Barcode Scanning

Overview

Gearbox supports barcode scanning for fast and accurate part identification — reducing manual entry and improving efficiency during inventory, work orders, and purchasing.

Please note to enable Barcode Scanning, navigate to System Settings and within System Parameters, search for ENABLE_BARCODE_SCANNER and change the value to TRUE.

Adding a Barcode to a Part

To use barcode scanning, each part must first be added to Gearbox with a barcode number.

1. Go to Parts > Add New Part
2. Populate the key fields:
   • Part Number
   • Description
   • Supplier
   • Price Each
   • Each Type
   • Any Other Necessary Fields
3. Click the Scan Barcode button:
   • This activates your device’s camera (e.g. mobile, tablet, or webcam) so you can scan a barcode directly.
   • Alternatively, if you’re using a handheld scanner, scan directly into the Barcode Number field.
4. Once the barcode is populated, click Save and Close.

Where Barcode Scanning Can Be Used

Once a barcode is saved against a part, you can scan to identify it in the following areas:

• Purchase Orders – when adding parts to an order
• Work Orders – when logging parts used on a job within Services, Repairs, and Tyres
• Service Parts – when adding service parts to an asset, select the service type for the parts to apply

When a barcode is scanned:

• The number is entered into the field automatically
• Gearbox checks for a matching Barcode Number
• If found, the corresponding part is selected instantly

⚠️ Barcode Not Scanning?

If scanning a barcode does not trigger the part or populate the field as expected, your scanner may not be sending a carriage return (Enter key) at the end of the scan.

This is required for Gearbox to detect the scanned input and match it to a part in the system.

Please refer to your scanner’s manual or brand support site to enable this setting — it’s usually done by scanning a configuration barcode labeled something like “Add Carriage Return” or “Append Enter”.

Devices and Compatibility

Gearbox supports barcode scanning through both physical scanners and camera-based scanning on mobile devices or PCs.

Device	How to Scan
Mobile/Tablet	Tap Scan Parts to toggle the device camera. Works best in portrait mode.
Webcam	Click Scan Parts in Gearbox to use a connected webcam.
Handheld Scanner	Acts like a keyboard — scan directly into any barcode field with no extra setup. Gearbox supports most 1D USB Barcode Scanners that emulate keyboard input (e.g. Honeywell, Datalogic, Zebra). Tip: If scanning doesn’t trigger the field or part as expected, you may need to configure your scanner to add a carriage return (Enter key) after each scan. This setting can usually be enabled by scanning a configuration barcode in your scanner’s manual or checking the manufacturer's support documentation.

If scanning with a camera, ensure your device has granted camera access to your browser or app.

Note: Android-based picking devices (e.g. Zebra handheld terminals with built-in scanners) are not supported at this time.