Lotus Approach Barcode Tutorial

NOTE: Lotus Approach & SmartSuite are now referred to as IBM Notes.

The Lotus Approach Barcode Generation Tutorial contains information, examples, and steps needed for generating barcodes in Lotus Approach. The appropriate barcode fonts must be installed before the application can display or print barcodes. 

Using a Formula with Self-Checking Barcode Fonts

This method of Lotus Approach barcode generation is easiest because it utilizes self-checking fonts such as Code 39 and Codabar. Simply create a field computed for display that combines the start and stop characters with the field. For example, the field formula for a Code 39 font is Combine('*', DataField, '*')

  1. Create a new field in the database where the barcode will be located.
  2. Select Field Properties - Basics - Field Definition - Options.
  3. Enter the formula in the Modification Formula box.
    Enter the Modification Formula for the Barcode Font
  4. Choose the appropriate barcode font for the newly created field, making sure that it is centered in the box with some white space before and after the barcode to ensure a clean scan.
Using LotusScript Functions and Events to Generate Approach Barcodes

Code128, UPC, EAN, Interleaved, and other more complex barcode types require a LotusScript event and a LotusScript function in order to work properly. In this database example, the LotusScript that formats the Code128 field is located in the form's Change Event. A separate field must be created that will contain the barcode.

Copying the Barcode Functions into a Database
  1. Open the Lotus Approach database that will contain barcode capability.
  2. Press Ctrl K to open the LotusScript editor.
  3. Select File - Import Script and choose the IDAutomationLS.lss file in the package download. After importing the scripts, several should be listed in the script drop-down box.
    Select File, then Import Script in the LotusScript Editor to Choose the IDAutomation.LS.lss File
  4. Click the Object drop down box and browse to the field that contains the data-to-encode in the barcode.
    In Lotus Approach, the Barcode DataField Contains the Data-To-Encode
  5. Click the script drop-down box and choose Change. Enter the following source code for the change event, changing the function name for the barcode. In this case, the function is Code128b and "DataField" and "BarcodeField" should be changed to the names of the fields in the database.
    LotusScript Source Code for the Barcode Field Change Event.
  6. Select File - Save Scripts and return to the database file.
  7. Choose Design and select the barcode field, named BarcodeField in this case.
  8. Select the appropriate barcode font beginning with IDAutomation to display the barcode. Make sure it is centered in the box with some white space before and after the barcode to ensure an accurate scan.

This field now contains the data formatted to the barcode font, and the data from this field can be used in a mail merge to create barcodes in Lotus Word Pro. This field can also be used to display barcodes in forms, reports, envelopes, labels, and letters. When entering the data, the barcode field automatically updates after a tab to the next field. Press CTRL R to refresh or save the database.