SoloDB Documentation version 0.1-DEV Help

Chemical Barcode Scanning

Introduction

The Chemical Barcode Scanning feature in SoloDB allows users to efficiently manage chemical containers using barcodes. This feature streamlines the process of tracking, registering, and managing chemicals in your laboratory environment.

Key Features

  • Barcode Scanning: Scan barcodes using a barcode scanner or manually enter barcode values

  • Container Lookup: Quickly find existing chemical containers by scanning their barcodes

  • External Label Support: Support for both internal and external chemical labeling systems

  • Container Registration: Register new chemical containers with detailed information

  • Location Scanning: Scan location barcodes to quickly select storage locations

Prerequisites

Before using the Chemical Barcode Scanning feature, ensure you have:

  1. Access to the Chemicals module in SoloDB

  2. A barcode scanner connected to your device (optional, but recommended)

  3. Appropriate permissions to view and/or register chemical containers

Accessing the Chemical Barcode Scanning Feature

  1. Log in to your SoloDB account

  2. Navigate to the Chemicals section

  3. Select "Scan Chemicals" from the menu

Using the Chemical Barcode Scanning Feature

Scanning Process Overview

The chemical scanning process follows these general steps:

  1. Select a room where the chemicals are located

  2. Scan a chemical barcode

  3. View container information if the barcode is recognized

  4. Register a new container if the barcode is not recognized

Selecting a Room

Before scanning chemicals, you must select the room where the chemicals are located:

  1. Use the room dropdown to select the appropriate room

  2. The system will indicate whether the selected room uses external chemical labeling

  3. Once a room is selected, the barcode scanning field will appear

Scanning a Barcode

To scan a chemical barcode:

  1. Place your cursor in the barcode input field (it will be automatically focused)

  2. Use your barcode scanner to scan the barcode, or manually type the barcode value

  3. The system will automatically process the barcode after scanning

Understanding Barcode Types

The system recognizes different types of barcodes:

  • Container Barcodes: Barcodes that include /cc/ followed by a container ID

  • Location Barcodes: Barcodes that include /l/ followed by a location ID

  • External Labels: Barcodes from external labeling systems

Viewing Container Information

If the scanned barcode matches an existing container:

  1. The system will display the container's details, including:

    • Chemical name

    • Storage location

    • Container information

  2. A link to the container's detail page will be provided for further actions

Registering a New Container

If the scanned barcode is not recognized, you can register a new container:

  1. If the room has external chemical labeling:

    • The system will allow you to register the external label with a new container

    • Fill in the required information:

      • Location (can be scanned or selected from dropdown)

      • Chemical (select from dropdown)

      • Owner (defaults to current user)

      • Concentration

      • Amount and unit

      • Expiration date

    • Click "Register Container" to complete the registration

  2. If the room does not have external chemical labeling:

    • The system will display a form to register a new container directly

    • Fill in the required information

    • Click "Register Container" to complete the registration

Scanning Location Barcodes

To quickly select a location:

  1. Scan a location barcode (containing /l/ followed by a location ID)

  2. The system will automatically select the corresponding location

  3. To reset the location selection, scan the "Reset Location" QR code displayed on screen

Troubleshooting

Barcode Not Recognized

If your barcode is not being recognized:

  1. Ensure the barcode is clean and undamaged

  2. Try manually entering the barcode value

  3. Check if the barcode format is supported by the system

Scanner Not Working

If your barcode scanner is not working:

  1. Ensure it is properly connected to your device

  2. Check if the scanner is configured to add a carriage return after scanning

  3. Try using the manual input option as an alternative

Cannot Register New Container

If you cannot register a new container:

  1. Verify you have the necessary permissions

  2. Ensure all required fields are filled correctly

  3. Check if the barcode has already been registered in the system

Best Practices

  • Regular Scanning: Regularly scan your chemical inventory to keep track of all containers

  • Proper Labeling: Ensure all containers have clear, scannable barcodes

  • Location Organization: Use location barcodes to quickly identify where chemicals are stored

  • Expiration Dates: Always set appropriate expiration dates when registering new containers

  • Owner Assignment: Assign the correct owner to each container for accountability

  • Chemical Container Management: Manage detailed information about chemical containers

  • Chemical Labels: Create and print labels for chemical containers

  • Location Management: Organize and manage chemical storage locations

21 May 2025
ChemicalsLabels