# Customer barcode scanning

Speed up the checkout process with the customer in front of you, by producing and scanning customer cards with a unique customer-specific barcode directly in the product search field.

This instantly attaches the customer to the current order—no manual lookup required.

## What is this?

Customer barcode scanning lets you print unique barcode labels for your customers and scan them at the point of sale.

When a customer presents their barcode, your staff simply scans it in the product search field and Flow Retail automatically links them to the order.

Ideal for loyalty programs, B2B accounts, or any scenario where fast customer identification matters.

## How does it work?

**Scanning a customer barcode**

Scan or type a customer barcode in the product search field. If a match is found, Flow Retail attaches the customer to the current order. If an order already has a different customer, you'll be prompted to confirm the replacement.

**Printing customer barcodes**

Open a customer profile in Flow Client and tap *Print barcode*. This prints a label with the customer's unique barcode and name using your existing label printer.

## How do I get started?

Simply open any customer in Flow Client and tap *Print barcode* to create labels, then scan them in the product search field at checkout.

{% hint style="warning" %}

#### Use cardboard cards - not plastic cards

We recommend simple credit card-sized cardboard cards with a blank area for the barcode label, preferably on the back side of the card.
{% endhint %}

### Label printer required

In order to print the barcode you need a label printer connected to the device.

The label printer and labels can be the same as used with Flow Gift Card labels, and also general price labels.

{% hint style="info" %}

#### Not for every retailer

Not everyone wants to carry a card. Many prefer giving their phone number at checkout.

This feature works best for frequent shoppers, loyalty members, or B2B customers who benefit from fast identification.
{% endhint %}

### Does the barcode contain any personal information?

No. The barcode is just a unique ID representing that specific customer, with a prefix `CUST#`.

It is not possible to reverse that number into a specific customer without explicit access to Flow Retail.


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