How scanning works
Barcode scanners that use the HID specification send keystrokes to whatever window is active. ION detects scanner input by watching for keystrokes that arrive much faster than a human can type and treating the resulting string as a barcode. For scanning to work:- An ION tab must be open and focused in the browser.
- The scanner must be connected (USB or Bluetooth HID).
- The cursor must not be inside a text field when you scan. If the cursor is in a field, ION does not intercept the input.
Recommended scanners
Any HID-compliant barcode scanner works with ION. For evaluation and testing, the NADAMOO Wireless QR Code Scanner is a straightforward option.What can be scanned
ION recognizes three types of objects from a scan:
Scanning a run barcode navigates you to that run but does not start a workflow.
Scan feedback
Each scan shows a banner identifying the object. From the banner you can navigate directly to the scanned object’s detail page. After each scan, an audio chime confirms success or signals an error.Scan workflows
Scan workflows are intent-based: scan one object to set the intent, then scan a second object to execute. ION shows which scan to do next. When a location or kit is held as the active selection, the workflow is sticky: you can scan additional inventories one after another without rescanning the location or kit each time. Scan the location again to exit the workflow.Move inventory to a location
Scan an inventory, then scan a destination location. The inventory moves to that location. Scan more inventory before the location scan to move several at once. Each scanned item waits in a queue in the scan overlay, and the location scan commits them all. To move several inventories to the same location in one pass, scan the destination location first to hold it as the active selection. Then scan each inventory. Each scan moves that inventory immediately. Scan the location again to release it.Move part of a lot
When you scan the inventory first, each queued row has an editable quantity. Type a lower number to move only part of that lot, then scan the destination location to commit. The field releases the cursor shortly after you stop typing, so your next scan registers without clicking away first.- A row you leave alone moves its whole lot.
- A row you lowered splits: the quantity you entered moves to the destination, and the remainder stays where it was as a new lot. The moved piece keeps the barcode you scanned, so the label on it stays correct.
- A serial-tracked row is locked at one, since a serial number identifies a single unit.
The quantity field is only offered in the inventory-first order. When you hold a
location as the active selection and scan items into it, each scan still moves
the whole lot immediately.