> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.atlas.kitchen/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Scan products with a Bluetooth barcode scanner

> Connect a Bluetooth QR/barcode scanner to Atlas POS. Match labels to product SKUs and scan products into orders.

Connect a Bluetooth scanner to the POS tablet to add products by scanning their labels.
Each label must match the product's SKU, its unique code in Atlas.

> [!NOTE]
>
> This guide is for staff using Atlas POS.
> Setup requires access to edit products and outlet station settings.

## Choose a scanner

Use a Bluetooth scanner that supports keyboard mode.
In this mode, the scanner sends the scanned value as typed text.
Scanner manuals may call this Human Interface Device (HID) mode.

* Check that the scanner works with your tablet.
* Choose a scanner that reads your label format. QR codes require a 2D scanner.
* Keep the scanner's manual for pairing and configuration instructions.

If you don't know where to start, a scanner we've tested before is [SoonMark 1D/2D Bluetooth scanner](https://shopee.sg/SoonMark-Barcode-Scanner-1D-2D-Wireless-Bluetooth-Scanner-Cashier-Scanner-QR-Code-Scanner-POS-Scanner-Barcode-i.84204959.21630211761?extraParams=%7B%22display_model_id%22%3A181559690441%2C%22model_selection_logic%22%3A3%7D).
This is a purchase reference, not a certified model list.
Confirm Bluetooth keyboard mode and tablet compatibility with the seller before buying (just in case).

## Connect and configure the scanner

> [!NOTE]
>
> The **Barcode scanner** setting replaces camera scanning at that station.
> It applies to product, customer, promotion, and discount scans.
>
> Atlas normally saves SKUs in lowercase and replaces spaces with hyphens.
> For uppercase labels, contact support to enable uppercase SKUs before setting up products.

**1. Pair the scanner with the tablet**

Charge and switch on the scanner.
Follow its manual to select Bluetooth keyboard mode and start pairing.
Open the tablet's Bluetooth settings, then select the scanner.
Check that it shows as connected.

Configure the scanner to send Enter after each scan, following its manual.

**2. Check what the scanner sends**

Open a notes app on the tablet and tap a blank text field.
Scan a product label.
The label's value should appear as text.

Keep this value for the product's SKU.
If no text appears, check pairing and keyboard mode before continuing.

**3. Enable the station setting**

Open [Outlets](https://portal.atlas.kitchen/outlets) in Atlas Merchant Portal, then open the outlet.
Find **Stations**, then locate the station used by this POS tablet.
Under **Point of Sale**, switch on **Barcode scanner**.

Return to the POS and refresh it to load the station setting.
Repeat this setup for each station using a scanner.

**4. Match the product SKU**

Open [Products](https://portal.atlas.kitchen/products), then edit the product.
Set **SKU** to the exact scanned value.
Tap **Save**, then reopen the product to check the saved SKU.

For example, a label containing `8885022091081` needs the SKU `8885022091081`.
Keep any leading zeros. Do not add spaces or extra text.

### Printing your own labels

Encode the saved product SKU in the barcode or QR code.
For QR codes, use the SKU itself, not a website address or product name.
Use at least three characters for the scanned value.

Print one label and test it on the POS before printing a full batch.

## Set up SKUs in bulk

For many products, use one of these options instead of editing each product.

> [!NOTE]
>
> CSV imports match products by SKU.
> Changing an existing product's SKU in the CSV creates a new product instead of updating it.
> Use Ask Atlas or a connected assistant to change SKUs on existing products.

* [Import products via CSV](/menu-builder/import-products-csv.md) to create products with their barcode values in the **SKU** column.
* [Open Ask Atlas](/use-cases/optimize-menu.md#steps) in Atlas Merchant Portal to update existing product SKUs.
* Use [Atlas MCP](/connect/mcp/overview.md) with [Claude or ChatGPT](/connect/mcp/setup.md) to update SKUs through your connected assistant.

Give the assistant a list of products, their current SKUs, and the scanned values.
Ask it to show the proposed SKU changes before you approve them.
Check the saved values and test a label before printing the full batch.

## Scan products into an order

**1. Choose the order**

Open the existing order you want to add products to.
To start without an active order, tap **New order** first.

**2. Scan the label**

Scan from the POS ordering screen.
Close product details and leave text fields before scanning the next product.

If the product asks for options, choose them and tap **Add**.

**3. Check the cart**

Confirm the correct product and quantity before scanning the next label.
Continue with [taking an order and payment](/stations/pos.md).

## What should happen

Atlas matches the scanned value to a saved product SKU.
The product follows the same options and add-to-cart flow as tapping its POS tile.

* With an active order, the product goes into that order.
* After tapping **New order**, scanning starts the new cart through the normal ordering flow.
* If Atlas cannot find the SKU, it shows an item-not-found message.

## If it doesn't work

> **Nothing happens when I scan**
>
> 1. Check the scanner is charged and connected in the tablet's Bluetooth settings.
> 2. Scan into a blank field in a notes app.
> 3. If no text appears, check keyboard mode and label-format settings in the scanner manual.
> 4. If text appears, return to the POS ordering screen. Close search and product details, then leave text fields.
> 5. Check the station's **Barcode scanner** setting, then refresh the POS and retry.
>
> If the scanner cannot read the label outside Atlas, contact the scanner supplier.

> **Atlas says the item was not found**
>
> Scan into a notes app and compare the result with the saved **SKU** on the product.
> Check leading zeros, uppercase letters, hyphens, and extra spaces.
> Correct the SKU or label, then scan again.
>
> For uppercase labels, contact support if Atlas changes the SKU to lowercase when saving.

> **Atlas asks me to select or create an order**
>
> Open an existing order or tap **New order**, then scan again.
> Scanning from the floor plan without choosing an order does not start a cart.

> **The camera opens instead of the scanner prompt**
>
> Check **Barcode scanner** is enabled for the station this tablet uses.
> Refresh the POS after changing the setting.
> To return to camera scanning, switch off **Barcode scanner** and refresh again.

If scanning still fails inside Atlas, contact support with:

* Your outlet and station name.
* Scanner brand and model.
* A photo of the label and its saved product SKU.
* The text produced in the notes app and any POS error message.


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