Barcode & RFID Scanning

myTurn supports barcode scanning for adding items, checking items in and out, and quickly bringing up a user’s account. You can use USB or Bluetooth barcode scanners with laptops and most mobile devices. Bluetooth scanners also work with smartphones and tablets. These instructions also apply to single-item RFID (chip) scanners.

Anywhere you can manually enter a User ID or Item ID in myTurn, you can instead scan a barcode (or RFID tag) that encodes that ID.

When checking items in or out, most USB and Bluetooth scanners let you scan multiple items in sequence quickly and without extra clicks, making high-volume processing faster and more accurate.

With default scanner settings, click into the appropriate field in myTurn before scanning, then scan the item.

Key Concepts

Item IDs — A unique identifier for each copy of an item. If you have 10 copies, each has its own ID.

• The barcode (1D/2D) or RFID tag must encode this exact value.

Barcode and RFID Tags — Physical labels or tags attached to items that store their unique ID in a machine-readable format.

• Barcode labels use printed lines, patterns, or QR codes that can be read by a barcode scanner. 

• RFID tags store the ID on a small chip that can be read by an RFID scanner, often without direct line of sight.

• Both types link the physical item to its record in myTurn, enabling fast, accurate check-in, check-out, and inventory management.

• We strongly recommend you use professionally pre-printed labels/tags

  • If budget allows, use metallic asset tags (durable, business-grade, as used for electronics like laptops).

  • Otherwise we recommend pre-printed vinyl which are still durable for most uses.

  • We do not recommend laser, inkjet, or typical thermal labels—they tend to fade, peel, or fall off with handling.

• One source of barcode labels is: http://www.myassettag.com/BC/Metal-Barcode-Labels.aspx

Barcode Scanners — Use external laser (1D) or 2D imagers (CCD/CMOS).

• They’re inexpensive, fast, and accurate.

• They behave like keyboards: they “type” the code and then send Enter.

• USB and Bluetooth scanners work with most connected devices.

• Barcode scanners we have tested or have been recommended to us can be found at:

  • https://myturn.com/barcode

• Our only requirement is that the labels/tags you use can be read by the scanner you purchase. When using barcodes Code 128, Code 39, and others.

Scanning Workflows

myTurn supports scanning items in sequence to process multiple actions quickly:

• When you load the myTurn Dashboard (Super Admin or Limited/Location Admin), you can scan or enter an Item ID or Member ID to start a check-in or check-out.

  • If the first scanned item is checked out, myTurn opens an admin cart, marks the item  or return, and pre-selects the check in box so you can scan more checked-out items without extra clicks or taps.

  • If you select or scan an item that is checked in, you can then scan a user's ID to start a cart for that user.

  • If the scanned value isn’t an Item ID, myTurn checks for a matching Member ID and, if found, starts a cart for that member.

• To switch between modes within a cart (e.g., check in while in checkout mode), click into the appropriate box before scanning.

• Scanning workflows also support transfers (multi-location), reservation prep (Build Order), and more.

Migrating to Using Barcodes

The barcode on the physical item must match the Item ID in myTurn. Two common approaches:

Option #1: Re‑ID Items (usually easiest)

• Purchase tags in any number range.

• Ask myTurn to add a prefix or suffix to all current Item IDs (e.g., 123 → Z123).

  • Why: This prevents accidentally choosing a barcode number that already belongs to a different item. It also lets you apply label “123” to whichever item you’re holding without hunting for the original “123”.

• For each item:

  1. Take the item off the shelf (good time to inspect).

  2. Apply the new barcode tag.

  3. Edit the item and scan the tag into the Item ID field.

  4. Save.

• This also lets you easily know which items have been tagged (the ones without the letter or other change)

2) Match Existing IDs

• Have labels printed that exactly match your current Item IDs (you can send a list to a vendor).

• This avoids confusion when items are already engraved/painted/labeled, but you must locate the exact label for each item.

• For each item:

  1. Take the item off the shelf (inspect).

  2. Find the matching barcode label on your sheets.

  3. Edit the item and scan the tag into the Item ID field.

     • This step can be faster if you scan to search for the item first.

  4. Save.

Labeling Difficult Items

• Use a hang tag with the barcode.

• Put the item in a durable case/bag and label the case/bag.

• You can mix barcoded and non‑barcoded items; myTurn supports both.