Barcode Scanning
FastQuery’s mobile app has a built-in barcode scanner that makes it easy to look up products, ask the AI questions, and speed through counting tasks.
Opening the Scanner
Section titled “Opening the Scanner”You can access the barcode scanner in two places:
- From chat - Tap the camera icon on the chat screen to open the scanner.
- During counting tasks - The scanner opens automatically when you start a counting task, or you can activate it from within the task.
How It Works
Section titled “How It Works”Point your phone’s camera at a product’s barcode. FastQuery detects it automatically — no need to tap a button or line anything up perfectly. Just hold the camera steady for a moment and the barcode is read.
Supported Barcode Types
Section titled “Supported Barcode Types”The scanner recognizes the most common barcode formats used in retail:
- EAN-13 - the standard international barcode
- UPC-A - the standard North American barcode
- Interleaved 2 of 5 - commonly used on shipping cartons and warehouse labels
- Code 128 - a high-density barcode used in logistics and packaging
Scanning in Chat
Section titled “Scanning in Chat”When you scan a barcode from the chat screen, the product is attached to your message. You can then ask the AI anything about it — pricing, stock levels, sales history, where to find it in the store, or anything else. It’s one of the fastest ways to get answers about a specific product.
Scanning During Counts
Section titled “Scanning During Counts”When you’re working on a counting task, the scanner gives you real-time visual feedback with color-coded overlays:
- Green - Fully counted. The quantity you’ve entered matches what was expected.
- Orange - Not yet counted, or only partially counted. There’s still more to record.
- Red - Over-counted. You’ve recorded more than the expected quantity.
- Blue - Zero quantity or the count has been accumulated.
- Grey - Unknown item. This product isn’t part of the current count list.
These color cues help you stay on track and quickly spot any discrepancies while you work.
Audio Feedback
Section titled “Audio Feedback”The scanner plays different sounds depending on the scan result, so you can tell what happened without looking at the screen. This is especially handy when you’re scanning items quickly and want to keep your eyes on the shelves.
Rapid Scanning
Section titled “Rapid Scanning”You can scan multiple items in quick succession. As soon as one barcode is read, the scanner is ready for the next. This makes it easy to move through a shelf or section without stopping and starting between each product.