Instead of using a traditional barcode scanner to pick and prep gear on an opportunity, you might prefer to use the Current Companion app on your smartphone or tablet.
The Current Companion app lets you use your mobile device’s camera to allocate, prep, book out, and check in assets.
Looking to use the app? Check out: What is the Current Companion app?
Pair with your system
To tell the app which opportunity you’d like to start prepping, head to the detail view and click the app button.
Open the app on your mobile device, choose the scan QR code button, and then scan the code.
Alternatively, you can pair your app with your wider system by using the Mobile Pairing option under your user settings.
Once clicked, you’ll be able to search for opportunities here:
That’s it! Your device is paired, and you’re ready to start scanning.
Allocate, prep, book out, or check in
On the app, use the allocate, prepare, book out, and check-in buttons to get started.
Not sure what each of these steps means? Check out our guide on the detail view workflow: What is the detail view?
Tap the green barcode button to open your phone’s camera to start scanning.
The scanned asset will show in the list in your app.
Scan options
Quantity and container
If you like, before you start scanning, set the bulk stock quantity and container using the fields at the top.
Free scan
Need to add additional items? When allocating, toggle the “Free Scan” slider on to tell Current RMS that products scanned that aren’t already on the opportunity should be added.
Allocate and mark as prepared
Sometimes you might like to allocate and mark as prepped with one scan. When allocating, toggle the “Prepared” slider on and scan your assets as normal. Items that you allocate will be marked as prepared.
Manually allocate, prep, book out, or check in
For each of the screens, tap the small expand arrow to bring up the asset number field. Type the asset or barcode number into this field to allocate, prep, book out, or check in.
Disconnect opportunity
Finished work on the job? Head back to the main screen and tap the grey Disconnect job button to start working on another one.
Common questions
I didn’t give the app permission to access my camera. How do I do this?
On Android devices, your app should prompt you to give it access to the camera. Review your privacy settings for each app in your device settings.
Check out Google’s support guide: Control your app permissions
My barcode won’t scan. Why?
There are a few things that might impact your scans:
Your device’s camera quality.
Your product barcode labels.
The environment that you’re scanning in.
If you’re having trouble, your camera might have better luck scanning QR codes rather than barcodes.
Barcode layout 3 includes a QR code that contains the asset number, so it’s a little simpler for your device to read.
The default barcode layout includes a QR code that contains a link to the product or stock level page in Current, so it’s a bit more complex.### Missing Barcode Assignment: If you receive an error like "No available asset could be found" despite having stock available, the product might not have a barcode assigned in Current RMS. To resolve this:
Go to the product's page in Current RMS
Click on 'Edit' to modify the product settings
Assign a barcode to the product manually
Save the changes to ensure the QR code works correctly
QR Code Content and Barcode Labelling
Another reason for failure is the incompatibility or incomplete information in QR codes. QR codes need to contain barcode details that Current RMS can recognise. To resolve this:
Use labels that include both a QR code and a barcode
Scanning the barcode directly often resolves allocation, preparation, and checkout issues
Verify that the QR code generated includes comprehensive barcode information
Check out: How do barcodes work in Current RMS?
What Barcode Scanners Are Compatible with the Current RMS? Configuring Your Scanner for Automation. The configuration of your scanning device plays a crucial role in efficient operations. If QR code scanning requires additional manual actions, you might need to optimise the scanner's settings to automatically perform these tasks.
Steps to Configure Your Scanner
Enable ‘Enter’ Action Post-Scan:
Most barcode or QR code scanners are programmable.
Set your scanner to send an 'Enter' key action immediately after each scan for automatic item allocation without additional clicks.
Current RMS is designed to be versatile and accessible, supporting various devices and platforms, including barcode scanners. Below is a comprehensive guide to understanding barcode scanner compatibility with Current RMS.
General Compatibility
Current RMS can work with most barcode scanners that meet the following criteria:
Recommendations for Specific Device Types
Wired Scanners
Wired scanners that plug directly into your device via USB are generally reliable and straightforward to use with Current RMS.
Wireless Scanners (Bluetooth or Wi-Fi)
Wireless options, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi scanners, can offer added convenience. However, compatibility might depend on the specific device being used to access Current RMS. For example:
Testing and Return Policies
Given the variability in hardware performance, it's advised to:
Customer Feedback and Reported Success Stories
Although no official endorsements are made, customer feedback suggests that certain Zebra scanners have been successfully used with Current RMS.
Summary
While Current RMS supports a wide range of barcode scanners, it is crucial to ensure the chosen device meets the requirements for Code 128 format compatibility and matches your specific hardware needs. Testing different scanners and reviewing return policies can significantly aid in finding the right fit.## Best Practices for Seamless Scanning
Standardise Barcode Labels: Ensure all inventory labels include both readable barcodes and QR codes.
Regular Maintenance: Periodically verify that barcodes and QR codes are properly aligned with inventory settings.
Hardware Testing: Regularly test your scanning device for proper configuration and functionality. By attending to these details, you’ll reduce errors and improve the efficiency of your inventory scanning operations.