Returns Overview

Introduction

The Returns module lets you search and process customer returns in the warehouse. You can search for returns using the shipping number (Shipping#), tracking number (Tracking#), or RMA number. Once you find a return, you can view all its details and update its status to “In warehouse” when the package arrives at the warehouse.

This feature helps maintain accurate return records and ensures returned products are processed correctly.

Why Use Returns?

Quick search

Search for returns using three different methods: Shipping#, Tracking#, or RMA. This makes it easy to find any return quickly.

Complete information

View all return details on a single screen: customer information, products, dates, and current status.

Status updates

Update the return status to “In warehouse” when the package physically arrives at the warehouse.

Integrated scanning

Use a Bluetooth scanner or the device camera to scan barcodes instead of typing manually.

How to Search for a Return

1. Open the Returns module

   From the app’s main menu, select Returns. The Returns screen opens with three empty search fields.

2. Choose a search method

   You can search using any of these three fields:

   • Tracking#: Tracking number of the return package
   • Shipping#: Shipping number of the original order
   • RMA: Return Merchandise Authorization number

   You only need to fill one of these fields. When you click on a field, the other two are automatically cleared.

3. Enter the search value

   You can type the number manually or use a scanner:

   • Bluetooth scanner: If you have a Bluetooth scanner connected, scan the barcode directly in the active field
   • Camera: Tap the camera icon in the top bar to use the device camera barcode scanner
   • Keyboard: Type the number manually using the device keyboard

4. Search for the return

   After entering the value, tap the OK button. The app searches for the return on the server and displays the details if found.

5. Review the details

   If the return is found, you’ll see all the information in the “Details” section below the search fields.

Details Displayed

When you find a return, the app displays the following information:

Status Information

• Status: Current status of the return
  • IN-TRANSIT: The package is on its way to the warehouse
  • PROCESSING: The package is being processed

Return Information

• RMA: Return Merchandise Authorization number
• Shipping#: Shipping number of the original order
• Account: Customer account name
• Request type: Type of return request
• Tracking#: Tracking number of the package

Customer Information

• First name: Customer’s first name
• Last name: Customer’s last name
• Zip code: Customer’s zip code

Product Information

• Items: Number of items in the return
• Sku: SKU code of the returned product

Dates

• Request date: Date the return was requested
• Received date: Date the package was received at the warehouse

Update Status to “In warehouse”

When a return package physically arrives at the warehouse, you can update its status:

1. Verify the status

   Search for the return using one of the search methods. Check that the Status shows IN-TRANSIT.

2. Confirm the button is enabled

   If the status is IN-TRANSIT, the In warehouse button will be enabled and appear active. If the status is PROCESSING, the button will be disabled.

3. Update the status

   Tap the In warehouse button. The app sends the update to the server and changes the return status.

Status Required

You can only update the status to “In warehouse” when the current status is IN-TRANSIT. If the status is PROCESSING, the button will be disabled and you won’t be able to make changes.

Scanner Usage

The Returns module supports two types of scanning:

Bluetooth Scanner

If you have a Bluetooth scanner connected:

1. The active field will show text like “Scann or enter [field]” instead of just “Enter [field]”
2. Scan the barcode directly and the value will be automatically entered in the active field
3. The app processes the scan automatically after a brief delay

Camera Scanner

To use the device camera:

1. Tap the camera icon in the top bar of the screen
2. If you don’t have the “Barcode Scanner” app installed, the app will ask you to install it
3. Scan the barcode with the camera
4. The value will be automatically entered in the active field and the return will be searched

Scanner Setup

To set up a Bluetooth scanner, go to the options menu (three dots) and select Scanner. Then choose the Bluetooth device from the list of paired devices.

Action Buttons

OK

• Function: Searches for the return using the value entered in the active field
• When to use: After entering a Tracking#, Shipping#, or RMA

In warehouse

• Function: Updates the return status to “In warehouse”
• When to use: When the return package physically arrives at the warehouse
• Status required: Only works when Status is IN-TRANSIT

Cancel

• Function: Closes the Returns module and returns to the main menu
• When to use: When you want to exit the module without processing any returns

💡 Best Practices

Verify status before updating

Always check that the Status is IN-TRANSIT before tapping “In warehouse”. This ensures you only update returns that have actually arrived at the warehouse.

Use scanner when possible

Scanning is faster and reduces typing errors. Set up a Bluetooth scanner for greater efficiency in processing returns.

Review all details

Before updating the status, review all return details to make sure they match the physical package you received.

One field at a time

The app only allows searching using one field at a time. When you click on a field, the others are automatically cleared to avoid confusion.

Troubleshooting

Return Not Found

Problem: After searching, no return information appears.

Solutions:

• Verify you entered the correct number (Tracking#, Shipping#, or RMA)
• Make sure you have an internet connection
• Try a different search method (for example, if Tracking# doesn’t work, try Shipping# or RMA)
• Verify that the return exists in the system

”In warehouse” Button is Disabled

Problem: The “In warehouse” button appears grayed out and you can’t click it.

Solution: This is normal. The button only enables when the return status is IN-TRANSIT. If the status is PROCESSING, the button remains disabled because the return has already been processed or is in a different state.

Connection Error

Problem: A “No connection to internet” message appears.

Solutions:

• Check your internet or Wi-Fi connection
• Make sure the device has signal
• Try searching again after a few seconds

Bluetooth Scanner Not Working

Problem: The Bluetooth scanner doesn’t automatically enter values.

Solutions:

• Verify the scanner is connected and paired with the device
• Go to the options menu and select Scanner to reconnect the device
• If the scanner disconnected, the app will show a dialog to reconnect it

Technical Information

Activity: ReturnActivity.java
Layout: myreturn.xml
API Service: ConnectToDataBaseServerReturn.java

The module connects to the server using the /android/return.php endpoint to search and update return information.

Next Steps

• Returns Process - Complete step-by-step guide
• Bluetooth Scanner Setup - Set up a Bluetooth scanner
• Main Menu Navigation - Learn to navigate the app