Difference between revisions of "Data Entry"

Revision as of 18:29, 21 February 2011

The Data Entry system of Ark is defined to mirror the paper record as closely as possible, making data entry and viewing as intuitive as possible.

Data entry for ALL modules in ARK follows a similar system. All items must first be entered in a 'Register', this creates a basic entry for the record item. Many records will also have additional, detailed information beyond the simple register entry. This information is entered on specific 'Detailed forms' for each item, which may include information pertaining to all item types across modules, or indeed module-specific information.

The list of data entry registers and detailed forms available is found in the left-hand panel of the 'Data Entry' tab. This list is specific to each instance of ARK, and is configured by administrators in the settings configuration.

Data Entry Register

Data Entry Register

The first step of data entry is to first enter the item into the module Register. Detailed data entry forms can only be accessed after the record item has been created in the database. Entering a record into the appropriate register is ALWAYS the first step of data entry.

The entry process in the register is designed to facilitate the quick creation of new records. The fields contained within the register are configured by the ARK administrator within the module-specific settings. Some of the common fields usually entered are outlined below:

• itm_cd: The item code, to be entered manually. This is usually in the form 'SITECODE_#'. The 'Site Code' will be assigned above, so does not need to be entered again at this stage. To quicken the register process, by simply typing NEXT the register will issue the next available number in the database for the module, and append the Site Code prefix to the number.
• type: Some items require a specific 'type', the most obvious example being different types of context (Cut, Fill, Masonry, etc)
• definition/short description: Most registers will require a short sentence giving a general description of the item.
• issued to/etc: Most registers have some information about who created the record in the field.
• issued on/etc: The date the record was created, etc.
• options: The [view] option links to the detailed view of the record, in the record view. The [enter] option links to the data entry detailed form (see below). The [q.ed] option allows a quick edit of the register entry.
• save: The save button saves all information in the register.

Data Entry Detailed Form

The ARK data entry detailed form is organised into a number of Subforms that record different types of data associated with the record. The most important thing to remember when entering data in ARK is that you MUST save your data after EVERY subform.

The exact process of data entry will be different for each ARK project, depending on what information is being recorded. Different Data Classes require different information and are entered differently. The following deals with how to enter each class of data.

Text

Text data entry subform

Text fields are entered by typing the required text information into the text field. If a field does not have any associated text, it should be left blank. When ALL text has been entered, click the 'SAVE' button. Until the 'SAVE' button has been clicked, none of the entered text has been recorded in the database.

Notes - Interpretation

Interpretation data entry subform

Entering interpretation or notes text is slightly different than other text entry. Interpretation is associated with a given individual (the person making the interpretation), and the date the interpretation is made. To enter interpretation, enter all text in the text field, select the person responsible for the interpretation, and enter the date of the interpretation. The click 'SAVE'. It is important to add all the information before saving.

It is also possible to add additional interpretations using this same method.

Attributes

Attribute data entry subform

Attributes are usually entered using a dropdown menu, tick box, or radio button depending upon the number of attributes of a particular type allowed to be associated with any given record. To add an attribute to a record from a dropdown, select the attribute from the menu and click the 'Add' button (). Multiple attributes can be added using this method, as well as ticking the boxes of the necessary attributes and hitting 'Save'. Radio buttons only allow for a single attribute to be saved to a given record. To delete an attribute, click on the adjacent 'Delete' button ().

Matrix (Spans)

Span matrix data entry subform

The Span Matrix holds information on the relationships between items. To enter a new span relationship into the matrix, enter the number of the related item (either above or below the current record) and click the 'add' icon (). You will need to 'add' for each item being added to the Span Matrix. Span relationships are reflexive, which means that you will not need to add the same relationship again in the record for the related item. Please note that any records from a different site code will need the full item_code entered and not just the item number.

XMI (Links)

XMI fields are used to link different types of records within ARK across modules. When entering an XMI field, simply enter the number of each linked record separated by a 'Space'. It is important to note that any records from a different site code will need the full item_code entered and not just the item number.

Events

Event data entry subform

Event fields usually combine an 'Action' (ie. something happening: a record checked, updated, managed, etc.) with an 'Actor' (ie. the person responsible for the action) to create an 'Event'. In event subforms it is important to click 'SAVE' for each piece of data entered, as there is no single 'Save' option to record all the information within the subform.

Files

Uploading Files

The file upload page

The first step when including files into the ARK system is to upload the files needed. The uploading process creates a record for the file within the database and autotmatically generates the appropriate file thumbnails. You will not be able to register a file until it has been uploaded officially within ARK.

To Upload Files, go to the 'Upload Files' link within the left-panel of the Data Entry page. At the bottom of the page you will be able to browse to the folder holding the batch of files you want to upload. It is recommended that you upload reasonably sized batches of files (30-40) and not extremely large ones (100+). This will make it easier to scroll through the files when entering them into the database.

After you have selected the directory holding the files to upload using the bottom navigation, enter a batch name, module, file type, site code, and up load method for the file uploads. Finally, hit the 'Go' button. ARK will upload all files within the selected directory, and make thumbnails where applicable. Depending upon the method used, records will be registered or linked to existing records within the database. If you have selected a large batch this could take some time, so please be patient until the process has completed. For additional information on the file upload process see the Automatic File Upload documentation. (NEED TO ADD)

Registering Files

The File Upload Navigator on the Data Entry Register

The process for registering files will depend on the reason for entering the file in ARK. Some files will require a unique number and have associated metadata, such as who created the file, when it was created, etc. Other files are merely additions to another record type, such as a photo of a small find, and just need to be tagged with the appropriate XMI link.

Files with Meta

Files where metadata is recorded will usually have a separate register. First, select the appropriate file batch using the 'File Upload Navigator' and hit the 'go' button. The imageflow editor will appear with thumbnails of the selected batch.

In the register, enter the item code (site photo number, file number, etc) and any associated metadata. The nature of information recorded will depend entirely on the configuration of the ARK project. Use the 'Imageflow' editor to scroll through the files in the batch, and click on files to add them to the registered item. When hitting 'Save' these files will be linked to the registered record.

Files without Meta

Files where no metadata is being recorded are often registered on the register for the associated record. For example, a photo of a special find may be registered directly on the special find register. As above, select the appropriate file batch using the 'File Upload Navigator' and hit the 'go' button. The imageflow editor will appear with thumbnails of the selected batch. For each item entered in the register, click on one (or several) associated files in the imageflow window. Save the record as above.

Files and the Data Entry Sheet

Depending on the ARK configuration, files can also be entered on the Data Entry Sheet. The process for selecting batch information and tagging the associated files is the same within a specific subform as outlined above on the Data Entry Register.

Additional Sheets

Additional sheets are often specific to a given project and the exact method of data entry depends on the information to be entered. On the most basic level these sheets follow similar rules to the other data entry pages, and so a more detailed description of their functionality will not be provided. Please see your project-specific ARK administrator for more information on the Additional Sheets for your project.