Validations, Double Entry Mode

[Ronald Anusiewicz]

I like to know how the double entry mode is suppose to work. I have selected always required, I entry a value, I then entry a wrong value the second time and when I press the enter key, the cancel button is highlighted and the cursor leaves the field. I'm expecting an error message and I would think that I would not be able to leave the field.

At least that's what I would like.

Does that make sense?

[Ted Giles]

Re: Validations, Double Entry Mode

Ron, I suspect you are going to have to do this with the Custom Validations.
Double Entry only allows you to proceed if there is an exact match - as you found out.

[Ronald Anusiewicz]

Re: Validations, Double Entry Mode

I was not happy with alpha's built in double entry. It does allow the user to move forward if the second entry is wrong. It just does not enter a value in that field.

I ended up creating an modeless xdialog that does just what I want. It took a little while but was well worth the effort.

The user will be entering around 500 entries each week. They have to enter data into 4 fields. When leaving the first field I have a lookup that verifies that entry exists in another table. If not, I have a ui_msg_box with a stop symbol that alerts the user even if they are not looking at the screen. The cursor then returns to the first field. The second field is the double entry of the first field. Again, if there is no match, the ui_msg_box with a stop symbol will fire. Again, the cursor will return to the first field. Then on to the third field with a double entry being the fourth field. I'm using the enter key to move to the next field each time and after leaving the fourth field, the enter button on the xdialog is pressed. The cursor then moves to the first field and the process starts over again.

This process allows for very quick data entry even if errors are made. The other nice feature is that the user only needs to press the number keys and the enter key. No tabbing or mousing around even if errors are made.

[MoGrace]

Re: Validations, Double Entry Mode

I know this is a common practice when entering passwords, but have always found it an annoyance; since a wrong password will not get you anywhere even if you make the same error twice! I am curious why if you cancel the departure of a blank field, that isn't sufficient for your users? Also you can check for a blank field before saving and send them back.

[Ronald Anusiewicz]

Re: Validations, Double Entry Mode

I probably did not make this clear enough, but I found that Alpha's built in double entry in the field rules would NOT prevent the user from leaving the field if they pressed the enter key. The cursor would move to the next field leaving the double entry field blank. Plus, there is not audible warning that an error has occurred.

The customer challenged me to have a double entry with minimal key strokes, 5. I'm very pleased as I have met all his parameters and bettered the challenge. In fact, they can do the data entry with the right hand while the left hand is going through the pile of envelopes ( in this case ). Even if they make an error, they just continue with the right hand correcting the error and moving on.

Lastly, a modeless xdialog was perfect for this data entry. For me it is easier to view a script with all the code in one place instead of bouncing around a form looking at form and field events. The more I work with xdialogs, the more I like them.