# Use barcode scanning workflows
URL: https://support.starshipit.com/articles/6930264385295-use-barcode-scanning-workflows
Canonical: https://support.starshipit.com/articles/6930264385295-use-barcode-scanning-workflows
Markdown: https://support.starshipit.com/articles/6930264385295-use-barcode-scanning-workflows.md
Updated: 2026-10-28

> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://support.starshipit.com/llms.txt).

> Starshipit Workflows help you process orders faster with barcode-driven search, scan-to-open/print, packing validation, and tote picking.

Choose a barcode workflow for the job at your packing bench: open an order, print its label, check its contents or work through a tote. Linked-account search lets an authorised parent-account user find orders across locations and brands without first choosing each account separately.

## Choose the job you want to complete

| Workflow | What it does | Guide |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Scan and open** | Finds an order by its order barcode so you can review it before printing. | [Scan to open and print](/articles/360000984255-scan-to-open-and-print) |
| **Scan and print** | Finds an order by its order barcode and prints the label. | [Scan to open and print](/articles/360000984255-scan-to-open-and-print) |
| **Packing Validation** | Checks each item's barcode or SKU and the quantity being packed. It can also verify eligible printed shipments without reprinting. | [Scan to validate items](/articles/6811966579215-scan-to-validate-items) or [Verify printed orders before dispatch](/articles/1792014664000-verify-printed-orders-before-dispatch) |
| **Search and open/print by product barcode** | Finds matching single-product orders from a product scan. | [Scan and print labels by product SKU](/articles/10931058747407-scan-and-print-labels-by-product-sku) |
| **Pack by tote** | Opens the order associated with a tote so its items can be packed together. | [Scan totes for picking](/articles/12616572135055-scan-totes-for-picking) |

For document-led picking, scales or mobile workflows, start with [Choose a web-app picking and packing workflow](/articles/90200000000516-choose-a-web-app-picking-and-packing-workflow).

## Start a workflow

1. Open **[Workflows](https://next.starshipit.com/workflows)** in UI 2.0.
2. Select the workflow for the task.
3. Choose the available workflow options, such as including printed orders or orders from child accounts.
4. Scan or enter the order number, product barcode or tote identifier required by that workflow, then press **Enter** or select **Search**.
5. Check the matching order and account before continuing.

Packing Validation requires access through the account's plan or add-ons and permission to use the feature. With printed or child-account orders included in Packing Validation, enter the full search and submit it; typing does not show suggestions.

## Work across linked locations and brands

From the parent account, select **Include orders from child accounts** where available. You need access to every searchable linked child account. If you have access to only some linked accounts, switch to the owning account to process its order.

**Scan and open** continues in the order's owning account. **Packing Validation** also opens in the owning account and returns to the original parent workflow after **Complete Packing** or **Back**. Use the **Account** column to distinguish matching order numbers.

Scanning finds the order where it is held. To move an eligible New order between linked accounts for your locations or brands, use [Allocate an order to another account](/articles/115001657023-allocate-an-order-to-another-account-child-account). Direct sibling assignment is enabled separately by the parent.

## Choose what happens after validation

In **Settings > [Packing Validation](https://next.starshipit.com/settings/packing-validation)**, choose the order-opening and completion behaviour, optional automatic completion and whether completed checks can be repeated. **Block already validated orders** is off by default and belongs to the account holding the order.

Follow [Configure Packing Validation](/articles/6811966579215-scan-to-validate-items#configure-packing-validation) for the settings and checks. Printed verification records the check without automatically creating or reprinting a label.

## Check the result

Check that the opened order, printed label or validation History entry belongs to the intended order and account. If packing or printing fails, use **Open order details** to review the order and any existing label before repeating an action.

## Related articles

- [Select packaging and carrier products using barcode scanning](/articles/6930153486479-scan-to-select-packaging-and-carrier-products)
- [Print packing slips](/articles/90200000000515-print-packing-slips)