Barcode troubleshooting
If you have issues with barcodes on items from vendors, you can troubleshoot them using these tips.
For information about creating labels directly in Greenbits, see Print labels from the Back Office.
Supported scanners
The Register works with the following Socket Mobile Bluetooth barcode scanner models:
- CHS 7Qi
- CHS 7Xi
- Durascan D750
- Durascan D760
The Greenbits Back Office works with any scanner that's compatible with your computer.
Supported barcode types and symbologies
Greenbits supports 1D and 2D barcodes and QR codes in all common symbologies. For best results. suggest that your vendors use Code 128 or Code 39 when generating barcodes.
Label and barcode (SKU) must match exactly
On your manifest, the value in the barcode (SKU) field must exactly match the physical barcode label in order for Greenbits to read it.
If you scan a barcode label and the scanner beeps, but the Register doesn't respond, this indicates that the label is readable but doesn't match the barcode (SKU) field in Greenbits. If this happens, edit the barcode (SKU) field in Greenbits to match the barcode label.
If there is no beep, this indicates that the scanner can't read the label at all. If this happens, print new barcode labels from Greenbits and stick them on top of the barcode that doesn't work.
Use a smartphone app to test barcodes
You can test whether a barcode label matches the barcode (SKU) field in Greenbits by using a barcode reader app on your phone. Greenbits recommends Scandit.
Some newer smartphones have barcode scanning built into the camera and do not require a, app.
You can also use the Socket Mobile barcode scanner in HID mode to scan and verify vendor barcodes.
Be aware of short identifiers (Washington only)
If an item doesn't scan at the Register, it might be because the barcode on the item is a short identifier and the barcode (SKU) in Greenbits is the full lot number/global ID. A short identifier is the last seven characters, after the period:
To change the barcode (SKU) in Greenbits to match the short identifier on the barcode:
- Check the barcode on the item with a smartphone app to see if it is a short identifier.
- If it is, go to Inventory and select the Product that you were scanning.
- Select the Inventory tab and find the barcode (SKU) that wouldn't scan.
- Go to Actions > Edit.
- Enter or scan the short identifier into barcode (SKU) on the manifest.
- Select Save.
Avoid resizing barcodes
If a vendor needs to change the size of a barcode, they should reprint the label rather than enlarging or shrinking an existing barcode label.
Avoid non-standard characters
Greenbits supports numbers, uppercase letters, and periods. Avoid creating barcodes that include any other characters, especially tilde (~).
If you see a barcode that includes special characters, print new barcode labels from Greenbits and stick them on top of the barcodes that don't work.
Include white space
Vendors should include a margin of white space around their barcodes.
Make sure barcodes (SKUs) are set to For Sale in Greenbits
Even if a barcode label and barcode (SKU) meet all of the above guidelines, the Register won't recognize it unless the barcode (SKU) is marked For Sale.