Hi everyone

I just started learning Access and I am building a simple database.

I have one form with 3 fields (ID, current date and current time). I'll be using barcode reader to input numbers in ID field and date and time have to be current, meaning the exact time when ID was logged. I also don't want to allow changes in time and date field by user (i figured this one out - properties/data/enabled-no).

My problem is that barcode reader reads the ID and also sends "enter" command to computer, so new record is immediatly opened. How can I setup so that current date and time are inputed before new record is opened, actually when ID was read.

I managed with expression builders to populate date and time filed, but I only managed to get date and time when new record was created, not when it was 'closed' (ID was entered) and this is the time that I need.

Thanks in advance

Hi Stompy,
I'd have thought you would be better with just one date/time field formatted in the table as General Date. With this, on the form in design view, double click the ID control(text box) - scroll down the properties list to the After Update event and click in it. Click on the button on the right with the '...' and choose Code (if you're offered a choice).
If you copy the middle line as below but substitute the name for your date/time field for 'Date_Time'(keep the 'Me.') then I hope you'll find that before your database moves to a new record the values will be put in the required data/time field.

Private Sub ID_AfterUpdate()
Me.Date_Time = Now()
End Sub

I haven't got a barcoder so I can't be 100% sure it'll work in your case. Maybe some of the more experienced on the forum might have some better ideas.
cheers
Morris

You can either assign the date/time value via the ID's AfterUpdate event the way Morris instructed or simply set the date/time field's default property to =Now(). This would require no AfterUpdate coding.



Greg Serrano
Michigan Dept. of Environmental Quality, Air Quality Division

Hi again,folks,
Greg - if there was a delay before recording the next ID, would the Now() function in the default property read the date/time that the record was opened and not the time the barcoder was used or have I got hold of the wrong end of the stick here?

Morris,

The Now() function will use the time that the Access record was actually opened, not when the barcoder took a reading. For the date and time to reflect that, your barcoder will have to store that time in itself and send it to Access.

Also, note that the now in Now() is the time your computer clock says. So if your computer clock is wrong, Now() is wrong, too. And if your barcoder has its own clock, that has to be calibrated, too.


Greg Serrano
Michigan Dept. of Environmental Quality, Air Quality Division