Barcoding

Inventory Pro includes comprehensive barcoding capabilities for label printing and barcode scanning. Print labels for items, inventory, locations, and assets, then scan them during transactions for fast, accurate data entry.

Configuration

Access: System → Configuration → Barcode Configuration

Inventory Pro uses table-driven label definitions that control format, size, and data content. Configure default labels for each type to standardize printing across your organization.

Label Types

Supported Barcode Formats

1D Formats (Linear):

2D Formats (Matrix):

Label Size Configuration

Labels are defined with specific dimensions. Common sizes include:

Admin Options for Barcoding

These admin options control default label formats by type:

Setting Default Labels

1. Navigate to System → Configuration → Barcode Configuration
2. For each label type, select the default format
3. Optionally configure warehouse-specific defaults
4. Click Save

The system resolves label defaults in this order:

1. Warehouse-specific default (if configured)
2. Custom label selection (if specified)
3. Admin option default for the label type

Printing

Desktop Printing

Desktop label printing creates PDF documents that can be printed to any printer, including dedicated label printers.

Item Barcode Utility

Access: Inventory → Stock → Item Barcode Utility (or popup from item screens)

Print labels for individual items with quantity control:

1. Search for the item
2. Select the label format (or use default)
3. Enter quantity of labels to print
4. Optionally specify location
5. Click Print

Inventory Barcode Catalog

Access: Inventory → Stock → Barcode Catalog

Print labels in bulk for inventory records:

1. Filter inventory by item, location, or warehouse
2. Select items to label
3. Choose Catalog (summary) or Individual labels
4. Select format and click Print

Location Labels

Access: Inventory → Warehouses → Location Labels

Print labels for warehouse locations:

1. Select the warehouse
2. Filter or select locations
3. Click Print to generate location labels

Receiving Labels

During receiving, optionally print labels for received items:

1. Complete the receiving transaction
2. Check Print Labels option
3. System prints labels using the Receiving label format

Order and Shipping Labels

Print labels for shipping orders and work orders:

• Shipping Labels: Orders → Shipping Orders → [Select Order] → Print Label
• Work Order Labels: Work Orders → [Select WO] → Print Label

Mobile Printing

Mobile devices generate PDF labels displayed in the browser for printing.

Access: Inventory Pro Mobile → Menu → Print Labels

1. Navigate to the barcode/label screen
2. Select the label type and item
3. The system generates a PDF in the browser
4. Use the browser print function to send to a printer

Note: Mobile label printing produces PDF output. For direct thermal printer integration (Zebra, etc.), print from the desktop application or configure network print services.

Automation

For automated label printing during receiving or other operations:

1. Enable print-on-receive in the receiving screen options
2. Configure default label formats in Admin Options
3. Labels generate automatically after transaction completion

Scanning

Desktop Scanning

Desktop barcode scanning uses keyboard wedge mode-scanners emulate keyboard input, typing the barcode value into the focused field.

Setup:

1. Connect a USB or Bluetooth barcode scanner
2. Configure the scanner for keyboard wedge mode (usually default)
3. Position cursor in the target field
4. Scan the barcode-data enters as typed text

Compatible Fields:

• Item ID fields (lookups)
• Serial number fields
• Location fields
• Search fields

Mobile Scanning

Mobile devices support multiple scanning methods for flexibility in different environments.

Built-In Camera Scanning

Use the device camera to scan barcodes:

1. Navigate to a scan-enabled screen
2. Tap the camera/scan icon
3. Point camera at the barcode
4. The code is captured and entered into the field

Supported Formats: Code 128, UPC (configurable via BarcodeReaders setting)

Bluetooth / USB Scanners

Connect external scanners to mobile devices:

1. Pair Bluetooth scanner with the mobile device
2. Configure scanner for keyboard wedge mode
3. Scan into focused fields

Advantages:

• Faster scanning for high-volume operations
• Better range and durability than camera scanning
• Works in low-light conditions

Image Scanning

The mobile app uses the Quagga library for camera-based barcode detection:

• Detected codes automatically populate the focused input field
• Supports continuous scanning mode for rapid entry

Scan Field Behavior

When scanning on mobile, the system matches barcodes against:

1. Part ID (Item ID)
2. Serial number
3. Secondary serial number
4. RFID tag
5. Item Alias (PartsAlias lookup)

Matched items automatically load for transaction processing.

Using External Barcodes

Link manufacturer barcodes, UPCs, and other external identifiers to Inventory Pro items using the Item Alias feature.

Item Aliases

Access: Inventory → Stock → Item Alias

Item aliases map external identifiers to your internal item IDs. When scanned, the alias resolves to the correct item.

Common Alias Uses:

• Manufacturer part numbers
• Supplier part numbers
• UPC/EAN codes
• Legacy item numbers
• Customer part numbers

Creating an Item Alias

1. Navigate to Inventory → Stock → Item Alias
2. Click Add New Alias
3. Enter:
   • Alias ID: The external barcode/identifier
   • Item ID: The internal Inventory Pro item
4. Click Save

How Alias Resolution Works

1. User scans an external barcode
2. System checks against Item ID first
3. If no match, system searches Item Alias table
4. Matched alias resolves to the internal item
5. Transaction proceeds with the linked item

Manufacturer Fields

Items also support direct manufacturer identification:

• Manufacturer/Model: Store manufacturer and model info
• EPN (External Part Number): Alternative part number field

These fields display on reports and can be searched but don’t function as scannable aliases.

Best Practices

Label Printing

1. Standardize Formats: Use consistent label sizes across operations
2. Test Before Production: Print test labels to verify scanner readability
3. Quality Check: Ensure barcodes are clear and undamaged
4. Printer Maintenance: Clean thermal print heads regularly

Scanning

1. Scanner Configuration: Test scanner settings with your barcode formats
2. Field Focus: Ensure correct field is focused before scanning
3. Lighting: Provide adequate lighting for camera scanning
4. Backup Method: Train users on manual entry for scanner failures

Aliases

1. Document Aliases: Maintain records of all configured aliases
2. Unique Values: Ensure alias values are unique across all items
3. Regular Audit: Periodically review aliases for accuracy

Related Topics

• Item Alias - Managing external identifiers
• Receiving Stock - Print labels during receiving
• Location Barcodes - Warehouse location labels
• Mobile Inventory - Mobile scanning operations