Selective Extra Batch Input Items

Diamond and Premier Only

Batch Tracking parameters allow for the input / display of up to five extra data items from the batch record when prompted to select a batch record – for example this could be used do input an expiry date on goods receipt.

When prompting for the expiry date, or other nominated item, then this might not apply to all stock items, this new feature allows you to set per stock item whether the batch extra item input is allowed for input (the column will display but not require input).

Installation

Database Changes

Changes are required to the Stock Records database for each batch extra input item you wish to control. To add these items select Installation from the main menu followed by Application Manager and then Restructure A Database. Select the Stock Control application. Elect to update the Live Files and then select the Stock Records File. The existing data items are then displayed on screen, scroll-down to the next available blank entries and create the following items:

File Item Name Type Description

STA PRMPT-EXPIRY ? Flag to identify whether expiry date is to be prompted.

As the Batch Extra input items are defined per transaction entry method you can have different requirements in, for example, goods in extra inputs versus goods out.You may prompt for a packing operative on sales issues but only for items that require packing.You would need an item on the Stock Record for each extra batch input item that you wish to control input for.

To insert a new item press <Enter> against a blank entry, enter the title as required and press <Enter>, select the item type (using the drop-down list if required), and depending on item type select the size required.

Once the required items have been recorded press the <ESC> key and select the UPDATE button to save the database changes. When prompted respond ‘Y’ to the prompts to ‘Extract Existing Data to New Database Structure’ and, if appropriate, ‘Copy Table Entries from Old Database to New Database’. Final prompts ask to ‘Remove (.OLD) Database’ and to ‘Carry Out the Same Restructure on the BASE File as well’ – respond as required. If you select to update the base file you need to manually insert the new items at the same data item positions as on the live file.

Application Screen Layouts

To set the flag items you need to update the Stock ‘Batch’ definition screen – some users will have these details on the main stock entry screen, others will have the batch detail as an extra maintenance screen.To update the screen layout users can select the Installation option from the main menu followed by Application Manager and then Application User Facilities. Select the Stock Control application before selecting the Maintain Stock File option.  The main Stock screen is available via the option Add New Stock Record whilst the extra maintenance screens are available via Additional Maintenance / Enquiry Screens.

Screen Design is in the usual manner - To insert text labels such as ‘Prompt for Expiry Date’ use the mouse to position the cursor where required and then type the required text.To insert the data items position the cursor where required and press the <F4-Select> key and choose the data item required.Set whether items are view-only, mandatory or require uppercase input as required.Once the layout is complete choose File and then Save & Exit.

System Profiles

New parameters have been added to ‘View/Enter Extra Item’ pop-ups on screen 3 and 4 of the Batch Tracking parameters.To update the profiles select Installation from the main menu and lock out the system before selecting the System Profiles option and the Batch Tracking application.

Batch File Item – select the input item on the batch file to be prompted during the transaction process.

Input – set whether the item is to be ‘generally’ input (note that if controlling input by stock item this option should be set so that input is allowed)

Remember – set whether the entered value is to be remembered for the next selected batch in continuous entry.

Stock Confirm Item – select the stock data item that will control whether input of this item is allowed.If set then only batches for stock items flagged will allow input of this item, if left blank then input is allowed generally.