# Barcode scanner on laptop **URL:** \ **Category:** Ignition\ **Tags:** ignition81, vision, perspective\ **Created:** [December 18, 2024, 7:37pm UTC](https://forum.inductiveautomation.com/t/barcode-scanner-on-laptop/100002 "2024-12-18T19:37:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 2\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Nicole\_McCormack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/b77776/32.png) [@Nicole\_McCormack](https://forum.inductiveautomation.com/u/Nicole_McCormack)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2024, 7:37pm UTC](https://forum.inductiveautomation.com/t/barcode-scanner-on-laptop/100002/1 "2024-12-18T19:37:13Z")
I can't find any information on how to implement a barcode scanner input in vision. I see it in perspective but my app will be running on a laptop. The barcode scanner input is not in the vision component palette. I am trying to have assemblers scan in lot/date code or serial number barcodes via bluetooth zebra scanner ds8178 to capture and put in a database for build traceability. Is that even possible? Is there a reference guide or video you can link? ---
**Author:** ![ryan.white](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/inductiveautomation/user_avatar/forum.inductiveautomation.com/ryan.white/32/73193_2.png) [@ryan.white](https://forum.inductiveautomation.com/u/ryan.white)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2024, 7:48pm UTC](https://forum.inductiveautomation.com/t/barcode-scanner-on-laptop/100002/2 "2024-12-18T19:48:37Z")
> [@Nicole\_McCormack](#): > > Is that even possible? Absolutely possible. Most barcode scanners run in a keyboard wedge mode, where the scanner will behave like a keyboard to 'type' the scanned data in. I believe in most workflows operators will have to click onto a text entry field and then scan an item/barcode. The better scanners will let you configure a prefix/suffix to tack onto the scanned data to allow other systems to determine that the input was from the scanner and not a user typing via the keyboard. Seems like most data on the forums are for perspective and not vision. A few good reads that are related: > [@Scanning Barcodes](https://forum.inductiveautomation.com/t/scanning-barcodes/94595/8): > > For Vision, you have multiple approaches: Use the scanner in keyboard wedge mode, and arrange to have focus in the correct field before scanning. Use the scanner in keyboard wedge mode, but use Sepasoft's Barcode Scanner module to intercept barcodes based on a prefix, sending the result where you like. Use the scanner in keyboard wedge mode, but roll your own application-wide keystroke interceptor via java Swing "under the hood". Use the scanner in USB Serial Port emulation mode, and… > [@Factory Wide Multi Barcode Scanner Setup - Discussion/Feedback](https://forum.inductiveautomation.com/t/factory-wide-multi-barcode-scanner-setup-discussion-feedback/74666): > > Our factory is looking to move to using barcode scanners to be able to pre-fill tracking/part number data onto machines as we move pallets around. After a bit of research and thought, I came up with the following possible setup to allow us to use barcodes/scanners everywhere without requiring a vision client instance nearby to capture the data string. I'd appreciate feedback on the setup as a whole or individual parts, like if I missed any possible pitfalls, 'gotcha's, completely forgot somethi…