Barcode scanning

What happens when I scan something?

If you're writing an order, then scanning a product will add it to the cart. How much is added is determined by the "multiple" of that particular product. If you scan something that was already on the order, then the quantity will be increased by one multiple.

If you're not writing an order and just browsing your catalog, then scanning a product will show the full-screen view of that product. Think of the scanning as the quickest way to look up the product in your database.

Scanning with the camera

We support scanning barcodes using the built-in camera across the most current run of iOS models. Information on the latest version of iOS and compatible device can be found here.

Please be advised that older models such as the iPad 2, iPad Mini, and iPhone 4S have outdated camera technology compared to the more current models available so performance may vary.

You will be asked whether you want to scan via the camera or via bluetooth the first time you try it. If you choose the wrong thing, you can log out and back in and you will be able to choose your scanning method again.

Scanning with a bluetooth scanner

On any iOS device, you have the option of using a bluetooth scanner. Most bluetooth scanners present themselves to your device as an external keyboard, and when they scan a barcode it's the same as if someone just typed the barcode in really, really quickly.
 

In order to scan via bluetooth, you need to:

1. Buy a bluetooth scanner. We recommend the Socket Mobile CHS-7Ci or the TaoTronics TT-BS016 (more on that later).
2. Pair the bluetooth scanner with your iOS device. The instructions for doing this will be included with the scanner itself, however, they will usually involve going into Settings on your iPad or iPhone's home screen, going to Bluetooth and finding your scanner in the list of devices to pair with.
   
   

You can now start writing an order in Handshake, hit the barcode button, and start scanning!
 

Which bluetooth scanner should I buy?

As mentioned above, we really like the Socket Mobile CHS-series scanners:

• When iOS detects a bluetooth keyboard (which is what bluetooth scanners masquerade as), it prevents the on-screen keyboard from being shown. In practical terms this means that you would have to un-pair your scanner from your device if you were scanning and wanted to type something into an order (e.g. notes, or a customer address), which would be a huge hassle. The Socket CHS scanners have a "double-tap" feature that allows you to temporarily show the on-screen keyboard while the scanner is still paired, giving you the best of both worlds.
• They are relatively cheap (can usually be found online for less than $300USD).
• We do all our testing and development on a Socket Mobile device and recommend the Socket Mobile CHS-7Ci model, so if you get one of those you can pretty much guarantee that everything is going to work 100%. Any scanner that acts as a bluetooth keyboard should work though.

We've also taken a liking to the TaoTronics TT-BS016 scanner:

• It is listed on Amazon for $69.99, so its a very affordable option.
• In our testing and usage, this scanner has been very reliable. The only 'gotcha' we've noticed is that when connected, you are unable to utilize your iPad on screen keyboard. This scanner does have the option to turn off after 30 seconds of inactivity so once that happens, you can resume full keyboard functionality.
  
  

How do I get my barcodes into Handshake?

You could enter your barcodes manually, but you probably want to bulk import them.