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Setting Asset Barcodes with a Keywedge Scanner

xAssets Keywedge Barcode Scanner Guide
Using a Keyboard Wedge barcode scanner to set the barcode for an Asset

Setting Asset Barcodes with a Keywedge Scanner

This page explains how to use a keyboard wedge scanner to populate barcode and serial number fields on asset records, which is faster and more accurate than manual typing.

Prerequisites

  • The Barcoding module must be enabled in xAssets
  • A keywedge scanner connected and configured (suffix set to Carriage Return)
  • Physical barcode labels on the assets (either xAssets-printed labels or manufacturer labels)

When the Barcoding module is enabled, the Asset Editor form shows a dedicated Barcode field, and both the Barcode and Serial Number fields are formatted to accept scanner input.

Scanning a Barcode into an Asset Record

  1. Open the asset (either create a new asset or edit an existing one).
  2. Click in the Barcode or Serial Number field to give it focus.
  3. Point the scanner at the physical barcode label on the asset and scan.
  4. The barcode characters are entered into the field automatically.
  5. Save the asset record to store the scanned value.

Important: The Carriage Return sent by the scanner after the barcode may trigger a save or form submission depending on the field type. Verify the scanned value is correct before moving to the next asset.

When to Scan into the Barcode Field vs Serial Number

Scenario Target Field
xAssets-printed barcode label Barcode
Manufacturer serial number label Serial Number
Third-party asset tag Barcode
Both labels present Scan the xAssets label into Barcode, the manufacturer label into Serial Number

xAssets can match an asset by either field during searches and audits, so both are useful. The Barcode field is the primary identifier for xAssets barcode operations, while the Serial Number is useful for manufacturer warranty lookups and cross-referencing.

Bulk Barcode Assignment

If you need to assign barcodes to many assets at once, there are several approaches:

  • One at a time -- open each asset, scan the barcode, save. Practical for small batches.
  • From a query -- display a query of assets, click each one to open it, scan and save. Faster for larger batches.
  • Via data transformation -- if you have a spreadsheet mapping asset IDs to barcode values, import them using a data transformation. This does not require scanning at all.

Tip: After assigning barcodes to your assets, you can use the Barcode Search to quickly find them later, or run Barcode Audits to verify physical assets against your database.