Frequently Asked Questions
What is Inventory Scanner?
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A focused barcode scanning app for stock counts. Open the app, start a session, scan items — duplicates auto-increment, manual quantities are easy to fix, and you export a clean CSV when you're done. It is not an ERP, accounting tool, or supplier-management system.
Is it free?
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Yes. The current version is free with no ads and no subscription. Every feature — including CSV export, cycle count, and iCloud sync — is included.
Do I need to create an account?
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No. There is no separate account. iCloud sync uses your Apple ID directly, so the only "login" you need is the one already on your device.
Which barcode formats are supported?
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EAN-8, EAN-13, UPC-A, UPC-E, Code 39, Code 128, and QR. The scanner uses Apple's vision/MLKit pipeline and recognizes most consumer-product barcodes in well-lit conditions in under 100ms.
What happens when I scan the same barcode twice?
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The app auto-increments the count for that item. You don't have to tap anything between scans of the same SKU. If you want to set the count manually, every row has a −/+ stepper and tap-to-edit.
How does CSV export work?
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Tap export from any session. The app generates a UTF-8 CSV with a BOM marker, ISO-formatted dates, and clean column names — so it opens in Numbers, Excel, and Google Sheets without column-splitting prompts. The iOS share sheet lets you save to Files, mail it, or AirDrop it.
Can I import an existing product list?
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Yes. Use CSV import to seed your SKU catalog. Once imported, every scan that matches an existing barcode binds to its name automatically — no need to retype hundreds of items.
What is "cycle count" / recount mode?
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Open a finished session in recount mode and the previous totals become the "expected" figures. Scan again — counted quantities populate side by side, and the variance CSV exports with `expected_quantity`, `counted_quantity`, and `variance` columns. Useful for weekly checks, spot audits, or shrinkage tracking.
Where is my data stored?
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By default, in a local SQLite database on your device. If iCloud is enabled in iOS Settings, sessions also back up to your private iCloud (CloudKit). Nothing goes to a server we operate.
How do I move my data to a new iPhone or iPad?
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Sign in to the new device with the same Apple ID, install Inventory Scanner, and your sessions appear automatically — provided iCloud sync was enabled when you used it on the previous device.
Can multiple people count the same session at once?
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Not in this version. iCloud sync is eventual-consistency — designed for one person across multiple devices. Real-time multi-user collaboration is on the roadmap but not committed for v1.
Does it work with Bluetooth scanners?
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v1 uses the device camera only. Bluetooth scanner support (Socket Mobile, Zebra, etc.) is being researched for v1.1 based on user demand.
What devices are supported?
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iPhone and iPad. Available on the App Store.
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