Scanner Not Scanning (Zebra)
Summary
The most common scanner used in hospitals is the Zebra DS8108. It is used for scanning patient wristbands and meds for WellSky. The scanner connects directly to the computer via a USB cable through the slot on the Work Station on Wheels (WOW). There could be several reasons why the scanner may not scan. A Windows Update, severed connection, software issue, or hardware failure. Below are some basic instructions to help troubleshoot.
The scanner manual is attached to the article.
Instructions
1. Reboot the computer. If the computer has been up for days and there is a Windows Update waiting to be installed, this action normally resolves the issue.
2. Check the connection. The USB connection is hidden under the table and it may require a Nurse Supervisor or Facilities person to unlock the table. Lift the table and try unplugging the USB and plug it back in. You should hear it connect. If you don't hear it connect, try a different USB port on the computer. If this doesn't work, try grabbing another scanner from another cart to see if it works on the cart experiencing the problem.
3. Test the scanner. Open up a web browser and go to Google. Highlight the search field in Google and try scanning something. The search field should fill up with some numbers or letters. If it matches the barcode, then the scanner works. If you are trying to scan into WellSky and it doesn't work, then it could be a WellSky issue.
4. The scanner doesn't turn on or beep at all. This is usually an indication of a hardware failure. Improper cleaning of the scanner could cause this. Please make sure the scanner isn't saturated with liquids while cleaning. It can fry the scanner.
5. The scanner turns on, but it doesn't scan. Sometimes a Windows Update can cause the scanner from working properly and it may not scan at all. If Step 3 does not work, then a Firmware upgrade on the scanner is most likely required. You will need to create an incident for the IT team to update the Firmware on the scanner.
For IT Department
https://www.zebra.com/us/en/support-downloads/software/utilities/123scan-utility.html
https://www.zebra.com/us/en/support-downloads/scanners/general-purpose-scanners/ds8100-series.html
Note: Use 64-bit when installing the Zebra123Scan software. It'll prompt a reboot. If you don't see the software, run it again to see the software installed. (The installation can take a while as it installs plug-ins.
- Attach scanner to computer with USB
- Click on "Update scanner firmware". You'll see a Window open and you'll see another option to update firmware, click it. (This process can take several minutes)
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When the scanner firmware is finished, close out the Zebra123scan software to test it. If you don't, the test scan will not work.
- The barcode below programs the scanner if you're unable to scan after the firmware update.
Scanner: DS8108-HC4000BVZWW
This image is taken from the scanner manual, pg 67.
The barcode below is used for tabbing to the next. If your scanner is not moving to the next field, scan this bar code.
Troubleshooting
1. If the scanner is not scanning, try scanning the barcode above first before flashing the firmware.
2. If the barcode doesn't work, run the firmware update from the instructions above.
3. If they are scanning meds in WellSky and it jumps to the next option, e.g. Export, the Carriage Return may not be programmed in the scanner. Scan the following bar code to program the scanner.
4. If you can't scan the barcode from the screen, try printing it and then scan.
5. If the scanner still can't the bar code from the screen or print, try opening the PDF attached to this Solutions article and search the bar code (e.g., carriage), print from the PDF and scan again.