Control File Overview

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This system has a "built in" method of keeping track of itself known as using "Control Files". If a field in a record is programmed to require a specific thing in it that is contained in a control file, the system forces the operator to key into the field an entry exactly as pre-recorded in a record in a control file or jump to the appropriate browse list for the control file and select a record for the field from the appropriate control file.

Actually, all of the files listed under Setup-Maintenance (see below) are used as control files. Control Files can be "setup" in any combination of "all-at-once" or "on-the-fly". e.g. on-the-fly means "as needed" or "as-you-go" while using the app. From then on any control file record entered into a control file "on-the-fly" will be "remembered" by the system for future use.

As previously stated, control files are primarily used to "look up" something to keep things "standardized" so the system can accurately look up and report information in a reliable way.

This "ellipsis button" e.g. along side of a field in a window indicates that a lookup can (or must) be performed for one or more fields in the form window. Sometimes there are several lookups for several fields each having it's own "ellipsis button" e.g. and doing a specific lookup for it's field.

This methodology makes up the "stucture" and "standardization" of the system and is the feature that allows the "automation" provided by the system. e.g. posting to the correct accounts in the G/L, reporting of all kinds, accurate pricing of items for PO's or Sales forms, finding lists of records and single records to display on screen etc...

Many browse list screens have buttons for:

Inserting (or Adding) another record to the file shown in the browse list.

Changing or Editing the highlighted record in the file shown in the browse list.

Deleting the highlighted record in the file shown in the browse list.

An example of a complex form is the Sales Form window shown below.

This is actually a "form" with a "scrolling browse list" for line items embeded in it. This form is the "heart" of the Sales Form Management portion of the system.

Barcode scanners can be used to do inventory initial entry, restocking, and also do the selling which is done with this form.

A cash drawer can be operated from the serial port of the computer if the feature is turned on in the Company default file and the correct port is selected in the Company file.

If you click on the eMail address in any window your default Windows eMail handler will come up and allow you to send an eMail to the owner of the link if a link has been entered.

If you click on the Web Site address in any window your default Windows Web Browser will come up and take you to the web site for the link if a link has been entered.