Update Stock From Anywhere With Barcodes

3 minute(s)

Scanning QR codes and barcodes is a great way to save time and reduce manual errors when updating stock. With the Inventory app, you can scan items directly from your tablet to adjust product quantities on the spot. This guide walks through how the scanning feature works, where the codes come from, and how to create your own codes as needed.

• Note: Due to monday.com limitations, QR and barcode scanning is available only from tablets. Scanning can be done only from the tablet’s browser, and not from the monday.com mobile app.

Scanning Items from the Inventory Dashboard

To get started, open your Inventory Management Dashboard on your mobile device or tablet.
Tap “Scan QR / Barcode.” Your device’s camera will activate automatically.

Hold the QR code or barcode in front of the camera. Once detected, the system will update the item’s stock level automatically. You can scan multiple products consecutively without closing the scanner.

Add or Subtract Stock

By default, each scan deducts one unit from inventory. If you need to use scanning to add stock or adjust multiple units per scan, you can change these settings directly in the Inventory app.

Go to the QR/Barcode Settings to:

• Switch between Add to stock or Subtract from stock
  
• Set your desired default quantity per scan
  

Customize the fields provided to adapt scanning to restocking, shipping, or stock counts.

QR and Barcode Creation

Every time you create a new product manually, via monday.com form, or through product import, the Inventory app automatically generates a QR code image in the QR Code Image column in the Products board.

You can print these codes and attach them to:

• Product packaging
  
• Storage bins or shelves
• Pallets or bulk containers

• Pro tip: Create a File Gallery view in the Products board to batch print all QR codes at once.

Using Existing Codes

If you already have barcodes or QR codes, you can use them instead of the system-generated ones. To do this:

• Add a Text column to your product board.
  
• Enter each product’s unique identifier:
  
  • Barcodes: typically numeric values
    
  • QR codes: can include letters, numbers, or both
    

Then, return to the Inventory Dashboard settings and change the Source Column to this new field.

From that point on, scans will reference your custom codes.

That’s it! Now your team can move from manual updates to instant, reliable scans, all within monday.com.