ABOUT THE TOOL
A small tool for a familiar problem.
A scanner types a value, but the receiving application rejects it. ScannerBench helps you inspect what reached the browser, compare it with what you expected and give a technician a reviewed report.
It is a free utility from SmartFACT: Smart Factory using AI, operated by Obsidian Black Ltd. It is useful on its own, with no account, trial or email address required. The tool does not call an AI service: its checks are local and deterministic, and they run in your browser.
What it is, and is not
ScannerBench captures input from scanners that type like a keyboard, names every character and key event, compares a known value exactly, imports shared test files and produces local reports. Its advice catalogue covers two reviewed Zebra USB models, and any keyboard scanner can be tested without being listed. It does not detect, configure or certify a scanner, read barcodes with a camera, interpret GS1 data or receive serial or vendor-API input.
The catalogue is documentation coverage, not a certified-hardware list, so check your own scanner, keyboard layout and browser with a known barcode. See the field guide for limits and tested scope.
The workbench
PrintBench checks that a printer reproduces a known PDF at the right size. CardBench creates 100 × 50 mm bin and rack cards. CountBench records stocktakes and cycle counts by location. BarcodeBench explains what a barcode contains, including GS1 data, and can import a ScannerBench full report. MatchBench compares a reference scan with each label scanned after it. TagBench makes clear review tags for items that need attention. FindBench finds a scanned code's description and locations in your own file. ManifestBench checks a list of distinct cartons before a load leaves. FeedBench inspects, maps and compares factory CSV and JSON files. CycleBench times work cycles and changeovers on one phone. OffcutBench labels the offcuts on one rack and finds a piece long enough before you cut new stock. TraceBench follows a lot or serial number through your own CSV exports, with the row behind every link. ReclaimBench records the parts recovered from returned units, with a QR label for each and the unit each one goes into. When the same job repeats every day, the SmartFACT services below automate it with rules you describe in plain English.
Help and support
The field guide covers capture, completion, comparison rules, imports and limits, and the interactive training walks through the tool step by step. To report a problem or ask a question, use the SmartFACT support form. Tell us the browser and operating system, the scanner model and connection mode if known, the completion mode you chose, and what you expected and what happened. Use synthetic values where you can, and share a report only after reviewing it: reports are redacted by default. Suggestions are welcome through Send feedback in the tool. Help with the tool is free; there is no guaranteed response time, and bespoke integration work is a separate paid service.