Jul 06, 2020 10:48 AM
Now that the submission period for the Custom Blocks contest is over, I’d like to share my custom block for check-out/check-in systems!
This block is a customizable wizard which, in its most basic form, allows users to select a Unit record and create a new linked record in a Log table detailing when that record was “checked out” with relevant fields pre-filled to save time. The wizard just as easily allows users to check that unit back in to close out the log and make that unit available for selection once more. Advanced features include tracking a unit’s condition over time (i.e. the unit was in “great” condition when it was checked out, but was in “poor” condition when it was checked back in), and the ability to enable an Items table for bases structured where each unit is an instance of a type of item (i.e. 5 “Macbook Pros”, 6 “Samsung 32-inch TVs”, etc.).
This block will make day-to-day data entry for inventory managers, IT departments, librarians, equipment rental businesses, and more all that much easier!
Demo Video:
My contest submission: https://devpost.com/software/check-out-block
The repo on GitHub: https://github.com/thekamillionaire/check-out-in-block
Jul 06, 2020 05:09 PM
Nice work, @Kamille_Parks!
:clap:t2: :clap:t2: :clap:t2: :clap:t2: :clap:t2: :clap:t2: :clap:t2: :clap:t2: :clap:t2:
Jul 06, 2020 05:48 PM
As a note, sometime in the future when unstable_updateOptionsAsync()
is no longer unstable, I may re-release this to update the condition field options when any of the action buttons are clicked so that all single select options match as an alternative to my current method of ignoring “unique” single select options.
“Option does not exist” is a difficult error to avoid in a foolproof way, at least for me and how I’ve coded this.
Jul 19, 2020 04:38 PM
I need this right now. Hope it’s selected and made available.
Jul 19, 2020 04:42 PM
While it wasn’t one of the winning submissions, it is available for you to copy! Check the last link in the original post. If I’m not mistaken, it will be added to the custom blocks library as well some time in the future.
Aug 06, 2020 03:25 PM
Hi @Kamille_Parks - this is awesome! Can you share the base by chance? I almost have it setup but still just seeing the screen that says " CLICK AN ACTION BUTTON ASSOCIATED WITH THIS BLOCK".
Aug 06, 2020 03:50 PM
Its intended to work regardless of the exact base setup. Do you have a Button type field in a relevant table (one you selected in the block’s settings) which is set up to point to the block?
I have no issue sharing the base I did all my testing in, but I do want to see if you can get it up and running in any similar base, not just mine.
Sep 15, 2020 04:39 PM
This block looks great! I am not a developer by any means and am wondering if there is an easy way to integrate this into my base?
Thanks!
Sep 15, 2020 04:56 PM
First you’ll need to install Node on your computer: Download | Node.js
Then you can follow this guide to copying an existing open-source Airtable App:
Instead of using the “Hello World” Example, select “Remix from GitHub” and use this link: GitHub - thekamillionaire/check-out-in-block: Manage an inventory? Rent out equipment? Need to track...
Sep 15, 2020 05:26 PM
Thanks. I’ve signed up for “developer access” and have activated my email but for some reason am still blocked from the “build a custom app” feature. Not sure how to work around this.
#help
Sep 15, 2020 05:31 PM
Odd, I thought they opened up Custom Apps for everyone as of yesterday. When you say you’re blocked, does that mean you don’t see the option to build a custom app or you’re getting some sort of error message?
Sep 18, 2020 08:28 PM
When the blocks contest was going on, they were manually approving developer access and some people had to wait a day or so.
Another possibility is that you weren’t logged into Airtable in the browser when you filled out the form. You could try making sure that you are logged into Airtable in th same browser that you use to fill out the form to request developer access.
Oct 26, 2020 05:34 PM
is it possible to make this a base that can be shared? this is exactly the functionality my company needs but I have a very rudimentary understanding of blocks and for the life of me I can’t get this to work
Oct 26, 2020 05:58 PM
Duplicating a base will not duplicate custom apps, so I can’t help in that regard. Are you not able to install the app at all?
Oct 26, 2020 06:40 PM
I’m having trouble even creating the block, I downloaded node but when i go to install the CLI it doesnt work
Oct 26, 2020 06:50 PM
You’re going to have to be more specific than “it doesn’t work”. Do you have React installed? If so, and you’re on a Mac, have you tried running the commands as “sudo”?