Registering Film Boxes

What is a Film Box?

A Film Box is a physical container that holds multiple individual film sheets from a single batch (LOT). It's the intermediate level in the Wavechrome Film Portal's hierarchy, sitting between batches and individual films.

Hierarchy Position

Purpose of Film Boxes

Boxes serve several important purposes:

• Physical Organization: Group films into manageable containers
• Inventory Tracking: Know exactly how many films are in each box
• Usage Tracking: Monitor which films have been used
• QR Code Identification: Rapid access via scanning
• Storage Location: Track where each box is physically stored

Typical Box Sizes

Common film box configurations:

• Small Box: 25-50 films (common testing batches)
• Standard Box: 100-200 films (typical supply boxes)
• Large Box: 500+ films (bulk inventory)

Creating a New Box

To create a new film box, you'll start from the batch detail page or the boxes management section.

Accessing Box Creation

Required Fields

When creating a new box, provide the following information:

• Box Identifier: A unique name or code for this box (e.g., "BOX-001")
• Parent Batch: The batch this box belongs to (auto-selected)
• Total Sheets: How many films are in this box

Optional Fields

• Custom ID: An alternative identifier (barcode number, internal code, etc.)
• Storage Location: Where the box is physically stored (e.g., "Freezer A, Shelf 3")
• Storage Conditions: Environmental notes (temperature, light exposure, etc.)

Box Identifiers

Each box needs clear identification methods to distinguish it from other boxes in your inventory.

Primary Identifier

The main box identifier is automatically generated by the system, but you should provide a meaningful name:

• System-Generated Example: "BOX-2024-001-EBT3"
• Custom Name Example: "EBT3-SHELF-A3" or "QA-BOX-MONTHLY"

Custom ID

You can assign an additional identifier that matches your physical labeling system:

• Barcode numbers from your organization
• Internal inventory codes
• Facility-specific reference numbers

Naming Best Practices

QR Code Generation

One of the platform's most powerful features is automatic QR code generation for each box. These codes link the physical box directly to the digital system.

Automatic QR Creation

When you create a box, the system automatically generates a unique QR code that encodes:

• Box identifier
• Parent batch information
• Link to the box's digital record

Downloading Your QR Code

QR Code Specifications

• Format: PNG image file (300 x 300 pixels)
• Resolution: Print-ready 300 DPI
• Size: Recommended 2 x 2 inches when printed
• Encoding: Secure HTTPS URL to box record

QR Code Usage

QR codes connect your physical boxes to their digital records in seconds, enabling rapid workflows and accurate tracking.

Scanning QR Codes

To scan a QR code and access the box record:

QR Code Workflow Example

Here's a practical example of QR codes in action:

• Step 1: Technician needs to find a specific film for a measurement
• Step 2: Scans the QR code on the storage box
• Step 3: Box's digital record opens, showing all films inside
• Step 4: Technician can see which films are available and used
• Step 5: Removes the needed film and scans it again to confirm

Mobile Access

QR codes work seamlessly on mobile devices:

• iPhone and Android native camera support
• No special app needed (built-in functionality)
• Responsive website design adapts to mobile viewing
• Can navigate and access all box information on-the-go

Managing Boxes

After creating boxes, you can view, edit, and monitor their status.

Viewing Box Details

The box detail page shows:

• Box identifier and custom ID
• Total sheets and used sheets with percentage
• Visual progress bar showing capacity
• List of all films in the box
• Storage location and conditions
• QR code image and download link

Usage Tracking

The system automatically tracks box usage:

• Total Sheets: Total films that belong in the box
• Used Sheets: Films that have been measured
• Available Sheets: Remaining films ready to use
• Usage %: Percentage of box capacity used

Editing Box Information

You can update box details at any time:

1. Click the "Edit" button on the box detail page
2. Update storage location or conditions as needed
3. Update the sheet count if physical inventory changes
4. Click "Save Changes"