Summary #

eCat supports scanning orders with external Bluetooth barcode scanners or with the iPad camera. Scanning is faster than hand writing orders, resulting in 30% larger orders on average. This guide covers device setup, supported barcode formats, URL-based QR codes, and showroom best practices.

Quick Start #

Ready to scan your first showroom order? Here is the fast path:

1. Pair your Bluetooth scanner following manufacturer instructions, OR enable camera scanning in Company Settings.
2. Open eCat on your iPad and select a customer.
3. Tap View Order to open the order screen.
4. Tap the scan icon (barcode) in the Preview Order view.
5. Scan a product barcode - the item appears on the order.
6. Enter the quantity and continue scanning.

Tip: Test your scanner with the Notes app before market starts. If scanned text appears in Notes, your scanner is paired correctly.

Overview #

For good reasons many companies write orders with eCat at trade shows by scanning barcode tags.

• Scanning is much faster than hand writing orders, freeing up more time for selling.
• Scanning is proven to result in significantly larger orders than hand writing, usually at least 30% larger.
• eCat does not require a showroom server or continuous Internet connection, so is more reliable and simpler to setup and use.
• eCat puts complete product and inventory information at reps fingertips.
• eCat makes it easy to sell using product photos so anything in your product line can be added to showroom orders.
• eCat Related Items, Collections, best seller lists, and other features can be used for cross-selling.
• eCat enables intelligent selling by providing easy access to each customers sales history and regional best sellers.

Choosing Your Scanning Method #

eCat supports two methods for scanning showroom orders: external Bluetooth barcode scanners or the iPad built-in camera. Many companies use both methods, letting reps choose based on the situation.

Bluetooth Barcode Scanners #

External Bluetooth scanners pair wirelessly with the iPad and work like a keyboard, sending scanned values directly to eCat.

Advantages:

• Easier to scan tags dangling from strings or in hard-to-reach positions
• Faster scanning - laser scanners can scan from up to 10 inches away
• Customer can scan items while the rep enters quantities, putting them in control
• More reliable for high-volume scanning sessions

Disadvantages:

• Bluetooth pairing adds an initial setup step
• One more device to hold and keep charged
• Extra step required to show iPad keyboard when paired
• 2D scanners (for QR codes) cost more than basic 1D scanners

iPad Camera Scanning #

The iPad camera can scan barcodes directly without additional hardware.

Advantages:

• No extra equipment cost
• No pairing step required
• One less device to hold and charge
• iPad keyboard is always available

Disadvantages:

• Can be awkward to position over dangling price tags
• Must be within 3-5 inches of the barcode
• Slower than dedicated scanners for high-volume sessions

Tip: For high-volume market scanning, Bluetooth scanners are faster and more reliable. Use camera scanning as a backup or for occasional scans.

Setting Up Bluetooth Scanners #

Follow the manufacturer instructions to pair the scanner with your iPad via Bluetooth. Once paired, tap View Order in eCat, then tap the scan icon (barcode) in the Preview Order view to start scanning.

Recommended Scanners

When purchasing a Bluetooth scanner for eCat, ensure it supports Bluetooth tethering with iOS devices, iOS keyboard emulation mode, and 2D barcodes (QR, DataMatrix) in addition to standard 1D codes.

Popular options:

• Eyoyo ring scanners - Leaves both hands free to hold iPad and write notes
• Eyoyo handheld 2D scanners - Long battery life with power-off switch
• Opticon OPN series - Reliable but older models only support 1D barcodes

Testing Your Scanner Setup

Many users do not realize the scanner pairs to the iPad, not to eCat. Test before market:

1. Open the Notes app on your iPad
2. Scan any barcode (a cereal box works!)
3. If numbers appear in Notes matching the barcode, you are all set

Important: Charge your scanner before market!

Setting Up iPad Camera Scanning #

When camera scanning is enabled in Company Settings, a small camera icon appears in the scanning panel. Tap the icon to start camera mode, then center the barcode in the red-outlined viewfinder.

Note: Camera scanning requires 5th generation or newer iPads. Newer iPads scan faster due to improved cameras and processors.

As of eCat version 2020.3, eCat automatically recognizes barcode types without configuration.

Supported Barcode Types

1D Barcodes: UPC-A, EAN13, EAN8, Code128, Code39, Code93, ITF14, Interleaved2of5, UPCE

2D Barcodes: QR, DataMatrix, PDF417, Aztec

What eCat Can Scan #

eCat recognizes several types of scan values and processes them in this order:

1. UPC or EAN Code: Checks for known UPC or EAN-13. If an EAN-13 starts with 0, eCat also tries matching it as a 12-digit UPC-A.
2. URL Containing an Item Number: Extracts product ID from the last part of the URL path, the last query parameter, or specific patterns.
3. Item Number: If not a UPC/EAN or URL, treats the value as a BaseItemCode.
4. Scan Group Code: If the value matches a ScanGroupCode, displays related products for quick selection.

Tip: URL-based QR codes let anyone scan with their phone to visit your website, but when scanned with eCat, they load the product directly into the app.

Setting Up Barcode Sources

Configure your barcode source in Admin Console > Formats > Presentation Formats:

• Option 1: Item Number as Barcode - No data changes required.
• Option 2: Product URL as QR Code - Works for iPad ordering and phone browsing.
• Option 3: UPC or Scan Value - Requires these fields in your product file.

Note: The ScanValue must match exactly with the URL encoded in the QR code.

Tips and Best Practices #

Follow these guidelines to ensure smooth scanning at market.

Before Market #

• Test early: Implement and test scanning well before market
• Charge all scanners: Fully charge Bluetooth scanners the night before
• Test scanner pairing: Use the Notes app test to verify each scanner pairs correctly
• Print test tags: Always print and test a small batch first

Printing Barcode Tags #

• Size matters: Keep barcodes under 2.5 inches wide for iPad camera
• Use appropriate symbology: If mixed 1D and 2D scanners, use 1D linear barcodes
• Test print quality: Ensure sufficient x-dimension and contrast

During Scanning #

• Duplicate alerts: eCat plays a unique sound when you scan an item already on the order
• Quantity alerts: eCat warns if an unusually large quantity is entered
• Group scanning: Scan one barcode to quickly select from related items
• Scan to lists: Add scanned items directly to lists
• Order handoff: Scan QR codes on other iPads to transfer orders

Data Tips #

• ScanValue is standard: Add a ScanValue column to products.csv - no custom field setup needed
• No spaces in ScanGroupCodes: Remove spaces to avoid matching issues
• Long URLs slow scanning: Keep URL-based scan values short

Troubleshooting #

QR code not finding the product? The ScanValue must match exactly with the URL in the QR code. Check for trailing slashes or encoding differences.

Scan Groups not appearing? The Scan Group UI only shows when multiple products share the same ScanGroupCode value. Also check for spaces in the codes.

Scanner not sending Return key? See the OPN Scanner Fix article for Opticon scanner reprogramming.

Barcode will not scan with iPad camera? Check that the barcode is not too large (over 2.5 inches), not too small, and has sufficient contrast.

Need More Help? #

If you continue to experience scanning issues, Contact Support with your organization name, description of the issue, and a sample barcode image if possible.