Barcode Scanner Setup

Barcode Scanner Setup

A barcode scanner is the fastest way to add items at the Register. HandyBook listens for any USB HID-keyboard ("keyboard wedge") scanner — Honeywell, Zebra, Symbol, and most others. Configure it under Point of Sale → Hardware → Barcode scanner. Settings are stored locally on this device.

How scanners work

A keyboard-wedge scanner types the barcode digits as if you'd typed them, fast, usually followed by an Enter or Tab. No drivers needed. HandyBook watches for that rapid burst of keystrokes and treats it as a scan.

Enable the listener

1. In the Barcode scanner section, check Enable scanner listener — the badge flips to Listening
2. Set Min length — the shortest barcode to accept (default 3; ignores stray short keystrokes)
3. Set Suffix key — what your scanner sends after the code:
   • Enter (most common default)
   • Tab
   • None (auto-flush) — HandyBook flushes the buffer after a short pause
4. Click Save settings

Match the Suffix key to however your scanner is configured (check its manual or quick-start barcode sheet).

Scanning at the Register

With the listener on, go to Point of Sale → Register and scan. HandyBook matches the code against each item's barcode or SKU:

• Match found → the item is added to the cart and you see "Scanned: [name]"
• No match → you see "No item matches [code]"

The listener ignores scans while you're typing in a text field (search box, a dialog input), so it won't interfere with manual entry.

Mapping barcodes to items

Scanning looks up the item's SKU or Barcode field. Set those on each item under Point of Sale → Items (edit the item, fill in SKU and/or Barcode). If a scan returns "No item matches," add that code to the right item's SKU/Barcode field and scan again.

FAQ

My scanner types but nothing happens at the Register.

1. Confirm Enable scanner listener is on and saved (badge reads Listening)
2. Make sure focus isn't in a text field — the listener pauses while you're typing in one
3. Check the scanned code actually matches an item's SKU or Barcode
4. Test the scanner in a plain text field elsewhere to confirm it types at all

My scanner adds an extra Enter/Tab — is that a problem? No — set Suffix key to match (Enter or Tab) and HandyBook handles it. If it sends nothing, use None (auto-flush).

Does it read QR codes? Only if your scanner hardware reads 2D codes. 1D-only scanners read barcodes only.

Can I use the device camera to scan? No — the Register uses a connected keyboard-wedge scanner, not the camera.

Do scanner settings sync across devices? No — they're stored locally per device. Enable the listener on each device.