Bluetooth Scanner Usage

Once your Bluetooth scanner is connected, it works automatically throughout Shipedge Warehouse Pro. This guide explains how scanner input works, where you can use it, and tips for efficient scanning.

Scanner Works Automatically

After connecting your scanner, it’s always active. Just scan barcodes and the data appears in the active input field automatically. No extra steps needed!

How Scanner Input Works

The app continuously monitors your Bluetooth scanner for input. When you scan a barcode:

Automatic Processing:

1. Scanner reads the barcode
2. Data is sent to your Android device via Bluetooth
3. App receives and validates the scanned data
4. Data appears in the active input field automatically
5. Field processes the input (same as if you typed it)

Data Validation:

• Scanned data is validated by comparing multiple reads
• Ensures accuracy by checking data consistency
• Trims whitespace and removes line breaks
• Processes data only when validation passes

Where Scanner Works

Your Bluetooth scanner works in all input fields throughout the app:

Login Screen:

• Access code field - Scan your access code barcode

Replenishment:

• Bin locations - Scan bin barcodes
• LPN codes - Scan license plate numbers
• SKU/UPC/Product ID - Scan product identifiers
• Serial numbers - Scan serialized items
• Lot and expiration dates - Scan lot/expiration barcodes

Picking:

• Order IDs - Scan order barcodes
• Product codes - Scan SKU, UPC, or Product ID
• Bin locations - Scan bin barcodes
• Container IDs - Scan container barcodes

Cycle Count:

• Bin locations - Scan bins to count
• Product identifiers - Scan SKU, UPC, or Product ID
• Quantity verification - Scan quantity barcodes

Quality Control:

• Order verification - Scan order IDs
• Product scanning - Scan product codes
• Serial numbers - Scan serialized items
• Tracking numbers - Scan tracking barcodes

Bins Management:

• Bin locations - Scan bin barcodes
• Location codes - Scan location identifiers
• Product codes - Scan SKU, UPC, or Product ID

Returns:

• Order IDs - Scan return order barcodes
• Tracking numbers - Scan tracking codes
• RMA numbers - Scan RMA barcodes

Other Operations:

• Transfers, Time Tracking, Blind Count, and all other features
• Any field that accepts text input accepts scanner input

Using Your Scanner

1. Ensure Scanner is Connected

   Verify your scanner shows as connected:

   • Check Bluetooth status on login screen or main menu
   • Should show “Paired to [Scanner Name]” in green
   • If not connected, see Bluetooth Scanner Setup

2. Focus the Input Field

   Tap the input field where you want to scan data:

   • Field becomes active (cursor appears)
   • Keyboard may appear (you can dismiss it)
   • Field is ready to receive scanner input

3. Scan the Barcode

   Point your scanner at the barcode and trigger:

   • Press scanner trigger button
   • Scanner reads the barcode
   • You may hear a beep from the scanner

4. Data Appears Automatically

   Scanned data appears in the field:

   • Data replaces any existing text in the field
   • Cursor moves to end of scanned data
   • Field processes the input automatically

5. Continue Your Workflow

   The app processes scanned data:

   • Validates the scanned code
   • Performs lookup or verification
   • Moves to next step in workflow
   • Or shows error if code is invalid

Scanner Behavior

Automatic Field Detection

The app automatically detects which field should receive scanner input:

Focused Field Priority:

• If a field has focus (cursor visible), scanner data goes there
• If multiple fields are visible, the focused one receives input
• Tap a field to focus it before scanning

Context-Aware Input:

• App knows which field is active based on workflow state
• Scanner input goes to the appropriate field automatically
• No need to manually select fields in most cases

Data Processing

Immediate Processing:

• Scanned data is processed immediately when received
• No need to press Enter or submit buttons
• App validates and acts on scanned data automatically

Error Handling:

• Invalid codes show error messages
• Field may clear if code is rejected
• Try scanning again if error occurs

Multiple Scans

Sequential Scanning:

• Scan one barcode at a time
• Wait for processing before scanning next
• App processes each scan individually

Rapid Scanning:

• You can scan quickly in sequence
• App queues and processes scans in order
• Don’t scan faster than app can process

Scanner vs Manual Input

You can switch between scanner and manual input:

Using Scanner:

• Scanner is active when connected (MySocket.statusBt = "ON")
• Data appears automatically in active fields
• Faster and more accurate than typing

Using Manual Input:

• Disconnect scanner or select “Manual” from menu
• Use device keyboard to type codes
• Useful when scanner battery is low or unavailable

Switching Methods:

• From menu: Select “Scanner” or “Manual”
• Scanner mode: Shows hint “Scan Upc,ProductId or Sku”
• Manual mode: Shows hint “Typing Upc,ProductId or Sku”

💡 Best Practices

Focus Fields Before Scanning

Tap the input field to focus it before scanning. This ensures data goes to the correct field.

Wait for Processing

Wait for each scan to process before scanning the next barcode. Rapid scanning can cause missed scans.

Check Scanner Range

Keep scanner within Bluetooth range (10 meters/30 feet). Moving too far causes disconnection.

Clean Barcodes

Ensure barcodes are clean and undamaged. Dirty or damaged barcodes may not scan correctly.

Good Lighting

Scan in good lighting conditions. Poor light can cause scanning failures or slow reads.

Hold Scanner Steady

Hold scanner steady when scanning. Movement during scan can cause read errors.

Common Scanning Scenarios

Scanning Product Codes

In Replenishment or Picking:

1. Tap the SKU/UPC/Product ID field
2. Scan product barcode
3. Product information loads automatically
4. Continue with quantity or next product

Field Hints:

• Scanner mode: “Scan Upc,ProductId or Sku”
• Manual mode: “Typing Upc,ProductId or Sku”

Scanning Bin Locations

In Any Operation:

1. Tap the bin location field
2. Scan bin barcode
3. Bin information loads automatically
4. App validates bin exists and is available

Multiple Formats:

• Bin tags
• Location codes
• LPN codes (if applicable)

Scanning Serial Numbers

For Serialized Products:

1. Open serial input dialog (if required)
2. Scan serial number barcode
3. Serial is validated automatically
4. Continue with next serial or complete

Serial Validation:

• Checks if serial already scanned
• Validates serial format
• Shows error if serial is invalid or duplicate

Scanning Order IDs

In Picking or Returns:

1. Tap order ID field
2. Scan order barcode
3. Order details load automatically
4. Proceed with order processing

Troubleshooting Scanner Usage

Data Doesn’t Appear

Problem: Scan barcode but nothing happens

Solutions:

• Verify scanner is connected (check Bluetooth status)
• Tap the input field to focus it before scanning
• Check scanner battery level
• Ensure scanner is within Bluetooth range
• Try scanning again (may need multiple attempts)
• Check barcode is clean and readable

Wrong Field Receives Data

Problem: Scanned data goes to wrong field

Solutions:

• Tap the correct field to focus it before scanning
• Wait for current operation to complete
• Ensure only one field is active at a time
• Check workflow state matches expected field

Scanner Disconnects During Use

Problem: Scanner stops working mid-operation

Solutions:

• Check scanner battery level
• Verify scanner is within range
• Check Bluetooth is still enabled on device
• Reconnect scanner using connection steps
• See “Se desconecto” message indicates disconnection

Slow Response to Scans

Problem: Delay between scan and data appearing

Solutions:

• Wait for previous scan to process completely
• Check device performance (close other apps)
• Verify internet connection (some lookups require server)
• Restart app if delays persist

Invalid Code Errors

Problem: Scanned code shows as invalid

Solutions:

• Verify barcode is correct for the operation
• Check barcode isn’t damaged or dirty
• Ensure barcode format matches expected type
• Try scanning again (may be read error)
• Verify code exists in system

Multiple Scans Required

Problem: Need to scan same barcode multiple times

Solutions:

• Ensure good lighting conditions
• Hold scanner steady during scan
• Clean barcode surface
• Check scanner lens is clean
• Verify barcode quality (not faded or damaged)

Scanner Data Flow

Technical Process:

1. Input Reading:

   • InputReader thread reads from Bluetooth socket
   • Reads data in 1024-byte buffer chunks
   • Sends raw data to processing queue

2. Data Validation:

   • Consumer thread processes scanned data
   • Compares multiple reads for accuracy
   • Trims whitespace and removes line breaks
   • Validates data consistency

3. Activity Processing:

   • GetDatasToPrueba monitors for new scans
   • Calls Datasource.waiting() to get validated data
   • Receives data when statusActivity changes to 2
   • Sends data to Updater Runnable

4. Field Update:

   • Updater determines target field based on activity state
   • Sets text in appropriate EditText field
   • Moves cursor to end of scanned data
   • Triggers field processing logic

Disconnection Handling

Automatic Detection:

• App detects when scanner disconnects
• Shows “Se desconecto” message
• Attempts automatic reconnection
• Falls back to manual input if reconnection fails

Reconnection Process:

• reconnectDevice() method attempts to reconnect
• Uses stored scanner connection information
• Re-establishes Bluetooth socket connection
• Resumes scanning when reconnected

Technical Details

Scanner Monitoring:

• Each activity runs GetDatasToPrueba thread
• Continuously monitors Datasource.statusActivity
• Processes scans when status changes to 2
• Thread runs until activity closes or scanner disconnects

Data Validation:

• Compares first and second read (1 second apart)
• If match: Uses data immediately
• If no match: Reads third sample and combines
• Ensures data integrity before processing

Status Codes:

• statusActivity = 1 - Waiting for scan
• statusActivity = 2 - Scan received and validated
• statusActivity = 3 - Activity closed, stop monitoring

Field Detection:

• Checks field focus state (hasFocus())
• Uses activity state variables (statusFirstView, statusSecondView, etc.)
• Routes data to appropriate field based on workflow

Classes Involved:

• Datasource.java - Data reading and validation
• MySocket.java - Connection state management
• GetDatasToPrueba - Activity-specific scanner monitoring
• Updater - Field update and processing

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Related: Bluetooth Scanner Setup - Connect your scanner | Main Menu Navigation - Access operations