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Barcode Scanning Guide

Master camera-based barcode scanning for efficient warehouse operations.

Overview

Zora Tech's mobile app uses your device's camera to scan barcodes for products, locations, LPNs, and serial numbers. This guide will help you become proficient with barcode scanning.

Mobile First

Barcode scanning is optimized for mobile devices. For best results, use a smartphone or tablet with a good camera.

What You Can Scan

Product Barcodes

Scan product UPC/EAN codes to identify items

  • When: Receiving, picking, inventory adjustments
  • Format: Standard retail barcodes (UPC-A, EAN-13, etc.)
  • Result: System identifies product and shows details

Location Barcodes

Scan location labels to confirm putaway or picking locations

  • When: Putaway, picking, cycle counting
  • Format: Custom location codes (e.g., A-01-A)
  • Result: Confirms you're at the correct location

LPN (License Plate Number) Barcodes

Scan container labels for pallet/box tracking

  • When: LPN receiving, LPN picking, container movements
  • Format: Custom LPN codes (e.g., LPN-123456)
  • Result: Identifies container and shows contents

Serial Number Barcodes

Scan individual item serial numbers

  • When: Receiving serial-tracked items, picking serialized products
  • Format: Manufacturer serial number barcodes
  • Result: Records specific item identity

How to Scan

  1. Open the scanning screen in your workflow
  2. Tap the camera icon or "Scan Barcode" button
  3. Point camera at barcode - camera activates automatically
  4. Hold steady - system scans automatically when barcode is detected
  5. Wait for confirmation - green flash or beep indicates success

Manual Entry (Backup Method)

If camera scanning fails:

  1. Tap "Manual Entry" or keyboard icon
  2. Type the barcode number carefully
  3. Tap "Submit" or "Search"
  4. System processes same as scanned barcode

Scanning Best Practices

Lighting

Good Lighting

  • Bright, diffused lighting (overhead lights)
  • Natural daylight (indirect sunlight)
  • LED task lighting

Poor Lighting

  • Direct sunlight (causes glare)
  • Very dim warehouse areas
  • Harsh shadows on barcode

Camera Position

Optimal Distance: - Hold camera 6-12 inches from barcode - Too close: Image blurry - Too far: Barcode too small to read

Optimal Angle: - Hold camera perpendicular to barcode (90°) - Avoid angling camera (causes distortion) - Keep barcode flat (not curved or wrinkled)

Barcode Condition

Ensure Barcode is Clean

  • Wipe barcode with dry cloth if dirty
  • Smooth wrinkles for better scanning
  • Report damaged barcodes to supervisor
  • Use manual entry if barcode is illegible

Camera Permissions

Enable Camera Access

The app needs camera permission to scan barcodes.

First Time Setup:

  1. App will prompt: "Allow Zora Tech to access camera?"
  2. Tap "Allow" or "OK"
  3. Camera will activate for barcode scanning

If Permission Denied:

  1. Open Settings app
  2. Scroll to Zora Tech
  3. Tap Camera
  4. Select "Allow"
  1. Open Settings app
  2. Tap Apps & notifications
  3. Find and tap Zora Tech
  4. Tap Permissions
  5. Enable Camera

Troubleshooting

Common Scanning Issues

Barcode Won't Scan

Possible Causes:

  • Dirty or damaged barcode
  • Poor lighting conditions
  • Camera not focused
  • Barcode type not supported
  • Distance too far/too close

Solutions:

  1. Clean the barcode surface
  2. Move to better lighting area
  3. Adjust camera distance (6-12 inches)
  4. Hold camera steady for 2-3 seconds
  5. Try manual entry as backup

Camera Not Activating

Possible Causes:

  • Camera permission not granted
  • App doesn't have focus
  • Device camera in use by another app

Solutions:

  1. Check camera permissions (see above)
  2. Close other apps using camera
  3. Restart the Zora Tech app
  4. Restart your device

Wrong Product Scanned

Possible Causes:

  • Scanned wrong barcode on package
  • Multiple barcodes on item
  • Barcode linked to wrong product

Solutions:

  1. Verify you scanned product barcode (not shipping label)
  2. Check product name matches physical item
  3. Report product data error to supervisor
  4. Use manual SKU entry instead

Scanning Very Slow

Possible Causes:

  • Poor internet connection
  • Low device performance
  • App needs update

Solutions:

  1. Check WiFi/cellular signal strength
  2. Close background apps
  3. Update Zora Tech app to latest version
  4. Restart device

Advanced Scanning

Rapid Scanning Mode

For bulk scanning operations:

  1. Enable continuous scan in settings (if available)
  2. Scan multiple items without tapping buttons
  3. System auto-advances to next item
  4. Review cart when complete

Use Cases: - Receiving many items - Cycle counting locations - Bulk inventory adjustments

Multi-Barcode Items

Some products have multiple barcodes:

  • Product barcode (scan this) - identifies the SKU
  • Shipping barcode (skip this) - carrier tracking
  • Manufacturer code (not used) - internal to supplier

Which Barcode?

Always scan the product barcode (usually largest barcode on package). Ignore shipping labels and carrier barcodes unless specifically instructed.

Barcode Formats Supported

Standard Retail Barcodes

  • UPC-A (12 digits) - North American products
  • EAN-13 (13 digits) - International products
  • UPC-E (8 digits) - Compact version
  • EAN-8 (8 digits) - Small product packages

Industrial Barcodes

  • Code 128 - General purpose, variable length
  • Code 39 - Alphanumeric codes
  • Interleaved 2 of 5 (ITF) - Numerical codes

2D Barcodes

  • QR Codes - Quick Response codes
  • Data Matrix - Compact 2D codes

Unsupported Formats?

If you encounter a barcode that won't scan, try manual entry or contact your administrator to verify barcode format compatibility.

Performance Tips

Speed Up Scanning

  1. Keep camera clean - wipe lens regularly
  2. Practice steady hold - avoid shaky hands
  3. Memorize barcode locations on common products
  4. Pre-position items for easy scanning
  5. Use good lighting - invest in task lights if needed

Improve Accuracy

  1. Verify product name after each scan
  2. Double-check quantities for important items
  3. Scan the same barcode twice if unsure
  4. Report unclear barcodes to prevent future issues
  5. Use manual entry when confidence is low

Offline Scanning

Working Without Internet

The mobile app can scan barcodes offline:

  1. Scanning works - camera operates without internet
  2. Data syncs later - when internet connection restored
  3. View queue - see pending scans in offline queue
  4. Auto-upload - syncs automatically when online

Offline Limitations

  • Product lookup may be limited to cached data
  • Real-time inventory not updated until online
  • Some validations delayed until sync

Learn more about offline mode →

Barcode Printing (For Administrators)

Generate Product Barcodes

  1. Navigate to Products page
  2. Select product
  3. Click "Print Barcode Label"
  4. Choose label size and printer
  5. Print labels

Generate Location Barcodes

  1. Navigate to Locations page
  2. Select location
  3. Click "Print Location Label"
  4. Print and affix to location

Generate LPN Barcodes

  1. Navigate to LPNs page
  2. Create new LPN or select existing
  3. Click "Print LPN Label"
  4. Affix to container

Safety Tips

Device Handling

Protect Your Device

  • Use protective case
  • Avoid scanning in wet conditions (unless device is waterproof)
  • Don't scan while walking - stop and scan
  • Be aware of surroundings in warehouse

Ergonomics

  • Hold device comfortably - avoid strain
  • Take breaks - rest eyes and hands
  • Adjust height - bring barcode to camera, not camera to ground
  • Use two hands - one holds device, one positions item

Quick Reference Card

Printable PDF Quick Reference (Coming Soon)

Quick Tips

✅ DO: - Clean barcodes before scanning - Use good lighting - Hold steady at 6-12 inches - Verify product after scan - Report damaged barcodes

❌ DON'T: - Scan in direct sunlight - Move while scanning - Scan dirty/damaged barcodes - Rush through scans - Ignore camera permission prompts

Last Updated: January 2025