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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

When the Barcode Won’t Scan

Sometimes a barcode is missing, damaged, or unreadable. You still have options:

• Photo identification — In chat, take a photo of the product and ask the AI what it is. It can read labels and packaging to help identify the item.
• Describe it — Use voice or text to describe the product (e.g., “Phillips head screwdriver, blue handle”). The AI searches across product names, descriptions, properties, manufacturer, and SKU.
• Add it as a new product — If the item isn’t in your inventory yet, see Creating Products to add it from photos.