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How to scan barcodes

Streamline operations in Katana with barcode scanning for receiving items, tracking ingredients, and managing stock efficiently.

Dayvid Lorbiecke avatar
Written by Dayvid Lorbiecke
Updated this week

Barcode scanning in Katana helps speed up inventory processes and reduce errors. You can scan barcodes in the main Katana site, the Shop Floor Control app, and the Warehouse app. This enables quick receiving, stocktaking, ingredient tracking, and picking.


Preparing to scan

Before you start scanning:

  1. Enable barcodes → Go to Settings > Barcodes and switch them on.

  2. Connect a scanner → Use a handheld barcode scanner (for desktop) or the built-in camera (for mobile apps).

  3. Activate scan mode → Select a barcode field or press CTRL+B (PC) / CMD+B (Mac) to begin scanning.

If an item or batch doesn’t have a barcode label, you’ll need to print barcode labels before scanning.


Scanning in the main Katana site

You can scan barcodes directly in the Katana app for tasks like receiving items and stocktakes.

Activating scan mode

  • On screens with a Start scanning button (e.g., the Buy screen):

    Screenshot showing the 'Start scanning' button on the Buy screen
    • Click the button OR press CTRL+B / CMD+B to activate.

  • In pop-ups with a barcode field:

    Screenshot showing the scan option on pop-ups
    • Click inside the field OR use the shortcut to start scanning.

Entering data with a scanner

Searching by barcode

Screenshot highlighting the internal barcode filter on the Items screen
  • In the Items screen or Stock screen > Batches tab, use a barcode filter.

  • Scan a barcode → the matching item or batch will appear.


Scanning in the Shop Floor Control App

The Shop Floor Control app lets operators scan with their device camera.

To scan:

  1. Open the app.

  2. Tap the Scan button (found in multiple places, such as when reporting consumed materials).

    Screenshot highlighting the Scan button inside the Shop Floor App

  3. Point the device camera at the barcode.

  4. Katana will match the item or batch number.

This is especially useful for consuming ingredients or finding batch numbers during production.


Scanning in the Warehouse App

The Warehouse app supports scanning with an external scanner or a smart scanner device.

To scan:

  1. Open a picking task.

  2. Scan the item’s barcode → the item’s detail view opens automatically.

  3. Confirm the picked item or batch.

If you scan an item not included in the task list, an error message will appear.

This helps ensure accuracy when fulfilling sales orders or receiving purchase orders.


Summary

  • Main Katana site → Use a scanner for stocktakes, receiving, and searching items.

  • Shop Floor Control app → Use your device camera to scan ingredients and batches.

  • Warehouse app → Use scanners to confirm picked items and receive POs.

By preparing correctly (enabling barcodes, connecting devices, activating scan mode), you can ensure fast, accurate, and efficient barcode scanning across your Katana workflows.


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