Searching with a Keywedge Scanner
This page covers the different ways to find assets by scanning barcodes in xAssets, including single-barcode search, multi-barcode search, and working with search results.
Searching for a Single Asset
A keyboard wedge barcode scanner can be used with the xAssets search box to quickly find an asset by its barcode. This works even without the Barcoding module enabled.
- Click in the xAssets Search box to ensure it has focus.
- Scan the asset's barcode. The barcode characters will appear in the search box.
- The scanner's Carriage Return suffix automatically triggers the search.
- Any assets whose barcode or serial number matches will be displayed in the results.
Important: If you scan a second barcode, its characters will be appended to the first barcode already in the search box, which will produce no results. To search for multiple barcodes, use the Barcode Search dialog described below.
Searching for Multiple Barcodes
The Barcoding module must be enabled for this feature.
When the Barcoding module is enabled, a barcode icon appears to the right of the Search box.
To search for multiple assets by barcode:
- Click the barcode icon next to the Search box. This opens the Barcode Search dialog.
- Ensure the cursor is in the Scanned Barcode field.
- Scan each barcode in turn. The search results update behind the dialog as each barcode is added.
- When finished, click Close to dismiss the dialog and work with the results.
Rescanning a Barcode
If the same barcode is scanned more than once during a multi-barcode search, xAssets prompts you to remove the duplicate from the list by default. This is a convenient way to undo an accidental scan.
Changing the Duplicate Barcode Behaviour
The default prompt-to-remove behaviour can be changed using the RepeatBarcodeScanAction option:
| Value | Behaviour |
|---|---|
| 0 (or missing) | Prompt the user to remove the duplicate barcode |
| 1 | Automatically remove the duplicate without prompting |
| 2 | Ignore the duplicate (keep it in the list) |
To set this option:
- Go to Admin > Settings.
- Search for RepeatBarcodeScanAction.
- If the option exists, change its value. If it does not exist, create a new Option with the following settings:
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Class | Barcoding |
| Code | RepeatBarcodeScanAction |
| Name | Action to take when a barcode is re scanned |
| Context Key | Barcoding |
| Value | Custom Dropdown |
| Dropdown options | 0\Prompt User,1\Delete Duplicates,2\Ignore Duplicates |
- Set the dropdown to your preferred behaviour.
Using the Results of a Search
Selecting Assets from the Results
Close the Barcode Search dialog, then select the assets you want to act on:
- Press Ctrl+A to select all, or
- Go to Edit > Select All, or
- Click the grey selector box on individual rows.
Performing Actions
With assets selected, use the Actions on Selected Records menu to perform operations such as bulk edits, transfers, or disposals.
Using Stored Lists
A Stored List lets you save a set of scanned assets for use elsewhere in xAssets (for example, when running queries or selecting assets for a transfer).
- Select the assets in the search results.
- Go to Actions on Selected Records > Stored List > Add Selected Assets to Personal Stored List.
Tip: If your Stored List already contains assets from a previous session, clear it first: open Show Personal Stored List and click Clear List.
Related Articles
- Keywedge Barcode Scanner Introduction — Introduction to the keywedge barcode scanner guide
- Bulk Scanning — Scanning multiple barcodes in sequence
- Setting Up a Keywedge Scanner — How to configure a keyboard wedge scanner
- Using a Barcode Scanner to Search — Searching for assets with other scanner types
- Finding Assets — Finding assets using the main search interface