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Hardware for barcode scanning
Hardware for barcode scanning
Barcodes can be scanned using a scanner or smart device camera (with the Shop Floor App)
Dayvid Lorbiecke avatar
Written by Dayvid Lorbiecke. Updated over a week ago

Barcodes can be scanned in Katana by using:

The items and batch numbers need to have physical barcode labels to scan barcodes. Read more

Setting up a dedicated barcode scanner

A dedicated barcode scanner needs to be connected to a device running the Katana app.

All simple USB and Bluetooth scanners will work with Katana as long as they are compatible with the device's operating system.

Some tested scanner brands that work are Zebra, Honeywell, and Datalogic.

Here is a list of tested models:

  • ZEBRA Barcode Reader LI2208 - supports 1D barcode

  • Honeywell Eclipse 5145 - supports 1D barcode

  • ZEBRA DS2208 - supports 1D and 2D barcodes

  • Datalogic QuickScan QBT2400 - supports 1D and 2D barcodes and can be wireless, make sure it comes with a dock to connect it to a computer

Read more about 1D and 2D barcodes here.

More advanced smart scanners (scanners with their own screen and apps) are not yet supported.

Note: Sometimes out of the box scanners behave a little bit differently than the way it is designed to work in Katana, but you shouldn't be afraid of these - here is a simple guide to use as an example for any scanner in this list - scan 1 to 3 barcodes depending on the model and it should then be programmed to work as expected. All scanners have their respective codes in the user manual. The key is that the scanners need to click enter after scanning a code.

What kind of barcodes can I scan?

Barcode scanning technology is mostly divided into 2 categories:

1. Laser scanners (like the first 2 models listed above)

Laser scanner benefits:

  • Performance in low light conditions

  • Reliable reading results

  • Generally faster-scanning results

  • When there are multiple barcodes closely packed, you can aim sharply at the desired barcode

  • The most affordable scanners on the market

Drawbacks of laser scanners:

  • Can only scan 1D linear barcodes

2. Optical scanners / area imagers (like the 3rd and 4th models listed above)

Optical scanner benefits:

  • Can read 1D and 2D barcodes
    (If you need to scan a QR code, then this is your option).

Drawbacks of optical scanners:

  • A wide area of scanning image means that if multiple barcodes are packed together, aiming at the correct one can be difficult

  • Poor performance in low light conditions (though many scanners have built-in light to overcome that problem)

  • More expensive than laser scanners

Note: In general, you shouldn't be afraid of optical scanners as the technology has evolved rapidly in recent years. The more expensive models are nearly on par with laser scanners and offer the future-proofing of scanning all kinds of visual codes.

3. Smartphone camera in Katana Shop Floor App.

The benefits of using a smart device camera to scan barcodes:

  • As the Shop Floor App is most commonly used with smart devices, then there is no need to have a dedicated scanner.

Drawbacks of using a smart device as a barcode scanner:

  • The reading of barcodes may take more time

  • Limited capability of barcodes that can be recognized (though all common EAN, UPC, and GS barcodes can be read)

  • Low light capability is depending on the smart device camera

  • Barcodes have to be scanned at relatively close proximity - the best results are achieved between 4-8 inches (10-20cm) from the 1x2 inch (2,5x5cm) size barcode label

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