Using Barcodes in Merchanter
Written by Ian Oldrey
Updated at January 11th, 2023
Table of Contents
We are often asked by clients “can I use barcodes with the system?” to which there is more detail to discuss than a simple yes or no answer would cover.
This document gives a simple overview of using Barcodes as part of your Merchanter system. It focuses on 2D (vertical stripe) barcodes. The use of QR codes will be available for other functions and covered in other documents.
What is a barcode really?
A barcode is a string of letters and numbers that is converted into a code that a barcode scanner can read, then send to any computer application, entering the string of letters and numbers the same as a human user would do on a keyboard.
The benefits of barcodes are that they are a great way to reliably identify products, packs, locations, documents on a system, without the keying and lookup errors that a human operator might make.
Many products come with a barcode pre-printed on, either the packaging or the product itself. This barcode may be registered with a regulating body, which means it will be unique to that product.
Alternatively, suppliers may have added their own in-house barcodes that will tie up to their product code(s).
Below is an example of a Spear & Jackson Saw. It has a manufacturer’s EAN* barcode on it.
Barcode uses in Merchanter
Scanning labels
- Scanning barcodes on products for sales/purchases
- Scanning barcodes on products for stocktaking
- Scanning barcodes on reports/documents for quick lookup
Generating labels
- Printing Product labels for products/shelf edge/locations
Product Barcode setup on Merchanter
Setting up to use product barcodes on Merchanter
When using Merchanter we want to be able to find products quickly and accurately by scanning the barcode on the product. For this we need to add codes to the product record in Merchanter
Using the Manufacturer/Supplier Barcode
When setting up a product you can add a manufacturer or supplier barcode under the Barcode or EAN fields in the ‘About’ tab:
Using an in-house barcode
Alternatively, you can have your own in-house code, which you can enter in the Product code, Alternative product code, or Barcode fields. This requires a barcode of that code to be printed and attached to the product, shelf edge, bin, etc.
Using Barcodes for sales and purchases
Using Barcodes for sales and purchases
Once a barcode is added to product record it can be used as part of the system to find products. This is standard in the Merchanter system and requires no additional software or licences.
When in the basket, or building sales or purchases, scanning the barcode will lookup the product. With the basket, scanning the barcode automatically adds it to the basket, and scanning the same code multiple times increases the quantity of that product in the basket by 1.
In addition to the traditional sales and purchases, a barcode scanner can be used to lookup a product on a product or order search, for stocktakes, or filtering reports.
How to add Barcode Scanners to my system
Adding Barcode Scanners to my system
If you would like to scan barcodes as part of your operations the devices that are used will need a barcode scanner. These can be purchased through Ten-25 or directly from other suppliers.
No specialist setup is required for barcode scanners, either being plug and play, or needing device pairing for Bluetooth scanners.
Barcode Scanners for PCs/Laptops
For PCs, Laptops, Macs including retail PCs we would recommend a USB connected barcode scanner. These remain active whilst you are working and are rugged for daily use.
We have previously supplied Honeywell Voyager CG 9540 scanners as they are reliable, can be used in a stand (supplied) or handheld from a trigger. They are inexpensive and work well on trade counters.
This is a guide model, please feel free to use other manufacturers and models of barcode scanner.
Scanning for Tablets & Phones
For tablet devices and smartphones there are two choices:
Bluetooth Scanner
A Bluetooth scanner, such as the Wasp WWS 150i can be easily paired to the device using Bluetooth and can operate as a keyboard input device. This type can also be used with Laptops/PCs if they have a Bluetooth card installed.
Device Camera
Under development at the time of writing (Jan 23), the tablet/phone camera can be called to read a barcode. This requires a button on the page of the application that will call the camera and use it as a scanner to return the barcode into the search.