After barcodes are added to the orders and barcode scanning is configured, drivers can scan items in the OptimoRoute Driver app. This article explains how drivers scan barcodes and how dispatchers can review and monitor the results.
| Who can use this feature | |
| Available for Pro and Custom plans | |
| All users | |
| All regions | |
What is barcode scanning?
Barcode scanning is a proof of delivery method that lets drivers verify items during delivery, pickup, or service. Drivers scan barcodes or QR codes with the OptimoRoute Driver app as part of the proof of delivery process. This is done directly from their mobile device; they do not need a separate scanning device.
After the order is completed, dispatchers can review the scan results with the other proof of delivery information. This includes scanned and expected barcodes, reported issues, and any required photos.
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Learn more about how to set up barcode scanning for proof of delivery here.. |
Accepted barcode types
OptimoRoute's barcode scanning capabilities can support the following formats:
| Type | Supported versions |
|---|---|
| 1D Barcodes |
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| 2D Barcodes |
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Scanning barcodes in the driver app
After barcode scanning is set up for proof of delivery, drivers can scan barcodes while completing an order from their mobile device using the OptimoRoute Driver app. The "Proof of Delivery" form shows the barcodes expected for the order and provides the scanning options.
Drivers can scan barcodes in two ways:
- Scan a specific barcode for validation
- Scan several barcodes in quick succession and in any order.
To scan barcodes from the driver app:
- Open the order in the driver app.
- Tap "Start service".
- Tap "Complete" to show the proof of delivery form
- In the Barcode section:
- Tap a listed barcode to scan that specific code.
- Or tap "Tap to scan barcodes" to scan all expected barcodes in any order.
- If "Barcode Collection" is enabled, use that section to scan barcodes that were not added to the order in advance.
After a successful scan, OptimoRoute validates and records the barcode automatically.
See "Scan results" below to learn how OptimoRoute reports successful scans and scanning issues.
Scan results
While scanning, the Driver app shows a scanning frame and provides visual and sound feedback. Drivers can also turn on the flashlight from the scanning screen.
If there are any scanning issues, a scan issue dialog is available for resolution.
Successful scan
A successful scan appears with a green check mark. OptimoRoute validates and records the barcode automatically. The driver does not need to take any other action.
Unsuccessful scan
An unsuccessful scan appears in red and alerts the driver to a possible issue. A warning icon also appears next to the affected barcode.
Reporting scan issues
If the driver cannot complete the scan, they can report a Scan issue.
To report a scan issue:
- Tap "Scan issue" in the lower-left corner of the scanning screen.
- Select an available issue.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
The available issue types depend on the driver app settings configured by an administrator.
After the driver reports the issue, it appears with a yellow warning icon in the web application. Dispatchers can review the issue in the OptimoRoute web app from the "Live" dashboard or "Plan History" analytics.
Possible scan issues include the following:
Can’t find item
Use this option when the driver cannot find the item linked to an expected barcode.
This option must be enabled in the Driver app settings.
Barcode not scannable
Use this option when a barcode is damaged or the phone cannot read it.
Depending on your settings, the driver may need to take a photo of the barcode for confirmation.
Unexpected barcodes
An unexpected barcode is a barcode that was not added to the order before service.
The driver can scan the new barcode or enter its value manually.
Barcode collection
Barcode collection lets drivers add barcodes that were not attached to the order without reporting them as scan issues.
When enabled, "Barcode Collection" appears as a separate section in the "Proof of Delivery" form. Drivers can use it to add new barcodes to the order.
Monitoring barcode scans
Dispatchers can review barcode scan results in several places:
- In the Live tab, under the "Proof of Delivery" column.
- In Analytics → Plan History, under the "Proof of Delivery" column.
- In Analytics → Planned vs. Actual, under the "POD exceptions" column.
- In the "Order details" window for an individual order.
- Through the API (see documentation)
Proof of delivery column
The "Proof of Delivery" column in "Live" and "Plan History" shows whether barcode scanning was completed. It also shows warning icons when scan issues were reported.
Hover over a yellow warning icon to see the reported issues.
Use the "POD exceptions" filter to show only orders with proof of delivery issues.
Order detail window
After an order is completed, open the "Order details" window from "Live" or "Plan History" to review:
- Expected barcodes
- Scanned barcodes
- Reported scan issues
- Barcode photos, when available
Planned vs. Actual Report
The "POD exceptions" column in the "Planned vs. Actual" report shows whether an order had any barcode scanning issues. You can also view "Barcodes" and "Barcode Collections" to see and export the actual values of the scan.