Entering ID number into a refernce column without the dropdown

[Password123]

I have a simple AppSheet app that includes two tables: a checkout table and a student data table. Both tables have the following columns:
Unique ID, Student ID, First Name, Last Name, Grad Year, TimeNow.

I created a reference column in the checkout table's Student ID column that refers to the Student ID in the student data table. This allows me to enter a Student ID number into the checkout table/form, and all the corresponding student information is automatically written into the checkout table along with the timestamp of the action. This functionality works well. I can use a barcode scanner too that simply reads the text and enters it into the field / column

However, the issue is that I currently have to click on the Student ID field in the form and either select a student from a dropdown list or manually enter the Student ID number into the search bar. What I would like is for students to simply scan a barcode into the checkout form, have the data saved automatically, and then allow the next student to do the same. The app won’t work for our needs if someone has to use the dropdown, search, or select from a list.

I’ve already set the app to auto-save and auto-reopen, but I still need to click into the field and either search or select from the list. Any help or suggestions to achieve this barcode-scanning functionality would be greatly appreciated.

[WillowMobileSys]

I do the same thing for looking up machines by barcode.  You need 2 columns 1 for scanning the barcode and a 2nd that performs the lookup of that scanned barcode against the Students list.  

I arranged mine so that when a successful scan and lookup was made, the scanning field was hidden and the lookup field was shown.  Visually it looks like the found row just appears in the scan field.  

You also need to consider if an improper barcode is scanned or if a student barcode is not found.  In my case, I made it so the barcodes could NOT be manually entered (there is a special app setting for that) and if the scanned barcode was not found, then the lookup field popped up  the list so the correct item could be chosen.

I hope this helps!!

[Password123]

Thank you for the reply. I'm very new at this so I apologize if something
should be obvious. When you use the term lookup do you mean you use a
lookup formula? I am using a reference column. Should I be using a lookup
formula? How does the scanning column "point" (for lack of better term) to
the lookup column. Thanks again and nice weekend.

[AlexM]

Just tried this using an app on my phone to simulate a scanner and had the app open on my pc.
Opened the form view and had to select the field for the barcode but just the first time.
Afterwards, after every scan, the form will automatically save and reopen for the next scan with the field already selected so continuous scans are possible.

I hope it helps

[AlexM]

Just worked another option out which might help.
If your db is in Google Sheets, you ca scan directly to Google Sheets without having to have it open in your browser,
Then with Appsheet you just read/analyse the data.

The app I used on my phone is Scan to Sheets

[AlexM]

And my last option, I just ordered  Inateck BCST-70 which should be a standalone scanner which can save straight into Google Sheets
Same thing, then use Appsheet for read/analise.
If you are using another db, after scan you can have a bot to duplicate the record in your db and delete from Google Sheets.

Don't have any app with scanning capabilities yet but you got me going 🙂
I hope one of these would help