Allow duplicate entries in appsheet form

[dhaval]

I have created an app/form on AppSheet to record sales orders. The form consists of three things barcode, Product Name, and Qty. The problem is when I scan the same barcode which was already submitted before an error pops up that "There is already a row with the key 'xxxxxxxxx (barcode number)'"

Could anyone suggest me a workaround to allow duplicate entries in AppSheet forms? Note that I'm on a free plan and not using a subscription. 

[franc]

Hi @dhaval 

Have you tried adding a new column, such as IdOrder, and set it as a Key instead of the barcode?

Your key column must be unique

Let me know if it works out

[dhaval]

Yes! this works! 
But, is there any way to automate the entries in Key Column? Like, every time user opens the app, the first/key field should be prefilled with the current date and time.  

[Steve]

Define App formulas and Initial values - AppSheet Help

[franc]

Yes, you can automatically create a unique value in the auto compute section of your key column, similar to what is described here

https://www.googlecloudcommunity.com/gc/AppSheet-Q-A/Can-AppSheet-auto-generate-the-Unique-ID-column...

Instead of UniqueID you can create your own combination of dates and time, using CONCATENATE() https://support.google.com/appsheet/answer/10107400?hl=en

or you can simply use NOW() https://support.google.com/appsheet/answer/10108119 which returns the date-time of the current date and time (DateTime value).

You could also add an additional unique number to your date-time if many people use the APP at the same time, similar to what is described here

https://support.google.com/appsheet/answer/10105828?hl=en

Please let me know if you need any further assistance, if you like the answer and if it solves your question.

[dhaval]

@franc @Steve I tried to add now() in the auto compute section but it says "Key column 'ID' in Schema 'Sheet1_Schema' cannot use an app formula. The app formula will be removed". is it that we can't automate key column using formula?

[franc · Accepted solution]

@dhaval if added in the following field of the auto compute section, the "initial value" field, it should work fine.

[dhaval]

Yes! it's working, thanks!