Definition
Barcode scanning
Barcode scanning reads a printed code with a camera or laser scanner and uses it to find or create the matching item in your inventory system.
Scanning replaces typing at every step where an item changes state: receiving a delivery, selling at the counter, moving stock between locations and counting a shelf. It removes the two commonest inventory errors, mistyped codes and skipped lines.
Phone cameras are now fast enough for most shops. Dedicated scanners still win for high volume or gloves, and most Bluetooth or USB scanners behave like a keyboard, typing the code into whatever field has focus.
In Inventory Now
Scan to open an item, add it to a cart, or count it in a stocktake. Unknown codes create a new item with details filled in.
How scanning worksRelated terms
