How to Set up Warehouse Barcode Scanning

BYO device and start scanning barcodes in your 3PL warehouse immediately! CartonCloud’s mobile WMS app gives you flexibility and control to manage inventory, track stock movement, and pick orders — with barcode scanning right from your smartphone (or rugged mobile device).

TL;DR: Here’s how fast-scaling warehouse teams across the US are streamlining operations with mobile barcode scanning and automated workflows, right from their very own phones or tablets.

Q: What’s the best warehouse barcode scanning app for 3PLs in the US?

A: The best warehouse barcode scanning app is one that’s fast to set up, easy for your team to use, mobile friendly, and powerful enough to handle custom workflows for your day-to-day operations.

CartonCloud’s WMS app is trusted by 3PL warehouses across the US for barcode scanning, inventory tracking, and real-time order management and available for all Android and iOS devices. See why CartonCloud’s warehouse management system app is top-ranked year after year by warehouse teams for ease of use and more here.

Q: Can I use my own phone as a barcode scanner for my warehouse?

A: Absolutely! By using CartonCloud’s WMS app, you can easily turn your smartphone or tablet into a fully functional mobile barcode scanner for warehouses and start scanning immediately!

CartonCloud simplifies WMS barcode app use in your workflows and is ideal for any teams who want to bring their own device (BYOD) and get started instantly. Using the CartonCloud Mobile App on your own mobile device means you don't have to invest in costly hardware or wait on long setup timeframes. Find out more on how to scan barcodes using any mobile device here.

Q: How do I set up barcode scanning in my warehouse?

A: Barcode scanning with the CartonCloud WMS scanning app is as easy as 3 simple steps!

1. Download the CartonCloud iOS WMS app or Android.
2. Set up your warehouse locations and print custom barcodes.
3. Start scanning using your mobile device’s camera (or connect to a Bluetooth scanner if high-volume picking is required).

Q: Does CartonCloud’s barcode scanning app work in cold storage or large warehouses?

A: Yes, CartonCloud’s WMS app is fully compatible with rugged Android devices, iPhones, iPads, and Bluetooth scanners — making it easy to use in cold storage, large facilities, and multi-site operations.

Q: Is there local support if I want to get started in Texas?

A: Texas 3PLs, CartonCloud’s USA-based local support team are here to help. CartonCloud has a local team ready to help you onboard fast, set up barcode scanning, customized warehouse labels, and optimize your warehouse workflows, wherever you’re based!

Q: How do I get a demo of the WMS app in action?

A: CartonCloud’s friendly team of experts are ready to answer your questions. Many CartonCloud users say they were blown away by the expert help and dedicated support they received from the team, from the very first phone call. 

“Whenever I have a question, the answer is never no! [CartonCloud] always finds a way! 

I asked so many questions [and] asked to talk to so many people. I saw a demo to see it working in real-time, asked questions specific to our business, and the team were always ready to answer everything and help me understand. They have just been so incredibly helpful, I couldn't ask for more.” — Cass Strunk, Founder, Core Logistic Services

To see the software in action for yourself, you can book a free demo with our team anytime and see barcode scanning, inventory management reporting, picking workflows, and warehouse automations first-hand.

Mobile Barcode Scanning in 5 Easy Steps!

Every barcode scan in the CartonCloud mobile WMS barcode app automatically updates your inventory in real time, giving you instant visibility across all your warehouse sites. Whether your team is in the same building or spread across multiple states in the US, everyone stays connected and on the same page.

Using CartonCloud’s warehouse barcode scanning app, you can oversee your entire operation — from individual picker activity to multi-site performance.

• Track live stock movements as items are received, picked, packed, and dispatched.
• Easily allocate and split tasks between your team for operational flexibility and control. 
• Access real-time data from any mobile device, and sync seamlessly across multiple warehouse sites for complete operational visibility, as well as automated rates and reporting.

See how easy it is to set up automated barcode scanning in your warehouse in 5 easy steps, with CartonCloud. 

1. BYO Device: Start Scanning Barcodes on Day One

There’s no need for special warehouse hardware here… with CartonCloud’s WMS barcode app, the tech you already own instantly turns into a powerful barcode scanner! 

Whether your 3PL runs on iPhones, Androids, tablets, or rugged handhelds — you name it — every device works seamlessly with CartonCloud’s WMS app.

Need to get started fast? For 3PLs that need to hit the ground running, there’s no waiting around or complicated setup. Just grab your phone, tablet, or rugged device — install the app, and you’re ready to scan barcodes right away.

Once you’re up and running, scaling your team is just as easy. New staff can simply use the devices they already have, scrapping the need to buy or configure any extra equipment.

2. Setting Up Warehouse Barcode Scanning in Minutes

Scaling fast is all about keeping things simple — and with CartonCloud’s WMS barcode app, setup takes just a few minutes. 

Want to know how to set up barcode scanning in warehouses? Here’s how with the CartonCloud’s WMS barcode app:

1. Download and log in to the CartonCloud WMS app (available for both Android and iOS).
   
   
2. Set up your warehouse zones and locations in the app. (Tip: Make sure to include zones for cool, dry, or frozen goods. Find out more about setting up optimized warehouse locations here.)
   
   
3. Print and place your barcodes for all products and locations. (Check out our guide on printing warehouse barcodes for a detailed walk-through.)
   
   
4. Configure your custom logic for expiry dates, batch tracking, etc. (Download our free mobile barcode scanning guide to explore CartonCloud’s automated scanning workflows for accuracy here!)
   
   
5. Start scanning! Your team can now update inventory, track stock, and complete picks instantly.

3. Flexible Hardware Options for Every Team

Every warehouse is different — and that’s why CartonCloud’s WMS barcode app is compatible for any environment. Whether you’re managing a 3PL in Houston, fulfilling e-commerce orders in Austin, or running a cold-storage warehouse in Dallas, you’ve got the freedom to choose the setup that fits your operation with the best barcode scanner app for warehouses in Texas.

• Standard warehouses: If you want a boost of accuracy for general 3PL storage or order picking, you can simply use your phone or tablet camera for quick and reliable barcode scanning.
• Cold storage: For chilled areas or freezers, it is recommended that you use the CartonCloud Android WMS app on a rugged Android device to ensure you preserve your device’s battery life.
  
  Check out Tony’s Tips on working in cold environments for practical advice on choosing the right gear for your warehouse.
  
  
• High-volume operations: For high-volume operations like e-commerce, pairing your device with a Bluetooth scanner can give your team extra speed and efficiency by allowing for rapid, continuous scanning.

Watch the full video of Vincent using CartonCloud’s Pick to Tote with mobile barcode scanning here! 

4. Automate Warehouse Tasks with the WMS App

Save hours each week right from the device in your back pocket! CartonCloud’s intuitive WMS software streamlines even the most complex logistics operations, to make your life easier. We’ve listed a few of the most popular automated workflows your team can choose from in the CartonCloud mobile WMS app here, to kick start your operations using mobile barcode scanning.

Scan Incoming Stock

For all new stock that arrives in your warehouse, your team can scan an item's barcode to instantly log all details on your CartonCloud mobile WMS app and create instant visibility across your entire operation.

Check out how Rockstar 3PL in Las Vegas, Nevada uses barcode scanning on the CartonCloud app once they receive stock in the warehouse.

“We use a handheld scanner to scan the barcode on the pallet and whoever's putting it away just goes to the location and marries it to that location.” — Jimmy Skodras, Vice President of Operations and Logistics, Rockstar 3PL 

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Picking Stock with Accuracy

You can set up custom pick and pack workflows that match the way your warehouse operates — whether that’s picking by batch, expiry date, or location. The system automatically guides your team to the right products, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and total traceability throughout.

• Pick by Batch: Scan multiple items in one go (for example, 50 units from a single bin) to speed up high-volume order fulfillment.
• Pick by Expiry: Scan to confirm you’re picking the right expiring product depending on your picking logic, such as FIFO (First In, First Out).

For Core Logistic Services in Boise, Idaho who deals with supplements, they use the CartonCloud mobile WMS app to pick by expiry, scanning each product to ensure the right products are being shipped out first.

“CartonCloud is able to direct us when we are picking for orders to pick the right item. So if we have expiring products, it guides us to pick the first expiring product, so that we are always replenishing the products that we have.” — Cass Strunk, Founder, Core Logistic Services

• Pick by Location: Scan a location barcode to view a sales order that needs to be picked.

“We have the locations that are already on our racks, so if there was any question of what item is in that specific location — it’s as easy as scanning that barcode, and it pops up on your CartonCloud app.” — Jimmy Skodras, Vice President of Operations and Logistics, Rockstar 3PL

Fast and Accurate Packing 

You can also use CartonCloud’s WMS barcode app to streamline your packing process. CartonCloud’s Pack Screen feature allows you to scan to confirm each item as it's packed into a carton or satchel.

‍“We've built this whole process to be used without having to touch the keyboard or mouse throughout. You can do everything with a barcode scanner.” — Vincent Fletcher, Founder and CPO, CartonCloud

Locate and Move Stock in Seconds

Keep track of your inventory anytime with a quick barcode scan. Simply scan warehouse location barcodes to verify items are in the right place, or use CartonCloud’s Scan Move feature to scan a location and move selected stock to another area.

 “I use the [CartonCloud] Mobile App’s Scan Move function quite a bit, as I’m constantly moving things around [the warehouse]. Every time a product gets rotated top down, I move it. It made maintaining the warehouse so easy.” — Kierden Buchanan, Delivery Specialist, Drink Distribution

5. Easy Team Onboarding & Training

New warehouse hires? No problem! Pairing a warehouse barcode scanner app with a mobile device your team already knows and are comfortable with — makes training and onboarding faster, easier, and far less stressful.

When it’s time to ramp up during peak periods like Cyber Sales season, it's especially important to get your seasonal staff up and running fast. CartonCloud’s in-app workflows walk them through scanning, picking, and packing tasks step by step, so they can pick up their device and start straight away.

Need a helping hand? Our friendly US-based support team is right here to help! We’re proud to support local warehouses, 3PLs, and regional operators with fast, personal service that feels like part of your own team.

“I feel like the team at CartonCloud is really the third person who works here in the warehouse.”

“Olivia has always gotten back to my messages and phone calls very fast and always with a smile on her face. The service that I get from Olivia is unmatched.” — Cass Strunk, Founder of Core Logistic Services in Boise, Idaho.

Key Takeaways

• Start scanning in minutes — no extra hardware required. With CartonCloud’s Texas 3PL warehouse barcode scanning app, you can turn any smartphone, tablet, or rugged device into a powerful barcode scanner.
• Automate and streamline your workflows. From receiving stock to picking, packing, and dispatching, CartonCloud automates every step. Real-time barcode scanning keeps your inventory accurate, while custom workflows like batch, expiry, or location-based picking make daily tasks faster, simpler, and error-free.
• Manage your warehouse anywhere, anytime. Keep your operations connected across multiple sites with real-time visibility and paperless workflows. Every scan updates instantly in your CartonCloud system, giving you complete control from right from your mobile device.

Start Scanning Today!

Our friendly US-based team is ready to help you set up your own warehouse barcode scanning solution and get your 3PL operations running faster than ever. Book a free demo today to check out the CartonCloud WMS app in action!