The Barcode Lookup add on feature connects MicroBiz to a product database with over 1.2 billion product records.  This database can be used to speed the creation of new products by scanning a barcode on an item, and if its in the database, populate fields in a 'new product record' form automatically .  The Barcode Lookup database is is available from several screens in the application:

  • Front register>Add New Product screen
  • Customer orders> Add New Product screen
  • Purchase orders> Add New Product screen
  • Vendor shipments> Add New Product screen
  • Product record


How to Turn On Barcode Lookup


Important Notes: 


1) Barcode Lookup is only available to Enterprise Plan subscribers.  Please call MicroBiz Sales if you would like to upgrade to an Enterprise plan.

2) MicroBiz places a limit of 500 searches per month.  Each time you start or refresh a query is counted as a search.  You may purchase a higher limit on searches from MicroBiz sales.


Getting Started


To turn on Barcode Lookup, go to Settings>General>Add On Features and use the dropdown to turn on the Barcode Lookup feature.




Setting Up Barcode Lookup


To set up Barcode Lookup, you can use the link provided in the Add On Features setting page (see image above) or go to  Settings>General>Advanced Features>Barcode Lookup.




Default Search Mode - This setting controls what search method will be used by default when opening the Barcode Lookup search methodology.  If this is set to 'Barcode' the default search method will be to match a barcode scanned to the UPC of the product.  Available methods include matching the ID scanned or entered in the MicroBiz search bar to the following:

  • Manufacturers Part No.
  • ASIN/ISBN
  • Product Title/Name
  • Barcode/UPC


Product Name - This controls how the name of the product will be saved in the new MicroBiz product record using the data in the Barcode Lookup database.  You can either use just the base name field or you can chose where the size and color will be saved relative to the base name of the product.


Default Search Category - The data in Barcode Lookup is organized using the Google Product Taxonomy.  This is a comprehensive catagory tree for all types of business.  You can use this setting to select one taxonomy category tree for your search.  The Barcode Lookup does not support the selection of multiple trees, so you must select only one tree node. You can search for a category node by typing in a category or subcategory name, such as 'Apparel & Accessories'.  There will be a dropdown displaying the available category nodes.


We suggest that you carefully review the Google Product Taxonomy and select the category tree node that will best capture the types of products that you carry or expect to carry at your store.  If you choose a category node that is too broad (such as a first level category), you may have too many irrelevant products returned in the search results.  If you select a category node of a tree that is too narrow (such as a sub, sub, sub, sub category) your search may not returned relevant products records that are valid for your store.    


Field Mapping - These settings control how the data fields in the Barcode Lookup database will be mapped to the product record fields in MicroBiz.  For example, we recommend mapping the SKU field in MicroBiz to the MPN/Manufacturer's Part Number in Barcode Lookup.  You have the option omit or not map certain data fields in the Barcode Lookup database to MicroBiz.    


Catalog Data Actions - There are a few other fields that can be mapped to MicroBiz.  You can decide whether you want to sync these fields.  One of the considerations is that the vendor, brand and category fields in the Barcode Lookup database are not actively managed for consistency.  Products in the same family may have different vendor or brands in Barcode Lookup.  Or the categories in Barcode Lookup may be different than how you want to organize the data in your store.  Mapping all these fields may result in new or different vendors, brands and categories being created in MicroBiz as you sync product records.


Once you have selected these settings, you will see the blue Barcode Lookup buttons on various screens in MicroBiz.