The App at a Glance
This page explains how to get started with the merchantCENTRAL Warehouse device app: pairing, sign-in, the main menu and the consistent operating concept. Installation is described in Client Installation & Updates.
First Start & Pairing
On first start, the app is not yet connected to Business Central. The fastest way to pair the device is via QR code:
- Open the app → footer Settings (gear icon).
- Tap Scan QR.
- Scan the terminal QR code provided by the administrator (from Business Central).
- The app automatically applies: tenant, environment, company, terminal, location and printer IP.
Alternatively, all values can be entered manually in the Settings.
The QR contains no password
The QR code transmits only the connection data. Sign-in is then performed interactively via Microsoft Entra ID.
Sign-In
The app authenticates via Microsoft Entra ID (MSAL):
- Android: On the first protected access, the Microsoft sign-in dialog appears. The token is cached securely on the device (no repeated sign-in on every start).
- Windows: Packing station operation uses an app sign-in via the stored Entra configuration.
Whether employees must sign in individually is controlled by the administrator via Require User Login (Setup).
Check connection status
The footer shows Connected / Not connected. Tap it to re-check the connection. The header displays the company name and terminal description.
Main Menu
After pairing, the main menu shows the enabled modules as tiles. Which tiles appear depends on the global configuration and the terminal overrides.
| Tile | Subtitle | Task |
|---|---|---|
| Goods Receipt | Receive deliveries | Goods Receipt |
| Goods Issue | Shipping & loading | Goods Issue |
| Pick List | Pick orders (without WMS) | Picking |
| Warehouse Activity | Process warehouse documents (with WMS) | Picking |
| Item Lookup | Scan or enter | Item Lookup |
| Return | Receipt & inspection | Return & Complaint |
| Complaint | Record defects | Return & Complaint |
| Putaway | Assign bin | More Tools |
| Label Print | Create labels | More Tools |
| Photo | Take photos | More Tools |
| Item Weighing | Capture weight | More Tools |
| Stock Transfer | Move stock | Stock Transfer, Inventory & Bins |
| Inventory Count | Count stock | Stock Transfer, Inventory & Bins |
| Bin Put-away | Put away into bins | Stock Transfer, Inventory & Bins |
| Bin Replenishment | Refill pick bins | Stock Transfer, Inventory & Bins |
Only ever one picking module
Pick List and Warehouse Activity never appear at the same time – the Warehouse Mode determines which one is active. The four bin tiles only appear when the respective module is enabled and the location is configured for it.
Badges (Counters)
Some tiles show a number of open tasks – for Goods Receipt, Goods Issue, Pick List, Warehouse Activity, Putaway, Complaint, Stock Transfer, Inventory Count, Bin Put-away and Bin Replenishment. The counters refresh when the main menu opens and take into account the shipping agents permitted for the terminal and the location.
Start directly in the right module
Via Startup Module (Setup), the app starts directly in a fixed module – handy for devices with a single task.
Operating Concept
All modules follow the same pattern:
- Select document/object – from a list or by scan.
- Scan – capture items by barcode (EAN/GTIN), serial number or bin.
- Confirm/Post – the action is posted to Business Central immediately.
- Print – labels/delivery notes per module, automatically or at the press of a button.
Scanning: Depending on the device, a USB scanner (keyboard), a Zebra DataWedge scanner or the camera is used. The selection is made in the Settings.
Settings PIN
If the settings are protected by a PIN, the app prompts for the 4-digit Settings PIN before opening. Only the administrator knows it.
Language
The device app runs in German, regardless of the device language.
Messages coming from Business Central follow the app's language, so error texts arrive in German as well – provided the extension's German language file is installed.