Waste Log
The Waste Log is the primary record of all waste transactions recorded in Commander4j. Each entry represents a single waste event — material added to or removed from a waste location, with weight, cost, and reason information captured. The Waste Log screen provides full enquiry, edit, and export capabilities over these individual records.
For aggregated reporting across reporting groups and cost analysis, use the Waste Reporting screen instead.
Waste Transaction Records
Each waste log record contains:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Transaction Ref | Unique reference number, auto-generated on creation |
| Transaction Type | The type of waste event (e.g. Add, Remove). Defined in the Waste Transaction Types admin screen. |
| Date / Time | When the transaction was recorded |
| Location | The physical waste location where the event occurred |
| Material | The waste material code |
| Material Type | The waste type classification of the material (read-only, derived from the material record) |
| Container | The container type used. Determines the tare weight automatically. |
| Weight Kg | The gross weight recorded. Positive for additions, negative for removals (depending on transaction type configuration). |
| Tare Weight | The container weight, auto-populated from the container record |
| Net Weight | Calculated: Gross Weight minus Tare Weight |
| Cost Per Kg | Unit cost for this waste material |
| Cost | Calculated: Net Weight multiplied by Cost Per Kg |
| Reason | Why the waste occurred. May be mandatory depending on the location configuration. |
| Process Order | The production order associated with this waste. May be mandatory depending on the location configuration. |
| User | The operator who recorded the transaction (auto-populated from the logged-in user) |
| Comment | Optional free-text note (up to 130 characters) |
Searching and Filtering
The screen supports the following search criteria:
| Filter | Description |
|---|---|
| Waste Material | Specific material code |
| Waste Location | Specific location |
| Waste Container | Specific container type |
| Waste Reason | Specific reason code |
| Process Order | Specific production order |
| User | Specific operator |
| Material Type | Dropdown by waste type classification |
| Transaction Type | Dropdown by transaction type |
| Has Comment | When checked, returns only records that include a comment |
| Recyclable | Yes / No / All |
| Hazardous | Yes / No / All |
| Date From / Date To | Date range; each enabled independently |
| Limit Results | Restricts the number of rows returned |
Results default to descending order by date (newest first).
Adding a Waste Transaction
To add a new record:
- Click Add. A prompt asks you to select the waste transaction type.
- The entry screen opens. Fill in the required fields:
- Location — select the waste location. This determines which materials, reasons, and process orders are valid.
- Material — select the waste material. The Material Type is filled automatically.
- Container — select the container. The Tare Weight is filled automatically from the container record.
- Weight Kg — enter the gross weight.
- Reason — required if the selected location is configured with "Reason Required".
- Process Order — required if the selected location is configured with "Process Order Required".
- Date / Time — defaults to the current date and time; can be adjusted.
- Comment — optional free text.
- Click Save. The system validates the entry and writes the record to
APP_WASTE_LOG.
Editing a Waste Transaction
Select a row and click Edit (or double-click the row). The entry screen opens with all fields populated. The Transaction Type and Transaction Ref cannot be changed. Modify the required fields and click Save.
Validation Rules
The system enforces the following on save:
- The location must exist and be enabled.
- The material must be valid for the selected location.
- The waste type (derived from the material) must be permitted at the selected location.
- A reason must be provided if the location requires it.
- A process order must be provided if the location requires it.
- The weight must be non-zero.
- The weight sign (positive or negative) must match the transaction type's configuration.
Export and Print
- Excel — exports the current filtered results to a file named
waste_log.xls. - Print — sends the filtered results to the system printer.
- Copy — right-clicking a row allows individual field values to be copied to the clipboard.
Database Table
Records are stored in APP_WASTE_LOG. The screen reads enhanced data (including calculated net weight and cost) from the view VIEW_WASTE_LOG.
See also: Waste Recording, Waste Reporting, Link Reporting ID to Location, Link Location to Reporting ID