Scan the code that matches the task
Product barcodes and serial numbers in POS: what is the difference?
A catalogue barcode helps the POS find the item being sold. A serial number identifies a particular unit of that item and can connect it to a saved warranty record. Knowing which scan mode you are using prevents a product lookup from being mistaken for a unit-serial entry.
See the current packages and allowances before you choose.
Which code should you use?
Use the product barcode to select a catalogue item. Use the intended product row's serial-scanning workflow to record the printed identifier of a sold unit. Codes may look similar, but their purpose and validation are different.
| Code | Identifies | Example use |
|---|---|---|
| Product barcode | A product in the catalogue | Find the intended item and add it to the POS cart |
| Unit serial | A particular physical unit | Record DEMO-SN-001 against the item being sold |
| Warranty record | The saved sale, serial and shop-warranty dates | Review the recorded coverage and an eligible claim |
How do you set up and scan a product barcode?
Enter or scan the optional Barcode field while adding or editing the product. Keep the complete value, including any leading zero, and avoid duplicate lookup codes within the catalogue. In the supported distribution POS, an exact unique barcode adds one unit; scanning it again increases that item's quantity.
Phone camera scanning requires a supported browser, HTTPS and camera permission. Test your own scanner or phone with a sample product rather than assuming every device and barcode format is supported.
Prepare the item
Save the barcode on the intended product and check its customer/POS access.
Select the account context
Distribution POS requires the intended customer before adding permitted products.
Scan and verify
Check the product name, units, quantity and price that appear in the cart before saving.
How do you record serials for units being sold?
Activate the serial scanner on the intended POS product row and scan the printed unit identifiers. Review the list grouped under that product before saving. Required serial tracking expects one valid serial per sold unit; duplicate values and configured input limits are checked.
For an illustrative quantity of two serial-required units, record two distinct unit serials such as DEMO-SN-001 and DEMO-SN-002. Scanning the same catalogue barcode twice is not the same operation as assigning those two unit serials.
The serial-enabled distribution POS and customer shop POS do not have identical restrictions. Test the correct account and screen; tracked units in a kit must follow the supported individual-product sale rules.
Where do saved warranty dates and claims come in?
A saved serial sale can keep the product's shop-warranty duration and the associated dates. A later catalogue change does not rewrite the warranty snapshot of an earlier sale. Use the authorised lookup or the public serial check for the relevant record, and distinguish a recorded shop warranty from a manufacturer decision.
Your next step
Try the workflow with your own business
Start with a small product list and a trial customer. Check stock, delivery, receiving and any local requirements before a wider rollout.