Barcode Scanners

A lot of Moogento extensions will help you optimise your processes using a barcode scanner.

You don't need one, but it will speed things up a lot.

There can be some confusion and (unwarranted!) mystique about these little laser spouts!

Barcode Scanner = Keyboard

A barcode scanner basically acts as a keyboard that also sends a ‘return’ key.

So you put the cursor wherever you want the input and scan - it should auto-magically ‘robo-type’ the barcode, and then ’robo-hit-enter’.

Laser / CCD?

There are a basically two types out there.

1. Laser Scanner
2. CCD Scanner

If you're scanning 3D barcodes (think those square website 'digital snow' type things) then you'll need a CCD scanner.

If you're scanning:

• Order IDs
• 2D Tracking Numbers

then I'd recommend going for the cheaper (and better at cheap prices) laser scanners.

If you need to be able to scan 3D barcodes (eg. UPS barcodes output on its label by its own software) then you'll need a CCD scanner.

Wired/Wifi/Bluetooth

Wired are the cheapest, and don't need charging. If you're moving about a lot (eg. a warehouse picker), then you might want to get a wifi or bluetooth one. Of the two, bluetooth seems the most likely to work with different devices.

Connecting a barcode scanner to Magento

1. Take your chosen barcode scanner, and get your desktop/slate/phone to recognise it.

   Check your device guidelines for connecting external keyboards, that's usually the same procedure. If your device is being fancy, it might even have a guide for attaching barcode scanners!

2. Put the cursor in the barcode entry field for your Moogento plugin
3. Scan!

That is, about that. Easy!