Warning: question from a beginner
Context: A user with a barcoded ID card will use a simple data-entry form to "clock in" and "clock out" their arrival/departure by scanning their barcode.
Problem: I want to give the user visual confirmation of their input; specifically, the user will enter a number (by swiping their card), and I want the form (or subform) to display the number that was just scanned, along with the person's name pulled from a table that's linked by ID number. The ID number, date, and time of scanning are saved to a different table. The feedback is meant to confirm for the person clocking in that their card was read correctly, and the system recognizes them.
I had a very simple version of this database working OK without the visual feedback, but when I added a subform to provide the feedback, the main form no longer worked correctly. Through a series of tweakings, either the focus would not return to the input box, ready for the next number to be entered, or when I got the form to accept a new number, it would overwrite the previous record rather than create a new record. I'm a little confused about how to use one form for both input (clocking in the person) and output (displaying confirmation).
I don't know if this is just a matter of tweaking the form slightly (sending the focus to the right object and/or creating a new record when the right event occurs) or if I need to completely restucture the database. Should I even be using a subform, or can I do it all in the main form? If using a subform, I assume the data entry should be the main form, and the feedback should be the subform, but maybe this is backwards? Does it matter whether I base my subform on a query vs. a table?
I would be grateful for any tips!
Joe Ramsey
Context: A user with a barcoded ID card will use a simple data-entry form to "clock in" and "clock out" their arrival/departure by scanning their barcode.
Problem: I want to give the user visual confirmation of their input; specifically, the user will enter a number (by swiping their card), and I want the form (or subform) to display the number that was just scanned, along with the person's name pulled from a table that's linked by ID number. The ID number, date, and time of scanning are saved to a different table. The feedback is meant to confirm for the person clocking in that their card was read correctly, and the system recognizes them.
I had a very simple version of this database working OK without the visual feedback, but when I added a subform to provide the feedback, the main form no longer worked correctly. Through a series of tweakings, either the focus would not return to the input box, ready for the next number to be entered, or when I got the form to accept a new number, it would overwrite the previous record rather than create a new record. I'm a little confused about how to use one form for both input (clocking in the person) and output (displaying confirmation).
I don't know if this is just a matter of tweaking the form slightly (sending the focus to the right object and/or creating a new record when the right event occurs) or if I need to completely restucture the database. Should I even be using a subform, or can I do it all in the main form? If using a subform, I assume the data entry should be the main form, and the feedback should be the subform, but maybe this is backwards? Does it matter whether I base my subform on a query vs. a table?
I would be grateful for any tips!
Joe Ramsey