PowerLunch and Barcode Scanner

This article provides an overview on how to implement a barcode scanner with PowerLunch. Instead of manually entering Lunch IDs in PowerLunch, a scanner will allow you to scan barcodes and read Lunch IDs from the patron's lunch card, helping to ensure more accurate data entry and faster processing of patrons through the lunch line.

Please note that PowerSchool does not provide any technical support for the configuration of any barcode scanner. If you need assistance configuring your scanner, please contact the vendor of the scanner.

Selecting a Barcode Scanner

While PowerSchool does not support or endorse any specific barcode scanner, there are a number of devices on the market that are compatible with PowerLunch. When selecting a barcode scanner to choose one that meets the following criteria:

• The scanner is compatible with the Barcode 39 barcode font.
• The scanner can append a carriage return as a suffix to the scanned data (simulates the return/enter key).
• The scanner can operate in hands-free mode, eliminating the need for the operator to press a trigger when scanning.

Configuring the Scanner

Before you can scan lunch cards in PowerLunch, you may have to configure your barcode scanner to properly communicate with your computer. Please refer to your scanner's documentation when configuring your barcode scanner. Ensure that:

• The scanner has established a connection with your computer.
• The scanner is configured to scan barcodes formatted in the Barcode 39 barcode font.
• The scanner is configured to simulate the return/enter key being pressed after each scan. Many scanners allow you to append a suffix (carriage return) to the scanned data.

To verify your scanner's configuration, test the scanner using a text editor.

1. Open a text editor such as Notepad (Windows) or TextEdit (Mac).
2. Make sure your cursor is focused on a document opened by the text editor.
3. Scan a barcode with a known value.
4. View the results in your text editor to make sure that the barcode value was correctly translated to clear text and the text was properly followed by a carriage return. The cursor should be on a new line.

Using the Scanner with PowerLunch

Once your scanner is properly configured, you will be able to scan student or staff lunch cards and the data will be sent to your computer.

1. Log into PowerSchool.
2. Navigate to Start Page > PowerLunch.
3. Select Serve Breakfast or Serve Lunch to begin serving meals. PowerSchool will prompt you for a lunch ID. Notice that the cursor is focused on the Lunch ID field in PowerLunch.
4. Scan a student or staff lunch card using the Barcode 39 barcode font. The scanner will translate the barcode to the student or staff member's lunch ID value.
5. If your scanner is properly configured to follow each scan with a carriage return (return/enter) then the lunch ID will be submitted automatically and you can record the sale. If your scanner does not support the carriage return, you may have to manually submit the lunch ID by pressing Enter on your keyboard.
6. Finish recording the sale if needed. If Quick Sale is enabled in PowerLunch and the patron has enough meal funds, the sale will record automatically and you will be returned to the previous screen prompting you for a new Lunch ID.
7. Repeat steps 4-6 for each PowerLunch patron.

Source: https://help.powerschool.com/t5/PowerSchool-SIS-Administrator/Using-PowerLunch-with-a-Barcode-Scanner/ta-p/15489

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