What is Shelf Scan?
Shelf Scan is a scanning mode in Ventory that allows users to process a batch of barcodes at once instead of scanning items one by one. When multiple instances of the same barcode are detected, Ventory automatically sums them into a total quantity, making inventory tasks significantly faster and more accurate.
Shelf Scan is especially useful for high-volume environments such as warehouses, stock rooms, and field inventory locations where speed and efficiency are critical.
Where Can Shelf Scan Be Used?
Shelf Scan is available across most scanning workflows in Ventory, including:
Quick Actions
Orders
Inventory Counts
You can switch between standard scanning and Shelf Scan mode using the square icon in the top-right corner of the scanning screen.
How Shelf Scanning Works
Step 1 : Navigate to quick actions > choose any quick action (eg : Move) > Tap the Scan button to start scanning.
A short loading phase will occur while Ventory processes the scan.
All detected barcodes are highlighted on the screen.
Note :
If the same barcode appears multiple times in the scan, Ventory automatically counts and groups them.
If product numbers are scanned, the total quantity is displayed in an overlay at the bottom of the screen.
You can:
Scan additional items that were not captured in the first frame
Re-scan if an item was missed
Newly scanned items are automatically added to the existing list.
Step 2 : List of items appears to be moved > Once you’ve scanned all required items > do the usual quick action move >Tap Process in the bottom-right corner
Note : If you want to start over, tap the Clear button on the bottom row to reset all scanned barcodes.
Using Shelf Scan with GS1 Barcodes
Shelf Scan becomes even more powerful when scanning GS1 barcodes.
When GS1 codes are detected, Ventory automatically extracts all embedded information—such as:
Product identifiers
Lot or batch numbers
Serial numbers (if applicable)
This means that scanning a group of items with GS1 barcodes can instantly populate all relevant product and lot data without manual input, significantly reducing errors and processing time.
Best Practices
Ensure adequate lighting and a steady camera position when scanning multiple items
Use GS1 barcodes where possible for maximum automation
Review the list screen before processing to catch any missing or incorrect data
Use the Clear button if the scan result doesn’t match your expected items
Shelf Scan helps teams:
Scan multiple items at once
Automatically group and count identical barcodes
Reduce manual effort during inventory tasks
Improve accuracy, especially when using GS1 barcodes
By streamlining batch scanning across key workflows, Shelf Scan enables faster, more reliable inventory operations in both warehouse and field environments.