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/QR barcodes (think those square website 'digital snow' type things that turned up everywhere during Covid) 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'll want a bluetooth scanner.

Not wifi.

Why? If you're using a portable device (eg. iPad) then it likely only has a single wifi card built in. That means that you'll be using that to connect to the internet, which leaves Bluetooth to connect to the scanner.

Do you have a recommended device to use with a barcode scanner?

Personally I'd use an iPad or iPad Mini, with a pistol-grip style Bluetooth-connected lazer barcode scanner, usually looking like this:

1. 

There are also solutions for the mini/iPhone/Android which have a built-in pistol grip and laser, along the lines of this:

1. 

With the smaller form factors (eg phone size) do check the usability before investing in a fleet of them!

With an iPad you can get Velcro/Magnetic/Arm-strap cases to help keep it stable around the warehouse.

These also have nice and large screens, which makes it easier for the warehouse crew to use.

There are other devices built specifically for scanning products (you might have seen these in your local supermarket). I'd avoid these, unless you've already got them. You *can* use them with Pick-n-Scan etc (as long as it can connect to the internet and run a basic browser), but the screen is so small it's difficult to use, and since they come with a custom keyboard layout you'll find them more difficult to train temp team members on when you get a rush of orders.

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!