# Solutions to prevent duplicate item entries by users unknowingly? **URL:** \ **Category:** Feature Requests\ **Created:** [June 27, 2020, 1:16pm UTC](https://community.glideapps.com/t/solutions-to-prevent-duplicate-item-entries-by-users-unknowingly/11544 "2020-06-27T13:16:49Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![JasonFrederick](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/community.glideapps.com/jasonfrederick/32/59917_2.png) [@JasonFrederick](https://community.glideapps.com/u/JasonFrederick)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2020, 1:16pm UTC](https://community.glideapps.com/t/solutions-to-prevent-duplicate-item-entries-by-users-unknowingly/11544/1 "2020-06-27T13:16:49Z")
_Existing App Functionality_ The app allows users to add new food items to a growing collection of food items. _Issue_ Users are adding duplicate items because they don’t know the item has already been entered. _Solutions_ **Here is one solution that should solve the issue. However, I do not think there’s a way to implement it. Does anyone have ideas that could be implemented?** When users search for an item, they enter the item name in the search field. The user will see any items that match the query. But, if the item does not exist, then the user could tap a button to add the item using the text that they used to query on as the item’s name in new item entry form. If this could be implemented, I would only want the user to be able to search and add items from that search field (at least on that screen) to decrease the chance that items with duplicate names are unknowingly added. ---
**Author:** ![ThinhDinh](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/community.glideapps.com/thinhdinh/32/49_2.png) [@ThinhDinh](https://community.glideapps.com/u/ThinhDinh)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2020, 1:40pm UTC](https://community.glideapps.com/t/solutions-to-prevent-duplicate-item-entries-by-users-unknowingly/11544/2 "2020-06-27T13:40:14Z")
Yes you can implement it. - Add a user-specific column that will store the item name that users will search for before they can add a new item. - Add a text to tell them to search first to prevent duplicates. - Make a relation matching that user-specific column to the column storing items name in your Items table. - Show that relation to the user. - Have 2 buttons, 1 leading to a form that let the user input that new item if the relation is empty, 1 is just a button without any action that tells the user the item has already been added and they can view that item’s information in the relation above. The only downside of this is the near match, where a “Curry” will not match with an “Indian curry”, for example. ---
**Author:** ![JasonFrederick](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/community.glideapps.com/jasonfrederick/32/59917_2.png) [@JasonFrederick](https://community.glideapps.com/u/JasonFrederick)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2020, 1:46pm UTC](https://community.glideapps.com/t/solutions-to-prevent-duplicate-item-entries-by-users-unknowingly/11544/3 "2020-06-27T13:46:38Z")
@ThinhDinh thanks for the super speedy reply. I’ll try this out. ---
**Author:** ![ThinhDinh](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/community.glideapps.com/thinhdinh/32/49_2.png) [@ThinhDinh](https://community.glideapps.com/u/ThinhDinh)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2020, 1:53pm UTC](https://community.glideapps.com/t/solutions-to-prevent-duplicate-item-entries-by-users-unknowingly/11544/4 "2020-06-27T13:53:40Z")
Yeah tell me if there are any problems, I’ll try to help. I successfully implemented it in a booking app that prevents conflicts, but in that app we have fixed values for an “add” action (the slot times) so the near match thing is not something we have to face. ---
**Author:** ![JasonFrederick](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/community.glideapps.com/jasonfrederick/32/59917_2.png) [@JasonFrederick](https://community.glideapps.com/u/JasonFrederick)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2020, 3:53pm UTC](https://community.glideapps.com/t/solutions-to-prevent-duplicate-item-entries-by-users-unknowingly/11544/5 "2020-06-27T15:53:17Z")
Here’s a sketch to illustrate exactly what I would like to happen. ![foodplanit_additem_sketch](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/glideapps/original/2X/2/20ec2c5b436831e77a1900ec5e137596d85929c5.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![ThinhDinh](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/community.glideapps.com/thinhdinh/32/49_2.png) [@ThinhDinh](https://community.glideapps.com/u/ThinhDinh)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2020, 3:58pm UTC](https://community.glideapps.com/t/solutions-to-prevent-duplicate-item-entries-by-users-unknowingly/11544/6 "2020-06-27T15:58:09Z")
If you want that matching part to work, the search function of the tab can work like that, but it won’t prevent users from adding them like the method I proposed. ---
**Author:** ![JasonFrederick](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/community.glideapps.com/jasonfrederick/32/59917_2.png) [@JasonFrederick](https://community.glideapps.com/u/JasonFrederick)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2020, 4:09pm UTC](https://community.glideapps.com/t/solutions-to-prevent-duplicate-item-entries-by-users-unknowingly/11544/7 "2020-06-27T16:09:46Z")
In some cases, it makes sense for the user to add a new item that has the same name as an existing item in inventory. So, I would not want to prevent that. But, the user should be aware of those situations. @ThinhDinh I’m unclear how to get the characters the user types into the search to populate the ‘item name’ field on the “New item” form if the user clicks the add new item button on the screen with the search. ---
**Author:** ![Wiz.Wazeer](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/community.glideapps.com/wiz.wazeer/32/72423_2.png) [@Wiz.Wazeer](https://community.glideapps.com/u/Wiz.Wazeer)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2020, 5:30pm UTC](https://community.glideapps.com/t/solutions-to-prevent-duplicate-item-entries-by-users-unknowingly/11544/8 "2020-06-27T17:30:29Z")
Hi just a quick Q - is this a public app or public with email ? ---
**Author:** ![JasonFrederick](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/community.glideapps.com/jasonfrederick/32/59917_2.png) [@JasonFrederick](https://community.glideapps.com/u/JasonFrederick)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2020, 7:05pm UTC](https://community.glideapps.com/t/solutions-to-prevent-duplicate-item-entries-by-users-unknowingly/11544/9 "2020-06-27T19:05:23Z")
I submitted it as a paid template for now. > **[Glide • FoodPlanit Template](https://www.glideapps.com/templates/foodplanit-zt)** > > The food management solution for households Here’s a link to part of a video where demonstration of the functionality starts. [![](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/glideapps/original/2X/1/1fb967c82fe40d7948c35ed6d05a29605ca4d366.jpeg "FoodPlanit") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4y1hbWYiM8) ---
**Author:** ![Wiz.Wazeer](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/community.glideapps.com/wiz.wazeer/32/72423_2.png) [@Wiz.Wazeer](https://community.glideapps.com/u/Wiz.Wazeer)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2020, 8:15pm UTC](https://community.glideapps.com/t/solutions-to-prevent-duplicate-item-entries-by-users-unknowingly/11544/10 "2020-06-27T20:15:30Z")
Already submitted? All the best ! So issue resolved ? ---
**Author:** ![Cmstewart42](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/community.glideapps.com/cmstewart42/32/7319_2.png) [@Cmstewart42](https://community.glideapps.com/u/Cmstewart42)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2020, 8:28pm UTC](https://community.glideapps.com/t/solutions-to-prevent-duplicate-item-entries-by-users-unknowingly/11544/11 "2020-06-27T20:28:19Z")
I am currently walking someone through the very same thing for user codes. Let me know if you want me to copy paste out the PMs relavant portions of you cannot get it to work ---
**Author:** ![JasonFrederick](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/community.glideapps.com/jasonfrederick/32/59917_2.png) [@JasonFrederick](https://community.glideapps.com/u/JasonFrederick)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2020, 8:43pm UTC](https://community.glideapps.com/t/solutions-to-prevent-duplicate-item-entries-by-users-unknowingly/11544/12 "2020-06-27T20:43:19Z")
@Wiz.Wazeer even after submitting to the template store I still want to improve upon the experience. So, still collecting data and iterating on the design. @Cmstewart42 I do not know how to implement what I discussed and sketched-up in my first few posts. ☹ So, anything you share that might get me closer to the solution I sketched or a similar solution would be awesome! ---
**Author:** ![Wiz.Wazeer](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/community.glideapps.com/wiz.wazeer/32/72423_2.png) [@Wiz.Wazeer](https://community.glideapps.com/u/Wiz.Wazeer)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2020, 9:13pm UTC](https://community.glideapps.com/t/solutions-to-prevent-duplicate-item-entries-by-users-unknowingly/11544/13 "2020-06-27T21:13:43Z")
This I think is a non-issue. 1. Create an inline list of all items, turn on the search and filter by items only. 2. Require users to type in an item they would like to add to your growing list of items. X wants to add lemons. X types in lemons in the search bar. X can see lemons 🍋 already there. So no need to add lemons to your list. Your issue, if I have understood it correctly; Now B ypes in LEMONS or Lemons. This is what your trying to avoid because the search bar is case-sensitive? ---
**Author:** ![Wiz.Wazeer](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/community.glideapps.com/wiz.wazeer/32/72423_2.png) [@Wiz.Wazeer](https://community.glideapps.com/u/Wiz.Wazeer)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2020, 9:25pm UTC](https://community.glideapps.com/t/solutions-to-prevent-duplicate-item-entries-by-users-unknowingly/11544/14 "2020-06-27T21:25:25Z")
The good news is that the search bar is not case sensitive. ---
**Author:** ![JasonFrederick](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/community.glideapps.com/jasonfrederick/32/59917_2.png) [@JasonFrederick](https://community.glideapps.com/u/JasonFrederick)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2020, 9:29pm UTC](https://community.glideapps.com/t/solutions-to-prevent-duplicate-item-entries-by-users-unknowingly/11544/15 "2020-06-27T21:29:04Z")
Users usually do not think to check whether an item like lemons already exists before adding the item to the inventory. And frankly, the user should not have to go through the trouble of searching for an item to see whether or not it exists before again having to re-enter some or all of the item name to add the item to inventory if it in fact does not exist. I want to minimize the work the user has to do and prevent duplicate item entries that are made because the user did not think to check whether the items exists. ---
**Author:** ![Wiz.Wazeer](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/community.glideapps.com/wiz.wazeer/32/72423_2.png) [@Wiz.Wazeer](https://community.glideapps.com/u/Wiz.Wazeer)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2020, 9:33pm UTC](https://community.glideapps.com/t/solutions-to-prevent-duplicate-item-entries-by-users-unknowingly/11544/16 "2020-06-27T21:33:31Z")
Yes agreed. Everything depends on how you set things about. Is it okay if I sign into your app just to see at what stage im being asked to add items? ---
**Author:** ![Wiz.Wazeer](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/community.glideapps.com/wiz.wazeer/32/72423_2.png) [@Wiz.Wazeer](https://community.glideapps.com/u/Wiz.Wazeer)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2020, 9:35pm UTC](https://community.glideapps.com/t/solutions-to-prevent-duplicate-item-entries-by-users-unknowingly/11544/17 "2020-06-27T21:35:25Z")
It’s already in the template store !!! Congrats ! ---
**Author:** ![JasonFrederick](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/community.glideapps.com/jasonfrederick/32/59917_2.png) [@JasonFrederick](https://community.glideapps.com/u/JasonFrederick)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2020, 9:44pm UTC](https://community.glideapps.com/t/solutions-to-prevent-duplicate-item-entries-by-users-unknowingly/11544/18 "2020-06-27T21:44:26Z")
Thanks @Wiz.Wazeer! I’m relatively new to Glide so still figuring things out, like what is and is not possible at this point. You’re able to preview the template, right? Just want to make sure you’re able to see what you’re asking about. ---
**Author:** ![Wiz.Wazeer](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/community.glideapps.com/wiz.wazeer/32/72423_2.png) [@Wiz.Wazeer](https://community.glideapps.com/u/Wiz.Wazeer)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2020, 9:50pm UTC](https://community.glideapps.com/t/solutions-to-prevent-duplicate-item-entries-by-users-unknowingly/11544/19 "2020-06-27T21:50:05Z")
I’m trying to preview it. There are several ways we can approach this. The one I suggested was the simplest pain free approach. Let me check it out. And, for some1 who is new to Glide, you have already proved your better than a regular like me 😉 ---
**Author:** ![JasonFrederick](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/community.glideapps.com/jasonfrederick/32/59917_2.png) [@JasonFrederick](https://community.glideapps.com/u/JasonFrederick)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2020, 9:58pm UTC](https://community.glideapps.com/t/solutions-to-prevent-duplicate-item-entries-by-users-unknowingly/11544/20 "2020-06-27T21:58:59Z")
Well I’m not new to design, Google Sheets, and some of the basic concepts around how Glide works. So…that all helps. [Next page](https://community.glideapps.com/t/solutions-to-prevent-duplicate-item-entries-by-users-unknowingly/11544.md?page=2)