How to Set Up Barcode Scanning in Odoo

Barcode scanning in Odoo eliminates manual data entry for warehouse operations. Instead of searching for products and typing quantities, staff scan barcodes to receive stock, pick orders, do inventory counts, and record manufacturing consumption. Here's how to set it up.

Install the Barcode module

• Go to Apps and search for "Barcode".
• Install the Barcode module. This adds the barcode scanning interface to inventory operations.
• If you're using manufacturing, the Barcode module also adds scanning support to work orders.

Set up product barcodes

• Open a product and go to the General Information tab.
• Enter the barcode number in the Barcode field. This can be an EAN-13, UPC-A, or any string your scanner reads.
• If your products already have manufacturer barcodes (on the packaging), use those.
• For products without barcodes, you can generate and print barcode labels from Odoo. Go to Inventory → Products, select the products, then Print → Barcode (ZPL) or Barcode (PDF).
• For products with variants, each variant can have its own unique barcode.

Hardware options

• USB barcode scanner — The simplest option. Plug into any computer, scanner acts as a keyboard and types the barcode value. Works with any Odoo screen. $50–$200 for a decent scanner (Zebra, Honeywell, Datalogic).
• Bluetooth barcode scanner — Connects to tablets or phones via Bluetooth. Good for warehouse staff who need mobility. $100–$300.
• Mobile phone camera — Odoo's barcode interface can use the phone's camera to scan barcodes. Works but slower than a dedicated scanner. Free if your staff already have phones.
• Dedicated mobile computer — Rugged devices like Zebra TC21 with built-in scanners. Best for high-volume warehouse operations. $800–$1,500 per device.

For most Australian SMEs, a Bluetooth scanner paired with a tablet is the best balance of cost, speed, and mobility.

Using barcode scanning for receiving

• Open the receipt (incoming shipment) in Odoo.
• Click the barcode icon to enter barcode scanning mode.
• Scan each product as it arrives. Odoo increments the received quantity with each scan.
• For products with lot or serial tracking, Odoo prompts you to scan or enter the lot/serial number after scanning the product.
• When all items are received, click Validate to confirm the receipt.

Using barcode scanning for picking

• Open a delivery order or pick operation.
• Enter barcode scanning mode.
• Odoo shows which products to pick and from which locations.
• Scan the location barcode first (if using locations), then scan each product.
• Odoo validates that you're picking the right product from the right location.
• If a wrong product is scanned, Odoo flags it immediately — catching errors before they ship.

Barcode scanning for inventory adjustments

• Go to Inventory → Operations → Physical Inventory.
• Click the barcode icon to enter scanning mode.
• Scan products as you count them. Odoo records the counted quantity.
• After scanning all products, review the differences between counted and system quantities.
• Apply the adjustment to update stock levels.

Barcode scanning in manufacturing

• If you use the Manufacturing module, barcode scanning works on the shop floor.
• Operators can scan raw materials as they consume them during production.
• Scan finished goods to record production output.
• Lot and serial numbers can be scanned at each production step for traceability.

Printing barcode labels

• Product labels — Select products in the product list, then Print → Product Labels. Prints barcode, product name, and price.
• Location labels — Print barcodes for warehouse locations to stick on shelves and bins.
• Lot/serial labels — Print labels with lot or serial barcodes for traceability.
• Label printers — Odoo supports ZPL format for Zebra label printers. For occasional printing, PDF labels on standard A4 paper with a laser printer works fine.

Tips for a smooth barcode setup

• Make sure every product has a unique barcode before going live with scanning.
• Print location barcodes and stick them on shelves — scanning locations is faster and more accurate than selecting from a dropdown.
• Train staff on the barcode interface before go-live. It's intuitive but a 30-minute walkthrough prevents confusion.
• Test your scanner with Odoo before purchasing multiple units. Some scanners need configuration to output the right suffix character (Enter key) after scanning.

Barcode scanning is one of the fastest wins you can implement in Odoo — it reduces data entry time and picking errors immediately. If you need help setting it up, reach out.