Barcode scanning lets you build an order by scanning the products you're running low on, using your phone or tablet camera or a Bluetooth scanner. Use it to walk the walk-in or stockroom and reorder as you go, or to find an item fast when you know the product but not its name.
Availability
Pepper turns on barcode scanning for your distributor. It works in the Pepper mobile app on phones and tablets, not on the web.
If you don't see the scan icon at the top of your Catalog or Order Guide, scanning isn't on for your account yet. Ask your sales rep.
Starting a scan
Open your Catalog or Order Guide and tap the scan icon at the top of the screen.
If you see a list of scan options, tap Create an order. The list appears when your distributor also has other scanning features on, such as credit requests.
Choose how you'll scan with the switch at the top: Scan for a Bluetooth scanner or typing a code, or Camera for your device's camera.
The first time you use the camera, allow camera access when asked.
Scanning with your camera
Line up the barcode inside the box on screen, then tap the scan button. Pepper reads the barcode and adds the item to your cart.
Tap anywhere on the camera view to focus.
Tap the flashlight button in a dark walk-in.
Only the barcode inside the box is read, so nearby labels won't be picked up by mistake.
Scanning with a Bluetooth scanner
Pair your scanner with your device, open the scanner, and select Scan on the switch. Each scan adds the item to your cart. You can also type a barcode or item code in the Search an item field.
What happens when you scan
One match: the item is added to your cart. Scan it again to add one more. If the item has an order minimum, the first scan adds the minimum. Scanning stops adding once you reach an item's maximum.
More than one match: a list appears so you can pick the right pack, such as a case or an each. If only one of the matches is in your order guide, Pepper adds that one automatically.
No match: you see "[code] not found. Please try again." Try again, or search for the item by name.
Pepper checks your order guide first, then the rest of your distributor's catalog.
Items you've scanned appear in a list on the scan screen, where you can change quantities or remove them. When you're done, tap the cart button at the top to review and place your order.
Scanning offline
Your device can keep a copy of the catalog so scanning is fast and keeps working with a weak connection or none at all. If you see Download catalog data to start scanning, tap Download. Tap Sync catalog to refresh it. The button warns you when your copy is more than 3 days old, and again after 7.
Things to know
Scanning adds to your active cart. If you use Multiple Carts, switch to the right cart before you scan.
Items need a barcode in your distributor's catalog. If a product scans as not found, it may be missing its barcode. Let your sales rep know.
Supported barcodes: UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN-13, EAN-8, Code 128, Code 39, Code 93, Codabar, and ITF.
Some distributors show more detail on scanned items, such as price, quantity on hand, and your last order.
Frequently asked questions
I don't see the scan icon. Scanning isn't on for your account, or you're on the web. Scanning works only in the mobile app. Ask your sales rep if you don't see it in the app.
The camera won't open. Allow camera access for the Pepper app in your device settings.
My scan says "not found." The product may not have a barcode in your distributor's catalog. Search for it by name instead, and let your sales rep know.
I scanned an item twice by accident. Lower the quantity in the scanned items list, or remove it.
Scanned items went into the wrong cart. Scans go to your active cart. Switch carts first, then scan.
For distributors
Contact your Pepper account team to turn on barcode scanning. Scans match against the barcodes on your items, so items with missing or incorrect UPCs won't scan. Check barcodes on your top-selling items before rolling scanning out.