Follow the steps to start running a new batch, if you need help turning on your unit for the first time and getting connected please follow this guide: Getting Started with Your Batchmaker App
Main Interface Overview
The main screen is divided into several areas:
Element | Description |
Left Navigation | Three tabs: Batch Maker, Log, and Settings |
Header Bar | Shows the current time, date, label count, and the Start / Test / Stop action buttons |
Batch Properties | Fields for Brand, Product, Lot Number, Production Date, and Expiry Date |
Additional Metafields | Custom data fields such as Origin and UPC that can be attached to each batch |
Configuring Batch Properties
Batch Maker Tab
Selecting Brand and Product
On the main Batch Maker tab Use the Brand dropdown to select the brand you are working with. This is only relevant if your organization has multiple brands configured.
Once the brand is selected, choose the specific product from the Product dropdown.
Entering the Lot Number
The Lot Number field is mandatory. Every batch must have some form of identifying number entered here. This can be a lot number, batch number, or any internal tracking identifier that your brand uses for production tracking.
Note: ForgeStop also assigns its own internal batch identifier automatically, but the Lot Number you enter here is for your brand’s own tracking purposes.
Please type your LOT/BATCH NUMBER* (this is a mandatory field)
Then select the optional Metafields, for example, Production Date, and Expiry Date - see below
Production Date and Expiry Date
Both the Production Date and Expiry Date checkboxes are completely optional. Enable them and enter values only if your brand requires date tracking on batches.
Additional Metafields
Below the core batch properties, you will find the Additional Metafields section. These are custom data points that can be attached to each batch, such as Origin, UPC, sterilization numbers, or any other brand-specific identifiers.
Metafields are managed through the ForgeStop dashboard. If you need to create a new metafield type, contact your administrator or request the appropriate dashboard privileges to manage metafields yourself.
You may also fill the Additional Metafields for your product (this may vary according to product selected)
Example: For Sale In, Content, Location, Etc.
Please select or type a new TAG for this BATCH.
Tags are FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY, consists of keywords used to organize and categorize data within the ForgeStop applications.
You may also remove TAGS by click the (X) button next to it, or add new one by clicking the (+) sign on the right.
Please review all required fields are completed, before moving to the next steps.
Starting a Production Batch
Once you have verified your settings, configured the batch properties, and optionally run a test scan, you are ready to start a real production batch.
Before pressing Start:
1. Double-check that Brand, Product, and Lot Number are correct.
2. Verify any optional fields (dates, metafields) are filled in if required.
3. Ensure the production line is ready to run.
4. Press the green Start button.
Once started, run the production line as usual. Labels will be scanned and logged in real time. The label counter in the header bar will update continuously as labels are processed.
Monitoring the Batch
While a batch is running, you can monitor progress in two ways:
• Header Bar — The label count at the top of the screen updates in real time.
• Log Tab — Shows a timestamped entry for every single label scanned, including the reader ID and label number.
Each log entry follows the format: date, time, reader name, and sequential label number. This allows you to verify that scanning is proceeding smoothly and no labels are being missed.
Stopping a Batch
When the production run is complete, press the red Stop button. A confirmation dialog will appear showing the total number of labels scanned and warning that this action cannot be undone.
• Click Yes to confirm and finalize the batch.
• Click No to continue scanning if you are not yet finished.
Note: If tamper detection is enabled, the stop confirmation will also notify you of any tamper tags that were found to be broken during the run, along with the count of affected items.
Batch Summary & Upload
After confirming the stop, the Log will display a complete batch summary including:
• Batch start and finish timestamps
• Total time elapsed
• Total number of labels scanned
• Batch file saved (local filename)
• Batch file uploaded (confirmation of cloud upload)
The batch data is automatically uploaded to the ForgeStop dashboard in real time. You and your team can access the batch results, analytics, and reports through the ForgeStop web dashboard.
After the Batch
Once a batch is complete and uploaded, the main Batch Maker screen will display the total label count from the last batch in the header. You can now configure a new batch by updating the Lot Number and any other properties, and start another run.
To clear the log entries from the previous batch, navigate to the Log tab and click the Clear button at the bottom of the screen.
The Batchmaker screen will switch to the LOG tab, where you can monitor your scans
Once the batch is complete (all products scanned) press STOP to complete this Batch
This action cannot be undone. If you need to continue scanning, please click NO.
Once the Batch is complete, the ForgeStop Batchmaker will securely upload and activate the products in this batch.
Please Note: Metafields can be managed, edited and created on your ForgeStop Dashboard under the Metafield Tab
Having Issue with your BatchMaker Software? Don't panic just email [email protected]