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 colorful allocate, prepare, book out, and check-in buttons to get started.
Not sure what each of these steps mean? 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 gray 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’s 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, you 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.
Check out: How do barcodes work in Current RMS?
What Barcode Scanners Are Compatible with Current RMS?
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.