Launch CMM-Manager Program using External Command
It is possible to run another CMM-Manager Program from the External Command operation. This is useful if you'd like to create a simple launching program - i.e. main program that prompts user for next program, and then runs accordingly to user response. A similar work flow can be achieved using Shop Floor Launcher, however this method allows some unique functionality such as using Barcode scanner to specify Program.
In this example, a simple VB Script is used to display an InputBox() where user can specify Program number.
It is possible to replace user input with Bar Code scanner. We recommend this one - LS2208 General Purpose Barcode Scanner | Zebra
Most modern USB or wireless Barcode scanners can be setup to replace user Keyboard entry. See example here - https://youtu.be/-AZtCto4RwE - while CMM-Manager InputBox() is open during program run, user simply scans barcode, contents of barcode are sent to CMM-Manager along with user defined characters such as [Tab} or [Enter] key. This method reduces the possibility of user keyboard entry errors.
Depending on the user response (or Bar Code info) the CMM-Manager program executes one of four External Command operations. Find details on VB Scripting in CMM-Manager here - CMM-Manager | Advanced Topics Knowledge Base (qxcmm.com)
The External Command command allows you to execute a DOS Prompt / Terminal style command(s) as a CMM-Manager program operation. This is useful in running external applications from within CMM-Manager and allows for the use of fixed or dynamic command arguments. Dynamic command arguments are allowed and can either be customer data entries or variables from a previous VB Script. In this case the Arguments for External Command are fixed and contain both the Program File Path / File Name as well the the "/r" parameter that let's CMM-Manager know to Run the specified program.
See the attached sample program. When run it will prompt user for input between 1-4 (again barcode scanner could provide this input) then executes Prog_1.comp, Prog_2.cmp, etc. based on user input.
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