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Barcodes, extra barcodes and printing labels

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Fast, accurate scanning is the heart of a busy counter. This page explains how barcodes work in SmartPOS Hub: the SKU of each product, extra barcodes for the same item, what to do when a scan finds nothing, and how to print barcode labels for shelves and products.

SKU and barcode type

Section titled “SKU and barcode type”

Every product (and every variant) has a SKU. It is the code your scanner reads.

  • If the item has a manufacturer barcode, scan it into SKU on the product form, and set Barcode Type to match (EAN-13 for 13 digits, UPC-A for 12).
  • If not, leave SKU empty. SmartPOS Hub creates one, and you print your own labels with Code 128 (C128).
  • Products from the Product Library come with their manufacturer barcode, or a library-made in-store barcode when none is known.

Add extra barcodes to a product

Section titled “Add extra barcodes to a product”

One product often carries several real barcodes: the unit and the multipack, an old and a new label, or a supplier’s code. Add them as Additional barcodes:

  1. Open Products › List Products and choose Actions › View on the product.
  2. Scroll to Additional barcodes.
  3. Scan or type the code in Scan or type a barcode and click Add. For a variable product, choose the variant.
  4. To remove one, click Remove next to it.
Product view window for 10000mAh Power Bank showing Additional barcodes with No additional barcodes yet, a Scan or type a barcode box with Add button, prices and Product Stock Details per location
Additional barcodes in the product view, with prices and stock per location below.

A barcode can belong to only one product. If it is already used, you see which product has it.

“No product found” at the till

Section titled ““No product found” at the till”

When a cashier scans a code that no product uses, the POS opens No product found (if their role allows adding products or linking barcodes):

  1. Choose Add new product with this barcode to open the quick add form with the code as the SKU. After saving, the product is added to the sale.
  2. Or choose Link to an existing product. Search by name or SKU, or scan the product’s own barcode, and pick it. The window says “From now on, barcode … will open …”. Click Link barcode. The product is added to the sale.

The same works with the camera scanner and in the SmartPOS Business app. More in POS overview and Product barcodes module.

Section titled “Print labels”
  1. Open Products › Print Labels. (Or choose Labels in a product’s Actions menu, or print from a purchase.)
  2. In Add products to generate Labels, type a product name and pick it. Set No. of labels per row, and optionally Lot Number, EXP Date, Packing Date and a Selling Price Group for the price shown.
  3. In Information to show in Labels, tick what to print and set each Size: Product Name, Product Variation (recommended), Product Price, Business name, Print packing date, Print lot number, Print expiry date. Choose Show Price: Inc. tax or Exc. tax.
  4. In Label sheet & preview, choose the Barcode setting that matches your paper (labels per sheet and label size).
  5. Click Preview (or Preview PDF) and print from the new tab.
Print Labels page with Chakki Atta 10kg added, No. of labels 1, Lot Number, EXP Date, Packing Date and Selling Price Group None, and the Information to show in Labels options with sizes
Add products, choose what each label shows, then pick your label sheet.

Tips and mistakes to avoid

Section titled “Tips and mistakes to avoid”
  • Print a test sheet on plain paper and hold it over the label paper before using real labels.
  • For weighed items (fruit, meat), use a unit with Allow decimal and type the weight at the till.
  • If a scan adds the wrong product, check Additional barcodes of both products; a code may be linked to the wrong one.
Print Labels page before adding products, showing the empty state No products added yet and the label information options
Print Labels before any product is added.
Section titled “Related pages”
Add a productSKU and barcode type on the product.
Camera scanScan with a phone or laptop camera.
Expiry and batchesLots and expiry dates on stock.
Devices and printersScanners and label printers.

Frequently asked questions

Can one product have more than one barcode?

Yes. Besides its SKU, a product can have additional barcodes, such as the manufacturer's EAN, an old label or a supplier code. Every scan and search finds them.

What happens when I scan a barcode that isn't in my store?

The POS shows No product found with two choices - Add new product with this barcode, or Link to an existing product. Linking means that barcode opens that product from now on.

Who can link barcodes?

Users whose role has Link barcodes to products. Adding a new product needs the product add permission. Admins can do both.

Which label sizes are supported?

Choose a barcode setting for your label sheet or roll in Settings › Barcode Settings. Import prebuilt there adds presets for common rolls and A4 and Letter sheets, with a drawing of the layout.

Can labels show price, expiry date and lot number?

Yes. In Information to show in Labels tick Product Name, Product Variation, Product Price, Business name, Print packing date, Print lot number and Print expiry date, and set the font size of each.

Should the price on labels include tax?

Choose Inc. tax or Exc. tax in Show Price. Use the same as your shelf prices.