It is possible to scan a details or data barcode which will place data into a specified field. The format for such a barcode is as follows:
/%Dfield%value
The variable elements of the barcode are:
field - the name of a subject field
value - the data that will be placed into the field
These barcodes streamline data entry and ensure accuracy by reducing manual input of data.
Examples
This can be helpful when adding data that has a finite set of options to subjects. Below are three examples where inputting data via barcode can be helpful:
A photographer is capturing portraits of music band members and has a database field named Instrument, into which each subject’s musical instrument is to be entered.
Rather than manually enter this data, the photographer has a set of Data Barcodes corresponding to the Instrument and each of the musical instruments. As each subject is photographed, the photographer scan the barcode corresponding to the correct instrument. For example:
/%DInstrument%flute
Scanning this barcode will place the value flute into the Instrument field
A photographer is working a sports league and has a database field named Team, designated for each player’s team name. The team names are known in advance; however, the specific team assignment for each player is determined during the photo session.
For each subject, the photographer can scan a barcode representing the appropriate team name. For example:
/%DTeam%U10-Elite
Scanning this barcode will place the value U10-Elite into the Team field.
Students who take the bus to school require their bus route to be displayed on their ID cards. To this end, a subject field BusRoute is available.
Rather than manually enter the data, the photographer has a set of Data Barcodes corresponding to the BusRoute field and each of the possible bus routes. For each subject requiring a bus route, he scans the appropriate barcode. For example:
/%DBusRoute%OakStreet
Scanning this barcode will place the value OakStreet into the BusRoute field
Combining details
It is possible to combine two or more barcodes into one. Scanning this combined barcode will then populate multiple fields at once.
Example
For example, continuing from Example 2 above, a photographer may wish to record both the Team name and the player’s Position simultaneously into fields called Team and Pos
The barcode is constructed as follows:
/%DTeam%U10-Elite/%DPos%Striker
When this barcode is scanned, the value U10-Elite is entered into the Team field, and the value Striker is entered into the Pos field.
FAQ
What is the format for a data barcode?
The format for a data barcode is /%Dfield%value.
Where can data barcodes be used?
In Details Mode of any apps and in CapturePost
Can data barcodes be used with folder, family, or job fields, or are they just for subjects?
In CapturePost, data barcodes can only be used with subjects and subject fields.
However, in Details mode, Data may be scanned into fields at the subject, folder, and family level. To scan, select the appropriate record or group from its respective tab (subject, folder, or family), then scan the appropriate barcode.
Job fields must be manually entered or imported via a text file.
What happens if I have a field of the same name at different levels?
The scanned information is always scanned to the selected record, be it a subject, folder, or family, provided that the encoded field exists. If the applicable field does not exist, then no information will be added.
Can I reuse barcodes between jobs?
Yes, as long as the field name matches the information encoded, a Barcode can be reused for multiple jobs.