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Scanner App Overview - Using the Mobile Point-of-Sale Tool

Complete guide to the Scanner App for processing loyalty transactions. Learn how to install as PWA, log in with credentials, scan customer cards, configure settings, and troubleshoot scanning issues.

Michael Francis avatar
Written by Michael Francis
Updated this week

Scanner App Guide

Overview

The Scanner App allows you to scan customer loyalty cards from your mobile device. Process transactions, award points or stamps, redeem rewards, and manage customer visits—all through a simple, fast mobile interface.

What the Scanner App does:

  • Scan customer loyalty cards with your device camera

  • Award stamps, points, or visits instantly

  • Process reward redemptions

  • Record transactions and purchases

  • Track customer activity in real-time

  • Works on any mobile device with a camera

Benefits:

  • No additional hardware required

  • Fast transaction processing

  • Works on phones and tablets

  • Access anywhere with internet

  • Multiple staff can use simultaneously

  • Instant customer data updates


Accessing the Scanner App

Standard access URL

For most users, access the Scanner App at:

White label access (custom domain)

If you have white label features enabled on your account, use your custom domain instead of the standard Perkstar domain.

Important: Copy the Scanner App link from your custom domain, not Perkstar's domain.

Three ways to find your Scanner App link

Method 1: From White Label Settings

  1. Click the Crown icon (top menu)

  2. Click the Settings icon

  3. Navigate to White Label Settings

  4. Click Scanner App Branding

  5. Scroll to the bottom

  6. Click Open

The Scanner App opens in your browser. You can:

  • Copy the URL from your browser address bar

  • Click Install to add it to your device

  • Send the link to staff devices

Method 2: From Profile Section

  1. Click your profile picture (top-right corner)

  2. Select Scanner App from the menu

  3. The Scanner App opens in your browser

From here:

  • Copy the URL to share with staff

  • Click Install to add to your device

Method 3: From Managers Section

  1. Navigate to Managers section

  2. Find the Scanner App link

  3. Copy or open to access

If Install button doesn't appear: Clear your browser cache and reopen the link. The Install button should then appear.


Installing the Scanner App

What is PWA installation?

The Scanner App installs as a Progressive Web App (PWA)—it works like a native app but doesn't require an app store download.

Benefits of installation:

  • Quick access from your home screen

  • Works like a regular mobile app

  • Faster loading after installation

  • Offline login capability

  • No app store required

Installation process

Step 1: Open Scanner App URL

  • Use one of the three methods above

  • Open the link on your mobile device

Step 2: Install to home screen

For Android (Chrome):

  1. A popup appears with "Add to Home Screen" or "Install"

  2. Click Install

  3. Confirm installation

  4. Scanner App icon appears on home screen

For iOS (Safari):

  1. Tap the Share button (bottom center)

  2. Scroll and tap Add to Home Screen

  3. Name the app (or keep default name)

  4. Tap Add

  5. Scanner App icon appears on home screen

For other browsers: Look for the browser menu (⋮) and select "Add to Home Screen" or "Install."

Step 3: Access from home screen After installation, tap the Scanner App icon on your home screen to launch the app directly.


Logging in to Scanner App

Login credentials

You can log in using:

Option 1: Main account credentials

  • Email address for your main account

  • Password for your main account

  • Full access to all features

Option 2: Manager credentials

  • Manager email address

  • Manager password

  • Access based on manager permissions

Login process

Step 1: Open Scanner App

  • Tap the Scanner App icon on your home screen

  • Or: Open the Scanner App URL in your mobile browser

Step 2: Enter credentials

  1. Enter your email address in the Email field

  2. Enter your password in the Password field

  3. Tap Sign In

Step 3: Access granted The Scanner App home page appears, ready to scan customer cards.

Troubleshooting login

Can't log in with manager credentials?

  • Verify the manager account is active

  • Check manager has Scanner App permissions

  • Confirm email and password are correct

  • Try main account credentials to verify system access

Forgot password?

  • Use the password recovery link

  • Or: Log in to the main web dashboard and reset password

App not loading?

  • Check internet connection

  • Clear browser cache

  • Reinstall the Scanner App

  • Try a different browser


Using the Scanner App

Home page overview

After logging in, you see the Scanner App home page with:

  • Camera viewfinder for scanning

  • Menu access (three-line icon, top-right)

  • Quick scan interface

  • Transaction history

Scanning a customer card

Step 1: Prepare to scan

  1. Customer opens their loyalty card on their phone

  2. Ensure card QR code is visible and not obstructed

  3. Position your device camera over the QR code

Step 2: Scan the code

  1. QR code automatically scans when in focus

  2. Brief vibration or beep confirms scan (if enabled)

  3. Customer profile appears on screen

Step 3: Process transaction

  1. View customer information and card balance

  2. Select action (award stamps, add points, redeem reward)

  3. Enter transaction amount if required

  4. Confirm transaction

  5. Customer card updates immediately

Scanner App menu

Accessing the menu: Tap the three-line icon (☰) in the top-right corner.

Menu options:

  • Settings: Configure scanner behavior

  • Transaction History: View recent scans

  • Logout: Sign out of Scanner App

  • Help: Access support resources


Scanner App settings

Accessing settings

  1. Open the Scanner App menu (three-line icon)

  2. Tap Settings

  3. Configure scanner behavior preferences

Available settings

Beep on scan

  • Toggle: On/Off

  • On: Device beeps when QR code is scanned

  • Off: Silent scanning

  • Use case: Turn on for audible confirmation, off in quiet environments

Show result

  • Toggle: On/Off

  • On: Display scan result on screen after each scan

  • Off: Proceed directly to customer profile

  • Use case: Turn on for verification, off for fastest scanning

Copy QR code to clipboard

  • Toggle: On/Off

  • On: Automatically copies QR code data to device clipboard

  • Off: No clipboard action

  • Use case: Turn on if you need to paste QR data elsewhere

Debug mode

  • Toggle: On/Off

  • On: Display technical information about scanned codes

  • Off: Normal operation mode

  • Use case: Turn on only for troubleshooting technical issues

Recommended settings

For busy locations (fast transactions):

  • Beep: On (quick confirmation)

  • Show result: Off (faster processing)

  • Copy to clipboard: Off (not needed)

  • Debug mode: Off (cleaner interface)

For careful verification:

  • Beep: On (confirmation)

  • Show result: On (verify before proceeding)

  • Copy to clipboard: Off (usually not needed)

  • Debug mode: Off (unless troubleshooting)


Best practices

Device setup

Choose the right device:

  • Any smartphone or tablet with camera

  • Stable internet connection required

  • Adequate battery life for shift duration

  • Screen brightness appropriate for scanning

Positioning:

  • Mount device at checkout if possible

  • Comfortable height for staff and customers

  • Good lighting for QR code scanning

  • Stable surface to minimize camera shake

Backup devices:

  • Have backup device available

  • Install Scanner App on multiple devices

  • Train staff on multiple devices

  • Plan for device failures

Staff training

Essential training topics:

  • How to log in to Scanner App

  • How to scan customer cards

  • How to process different card types

  • What to do if scan fails

  • When to use different transaction types

  • How to handle customer questions

Practice scenarios:

  • Award stamps on stamp cards

  • Add points to reward cards

  • Process gift card redemptions

  • Handle cashback transactions

  • Redeem rewards

  • Process multipass visits

Troubleshooting:

  • QR code won't scan (lighting, distance, focus)

  • Customer card not found (installation issues)

  • Transaction errors (network problems)

  • When to call for support

Transaction workflows

Standard transaction:

  1. Greet customer

  2. Request loyalty card

  3. Scan QR code

  4. Process transaction (award points/stamps)

  5. Confirm with customer

  6. Thank customer

Reward redemption:

  1. Scan customer card

  2. View available rewards

  3. Select reward to redeem

  4. Confirm redemption

  5. Process discount or provide reward

  6. Update customer card

Error handling:

  1. If scan fails, retry with better lighting

  2. If still fails, manually enter card number

  3. If card not found, help customer reinstall

  4. If transaction error, note details and retry

  5. If persistent issues, contact support

Security practices

Protect login credentials:

  • Don't share main account password

  • Use manager accounts for staff

  • Log out after each shift

  • Don't save passwords on shared devices

Physical security:

  • Keep device secure when not in use

  • Don't leave logged-in device unattended

  • Use device locks/passwords

  • Report lost or stolen devices immediately

Data protection:

  • Don't photograph customer cards

  • Don't share customer information

  • Process transactions accurately

  • Report suspicious activity


Troubleshooting

Scanner App issues

App won't load:

  • Check internet connection

  • Clear browser cache

  • Try different browser

  • Reinstall the Scanner App

  • Verify URL is correct (white label vs. standard)

Can't install to home screen:

  • Clear browser cache

  • Ensure using compatible browser (Chrome/Safari)

  • Check device has available storage

  • Try accessing URL again

  • Update device operating system

Login fails:

  • Verify email and password are correct

  • Check Caps Lock isn't on

  • Try main account credentials

  • Reset password if needed

  • Contact admin for manager credential issues

Scanning issues

QR code won't scan:

  • Improve lighting conditions

  • Hold device steady

  • Adjust distance from QR code

  • Clean camera lens

  • Ensure QR code is fully visible

  • Ask customer to increase screen brightness

Wrong customer profile appears:

  • Verify scanned QR code belongs to correct customer

  • Check customer installed correct card

  • Rescan to confirm

  • Manually verify customer details

Scan successful but transaction fails:

  • Check internet connection

  • Verify customer card is active

  • Confirm transaction type is appropriate for card type

  • Check for card expiration

  • Retry transaction

  • Contact support if persistent

Network issues

Slow performance:

  • Check Wi-Fi or cellular signal strength

  • Move closer to router

  • Switch between Wi-Fi and cellular

  • Restart device

  • Clear app cache

Transaction not updating:

  • Verify transaction completed

  • Check customer card for update

  • Review transaction history

  • Wait a few moments for sync

  • Contact support if not resolved


Frequently asked questions

Can multiple staff members use the same Scanner App? Yes, either log in with the same credentials or create separate manager accounts for each staff member.

Does the Scanner App work offline? No, internet connection is required to process transactions and update customer data in real-time.

Can I use a tablet instead of a phone? Yes, any mobile device with a camera and internet connection works with the Scanner App.

How do I switch between manager accounts? Log out of the current account and log in with different manager credentials.

What if a customer's QR code won't scan? Try adjusting lighting, distance, and camera focus. If still failing, manually enter the customer's card number.

Can customers scan their own cards? No, the Scanner App is for business use only. Customers present their cards to staff for scanning.

Will the Scanner App drain my device battery? Camera use consumes battery. Keep device charged or plugged in during extended use.

Can I process transactions without scanning? Yes, you can manually search for customers by name, phone, or email if scanning isn't possible.

What card types can I scan? All loyalty card types: stamp, gift, cashback, reward, multipass, membership, discount, and coupon cards.

Do I need to download an app from the app store? No, the Scanner App installs as a PWA directly from your browser—no app store download required.

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