Forum Discussion

BenKrieger's avatar
BenKrieger
Qrew Member
4 years ago

Using a barcode scanner to associate multiple existing child records to a parent record.

I am trying to integrate barcode scanning into the app I am developing in order to track and manage the manufacturing process at my companies manufacturing plant. The plan is for each part to be assigned it's own unique QR code (essentially representing the unique record ID of each part in quickbase) and to scan that QR code at each stage of the production process to ensure that every part is tracked as it moves through the plant. Eventually all of the parts are put onto a pallet before being shipped out.

I am currently looking for a way to streamline the palletization process. In my app I have a Pallet table that is the parent table to the Parts child table. The way I imagine the process working is that each pallet will have a QR code which, when scanned, would allow a user to scan the QR codes for all of the parts that are going on that pallet and then clicking a save button that would relate the scanned parts to that pallet.

I'm imagining this could be done using the Quickbase API using something similar to the "add child record" button that is automatically created in the parent table when creating a relationship, but instead the "button" would be a scan and instead of creating a new record it would update the "related pallet" (the parent record) field of the exiting part records for all parts scanned prior to clicking the save button.

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Ben Krieger
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  • If you can run an edit API call, and an Add API call from a scan, then I think I have a way. But I am not sure how it would work because an add api call allows you to reference fields from the table you launch from, and I do not know how the system could know what table you are launching from when using the barcode scan.

    Let me know if you find out if it's possible and I'll type out the rest of my idea.



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    Mike Tamoush
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    • BenKrieger's avatar
      BenKrieger
      Qrew Member
      It is possible to run API calls using a QR code and that is the direction I have been working to implement. For instance this code generates a QR code using the "Create Child Record" button that quickbase creates automatically when it sets up a relationship:

      "<img src=https://chart.googleapis.com/chart?chs=200x200&cht=qr&chl="&URLEncode([Add Selection])&">"

      The code for that [Add Selection] is the API_GenAddRecordForm that the button uses. The way I have it set up is I have a pieces table, a pallet table, and a join table that allows me to relate the parts to the pallets. The QR scan creates a record in the join table associated to the pallet and opens it in edit mode so that a piece can be scanned and the record can be saved. 

      The problem with this approach is that it requires the user to scan the pallet code, select the "part #" field, scan a part code, save the record, and then repeat this process for every part that the user want to put on a pallet. Ideally I image that a user would scan a pallet, scan all of the pieces that they want on that pallet, and then select a save button.

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      Ben Krieger
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  • Ben,
    I believe that this is possible to do, and I could demo parts of apps that use the required techniques to explain how it would work.

    But to get it working, we would need to have a few zoom sessions to get it working, so you would need to have some kind of budget to work with.

    Contact me directly by email if you want to work though this together.

    Mark

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    Mark Shnier (YQC)
    Quick Base Solution Provider
    Your Quick Base Coach
    http://QuickBaseCoach.com
    mark.shnier@gmail.com
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    • MarkShnier__You's avatar
      MarkShnier__You
      Icon for Qrew Legend rankQrew Legend
      It would also be good to know if you are currently doing any barcode scanning or do you still need to figure out what your scanning device is.

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      Mark Shnier (YQC)
      Quick Base Solution Provider
      Your Quick Base Coach
      http://QuickBaseCoach.com
      mark.shnier@gmail.com
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      • MichaelTamoush's avatar
        MichaelTamoush
        Qrew Captain
        This sounds right up Marks alley. He worked with me on a number of different implementations, and all have been great. If you still need help, I highly recommend reaching out to him on this for some zoom screen shares.

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        Mike Tamoush
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  • Ben,

    While the Quickbase mobile app can scan a barcode and put it into a field, most barcode scanning needs a process behind it to enable workflows that take place after scanning any barcode.  So, scan a barcode and then a workflow process occurs that automatically takes the user to the next step.  This is always custom development to enable these processes. 

    Trinity has been developing custom barcode driven workflow processes for our clients for 23 years and in Quickbase for 17 years. Our team has developed processes just like you describe above.

    The productivity and accuracy that comes from barcode scanning is amazing.  Either workstation based with USB connected scanners or mobile Android / iOS devices using the camera as a barcode scanner can greatly improve operational capabilities.  If you would like to get hold of Trinity for us to show you some of the many barcode driven workflow processes that we have developed please connect with us at  info@trinityis.com  We would welcome the opportunity to solve this for you.

    Thanks.



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    Scott Burday, Trinity
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  • Hi Ben,
    Take a look at this mobile application I setup. It solves exactly what you are looking for. I used my kitchen cabinet as a pallet and the stuff in it as my parts on the pallet. to use:
    1 - install the pic2shop pro from apple store or google play. you will need to spend about 26 $$ one time purchase. It is worth it because you can use the app with many users you want 
    2 - use you camera to scan the barcode below
    3 - enjoy, and reach out if need to customize accordingly.





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    sckaram sckaram
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    • DanMcLaughlin's avatar
      DanMcLaughlin
      Qrew Trainee
      Can you provide a bit of direction for config as it relates to quickbase?

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      Dan McLaughlin
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      • MarkShnier__You's avatar
        MarkShnier__You
        Icon for Qrew Legend rankQrew Legend
        I don't understand the question.  re "config".

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        Mark Shnier (YQC)
        mark.shnier@gmail.com
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