Barcode scanning makes it faster and more accurate to receive items in Katana. From the Buy screen, you can scan item barcodes to find the correct purchase order (PO), update received quantities, and manage batch numbers. You can also export barcodes for label printing.
Step 1: Activate scanning
Go to the Buy screen.
Click Start scanning or press:
CTRL+B on PC
CMD+B on Mac
This activates scan mode for receiving.
Step 2: Scan item barcodes
If the barcode matches a Supplier Item Code and only one PO exists:
→ The PO receive window opens with the item selected.
If the barcode is linked to multiple POs:
→ Choose the correct PO from the list.
If you scan the same code again (while the receive window is open):
→ The received quantity for that item increases.
To switch to another item in the same PO, delete the barcode from the top-left field in the receive window or press CTRL+B / CMD+B again.
Step 3: Handle batch-trackable items (if applicable)
If the item uses batch tracking:
Select or create a batch number.
Search or scan an existing batch number.
OR create a new one (Katana can auto-generate a batch barcode).
If your supplier provides a barcode for their batch/LOT number, you can scan it into the batch field.
Batch barcodes can be edited at this point if needed.
Step 4: Export barcodes (optional)
In the receive modal, select Export barcodes.
This generates a CSV file containing the received item barcodes.
Use the file with label-printing software to print physical barcode labels.
Step 5: Confirm receipt
Click Receive to confirm.
Inventory levels update automatically.
If you exported barcodes, a CSV file downloads with the barcode data.
Handling special cases
If a scanned barcode is new to Katana
You may see: “Can’t find any items with this code.”
Search for the correct item from existing items in Katana.
Once selected, the PO receive window opens and the scanned barcode is saved to the Supplier Item Code field for future use.
If a barcode is recognized but no PO exists
Katana can’t receive the item until a PO is created.
Create a new PO for the item, then rescan to receive it.
Summary
Start scanning from the Buy screen with CTRL+B / CMD+B.
Scan item barcodes → Katana finds the matching PO.
Assign batches for batch-tracked items.
Export barcodes if you need printable labels.
Confirm receipt to update inventory.
Handle new barcodes or missing POs by adding them before receiving.
Using barcode receiving ensures faster, more accurate stock updates and minimizes manual entry errors.
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