Scan Microchip barcodes into Shelter Buddy

You can help minimise data entry errors by scanning a microchip barcode directly into an animal's Shelter Buddy file.

To do so, simply place the cursor in the relevant Microchip field on the Animal Details page and scan the barcode with the scanner device. The microchip number will automatically be added to this field. 

What you need to get started:

Most barcode scanning products have standard USB connections these days so you can use them with laptops, PC computers and tablet devices provided they support a USB connection (note: some Apple products do not have standard USB ports, in which case a specific Apple-compatible device may be required). Any device capable of reading the standard barcode format, the official standard for which is called “code-128”, will work for the barcodes produced by Shelter Buddy. However, the current recommended barcode scanner for use with Shelter Buddy and USB compatible tablet devices, laptops and desktop PCs is called “Symbol LS-2208” or "LS-4278" for cordless. For a more rugged scanner (IP65) "LS-3408" for corded and "LS-3578" for cordless.

Set-up of the device: in most cases, all you need to do is connect the device to the computer using the USB port, wait for the computer to recognize the new device (as with any USB attachment device) and scan a test barcode. You may need to hit the “enter” key to help the device and computer form compatibility. In this case, you should only need to hit “enter” the first time: after that, the device should register the barcode numbers automatically.

How to scan: Depending on the device you have selected, scanning is usually a simple matter. Position the device just barely north of the barcode you wish to scan, depress the trigger and move the device south. Avoid extreme wrist angles when holding the device to avoid stress injuries. If your computer/tablet has sound enabled, it may beep to indicate the scan was successful as the code number appears in the barcode window on screen. Some devices are very sensitive and only require the scanner to be pointed at the barcode and the trigger depressed to scan it. You will know the scan was successful when the code number appears in the window briefly.

Troubleshooting your device: These devices tend to be fairly simple to set up – usually it’s just a case of plugging them into your computer and scanning something. However, if you find that the scanner won’t scan a barcode, here are some tips you can try:

1. Try holding the scanner in a different position: some are directionally sensitive and prefer a specific distance or angle to the barcode before they will scan it (not unlike Price Check terminals in supermarkets)
2. If this doesn’t work, try scanning a different barcode (any barcode) to see if it will scan anything at all. 
3. If the device isn’t scanning ANY barcodes, refer to the manufacturer of the device for assistance.
4. If the device scans a different barcode but not the one you want it too, see if a different barcode scanner device will work.
5. If the second scanner works, but the first still doesn’t for one specific barcode, or if neither scanner will read a particular barcode then please email support@shelterbuddy.com for assistance.

For further information on barcode scanning devices available, please refer to the documentation that came with the device or contact the manufacturer (or do a web search) for more information. Many have FAQ pages available on the internet if you search for the manufacturer and product.