Finale Knowledge Base

Using Receive Learn to Add Barcodes During Receiving

The Receive Learn feature in the Finale barcode scanner app allows you to receive new products into inventory while simultaneously teaching Finale to recognize their barcodes. This is especially useful when handling products for the first time—such as when your supplier or manufacturer has already applied barcodes, but Finale has not yet linked them.

With Receive Learn, you avoid duplicate work by combining two steps (receiving and barcode setup) into one streamlined process.

https://youtu.be/cS488cG1Cxo


Why Use Receive Learn?

  • Save time by linking barcodes during the receiving process.

  • Ensure your team can immediately use barcodes for receiving, picking, and packing.

  • Handle scenarios where:

    • Products are pre-labeled by the supplier.

    • A product has multiple valid barcodes or labels.

    • You need to quickly register new items without leaving the scanner workflow.


Setup on the Scanner

  1. On the barcode scanner, go to Settings.

  2. Verify that Setting #3 = Yes (this enables the receive learn functionality).


Receiving with Receive Learn

  1. From the Main Menu, select Receive.

  2. Scan the Purchase Order ID.

    • If needed, you can print the Purchase Order Manifest with Barcodes from Finale to assist.

  3. Select the sublocation where the items are being received.

  4. Scan (or type) the Product ID.

    • If you don’t have a scannable Product ID, use the printed PO manifest barcodes.

  5. Scan the product’s physical barcode on the packaging.

    • Finale will link this barcode to the Product ID.

  6. Enter the quantity received.

  7. (Optional) Scan additional barcodes if the product has multiple manufacturer labels.

  8. Press Enter to finish the item and continue receiving the rest of the purchase order.


Syncing and Verification

  1. Once receiving is complete, go to Menu > Exit to Main Menu.

  2. Sync the scanner to upload your changes.

  3. In Finale, open the product record and scroll down.

    • You’ll see the newly learned barcode now associated with the product.

  4. From this point forward, scanning that barcode will automatically reference the correct product ID.


Key Tips

  • Multiple barcodes per product: Use Receive Learn to add more than one barcode if your supplier uses different formats.

  • No barcode available? You can manually type the lot/serial or product ID when needed.

  • Always sync before and after using the scanner to ensure the database reflects your updates.


Need Help?

For more information on scanner setup and advanced receiving workflows, check out our other training videos or contact us at Descartes Customer Support.


Frequently Asked Questions

What plan level is required for access to the mobile barcode scanner?

The mobile barcode scanner is available on Gold Plans and above.

Is the physical scanner included with my Finale Inventory subscription?

We do not provide or sell any hardware. If you are upgrading your plan for access to Finale's Mobile Barcode Scanning features, you must purchase a scanner on your own, and can use one of our preferred vendors if you wish.

What are the hardware requirements for the mobile barcode scanner?

ANDROID-OS Based Minimum hardware requirements:

Operating system version: Android OS 8.1 or greater

Hardware specifications:
• WiFi 802.11a/b/g/n
• Touch Display
• 1GB RAM / 8GB Flash
• 1D/2D barcode scanner or embedded camera

I am using the free trial of Finale Inventory, how do integrate my mobile scanner with my trial account?

Please contact Descartes Customer Support to enable access.

How do I change the Orientation of the Barcode Scanner screen?

The mobile barcode scanner software has a Toggle screen hot spot on the top of every screen in the app. Click the area under the title bar to swap your orientation.

How do I type a quantity on the scanner?

Press the UP arrow, on the bottom-of your screen in the app, BEFORE you scan the items you intend to receive or count. That will open up a quantity box for you to type into.

How do I use my own scanner with the Finale Inventory scanner app?

Ensure that your scanner is running on Android-OS 8.1 and that you are on the appropriate plan level to access Finale's barcoding features. The barcoding app can be downloaded directly from the Google Play Store.

Where do I purchase the scanner?

We have two preferred vendors that are recommended to purchase your scanner with however you may ultimately purchase a scanner from anywhere you wish. Our preferred vendors are Barcode-Arena and AML. Please note that Finale's Mobile Barcode Scanner app is only compatible on Android devices.

How do I know what version my scanner is running?

From the main screen of the Finale IMS Barcode Scanner app, click More until you reach option #18 "About." Selecting this option will tell you exactly which version of the app you're running on that device.

What is the difference between a USB/Bluetooth scanner and a Mobile Scanning device?

USB/Bluetooth scanners can plug directly into a phone or computer for the purpose of scanning a barcode, whereas a Mobile Scanning Device acts as one handheld tool to run Finale's Mobile Barcode Scanner app and scan barcode information simultaneously.

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