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Keyboard Shortcuts

Cashier Manager

Brother POS supports keyboard shortcuts for users who prefer physical keyboards over touchscreen interaction. These shortcuts speed up common tasks like searching for products, managing the cart, and navigating the POS interface. Keyboard shortcuts are especially useful in high-volume environments where every second counts.

Product Search and Navigation​

ShortcutActionContext
Start typingFocus and search productsMain POS screen (when no modal is open)
EnterProcess scanned barcodeAfter barcode scanner input
EscapeClose current modalAny open modal

When you land on the POS register screen, the product search bar is automatically focused. You can start typing immediately to search for products without clicking on the search bar first. This means:

  • Opening the POS and typing "Blue Dream" immediately starts filtering products.
  • After closing a modal, focus returns to the search bar.
  • After completing a sale, the search bar is ready for the next customer.

Barcode Scanner Input​

Barcode scanners function as keyboard input. 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.

tip

You do not need to click on the search bar before scanning. The scanner input is captured globally on the POS screen, as long as no text input field in a modal has focus.

Many modals support keyboard shortcuts for faster interaction:

Hold Order Modal​

ShortcutAction
Type textEnter order name
EnterConfirm and hold the order
EscapeCancel and close

Void Sale -- Manager Authorization​

ShortcutAction
Type digitsEnter 4-digit manager PIN
EnterSubmit PIN for authorization
EscapeCancel the void

Cash Payment Modal​

ShortcutAction
Type digitsEnter amount tendered
EnterConfirm payment
EscapeCancel payment

PIN Login​

ShortcutAction
Type digitsEnter 4-digit user PIN
EnterLog in

General Navigation​

ShortcutActionNotes
EscapeClose any open modalWorks universally across all modals
EnterConfirm/submit in active modalContext-dependent: submits the active form or confirms the current action

Numeric Input​

Several POS features use numeric input where keyboard entry is faster than tapping:

Cash Payment​

When the cash payment modal is open:

  1. Type the dollar amount the customer is paying (e.g., 50 or 50.00).
  2. The change due is calculated and displayed in real time.
  3. Press Enter to confirm the payment.

Quantity Adjustment​

When editing item quantities in the cart:

  1. Tap the quantity field on a cart item.
  2. Type the new quantity.
  3. Press Enter or tap away to confirm.

Weight Entry​

When the weight selection modal is open:

  1. Type the weight value (e.g., 3.5).
  2. Press Enter to confirm and add to cart.

Tips for Power Users​

Use the Keyboard for the Full Sale Flow​

A skilled cashier with a keyboard can complete an entire sale without touching the screen:

  1. Search: Type the product name to filter the grid.
  2. Select: Use the product grid (touch required for selection unless using barcode scanner).
  3. Scan alternative: Scan the product barcode -- it is added to the cart automatically.
  4. Payment: When the cash modal opens, type the amount and press Enter.

The fastest checkout flow is: scan barcode (auto-adds to cart) followed by tapping a payment button and pressing Enter.

Combine Scanner and Keyboard​

For stores with both a barcode scanner and a keyboard:

  1. Scan products with the barcode scanner for speed.
  2. Search by name with the keyboard when an item does not have a barcode.
  3. Type amounts on the keyboard for cash payments.

This hybrid approach is the fastest workflow for most retail environments.

Scanner-Specific Considerations​

Short SKUs​

Very short SKUs (under 8 characters) may not be automatically recognized as barcode scans and will be treated as search text instead. If your products use short SKUs, consider using a longer barcode format.

Scanner Suffix Configuration​

Most barcode scanners can be configured to send a specific character after each scan. Brother POS expects an Enter key (\r or carriage return) as the scan terminator. If your scanner does not send Enter by default:

  1. Consult the scanner's programming manual.
  2. Scan the "Add Enter Suffix" programming barcode (usually included in the manual).
  3. Test by scanning a product barcode -- it should be processed immediately.

Scanner in HID Mode​

Ensure your scanner is in HID (Human Interface Device) keyboard mode, not serial mode. In serial mode, the scanner sends data too slowly and Brother POS treats it as human typing rather than a scan.

Accessibility​

Keyboard shortcuts support accessibility for users who prefer or require keyboard navigation:

  • Tab cycles through focusable elements in modals.
  • Enter activates the focused button or confirms the current action.
  • Escape provides a consistent way to dismiss modals and overlays.
  • The POS uses standard HTML elements. Screen reader compatibility has not been specifically verified.

Mobile and Tablet Considerations​

On mobile devices and tablets, physical keyboard shortcuts are less relevant since interaction is primarily touch-based. However:

  • Bluetooth keyboards work with tablets and support all keyboard shortcuts listed above.
  • External barcode scanners (Bluetooth or USB-C) function the same as on desktop.
  • On-screen keyboard does not support shortcuts -- use the touch interface instead.

Troubleshooting​

ProblemSolution
Typing does not search productsA modal may be open with a text field focused. Close the modal or click outside the text field.
Scanner input appears in search barThe scanner may be sending characters too slowly. Check the scanner configuration for HID mode and speed settings.
Enter does not confirm actionEnsure focus is on the correct modal. Some modals require a specific field to be filled before Enter works (e.g., void reason cannot be blank).
Escape does not close modalSome modals with critical actions (e.g., processing payment) may block Escape during processing. Wait for the action to complete.
Characters appear garbledCheck the keyboard or scanner language/encoding settings. Brother POS expects standard UTF-8 input.

Quick Reference Card​

Print this table and keep it near the register for quick reference:

ActionShortcut
Search for productStart typing
Process barcode scanAutomatic (Enter terminates)
Close any modalEscape
Confirm action in modalEnter
Enter cash amountType digits in cash modal
Enter manager PINType digits in override prompt
Hold orderType name then Enter

What's Next?​