Supported Scanner Types
The system works with standard USB HID (Human Interface Device) barcode scanners configured as keyboard wedge devices.Code 128
High-density alphanumeric barcodes for part numbers
Code 39
Alphanumeric barcodes with legacy compatibility
QR Codes
2D matrix codes for complex part identification
EAN/UPC
Standard product barcodes for commercial parts
DataMatrix
Compact 2D codes for small components
Custom Formats
Any format supported by your scanner hardware
Scanner Configuration
From the installation guide (INSTALACION.md:178-190):
Configure Suffix
Program the scanner to append Enter (CR) at the end of each scanMost scanners ship with a configuration barcode sheet. Scan the “Add CR Suffix” barcode to enable this.
Set Keyboard Mode
Ensure the scanner operates in HID keyboard modeThe scanner should emulate a standard USB keyboard. This is the default mode for most scanners.
- No special drivers required
- Works on Windows, Linux, and MacOS
- Appears as a keyboard input device
Important: The scanner must be configured to add a carriage return (Enter key) after each scan. Without this, the system cannot distinguish between normal keyboard typing and scanner input.
How Barcode Detection Works
The system automatically detects barcode scanner input by analyzing keystroke timing:Detection Logic
Key Characteristics
Rapid Character Entry
Rapid Character Entry
Scanners type faster than humans
- Scanner: 10-30 characters in ~30-50ms
- Human: 10 characters takes ~1000-2000ms
Enter Key Termination
Enter Key Termination
Scans always end with EnterThe scanner sends a carriage return (CR / Enter key) after the barcode data. This signals the end of the scan and triggers processing.
No Special Prefix Required
No Special Prefix Required
Auto-detection, no manual mode switchingThe system automatically distinguishes scanner input from keyboard typing. Operators don’t need to click a “Scan Mode” button.
Barcode Field Mapping
Part Number Barcodes
Scanning a part number barcode in the NP (Part Number) field:- Scanner reads barcode (e.g., “NP-001-ARN”)
- System searches
catnpcatalog for matchingNPvalue - Auto-fills related fields:
- MATERIAL: Cobre
- PESO: 0.125 kg
- COSTO: $2.50
- TIPO: Arnés
- DESCRIPCION: Arnés principal motor
If a scanned part number is not found in the catalog, the system displays an error message. The operator must either:
- Manually select the part from the dropdown
- Add the new part to the catalog first
Defect Code Barcodes
Scanning a defect barcode in the MODO_FALLA field:- Scanner reads barcode (e.g., “F-009-ARN”)
- System searches
fallascatalog for matchingFALLA_BARRAvalue - Auto-selects defect:
- FALLA: Terminal mal crimpada
- AREA: Arneses
- CATEGORIA: Proceso
Barcode Label Design
Part Number Labels
Recommended label layout for part numbers:- Use Code 128 for compact size and high density
- Include human-readable text below barcode
- Add description and key specs for visual verification
- Print on durable labels (laminated or synthetic)
Defect Code Labels
Recommended label layout for defect codes:- Post defect code labels at each workstation
- Group by area for easy scanning
- Laminate for durability in production environment
Workflow with Scanner
Typical scrap registration workflow using a barcode scanner:Scan Part Number
Click in the NP field and scan the part number barcode
- System auto-fills Material, Weight, Cost, Type
Scan Defect Code
Click in the MODO_FALLA field and scan the defect barcode
- System auto-selects the defect reason
Time Savings: Using a barcode scanner reduces registration time from ~60 seconds to ~15 seconds per record.
Generating Barcodes
Online Barcode Generators
Barcode Generator
Free online tool for Code 128, Code 39, QR codesbarcode-generator.org
QR Code Generator
Generate QR codes for part numbersqr-code-generator.com
ZPL Designer
Design Zebra printer labels with barcodeslabelary.com
Brother P-touch Editor
Software for Brother label printersSupports Code 128, QR, DataMatrix
Programmatic Generation
For bulk label generation, use a barcode library:Troubleshooting
Scanner Not Detected
Verify USB Connection
Verify USB Connection
- Check that the scanner is plugged into a USB port
- Look for LED indicator on scanner (should be lit)
- Try a different USB port
- Test on another computer to rule out hardware failure
Check Keyboard Mode
Check Keyboard Mode
- Open a text editor (Notepad, VS Code)
- Scan a barcode
- If text appears, scanner is in keyboard mode ✓
- If nothing happens, scan the “USB HID Mode” config barcode from your scanner’s manual
Verify Enter Suffix
Verify Enter Suffix
- Scan a barcode into a text editor
- The cursor should move to a new line after scanning
- If it doesn’t, scan the “Add CR Suffix” config barcode
- Alternatively, scan “Add LF Suffix” for Line Feed
Scanner Reads But Doesn’t Auto-Fill
Barcode Not in Catalog
Barcode Not in Catalog
The scanned value must exactly match a catalog entry:
- Part Numbers: Check
catnp.NPfield - Defect Codes: Check
fallas.FALLA_BARRAfield
- Extra spaces in barcode
- Case sensitivity (NP-001-ARN vs np-001-arn)
- Different encoding (dashes vs underscores)
Wrong Field Focused
Wrong Field Focused
Ensure the cursor is in the correct input field before scanning:
- Click in the NP field before scanning part numbers
- Click in the MODO_FALLA field before scanning defect codes
Scan Detection Issues
Scanner Too Slow
Scanner Too Slow
Some older scanners type characters slower than the 50ms threshold.Symptoms:
- Scanner input is treated as manual typing
- Auto-fill doesn’t trigger
Keyboard Typing Detected as Scan
Keyboard Typing Detected as Scan
If you type extremely fast, the system might mistake it for a scan.Symptoms:
- Fast typing triggers auto-fill unexpectedly
Scanner Recommendations
Budget-Friendly Options
| Model | Type | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honeywell Voyager 1200g | Handheld | $100-150 | Reliable, omnidirectional |
| Zebra DS2208 | Handheld | $120-180 | Reads 1D and 2D codes |
| Symbol LS2208 | Handheld | $80-120 | Industry standard |
| Inateck BCST-70 | Handheld | $30-50 | Budget option, wired |
Industrial Options
| Model | Type | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zebra DS8108 | Handheld | $250-350 | Rugged, dustproof |
| Honeywell Granit 1280i | Handheld | $400-600 | Extreme durability |
| Datalogic Gryphon I GD4500 | Handheld | $300-450 | 2D imaging, cordless |
| Zebra DS3608 | Ultra-rugged | $500-700 | IP67 rated, drop-proof |
Recommendation: For APTIV plant environments, choose a scanner with at least IP54 rating for dust and moisture resistance.
Best Practices
Label Placement
Place defect code labels at eye level near each workstation for quick scanning without searching.
Regular Calibration
Test scanner accuracy monthly by scanning all barcode types (1D, 2D) to ensure proper decoding.
Duplicate Labels
Print backup labels for high-traffic defect codes in case labels get damaged or dirty.
Operator Training
Train operators on proper scanning technique: hold scanner steady, aim at center of barcode, wait for beep.
Future Enhancements
Planned barcode scanner features:- Camera-Based Scanning: Use smartphone camera to scan barcodes without dedicated scanner
- Multi-Field Scan: Single QR code encodes part number, quantity, and defect code
- Offline Mode: Cache scanned records when network is unavailable
- Scale Integration: Auto-capture weight from barcode on weighing scale printout
See the full roadmap in
INSTALACION.md:226-242 for additional planned improvements.