The database records item history for all properly checked out/checked in items. If an item is currently checked in, and inactive, here is the correct way to check the item out to a participant and then to check that item in when the participant is finished with it (one complete "cycle" of item use):
- Make item active, assign checkout timestamp, and check out to participant (All actions in the same admin panel screen).
- Mark item as scanned by participant, or participant scans item (item then shows in admin panel history and in database).
- Check item in when participant done with it.
- Mark item as returned (item now inactive again and ready to be checked out to new participant). The admin panel shows a confirmation message at this stage, "Study material xxxxxxx was checked in at 07/29/2024 at 4:56 PM. Assign the material to a new participant or just click 'Save'."