Inventory Scanner Android

An Android port of the InventoryScan2008 Windows CE application, designed for scanning and managing vehicle VIN codes with configurable features and zone-based organization.

Features

• VIN Scanning: Scan vehicle VIN codes using the device camera or enter manually
• Zone Management: Organize scanned entries by zones (e.g., different areas of a lot)
• Dynamic Features: Configurable feature controls (checkboxes, text fields, numbers)
• Data Persistence: Local storage of scan entries, zones, and settings
• Web Synchronization: Sync data with remote web service
• VIN Validation: Automatic validation and sanitization of VIN codes

Architecture

Models

• ScanEntry: Represents a scanned VIN with zone and features
• Zone: Represents a physical zone/area
• Feature: Base class for configurable features (Bool, String, Int, Float)
• Option: Configuration data containing zones and features
• Setting: Application settings including API key

Core Components

• MainActivity: Main application interface
• FeatureControlView: Dynamic UI generation for features
• Persistence: Data storage using SharedPreferences and JSON
• HttpClient: Web service communication
• VinValidator: VIN code validation and sanitization

Key Features Ported from Original

1. Barcode Scanning: Integrated ZXing library for camera-based scanning
2. Zone-based Organization: Entries are organized by selected zones
3. Dynamic Feature Controls: UI controls are generated based on configuration
4. VIN Validation: Same regex pattern as original for VIN validation
5. Web Service Sync: HTTP communication with original API endpoints
6. Data Persistence: Local storage replacing XML files

Setup and Installation

Prerequisites

• Android Studio
• Android SDK (API level 24+)
• Device or emulator with camera support

Dependencies

• ZXing Android Embedded: Barcode scanning
• Gson: JSON serialization
• OkHttp: HTTP client
• AndroidX libraries

Installation

1. Clone the repository
2. Open in Android Studio
3. Sync project dependencies
4. Build and run

Usage

Initial Setup

1. Launch the app
2. Sample zones and features will be loaded automatically
3. Enter API key when prompted for synchronization

Scanning Process

1. Select a zone from the dropdown
2. Either:
   • Tap "Scan Barcode" and scan a VIN
   • Enter VIN manually and tap "Add"
3. Configure features using the dynamic controls
4. VIN appears in the list for the selected zone

Synchronization

1. Tap "Sync" button
2. Enter API key if not already set
3. App downloads latest configuration and uploads scan entries
4. Successful sync prompts to clear local entries

Data Management

• Delete: Remove individual entries
• Clear All: Remove all entries (with confirmation)
• Zone Switching: View entries by selected zone

Technical Details

VIN Validation

Uses the same regex pattern as the original:

([A-HJ-NPR-Z\d]{3})([A-HJ-NPR-Z\d]{5})([\dX])(([A-HJ-NPR-Z\d])([A-HJ-NPR-Z\d])([A-HJ-NPR-Z\d]{6}))

Data Storage

• Scan Entries: JSON in SharedPreferences
• Configuration: JSON in SharedPreferences
• Settings: JSON in SharedPreferences

Feature Types

• FeatureBool: Checkbox controls
• FeatureString: Text input controls
• FeatureInt: Numeric input controls
• FeatureFloat: Decimal input controls

API Endpoints

• Debug: http://webservice.pc-2416.hgregoire.com/inventory/
• Release: http://webservice.hgregoire.com/inventory/

Permissions Required

• CAMERA: For barcode scanning
• INTERNET: For web service communication
• ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE: For network status checking

Differences from Original

Enhancements

• Modern Android UI with Material Design elements
• Touch-friendly interface optimized for mobile devices
• Better error handling and user feedback
• Automatic sample data loading for testing
• Improved VIN validation feedback

Platform Adaptations

• JSON instead of XML for data serialization
• SharedPreferences instead of file-based storage
• Android permissions system integration
• Mobile-optimized layouts and controls

Development Notes

Sample Data

The app automatically loads sample zones and features for testing:

• 4 predefined zones (A-D)
• Mix of boolean, string, integer, and float features
• Typical automotive inventory features

API Integration

The app maintains compatibility with the original web service API, using the same authentication scheme and data formats.

Single Instance

Unlike the original Windows CE version, the Android app doesn't enforce single instance operation due to platform differences.

Contributing

This is a faithful port of the original InventoryScan2008 application adapted for Android. When making changes, consider maintaining compatibility with the original API and data structures where possible.