TN IB002 Create Batch Scheduler in InTouch Using InBatch ActiveX Objects

Description

This article from InSource shows how to create a custom interface in InTouch that will create and schedule InBatch batches manually by the operator.

• Author: Chris Selph
• Published: 10/18/2019
• Applies to: Versions of InBatch and InTouch > 2012

Details

Assumptions:

1. The InBatch Configuration is complete
2. Batch Runtime Client is installed on the development PC
3. Batch Runtime Client has been configured via Configurator on the development PC

Steps Overview

1. Create a new InTouch application or use existing
2. Install Batch ActiveX objects (note Batch .Net objects are available for use in ArchestrA Graphics)
3. Create window for BatchGUICfg object (hidden)
4. Create Batch Scheduling Window and Batch Recipe Select Window (popup)
5. Insert BatchGUIConfig object and configure
6. Insert Batch Lists, Fields and Buttons ActiveX objects and configure
7. Run to Test

The way it works

The BatchGUIConfig object establishes communication between InTouch and the Batch server.

The batch objects (Lists, Buttons and Fields) communicate to the Batch server via the BatchGUIConfig

The batch objects (Lists, Buttons and Fields) communicate to each other automatically. 

Steps

1. Create a new InTouch application or use existing
   Assuming this has been done and you are editing this application in WindowMaker
2. Install Batch ActiveX objects (note Batch .Net objects are available for use in ArchestrA Graphics)
   Use menu Special>Configure>Wizard/ActiveX
   Find InBatch Objects, select and click Install
   
3. & 4.- Create 3 Windows
   Insert BatchGUIConfig object and configure
   on window to be hidden, insert BatchGUIConfig ActiveX
   Configure as follows:
   Hosts should be your Primary and Redundant InBatch server node names
   Next we will be adding AxtiveX objects for Batch Lists, Fields and Buttons, all from the same place as seen here:
   
   You will be creating an interface that looks like this in general:
   Here is how you configure the objects by simply pointing to the function you want them to be:
   A List representing the Batch Schedule
   A field representing the Campaign portion of the batch identifier
   A button to execute an action like schedule the batch
   
   Configure all objects on the window as such
   
   The Recipe... and Train ... buttons are a little different. We do not want the list of Recipes and Trains to choose from always on this window. We want a popup window to appear so the user can select the Recipe and Train.
   
   The Recipe and Train buttons are configured as example here:
   
   Both buttons are configured to call the popup window with an ActiveX script as seen here:
   The recipe select window has the recipe and train lists and "apply" buttons.
   
   Run to Test
   Before Testing, use the built in batch scheduler on the batch server to schedule some batches for testing. 
   
   Run your application in WindowViewer
   
   The Schedule list should reflect the same batches you just scheduled, if not, check the BatchGuiConfig is on an open window and configured properly.
   
   If the schedule looks good, type in the batch parameters (Campaign, Lot...Recipe, Train etc) and click schedule, the schedule list should reflect that new batch.
   Note you will need to add the "Schedule Control" buttons seen on the right for complete control.
   
   END