Barcode scanning overview

Overview

We know that scanning barcodes is one of the fastest ways to move through your workflow. It reduces clicks, prevents mistakes, and keeps your team moving. That’s why DHL Express Commerce includes a comprehensive suite of barcode scanning functionality designed to support every stage of the fulfilment process.

This guide outlines the different ways you can use barcode scanning in DHL Express Commerce, where each feature is supported, and how to get started.

Barcode scanners and device support

DHL Express Commerce supports any barcode scanner that acts as a keyboard input. This includes most USB and Bluetooth scanners. When you scan a barcode, the value is entered into the relevant field in the DHL Express Commerce web app.

You can use many different types of scanners. We recommend you use something similar to Zebra's LS2208 General Purpose Barcode Scanner.

No setup is required beyond connecting the scanner to your device.

What you can do with barcode scanning

Print an order
Scan a barcode containing the order number or reference. This will automatically trigger label printing if scan-to-print is enabled. → Set up scan-to-print

Print an order

Scan a barcode containing the order number or reference. This will automatically trigger label printing if scan-to-print is enabled.

→ Set up scan-to-print

Validate items in an order
Scan product barcodes during packing to confirm the correct items are included in the order → Validate items using barcode scanning

Validate items in an order

Scan product barcodes during packing to confirm the correct items are included in the order

→ Validate items using barcode scanning

Select packages and carrier products
Scan a barcode for each package on your order, and the correct package will be updated automatically. → Scan to select packaging and carrier products

Select packages and carrier products

Scan a barcode for each package on your order, and the correct package will be updated automatically.

→ Scan to select packaging and carrier products

Find matching orders by product barcode
Scan a product barcode to surface orders that contain only that product. → Scan and print labels based on product SKU

Find matching orders by product barcode

Scan a product barcode to surface orders that contain only that product.

→ Scan and print labels based on product SKU

Search for orders by order barcode
Scan an order number or reference barcode to pull up the corresponding order. → Search for orders using barcodes

Search for orders by order barcode

Scan an order number or reference barcode to pull up the corresponding order.

→ Search for orders using barcodes

Assign barcodes to products
Add barcodes to your products using the Product Catalogue. These can be used during packing validation or included on packing slips and summaries. → Assign product barcodes in the Product Catalogue

Assign barcodes to products

Add barcodes to your products using the Product Catalogue. These can be used during packing validation or included on packing slips and summaries.

→ Assign product barcodes in the Product Catalogue

Add barcodes to documents
Print barcodes on labels, packing slips, and packing summaries for scanning. You can configure your document templates to include barcodes for the order number, reference, or consignment number. → Add barcodes to printed documents

Add barcodes to documents

Print barcodes on labels, packing slips, and packing summaries for scanning.

You can configure your document templates to include barcodes for the order number, reference, or consignment number.

→ Add barcodes to printed documents

FAQs

What types of barcodes can I scan?

Standard formats (e.g. Code128, EAN, UPC)
Tracking barcodes from courier labels