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You can retrieve data from your database or other systems through API calls and use it in CountThings from Photos. This guide shows you how to set up an inbound web service integration.
If your IT department hasn't set up your Web Service infrastructure yet, you can test this functionality with https://countthings.com/testformsync — Use this page to simulate the database you want to retrieve data from.
Prepare the Test Data
To use the inbound web service functionality, your database must have the same descriptions and values as those used in the app. You can import single values or lists.
Open https://countthings.com/testformsync.
A. Click Add Field for each field you want to add (e.g., we will add two fields: one for a single value and one for a list).
B. For a single value, enter a Description and a Value (e.g., we will use Operator Name as the description and John D. as the value).
C. For a list, enter a Description and the list values (e.g., we will use Size List as the description and 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4.5 as the values).
D. Click Save.
Required Form Setting for Web Service Integration
1. From Home Screen ➜ Settings.
2. The Settings Window will open:
A. Click Integration on the left side of the window.
B. Click Web Service Options at the top of the window.
C. Click the "+" button to add a new Web Service Address. You can select previously saved addresses from the dropdown, so you do not need to enter them each time.
D. Enter your Web Service Address (e.g., we will use https://countthings.com/getformsync).
E. If your web service requires authentication, select the Use Basic Authentication checkbox and enter your User Name and Password (e.g., we will leave this option unchecked).
F. Click the check mark button to add the address.
G. Review the added Web Service Address.
H. Click Save.
Use The Web Service Call
1. From Home Screen ➜ click Settings ➜ click Forms.
2. Add a new Form:
A. Click + NEW FORM.
B. Enter a Form Title
C. Click Ok.
3. Add a Web Service field:
A. Click + ADD FIELD.
B. In the Buttons section, click the "+" button next to Web Service.
C. Click Close.
4. Configure the Web Service Settings:
A. In the Info section, you can change the Button name (e.g., we will name the button Receive).
B. In the Properties section, you can choose to run the Web Service call automatically (e.g., we will leave the automatic call options unchecked).
C. Under Operation, select Inbound.
D. In the Get from address section, make sure the correct Web Service Address is selected. Use the dropdown to select a different address if needed.
E. You can click Verify Connection to check the connection.
5. Add a Textbox field to receive a single value:
A. Click + ADD FIELD.
B. In the Values section, click the "+" button next to Textbox.
C. Click Close.
D. In the Info section, enter a Description that matches the field name in your database (e.g., we will use Operator Name).
6. Add a Dropdown field to receive a list of values:
A. Click + ADD FIELD.
B. In the Values section, click the "+" button next to Dropdown.
C. Click Close.
D. In the Info section, enter a Description that matches the field name in your database (e.g., we will use Size List).
7. At the bottom of the screen, click Save & Exit.
8. In the Settings Window, click Save.
Review Results
From Home Screen:
A. Click Open and select a photo.
B. Click Count.
C. Click the arrow on the right side of the screen to open the Web Service menu.
E. A check mark will appear to confirm that your data has been received.
G. Open the dropdown and select a value from the list received from your database.
F. The received value will appear in the Textbox field (e.g., our Operator Name field will show John D.)
D. Click the Web Service button to send your data (e.g., in our case named Receive).
H. Click Save to save your results.
For more information, please contact our Support Team at support@CountThings.com.
You can also request a virtual meeting with our experts to discuss how we can offer you the best counting experience.