Skip to main content

Barcode Scanning

Barcode scanning is the fastest way to add books to POS sales. The BookWish app uses your device's camera to scan ISBN barcodes.

Scanner Overview​

The POS barcode scanner:

  • Uses your device's camera
  • Scans ISBN-13 and ISBN-10 barcodes
  • Automatically looks up books in your inventory
  • Adds found books to cart instantly
  • Stays open for multiple scans
tip

Barcode scanning is 5-10x faster than manual search for most in-store sales.

Supported Barcode Types​

The scanner reads these barcode formats:

ISBN Barcodes​

ISBN-13: 13-digit numbers (most common on modern books)

9780142437247

ISBN-10: 10-digit numbers (older books)

0142437247

EAN-13: European Article Numbers (same as ISBN-13 for books)

Where to Find ISBN Barcodes​

On books, look for barcodes:

  1. Back cover: Most common location (bottom)
  2. Inside cover: Sometimes on the first or last page
  3. Dust jacket: On hardcover book jackets
  4. Spine: Occasionally on book spine
info

The barcode shows as vertical lines with numbers underneath. Books usually have one barcode, but some have additional barcodes for price or internal tracking - scan the ISBN barcode.

Opening the Scanner​

From POS Screen​

  1. Open Point of Sale
  2. Tap the Scanner Icon (viewfinder/QR code icon) in top right corner
  3. Scanner opens with camera view

Alternative method:

  1. Tap search bar
  2. Tap scanner icon in search bar
  3. Camera scanner opens

Using the Scanner​

Basic Scanning Steps​

  1. Open scanner via POS interface
  2. Point camera at the ISBN barcode
  3. Center barcode in the viewfinder
  4. Hold steady for 1-2 seconds
  5. Wait for beep/vibration confirming scan
  6. Book automatically added to cart

Scanner Interface​

The scanner screen shows:

  • Live camera view: What your camera sees
  • Scanning area: Visual guide showing where to position barcode
  • Instructions: "Point camera at ISBN barcode"
  • Close button: Exit scanner (X in top corner)

Multiple Items​

For customers buying multiple books:

  1. Keep scanner open after first scan
  2. Point at next book's barcode
  3. Scan second book (auto-adds to cart)
  4. Continue for all books
  5. Close scanner when done
tip

Don't close the scanner between books - it's designed to stay open for multiple scans.

Scanning Techniques​

Best Practices​

✓ Good Lighting: Ensure adequate light on barcode ✓ Steady Hand: Keep device still while scanning ✓ Right Distance: Hold 4-8 inches from barcode ✓ Flat Surface: Barcode should be as flat as possible ✓ Clean Lens: Wipe camera lens if needed ✓ Straight Angle: Point camera directly at barcode, not at an angle

Positioning​

Optimal Position:

  • 4-8 inches from barcode
  • Camera parallel to barcode surface
  • Barcode centered in viewfinder
  • All barcode lines visible

Too Close: Barcode appears blurry Too Far: Scanner can't read small lines Angled: Lines appear distorted

Lighting Conditions​

Good Lighting:

  • Natural daylight
  • Overhead lighting
  • Well-lit store environment

Poor Lighting:

  • Dim lighting (use device flashlight)
  • Direct sunlight (causes glare)
  • Shadows across barcode
Using Flashlight

In dim lighting, enable your device's flashlight before opening the scanner. Most devices have a flashlight toggle in quick settings.

Scanning Difficult Barcodes​

Worn or Damaged Barcodes​

For books with worn barcodes:

  1. Try holding at slightly different angle
  2. Flatten barcode if crinkled
  3. Try different lighting
  4. Clean barcode surface gently
  5. If still fails, enter ISBN manually

Shiny or Reflective Covers​

Books with glossy covers can cause glare:

  1. Angle book slightly to reduce reflection
  2. Move to area with less direct light
  3. Use diffused lighting instead of direct
  4. Try scanning from different angle

Curved or Bent Barcodes​

For barcodes on curved surfaces:

  1. Try to flatten the surface gently
  2. Scan the flattest section
  3. Hold book firmly to reduce curve
  4. Scan spine barcode if available

Multiple Barcodes​

Some books have multiple barcodes:

  1. Look for the ISBN label
  2. Usually the longest barcode
  3. Skip price barcodes (shorter)
  4. Try each if unsure

Scanner Feedback​

Successful Scan​

When a book is successfully scanned:

  • Haptic feedback: Device vibrates briefly
  • Confirmation message: "Added: [Book Title]"
  • Green flash: Visual confirmation
  • Cart updates: Item appears in cart
  • Scanner stays open: Ready for next scan

Failed Scan​

If the scanner cannot read the barcode:

  • No feedback: Nothing happens
  • Try again: Reposition and scan again
  • Manual entry: Use search if repeated failures

Book Not in Inventory​

If the ISBN is scanned but book not found:

  • Error message: "Item not found in inventory"
  • Scanner stays open: Can scan next item
  • Solution: Add book to inventory first, or skip
info

The scanner only finds books already in your inventory. Scanning a book not in your inventory will show "not found" even if the barcode is read successfully.

Manual ISBN Entry​

If barcode scanning doesn't work:

  1. Close scanner
  2. Tap search bar
  3. Enter ISBN manually: Type the 13-digit or 10-digit number
  4. Press Enter/Search
  5. Book added if found in inventory

Manual entry is slower but useful for:

  • Damaged barcodes
  • Missing barcodes
  • Scanner technical issues
  • Non-standard book formats

Troubleshooting​

Scanner Won't Open​

Problem: Scanner button does nothing or shows error

Solutions:

  1. Check camera permissions for BookWish app
  2. Close and reopen the app
  3. Restart your device
  4. Update BookWish app to latest version
  5. Check if another app is using the camera

Scanner Opens But Won't Scan​

Problem: Camera view shows but scans don't work

Solutions:

  1. Ensure good lighting on barcode
  2. Try different distance (4-8 inches)
  3. Clean your camera lens
  4. Hold device steady for 2-3 seconds
  5. Try a different book to test scanner
  6. Check internet connection (needed for lookup)

Constant False Scans​

Problem: Scanner beeps repeatedly but adds wrong/no items

Solutions:

  1. Reduce background patterns in camera view
  2. Point only at the barcode
  3. Cover other barcodes on book
  4. Ensure stable internet connection
  5. Close and reopen scanner

Camera Quality Issues​

Problem: Blurry or poor quality camera view

Solutions:

  1. Clean camera lens thoroughly
  2. Check if camera works in other apps
  3. Restart device
  4. Update device operating system
  5. May need device repair if camera is damaged

Permission Errors​

Problem: "Camera permission denied" error

Solutions:

iOS:

  1. Open Settings app
  2. Scroll to BookWish
  3. Tap Camera
  4. Enable camera access

Android:

  1. Open Settings app
  2. Apps → BookWish
  3. Permissions → Camera
  4. Enable camera permission

Scanner Settings​

Camera Selection​

If your device has multiple cameras:

  • Scanner uses back (rear) camera by default
  • More reliable for barcode scanning
  • Higher quality than front camera

Scanner Speed​

Scanner operates at:

  • Normal speed: Balance of accuracy and speed
  • Scans within 1-2 seconds typically
  • Faster with good lighting and positioning

Advanced Scanning Tips​

High-Volume Sales​

For busy periods with many transactions:

  1. Pre-stage books: Arrange with barcodes up
  2. Batch scan: Keep scanner open for entire transaction
  3. Two-person team: One scans, one bags
  4. Assembly line: Customer places books on counter, you scan
  5. Quick review: Glance at cart totals, don't study each item

Used Book Challenges​

Used books often have:

  • Worn barcodes: Try different angles
  • Stickers over barcodes: Peel if possible
  • Multiple price labels: Find ISBN barcode underneath
  • Missing dust jackets: Look inside cover

Training Staff​

To train staff on scanning:

  1. Practice with various books
  2. Try different lighting conditions
  3. Learn optimal distance and angle
  4. Practice rapid multi-item scanning
  5. Know when to switch to manual entry

Scanner Performance​

Factors Affecting Speed​

Fast Scanning: ✓ Good lighting ✓ Clean, clear barcodes ✓ Steady hand ✓ Correct distance ✓ Fast internet connection

Slow Scanning: ✗ Poor lighting ✗ Worn barcodes ✗ Shaky hand ✗ Wrong distance ✗ Slow internet

Expected Scan Times​

  • Optimal conditions: 1-2 seconds per book
  • Average conditions: 2-4 seconds per book
  • Difficult barcodes: 5-10 seconds per book
  • Manual entry: 10-15 seconds per book

Privacy and Security​

Camera Usage​

  • Camera only used when scanner is open
  • No video recording or storage
  • No photos saved
  • Scanned data only used for inventory lookup
  • Camera access can be revoked in device settings

Data Transmission​

  • Only ISBN numbers sent to lookup books
  • Encrypted connection
  • No images transmitted
  • No personal data captured

Hardware Recommendations​

Device Considerations​

Good for Scanning:

  • Newer smartphones (2020+)
  • Tablets with quality cameras
  • Devices with autofocus
  • Good camera resolution (8MP+)

Less Ideal:

  • Older devices (pre-2018)
  • Devices with poor cameras
  • Cracked camera lenses
  • Damaged autofocus

Dedicated Scanners (Future)​

BookWish may support Bluetooth barcode scanners in the future:

  • Faster scanning
  • More ergonomic
  • Better for high-volume stores
  • Professional POS experience

Best Practices Summary​

✓ Keep scanner open for multiple books ✓ Use good lighting ✓ Hold steady at 4-8 inches ✓ Clean camera lens regularly ✓ Have fallback to manual entry ✓ Train staff on proper technique ✓ Check camera permissions ✓ Update app regularly

Next Steps​