Managing and selling products within your Cliniko account? You can use barcode scanners to help streamline your workflow (especially when it comes to handling inventory or generating invoices)!
This guide will walk you through purchase, set up, and how to use a barcode scanner within Cliniko.
Purchasing a barcode scanner
Depending on your budget and your business' needs, you’ll first need access to a barcode scanner.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
Device support and compatibility: Make sure the barcode scanner works with your operating system and device (i.e. Mac, Windows, iOS, Android).
Wired vs Wireless: Some scanners are plug-and-play with USB, while others might need an app or special software for it to function.
Barcode type support: Verify your scanner can read the barcode types you use. Most product barcodes are UPC or EAN, but it’s worth confirming.
Customization: Certain scanners let you configure your barcode scanner. For example: auto-enter, beep volume, etc.
Adding serial numbers to your products
When using your barcode scanner, it'll read the serial number linked to a product. In Cliniko, this means each product should have its serial number added to its details. That way, when you scan a product while creating an invoice, Cliniko can quickly match it and add it to the invoice automatically.
Add serial numbers to existing products
Within your Cliniko account, head to Products:
Select the product you'd like to update and click the Edit button:
In the Serial number field, using your scanner, scan the barcode and the serial number will be entered automatically:
Click the Update product button at the bottom of the page to save the changes:
Repeat this process with any additional products within your account as needed.
Add serial numbers via data import
If the products do not already exist within your account, you can also import a CSV file that includes your products and their serial numbers.
When preparing your CSV file for the product import:
Make sure to have a dedicated column for serial number.
Include name and price (these are the only required details for the import to work).
Keep in mind: If you import a product that already exists, it'll create a duplicate of the product within your Cliniko account. You cannot merge duplicate products so keep this in mind when adding or updating your details.
Using the barcode scanner
While barcode scanning isn’t currently built into every feature,
Add products when creating invoices
Once your products have serial numbers added or imported, you can use the barcode scanner to quickly search and add items to any invoice 🎉
When creating or editing an invoice, under Invoice items, click Add a product:
In the search field, use your barcode scanner to scan the product's barcode:
The product will be added automatically. Repeat for additional products, then Update invoice or Create invoice.
Check stock levels or find product details
You can also use the barcode scanner as a quick search tool across product-related areas. Head to the Products page:
In the search field, use your scanner on the product's barcode to quickly locate the product within your account:
The matching product will appear instantly 🎉!
Have any additional questions about using a barcode scanner within Cliniko? Reach out to our support team.