FAQs: Using the Barcode Validation Feature
What is barcode validation?
The Barcode Validation feature prevents the use of user or item barcodes that do not comply with selected formats. These formats are defined by your SirsiDynix Symphony administrator in the Barcode Validation policies. Additionally, the administrator can define barcode formats that are exempt from validation. Whether or not to use the Barcode Validation feature is a system configurable option.
When barcode validation is configured, as users scan or type an item or patron barcode, SirsiDynix Symphony will only accept barcodes that comply with the selected formats and are appropriate for the type of record. Warning messages will appear throughout the client as invalid barcodes are encountered.
Barcode validation affects the following functions in SirsiDynix Symphony.
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Adding and updating user records |
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Searching user records, including logins through the e–Library, SIP2 transactions, and SVA transactions |
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Adding and updating item records |
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Searching items, or any time any item ID is scanned |
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Batch loading of user records and item records |
How do I set up my system to use barcode validation?
To set up your system for barcode validation
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Contact SirsiDynix Customer Support to have the Barcode Validation feature configured on your system. |
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Test your existing barcodes/IDs to see if they comply with the delivered formats using the Barcode Verify wizard. |
If I turn on barcode validation, what happens to auto-generated IDs?
Sirsi auto-generated barcodes are exempt from validation. In addition, you can define “special IDs” for users that perform special functions in SirsiDynix Symphony, such as the library user record, special item locations (such as MISSING and WITHDRAWN), and delivered logins. These IDs are defined in the Barcode Exempt policies. For more information, see the Barcode Exempt Wizard.
If barcode validation is configured, it is important for the SirsiDynix Symphony administrator to select the Sirsi auto-generated item ID format and Sirsi auto-generated user ID format in the Barcode Validation policy list of formats to validate against. These two formats must be selected to support the auto-generated item IDs and user IDs on the SirsiDynix Symphony system. Even if a site does not use auto-generated IDs, these formats must be selected. As item and user records are created in SirsiDynix Symphony, brief, temporary records are created “behind the scenes” with auto-generated IDs. When the records are saved, the temporary auto-generated IDs are replaced with the IDs designated by the library. Hence, these temporary auto-generated IDs will fail the validation process unless the formats are selected in the Barcode Validation policy.
How can I get a list of all invalid user or item barcodes on my system?
There are two reports for listing invalid barcodes.
The purpose of these reports is to provide you with a list of IDs, either user or item, that do not follow the selected barcode formats. These reports can be used to correct invalid IDs before the Barcode Validation feature is turned on. The reports provide you with the ability to select barcode formats (policies) to check against. For more information, go to the List Invalid Item IDs Report and List Invalid User IDs Report topics.
Is it possible to validate SirsiDynix auto-generated barcodes when using the WorkFlows Offline client?
No, it is not possible to validate SirsiDynix auto-generated barcodes in the Offline client. In order to validate a SirsiDynix auto-generated ID, the client must have access to the user or item database. Unlike other barcode formats, the routine used for SirsiDynix auto-generated IDs is not defined in a policy that can be downloaded to the Offline client.
Related topics
Barcode Exempt Wizard
Barcode Validation Wizard
Barcode Verify Wizard
List Invalid Item IDs Report
List Invalid User IDs Report
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