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Barcode Scanner Setup & Troubleshooting

Set up a USB barcode scanner, test it, add UPC codes to products, and use it on tickets, inventory updates, and purchase orders. Includes quick troubleshooting steps.

Written by Kate Biel

šŸ“ Overview

These instructions will help you set up and use a barcode scanner with your software. Most USB scanners are plug-and-play devices and require no additional software or drivers to be installed aside from the automatic identification that Windows performs when the device is connected to a computer.


🧪 Testing Your Device

  • Since it scans any information is contained in a barcode, you can open a new document in Notepad and scan anything with a barcode to verify that it's scanning properly (like your favorite products). If the barcode you scan is a UPC with a number, the number read by the scanner should match exactly the number on the UPC code.

  • The second way to test the scanner is to use it in your software using a method from "Using Your Device" below.


šŸ·ļø Adding UPC Code to a Product

When creating/editing a product, set the Product ID field the same as UPC codes on your product labels or use the Alias field for the UPC if you wanted a separate Product ID.

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šŸ›’ Using Your Device

There are several places your barcode scanner can be used:

šŸŽŸļø Tickets

  1. Select the Tickets pull-down menu and choose Add New Ticket. Then choose the Pet whose Owner is purchasing for.

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  2. Scan products in the ID column to add the product to the ticket.

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šŸ“¦ Updating Inventory

  1. Select the Products & Services pull-down menu and choose Update Inventory with Barcode Scanner.

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  2. Scan products in the ID column to process inventory updates.

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🧾 Purchase Orders

  1. Select the Accounting pull-down menu and choose Edit Purchase Orders.

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  2. Choose Add PO from the PO Options on the left hand side.

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  3. Scan products in the ID column to add them into the current purchase order.

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🧰 Troubleshooting

If your barcode scanner is unresponsive or reading improperly when connected to your computer, here are some options:

  • Trying unplugging it and moving it to a different USB port, then testing the scanner. If there is not another port available unplug the device, wait 10 seconds, reconnect it to your computer, and try scanning again.

  • Restart your computer and test the scanner again.

āš ļø Please Note: If the device is still unresponsive, this may indicate hardware failure and you will want to contact the manufacturer for further assistance.

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