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Barcode Scanners

A USB barcode scanner can work in one of two modes:

  • Keyboard mode (HID) — the scanner acts like a keyboard and types the barcode into whatever field has focus. This is the default mode and works everywhere, including the Android app.
  • COM-port mode (USB CDC) — the scanner shows up as a serial port and the app reads the scan directly, without the keyboard. The scan arrives as one block of data, so it works even when no field is focused, and it doesn't type into whatever happens to have focus.

COM-port mode is available in the Windows app and in Chrome or Edge. It is not available in the Android app.

COM Barcode Scanner Terminal Setting​

Each terminal has a COM Barcode Scanner toggle under Settings → POS List → [Terminal]. When it is on:

  • The app connects to the scanner automatically when a user logs in on that terminal — no click needed.
  • Scans are read without the keyboard and go to the active screen (see below).

The scanner itself must be set to COM-port (USB CDC) mode; on Zebra scanners this is a scanner setting, not a Pointless setting. To set up a Zebra scanner, see Zebra Scanner COM-Port Setup.

Where Scans Go​

When a COM-port scanner is connected, a small USB icon appears next to the places that can receive scans. The icon is bright while that place is receiving scans and dimmed while another screen has the scanner (for example, the driver license scan screen takes the scanner while it is open).

Scans are routed to:

  • Product search box — a scanned product barcode looks the item up, the same as typing it and pressing Enter.
  • Admin product list search — on the product list screen, a scan searches the list for that barcode, the same as typing it in the search box.
  • Product editor barcode field — on the product edit page, a scan fills the barcode field.
  • Barcode list in the product editor — each line has a scan button; press it to arm that line, then scan to put the barcode on that line. Press the button again to cancel.
  • Driver license scan screen — the 2D barcode on a driver license is read directly (see Driver License Scan).

If a driver license barcode is scanned in a product field, the app shows a notice that it is a license, not a product barcode, and keeps waiting for the real barcode.

Connecting and Disconnecting​

The first time a scanner is used on a terminal, press the Connect button on the driver license scan screen (or the scanner speed test panel). After that, the app reconnects automatically — at login when the terminal setting is on, and whenever the scanner is plugged back in. Use Disconnect to release the scanner.

Scanner Speed Test​

The Device Info page has a scanner test panel for comparing the two scanner modes. Scan the same driver license in keyboard mode and in COM-port mode and the panel shows, for each scan:

  • Character count and how long the scan took to arrive
  • Characters per second
  • Whether the scan was read as a driver license, with the same age checks the POS shows

The panel also lets you adjust the connection speed (baud rate) and the pause that marks the end of a scan. Nothing is stored and the scanned text is not shown.

Troubleshooting​

  • "No scanner found" — make sure the scanner is set to COM-port (USB CDC) mode and plugged in, then press Connect again.
  • The app can't open the scanner — another program may be using the port. Close it and try again.
  • Several serial ports on one machine — the app picks a Zebra scanner automatically, or the only port if there is just one. If it can't tell which is the scanner, use the Connect button to choose it.
  • Scans land in the wrong place — the screen that is open takes the scans. Close dialogs (such as the license scan screen) so the scan goes back to the screen underneath.