Catalog

Set SKU, Barcodes and Print Labels

Make products scannable by giving each item a clean SKU/barcode setup, then print labels with the right label size and fields.

Menu path
Inventory -> Items -> New or Item actions -> Barcode labels
Verified from
Posnic demo and current POS source reviewed on 2026-09-08
Technical source evidence

frontend/modules/items_write.html SKU & Barcodes card and More tab, frontend/static/script/js/modules/js/items.js sameAsSku _altBarcodes GTIN validation showBarcode printLableView, frontend/static/script/js/modules/js/sales.js addByBarcode and item search, vendored print-js and JsBarcode label flow

SKU and Barcodes fieldsQuick code, SKU, Barcode, Same as SKU and GTIN/EAN are entered on the main item tab.
Extra barcodes and packsAlternate scan codes and buying-pack details are stored on the More tab.
Barcode label printThe label preview shows barcode value, label size, type and optional price fields before printing.

What Each Code Field Is For

FieldPurposeCashier impact
Quick code / PLUShort internal code for fast lookup.Useful when staff type a small code instead of scanning.
SKUShop's stock keeping unit or internal item identity.Searchable in New Sale and useful on reports.
BarcodeThe value printed on the product or label and read by scanners.Needed for reliable scan-to-add checkout.
Same as SKUCopies the SKU value into Barcode when the shop wants one code.Simplifies small stores that print their own labels.
GTIN/EANManufacturer or global trade code where available.Useful for standardized products and future integrations.
Extra barcodesAdditional package, supplier or alternate scan codes.Lets multiple package codes find the same item.

Make an Item Barcode Ready

  1. Open Inventory -> Items and create or edit the item.
  2. Enter a unique SKU for internal search and reporting.
  3. Enter the physical barcode value in Barcode, or turn on Same as SKU when SKU is the barcode to print.
  4. Add GTIN/EAN when the item has a manufacturer code.
  5. Open More and add extra barcodes when one product has several package codes.
  6. Save the item.
  7. Open Home -> New Sale, click the search field and scan the product.
  8. Confirm the correct item and price appear before using scanning in a live queue.

Same as SKU and Duplicate Protection

Same as SKU is useful only when the SKU is the exact value the barcode scanner will send. The POS source also checks for SKU collisions; if the typed SKU is already taken, the server can save with a different available SKU and the app warns the operator.

  • Use Same as SKU for internal printed labels and simple shops that do not need a separate supplier barcode.
  • Leave Same as SKU off when supplier packaging has a different scan code.
  • If the saved SKU is different from what was typed, stop and review the duplicate before printing labels.
  • For variants, each sellable variant needs its own SKU and barcode.

GTIN and In-Store Codes

GTIN/EAN is validated separately from the working Barcode field. The client accepts valid 8, 12, 13 or 14 digit trade codes and recognizes common in-store code prefixes, but a wrong GTIN should not be used as a shortcut for a shop barcode.

Code typeUse it forRule
BarcodeWhat the scanner reads at checkout.Must match the product package, label or alternate barcode.
SKUInternal stock identity.Keep unique for imports, reports and support.
GTIN/EANManufacturer or trade identity.Use only when the digits and check digit are valid.
In-store prefixLoose goods or shop-managed codes.Use deliberately and test before training cashiers.

Scanner Troubleshooting

SymptomCheckFix
Scanner types numbers but item is not foundBarcode field does not match the printed code.Edit the item barcode or add an extra barcode.
Wrong item appearsTwo items share a code or staff scanned the wrong label.Make barcode values unique and reprint labels.
Camera scan button missingRuntime does not support BarcodeDetector or camera access.Use a hardware scanner or supported browser/runtime.
Label preview is blankBarcode value is empty or invalid for the selected type.Enter a valid code or choose a compatible barcode type.
SKU works by typing but scanner failsSKU and Barcode are different.Use Same as SKU or put the scanned value in Barcode.

Related Manual Pages

Catalog SKU and Barcode Setup A product is barcode ready only when the shop knows which value staff type, which value scanners read, and which alternate codes should find the same item. Catalog Barcode Label Printing Barcode labels should be printed only after the item has a trusted Barcode or Same as SKU value and one sample label scans back into New Sale. Catalog Create Item Use the full Add Item form when the product must be searchable, scannable, stocked, reported and controlled correctly. Catalog Quick Item Add Quick Item Add is for rapid catalog entry when the shop needs real items faster than the full form, but still wants searchable products. Catalog Bulk Item Add Bulk Item Add is the fastest manual-entry path for many simple items, especially when a list already exists in a spreadsheet or stocktake sheet. Catalog Import and Re-import Items Item import reads a CSV immediately after selection. Use the supplied 18-column template: new name-and-SKU pairs are created, while exact name-and-SKU matches are updated in place. Sales Find, Scan and Add Items The item box is the cashier's first control: it accepts item names, SKU values and barcode scans, and it can fall back to quick sale only when that is the right business choice. Settings Receipt Printing Receipt settings control what prints after a sale and how staff can reprint it.