Case Study: Scan for Canada – Mobile App for Product Origin Detection via Barcode Scanning

App Overview

1. App Name: Scan for Canada
2. Platform: Android & iOS
3. Launch Year: 2025
4. Category: Shopping / Sustainability / Consumer Awareness
5. Target Audience: Canadian consumers, ethical shoppers, local product advocates

Background

In Canada, more shoppers are seeking transparency when it comes to the products they buy — especially whether items are made locally or imported. Unfortunately, packaging isn’t always clear, and looking up this info manually takes time. Scan for Canada offers a fast, simple solution by letting users scan a product's barcode and see its origin instantly.

Objective

Create an easy-to-use mobile app that allows Canadian shoppers to scan a product’s barcode and instantly see where it was made, helping them make informed, ethical, and locally supportive purchase decisions — all without a backend server.

Core Features

1. 📷 Barcode Scanner
2. Scan any UPC or EAN barcode using the phone’s camera.
3. 🇨🇦 Canada-Origin Detection
4. Instantly see if a product is Made in Canada, Imported, or Assembled in Canada.
5. 🌍 Country of Origin Info
6. Displays the product's country of manufacture based on barcode prefix and metadata.
7. 🏢 Manufacturer/Distributor Display
8. Pulls company and brand info when available via public or embedded sources.
9. 🗂️ Offline Product Category Tags
10. Detects and labels product type (e.g., food, electronics, clothing) using local rules.

Tech Stack

1. Framework: Flutter (Cross-platform for Android & iOS)
2. Barcode Scanning: ZXing & Google ML Kit (runs fully on-device)
3. Data Access:
4. Direct queries to GS1 Global via public lookup API
5. Offline barcode prefix mapping for country codes
6. Optional integration with Open Food Facts (via public REST API)
7. No Backend: App handles everything on-device or through direct API access — no server or user accounts needed.

How It Works

1. The user scans a barcode using their camera.
2. The app reads the barcode, checks its prefix for country identification, and queries any open databases directly.
3. Information such as origin country, manufacturer, and product type is displayed.
4. All results are shown within seconds — with no sign-in, no user data stored, and no backend processing.

FAQ

Q: What if a product isn’t found in the database?

A: The app still shows basic info based on the barcode structure (e.g., country prefix) and informs the user that full product details couldn’t be found.

Q: How accurate is the country of origin detection?

A: The barcode prefix gives a good general idea, but the app also checks manufacturer fields (when available) to provide more context.

Q: Is user data collected or stored?

A: No — Scan for Canada works without a backend. All scans are processed locally or via anonymous API calls. Nothing is stored or tracked.

Q: Does it work offline?

A: Yes, barcode scanning and prefix-based country detection work offline. Detailed product info requires an internet connection.

User Testimonials

“It’s simple and works instantly. Now I can see if something’s Canadian before I buy it.” — Mark D., Calgary

“I don’t want to create an account or give away my data. This app just does what it promises.” — Laura T., Ottawa

Future Development Plans

1. 📊 Add product scan history (stored locally) so users can track items they’ve checked
2. 🛒 Add e-commerce extension to highlight Canadian-made items online
3. 🧾 Enable batch scan mode for checking multiple items at once in-store

Scan for Canada is a lightweight, privacy-friendly mobile app that gives Canadian shoppers instant insight into product origins. By focusing on barcode scanning, open data sources, and no backend infrastructure, the app stays fast, private, and user-first — making ethical shopping easier for everyone.

Download Link Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.peekscan.scanforcanada

Download Link iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/scan-for-canada/id6742074816