# Check-out and return by scan

> Check tools out and back in by scanning them: with the phone camera, a scanner or an NFC tag – with signature, reservation and handover to a colleague.

The normal case on the shop floor: a mechanic needs a tool, takes it and scans the code on the label. Done – Tulz knows who has it, since when and until when. On return it is scanned once more; the tool is free again, and the return shows where it belongs.

Scanning uses whatever is at hand: the camera of a phone or tablet, a USB or Bluetooth scanner at the PC or kiosk, or an NFC tag on the tool. The inventory number can also be typed.

## How it works in the workshop

1. **Check-out** – scan the tool, pick the employee (or you are already signed in), optionally job number and return date, check out. For test equipment Tulz points out an overdue inspection before the tool leaves.
2. **Signature** – if wanted, the employee signs on screen; the signature is stored with the transaction and printed on the pick list.
3. **Return** – scan the tool, choose the condition (fine, dirty, defective), done. "Put back to Cabinet 1 › Drawer 3" shows the place.
4. **Handover** – if a colleague needs the tool next, it is handed over directly, without return and renewed check-out.

## What comes with it

- Scan with the phone camera right in the browser ([Camera scan on the phone](https://tulz.work/en/help/article/camera-scan-on-the-phone)), with a scanner at the PC ([Check-out by scanner](https://tulz.work/en/help/article/issue-with-a-scanner)) or by NFC tag
- Reservations for the next job, searchable by OEM or supplier number too ([Reserving](https://tulz.work/en/help/article/reserve))
- "Tell me when it's free": if the tool is out, you get notified as soon as it is back ([Watching a tool](https://tulz.work/en/help/article/notify-when-available))
- Extend a loan, partial quantities for bulk items (say 3 of 10 ratchet straps), overdue reminders by e-mail and push
- Offline queue: without Wi-Fi on the shop floor, scans are collected and booked later ([Offline on the shop floor](https://tulz.work/en/help/article/offline-in-the-workshop))
- Kiosk mode on a fixed tablet in the store: sign-in by staff number or NFC card

## Who it is for

Every workshop where more than one person takes tools. How to organise check-out so it is actually followed day to day is covered in the guide [Organising tool check-out](https://tulz.work/en/guides/organising-tool-issue).

## Frequently asked questions

### Do I need a dedicated scanner?

No. The phone camera is enough; Tulz reads QR codes and barcodes right in the browser. A scanner at the PC or kiosk is quicker when many tools are booked one after another.

### What happens when there is no Wi-Fi on the shop floor?

Scans go into a queue on the device and are booked as soon as the connection is back – nothing is lost.

### Can a mechanic check tools out to himself?

Yes, if his role allows it. With kiosk mode it even works without an account: staff number or NFC card, scan, done.

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Source: https://tulz.work/en/features/check-out-by-scan · As of 2026-10-14 · Tulz