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Barcode Scanner

Cashier Manager

Brother POS supports USB and Bluetooth barcode scanners that operate as keyboard wedge devices. This means the scanner types characters into the computer just like a keyboard -- no special drivers or configuration are needed. Plug in the scanner, scan a barcode, and the product is added to the cart automatically.

Product Search

Before You Begin​

  • Your scanner must be a keyboard wedge (HID) type. Most modern USB barcode scanners work this way out of the box.
  • Products in your catalog must have SKU or barcode values assigned. The scanner reads the barcode, and Brother POS looks up the product by its SKU.
  • Bluetooth scanners are supported but must be paired with your device first through your operating system's Bluetooth settings.
No driver installation required

Keyboard wedge scanners are plug-and-play. Plug the USB cable into your register computer (or pair via Bluetooth), and the scanner is ready immediately. No software installation or POS configuration is needed.

How Scanning Works​

Brother POS automatically detects barcode scanner input and distinguishes it from manual typing. When a barcode is scanned, the product is looked up and added to the cart automatically. No special configuration is needed -- the scanner works as a keyboard input device.

Supported Scanner Types​

TypeConnectionCompatibility
USB wiredUSB-A or USB-CFully supported, recommended
BluetoothBluetooth HIDSupported after pairing with the operating system
2.4GHz wirelessUSB dongleFully supported (functions like USB wired)
Camera-based (phone)App integrationNot supported -- use a physical scanner

Any keyboard wedge scanner will work, but these are commonly used with Brother POS:

  • 1D/2D handheld scanners (most affordable option)
  • Presentation scanners (hands-free, scan by waving the product in front)
  • Ring scanners (wearable, for high-volume environments)

Setting Up a Scanner​

USB Scanner​

  1. Plug the scanner into a USB port on your register computer.
  2. Wait a moment for the operating system to recognize it (usually instant).
  3. Open the POS register in your browser.
  4. Scan a product barcode. The product should appear in the cart immediately.

No configuration is needed in Brother POS.

Bluetooth Scanner​

  1. Put the scanner in pairing mode (refer to the scanner's documentation).
  2. Open Bluetooth settings on your register computer and pair the scanner.
  3. Open the POS register in your browser.
  4. Scan a product barcode to verify it works.
Bluetooth latency

Bluetooth scanners may have slightly higher latency than USB scanners. Brother POS accommodates this with the 80ms threshold, but if your Bluetooth scanner is not being detected as a scan, check that keystrokes arrive within 80ms of each other. Most modern Bluetooth scanners meet this requirement.

Scanning Products​

Basic Scan​

  1. Focus can be anywhere on the POS screen. You do not need to click on the search bar first -- the scanner input is captured globally.
  2. Scan the barcode on the product.
  3. The POS looks up the product by SKU/barcode.
  4. If found, the product is added to the cart with a quantity of 1.
  5. If the product is already in the cart, the quantity is incremented by 1.

Weight-Based Products​

If you scan a weight-based product, the weight selection modal opens so you can choose a preset weight (1g, 3.5g, 7g, etc.) or enter a custom weight.

Products With Variations​

If you scan a product that has variations (sizes, colors, etc.), the variation picker modal opens so you can select the specific variant.

Products With Modifiers​

If the product has modifier groups, the modifier selection modal appears after scanning so you can configure the item before it is added to the cart.

Barcode Formats​

Brother POS works with any barcode format your scanner can read, as long as the decoded value matches a product SKU in your catalog:

FormatCommon UseExample
UPC-AStandard retail (12 digits)012345678905
EAN-13International retail (13 digits)4006381333931
Code 128Variable length, alphanumericSKU-BLUEDREAM-35G
QR Code2D codes (requires 2D scanner)Any text/URL
Code 39Alphanumeric, older systemsBD-001-35
Custom SKUs

If your store uses custom alphanumeric SKUs instead of standard barcodes, make sure your label printer generates barcodes that encode those SKUs. The scanner reads the encoded value, and Brother POS matches it to the product SKU field.

When a Scan Fails​

If a scanned barcode does not match any product in your catalog:

  1. The scanned value is placed into the search bar as text.
  2. The product grid filters based on the scanned value.
  3. If no results appear, the product may not have a matching SKU assigned.

Common Reasons for Failed Scans​

ProblemCauseSolution
Product not foundSKU not assigned to productAdd the barcode value as the product's SKU in the admin panel
Wrong product foundSKU assigned to wrong productVerify and correct SKU assignments in Admin > Products
Garbled charactersScanner encoding mismatchReset the scanner to UTF-8 or default encoding
Nothing happensScanner not recognizedCheck the USB connection or Bluetooth pairing
Characters appear slowlyScanner in serial mode, not HIDReconfigure the scanner to HID/keyboard wedge mode

Scanner Tips for Modal Contexts​

The barcode scanner only captures input when the focus is not inside a text input, textarea, or editable field. This means:

  • Scanning works from the main POS screen at any time.
  • If a modal is open with a text input focused (e.g., the search bar, discount amount field), the scanned data goes into that text field instead of being processed as a barcode.
  • To scan while a modal is open, click outside any text field first.

Troubleshooting​

ProblemSolution
Scanner is not detected at allVerify it is plugged in and the OS recognizes it. Try a different USB port.
Scan adds characters to search bar instead of adding productThe timing may be off. Check that the scanner sends characters rapidly (under 80ms each).
Scanner adds the wrong productVerify the product's SKU matches the barcode value. Scan into a text editor to see the raw output.
Bluetooth scanner drops connectionMove closer to the register. Check battery level. Re-pair if needed.
Scanner beeps but nothing happens in POSEnsure the POS browser tab is focused (active tab). Scanners send keystrokes to the focused application.

Best Practices​

  1. Assign SKUs to every product. Products without SKUs cannot be scanned, slowing down checkout.
  2. Use a consistent barcode format. Standardize on UPC, EAN, or Code 128 across your catalog.
  3. Test after setup. Scan a few products to verify the scanner and product catalog are properly connected.
  4. Keep a backup scanner. If your primary scanner fails, a spare ensures checkout is not disrupted.
  5. Print labels with barcodes. Use the label printer to generate barcode labels for products that do not have manufacturer barcodes.

What's Next?​