Mobile App
Station Scanning

Station Scanning

The Station Scanning feature allows you to track orders through your production workflow by scanning them at each station. This is the mobile equivalent of the web app's Shop tracking functionality.

Overview

Station scanning enables production floor workers to:

  • Mark orders as arriving at production stations
  • Update order status with a single scan
  • Track production progress in real-time
  • Eliminate manual data entry and paperwork

Accessing Station Scanning

From the Home dashboard, you can access scanning in two ways:

  1. Tap the Scan Station quick action button
  2. Open the drawer menu and tap Scan Station

Scanning Modes

The scanner supports two modes, selectable via tabs at the top of the screen:

Station Mode

Scan orders to mark them at a specific production station.

  1. Select a station from the chip selector
  2. Scan the order QR code or barcode
  3. The order is automatically marked at that station

Use this mode when orders are moving through your production workflow (e.g., "Cut Station", "Assembly", "Finishing").

Status Mode

Scan orders to update their status directly.

  1. Select a status from the chip selector
  2. Scan the order QR code or barcode
  3. The order status is updated immediately

Use this mode for status changes like "In Production", "Ready for QC", or "Ready to Ship".

Using the Camera Scanner

Scanning QR Codes

TimberCloud generates QR codes for orders that contain the order's unique identifier. These are the preferred scanning method.

  1. Point your camera at the QR code on the order label or build sheet
  2. Position the code within the scan area (indicated by corner markers)
  3. The scanner automatically detects and processes the code
  4. A success message confirms the scan

Scanning Barcodes

The scanner also supports standard barcodes containing order numbers:

Supported barcode formats:

  • Code 128
  • Code 39
  • EAN-13
  • EAN-8
  • UPC-A
  • UPC-E

Torch/Flashlight

For low-light environments:

  1. Tap the flashlight icon in the scanner view
  2. The device flashlight turns on to illuminate the code
  3. Tap again to turn off

Manual Entry

If a barcode or QR code is damaged or unreadable:

  1. Tap the keyboard icon or Manual Entry button
  2. Enter the order number using the on-screen keyboard
  3. Tap Submit or Search
  4. The system looks up the order and processes it

Manual entry searches by order number (e.g., "ORD-1234").

Scan Feedback

The app provides immediate feedback on each scan:

Success

  • Haptic vibration confirms the scan
  • Green success message shows order details
  • Order information displays briefly (order number, customer, status)

Error

  • Error vibration indicates a problem
  • Red error message explains the issue
  • Common errors:
    • Order not found
    • Order already at this station
    • Invalid barcode format

Cooldown

A 3-second cooldown prevents accidental duplicate scans. After scanning one order, wait briefly before scanning the next.

Station Selection

Stations are configured in your TimberCloud web app under Settings → Orders → Stations.

On the mobile app:

  1. Available stations appear as chips below the scan mode tabs
  2. Tap a station to select it
  3. The selected station is highlighted
  4. All subsequent scans mark orders at this station

Stations are filtered by your selected location. If you don't see expected stations, check your location selection.

Status Selection

When using Status Mode:

  1. Available statuses appear as chips
  2. Tap a status to select it
  3. Scanned orders will be updated to this status

Statuses are configured in your TimberCloud web app under Settings → Orders → General.

Workflow Example

A typical production workflow using station scanning:

  1. Order arrives at Cut Station

    • Worker selects "Cut Station"
    • Scans the order's QR code
    • Order is marked as "At Cut Station"

  2. Order moves to Assembly

    • Worker at assembly selects "Assembly Station"
    • Scans the order
    • Order is marked as "At Assembly"

  3. Order moves to Finishing

    • Worker selects "Finishing Station"
    • Scans the order
    • Order is marked as "At Finishing"

  4. Order complete

    • Switch to Status Mode
    • Select "Ready for QC"
    • Scan the order
    • Order status updated

Each scan is logged with timestamp and user information for tracking.

Tips for Best Results

QR Code Scanning

  • Hold the device 6-12 inches from the code
  • Ensure adequate lighting (or use the torch)
  • Keep the camera steady while scanning
  • Position the code within the scan area overlay

Barcode Scanning

  • Align the barcode horizontally
  • Cover the entire barcode in the scan area
  • Avoid glare from reflective surfaces

Production Floor Tips

  • Print order labels with clear, large QR codes
  • Position labels consistently on orders/materials
  • Consider using tablet stands at stations for hands-free scanning
  • Train workers on the cooldown between scans

Troubleshooting

Scanner not detecting codes

  • Ensure camera permission is granted
  • Check lighting conditions (use torch if needed)
  • Clean the camera lens
  • Try moving closer or further from the code

Order not found

  • Verify the order exists in the system
  • Check that you're scanning the correct company's orders
  • Try manual entry with the order number

Wrong station/status applied

  • Check your station/status selection before scanning
  • The selection persists until you change it

Duplicate scan error

  • Wait for the 3-second cooldown between scans
  • This prevents accidental double-processing

Related Features

Installation & SetupInventory Receiving