Barcode Scanning

Setting Up

No setup required. Clarity POS automatically detects USB barcode scanners in keyboard-wedge mode (the default for virtually all retail USB scanners). Simply plug in your scanner.

Making products scannable:

1. Go to Products and open a product to edit.
2. Fill in the Product Code field with the barcode value printed on the item (e.g. 5901234123457).
3. Save. The product is now scannable.

TIP

The code must match the barcode exactly (comparison is not case-sensitive). Only active products are found by scan.

Scanning at the POS

1. Open the POS screen.
2. Point the scanner at the barcode and pull the trigger.
3. The product is added to the cart instantly. If it is already in the cart, quantity increases by 1.

If the barcode is not found, a red notification appears: "No product found for barcode: [code]."

Manual Barcode Entry (No Scanner)

1. Click the Search field.
2. Type the exact product code.
3. Press Enter: the system performs an exact-match lookup.

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FAQ

Q: My scanner adds items but also types the barcode into the search box.

A: Click on an empty part of the POS screen to remove focus from the search input, then scan again.

Q: I scanned a barcode but got "No product found", but the product definitely exists.

A: Check two things: (1) the product's Product Code field matches the barcode exactly; (2) the product must be active (not deactivated).

Q: Does scanning work while a dialog is open (payment, shift, held sales)?

A: No. Scanning is disabled while any modal is open to prevent accidental additions. Close the dialog first.

Q: My scanner emits characters slowly. Scans are not detected.

A: The scanner detection requires all characters to arrive within 100 ms. Try a fresh USB port or replace batteries.

Q: Can I use a Bluetooth scanner?

A: Yes, as long as it operates in keyboard-wedge mode (standard for most Bluetooth scanners — it makes the scanner appear to the computer as a keyboard).

Q: Does scanning deduct stock immediately?

A: No. Scanning only adds the product to the cart. Stock is deducted when the sale is completed.

Q: Will scanning work on a tablet or mobile device?

A: Yes, the barcode scanner listener is active across the whole POS page on any device. On touch devices without a physical keyboard, you typically need a USB scanner connected via a USB-to-USB-C or OTG adapter, or a Bluetooth scanner in keyboard-wedge mode.