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Barcode / QR Code

The Barcode / QR Code custom field is a powerful tool designed to make your inventory management faster and more accurate. It allows you to store any type of barcode or QR code data and link it to an item.

Instead of typing long serial numbers, you can use your device's camera to instantly scan and populate the field. This field is also fully integrated with Maxilist's global search scanner, allowing you to find any item in your inventory just by scanning its code.

Why Use a Barcode Field?​

This field eliminates manual data entry, reduces human error, and dramatically speeds up common tasks like checking items in/out, conducting stock takes, or simply looking up an item's details.

Real-world examples include:

  • Retail: Storing a product's UPC or EAN code. Scan it at any time to quickly find the item.
  • IT & Asset Management: Creating and attaching a unique QR code to each piece of equipment (laptops, printers, etc.). A quick scan can pull up its purchase date, user assignment, and service history.
  • Warehouse Operations: Assigning internal SKU barcodes (like Code 128) to shelves or products for rapid identification during picking and packing.
  • Book Collections: Scanning the ISBN barcode on the back of a book to add it to your digital library.
  • Event Tickets: Storing the QR code for an event ticket as an attachment or record.

How to Create or Edit a Barcode Field​

Follow instructions in the Custom Fields guide.

How to Add a Code to an Item​

Once the field is created, you have two easy ways to populate it.

This is the fastest and most accurate method.

  1. Open the item you want to edit.
  2. Locate the barcode field you created. You will see a small scan icon next to it.
  3. Tap the scan icon. Your device's camera will open.
  4. Point the camera at the barcode or QR code until it's in focus.
  5. The app will automatically recognize, scan, and fill the field with the code's data.

2. By Manual Entry​

This is useful if a barcode is damaged or you only have the number.

  1. Open the item you want to edit.
  2. Tap directly on the edit icon of the barcode field (not the scan icon).
  3. Manually type or paste the numbers/text from the barcode.

2. Automatically​

If you want to automatically scan codes as you enter them, you can enable this feature in the field settings.

  1. Open the code field you want to edit.
  2. Enable Generate Automatically.
  3. Set the length of the code you want to generate.
  4. Save the changes.

From now on, the app will automatically generate a new random code when new items are added or items are imported.

Searching for Items by Scanning​

One of the biggest benefits of this field is the ability to find items instantly.

  1. From the main screen of the app, tap the primary Search bar or the Scan icon.
  2. Point your camera at any barcode or QR code that you've previously saved to an item.
  3. Maxilist will immediately search your entire inventory and pull up the matching item's detail page.
tip

Maxilist will search all Barcode/QR Code fields on the item. So you don't have to specify which one when searching.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)​

What types of barcodes does the scanner support?​

Maxilist supports a wide variety of formats, including QR Code, UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN-8, EAN-13, Code 39, Code 93, Code 128, and more.

What if a barcode won't scan?​

Ensure the barcode is not badly damaged, has enough light on it, and that you are holding the camera steady. If it still fails, you can always use the manual entry method as a reliable backup.

Can I have more than one barcode field on a single item?​

Yes! This is very useful. For example, a product might have a manufacturer's UPC code and your own internal warehouse SKU. You can create a separate field for each and scan either one to find the item.