Barcode scanning is a type of proof of delivery (POD) that allows your drivers to confirm the completion of an order by scanning a barcode. In this article, we will go over how to set this up.
| Who can use this feature | |
|---|---|
| Pro and Custom plans | |
| Users that have administrator privileges | |
| All regions | |
Accepted barcode types
OptimoRoute's barcode scanning capabilities can support various types of formats.
| Type | Supported versions |
|---|---|
| 1D Barcodes |
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| 2D Barcodes |
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Compatible barcode scanning devices
OptimoRoute includes built-in barcode scanning through the camera on your driver’s mobile device, so no additional equipment is required.
If your drivers prefer to use handheld barcode scanners or similar external scanning devices, OptimoRoute supports those as well, as long as they work with the driver’s mobile device.
Enabling barcode scanning
Barcode scanning for proof of delivery is automatically enabled for Pro plans and higher. To start using barcode scanning you only need to do two things:
- Attach barcodes to orders (or allow for unplanned barcodes to be scanned)
- Make sure your configuration matches your needs
Driver applications will also need to be updated to the iPhone version 2.16.7 or above or Android 2.16.5 version.
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If you are using custom POD forms, please reach out to support for assistance in using barcodes in your forms. |
Attaching barcodes to an order
You can attach barcode values to an order when:
- Creating or editing the order manually
- Importing orders
- Adding orders through the API
Manually attaching barcodes
To manually add barcodes to an order:
- Go to "Plan and Optimize"
- Select the order you want to add barcodes to
- Choose the “Barcodes” section from the left menu of the window
- Click “+ Add barcode”
- Input the barcode values you want to be attached to this order
Attaching barcodes via import
Barcodes can also be added in bulk during order import.
To import barcodes via import:
- Add a column for barcodes to your spreadsheet
- Import spreadsheet
- Map the column to the dedicated field mapping called "Barcode"
It is important to remember that when importing multiple barcodes for a single order, you must enter all barcode values in one column.
- For Excel files, separate barcode values with commas. For example:
1234,1235,1236. - For CSV files, wrap multiple barcode values in double quotes. For example:
"1234,1235,1236"
Attaching barcodes using the API
Expected barcode values can be attached to an order when using the Create Order or Create or Update Orders API methods.
Use the OrderData object to send single or multiple barcode object key-values in an array.
For example:
- "barcode": [ { "barcode": "1234" } ]
- "barcode": [ { "barcode": "1234" }, { "barcode": "1235" }, { "barcode": "1236" } ]
If there are no barcodes attached to the order, the result will return an empty array.
In addition to the above, the same OrderData object is also used when calling Get Orders or Search Orders.
See our API documentation for more details.
Using unplanned barcodes with orders
Unplanned barcodes are barcode values that were not attached to an order in advance.
When enabled, drivers can scan and collect barcode values during delivery, even if those barcodes were not previously added to the order.
To allow for unplanned barcodes:
- Go to Administration→Settings→Driver app
- Choose “Configuration” from the left menu
- Scroll down to find the section called “Barcode scanning”
- Enable the “Show option to add new barcodes for the collection of unexpected items” checkbox.
If needed, you can also make the unplanned barcodes as a mandatory action, by enabling the option “Require at least one collected barcode”.
Barcode scanning workflow configurations
Next you'll want to make sure you configure your driver app to support the desired workflow you want for drivers and barcode scanning.
To configure the driver app workflow:
- Go to Administration→Settings→Driver app
- Choose “Configuration” from the left menu
- Scroll down to find the section called “Barcode scanning”
- Select the options that you want to enable
| Option | What it does |
|---|---|
| Require scanning to complete orders |
Requires drivers to scan the expected barcode before completing the order as proof of delivery. If disabled, barcode scanning is still available at order completion, but it is optional. |
| Allow drivers to mark barcode as “item missing” | Allows drivers to report that an expected barcode cannot be scanned, for example because the item is missing, damaged, or the barcode is unreadable. You can also require drivers to take a photo as proof that the barcode is unscannable. |
| Allow drivers to confirm an expected barcode by scanning a different one | Allows drivers to scan a different barcode instead of the expected barcode that was originally attached to the order. |
| Allow drivers to confirm an expected barcode by manual input of a different barcode | Allows drivers to manually type in a different barcode instead of the expected barcode originally attached to the order. |
| Show option to add new barcodes for the collection of unexpected items | Allows drivers to add additional barcodes that were not originally attached to the order. This can be used for “scan-on-the-go” unplanned barcode collection, such as scanning unexpected items or collecting returns on site, for example returning empty containers. |
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Want to learn more about barcode scanning? Contact support for more information on getting set up. |