Barcode scanning dramatically speeds up inventory operations by eliminating manual searching and reducing data entry errors. Telesto supports both built-in camera scanning and external barcode scanners for maximum flexibility.

Scanner Types & Setup
Built-in Camera Scanning (Default)

Telesto uses your device's camera to scan barcodes by default. This works on all smartphones and tablets without any additional setup.

External Barcode Scanner Setup

For high-volume operations or improved ergonomics, you can connect an external barcode scanner:

Steps to Enable External Scanner:
  1. Go to Settings from the main screen
  2. Navigate to the General tab (first tab)
  3. Toggle "Use external barcode scanner" to ON
  4. Tap Save Changes

How External Scanners Work:
When enabled, Telesto will capture input directly from your barcode scanner instead of opening the camera. Most USB and Bluetooth barcode scanners work without additional drivers or setup.

Quick Product Lookup from Main Screen

The fastest way to find any product in your inventory:

  1. From the main screen, tap the red plus (+) icon at the bottom right
  2. Select "Scan" from the menu
  3. Scan the product's barcode
  4. If the item exists in your inventory, you'll be taken directly to its product profile
  5. From there you can:
    • Edit product details
    • Perform quick stock adjustments
    • View current stock levels

Pro Tip:
This scan feature is perfect for quick inventory checks, price lookups, or making rapid stock adjustments without navigating through product lists.

Supported Barcode Types

Telesto supports all standard barcode formats including:

  • UPC-A/E: Standard retail barcodes
  • EAN-8/13: European article numbers
  • Code 128: High-density alphanumeric
  • Code 39: Common industrial standard
  • QR Codes: Two-dimensional codes
  • Data Matrix: Compact 2D codes
Troubleshooting Scanner Issues
Camera Scanning Problems
  • Camera won't open: Check app permissions for camera access
  • Poor scanning: Clean camera lens and improve lighting
  • Slow recognition: Hold device steady and at proper distance
External Scanner Problems
  • Scanner not recognized: Verify "Use external barcode scanner" is enabled in settings
  • Inconsistent scanning: Check scanner battery and connection
  • Wrong characters: Ensure scanner is in keyboard wedge mode

Scanner Compatibility:
Most standard USB and Bluetooth barcode scanners work without additional setup. If you experience issues with a specific scanner model, contact Telesto support for assistance.