Documentation for Miscellaneous Products
This page contains current documentation for DDMS miscellaneous products for credit card approval, email and fax communications, electronic data interchange, period-end procedure automation, report customization, contact management, and so on.
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| Approval Link AutoComm |
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)
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Approval Link Credit Card Processing
See Approval Link Credit Card Processing FAQs
AutoComm Fax and Email Integration
See AutoComm Fax and Email FAQs.
eGate
Setting Up eGate documentation for eGate, a Windows program that allows DDMS to interact with Internet-based, e-commerce packages that process customer orders remotely and batch transmit to your site. (file:egate.pdf)
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and Electronic Invoicing
EDI is the exchange of business information in a standardized format between companies that use different computer systems. Electronic invoicing lets dealers use the DDMS EDI application to accept electronic invoices from vendors.
See EDI and Electronic Invoicing FAQs Frequently asked questions about Electronic Invoicing and EDI, including fundamentals, how to get started, and how to set up your system to communicate via EDI with various vendors.
Posting Electronic Invoices (pdf) Documentation for posting electronic invoices with any vendor, and for handling exceptions. To learn how to set up and receive electronic invoices from your particular vendor, see one of the documents below.
See also PSN Documentation More and more vendors are using the ECi Private Supply Network as the channel to transmit electronic invoices.
Contract Wizard / FileMapper
File # 246: O/PUS Contract Wizard This a free Windows-based application will allow you to convert/import an Excel spreadsheet into a DDMS contract. This document provides instructions for installation, running Contract Creator for the first time, what columns to create in Excel, and how to import the spreadsheet into your DDMS Contract. (file: opusContractWizard.pdf)
FileMapper documentation Learn to use FileMapper, the program that lets you convert almost any manufacturer's item file to a format you can load on your DDMS system. (file: filemapper_doc.pdf)
Graphical Access to Text-Based Screens
Cross Reference of Text-Based Screen Name To Graphical Window This reference is designed to help you find the right graphical software window when the documentation gives you a set of keystrokes for a text-based screen name. For instance, many of our older FAQ files may refer only to the (E) screen, which performs the same function as the Item window in the DDMS graphical interface. Or, the FAQ file may refer to two keystrokes such as the (AT) Tax Districts Tables, which in graphical software is located in the View menu of the Customer window. Or you may be referred to a report, such as the (SR) Standard P/O Reports. For each text-based screen name, we list the screen title, and directions to the equivalent graphical software window.
Proc Files
Updated! Custom Day-End/Month-End Proc - Terms Agreement & Request Form (pdf) To initiate a request for a custom day-end and/or month end proc, whether new or upgrade, complete this request form and fax the signed copy to ECi Sales. See also the specifications form.
Updated! Custom Day-End/Month-End Proc File Specifications Form (pdf) Once you have agreed to the terms, you will be asked to fill out this form to specify the steps and special requirements for your day-end and month-end proc(s) so that our developer can complete the work.
Updated! Procs Like a Pro (pdf) Proc (procedure) files can automate many of your routine procedures. From simple tasks like day-end procedures and reports to complex functions that can calculate their own date limits and modify databases, proc files can be that extra manpower you need. Learn how to run proc files as completely unattended automated functions, or set them up as an interactive program to prompt for key information and then run procedures based on user input.
New! Going Paperless: Operational & Billing Efficiencies (pdf) Eliminate the costs of postage, paper, and forms by faxing or e-mailing invoices and statements with Autocomm II. This session also includes information on paperless reporting capabilities such as saving monthly and daily reports to text files, setting up multiple printers to save your text file reports for automated procs, and importing into Excel.
The Efficiencies of Using Proc Files This handout from a March 1998 User's Meeting includes the fundamentals that would be most useful for new customers and those who are still doing Day End and Month End procedures manually.
Proc File Basics For advanced users, this handout from a January 1997 User's Meeting describes how to code a proc file from scratch.
Proc
file commands that do not work under Windows Lists the
proc commands and variables that you cannot use in procs that
run on the Windows platform (file:proc-nt.pdf)
Remote Backup
New! Setting Up Your ECi Remote Backup Solution (pdf) Any dealer can take advantage of ECi Remote Backup for disaster recovery and peace of mind. However, this Web-based service is critical for those whose business system runs on Windows 2008 Server, since that operating system no longer supports tape backup solutions. Learn how to implement ECi Remote Backup's client software on your DDMS server with assistance from your ECi support team. You'll be able to log in to the remote Web service to view backup logs and restore files as needed. Rest assured that the ECi Remote Backup Solution retains your files in a secure location, daily files for 30 days, monthly for 18 months, and yearly may be retained for 7 years, depending on your subscription.
Report Customization
New! Setting Up PlanetPress Suite (pdf) ECi's partnership with Objectif Lune lets us offer you the variable data printing solution PlanetPress Suite. Documents created with PlanetPress Suite can be printed, archived, emailed and/or faxed as part of a sophisticated output management application driven by PlanetPress Watch or
PlanetPress Server. PlanetPress Suite enables easy creation and printing of transactional variable content documents in house, eliminating the need for preprinted forms. These in house documents can be produced using any printer so there is no need to dedicate a printer just for forms. ECi offers customization of several forms including invoices, statements, delivery tickets, and purchase orders. All documents can be generated from the same data file used to create an invoice, so information is entered only once. Since documents can be created in house, PlanetPress provides significant savings on printing costs and also provides greater work process efficiency. Learn how to configure DDMS with PlantPress report formats, printers and Dayend process, and begin to use the intuitive PlanetPress Design application in conjunction with DDMS text files.
Using the EBS SQL Import Panel (pdf) Several applications in DDMS 8.11 and higher work primarily with data in a SQL database. Before you can use Customer Price Plans, Price Modeling, SQL Reporting, and so on, your DDMS data must be initially validated, corrected as needed, and imported into the SQL database. After this initial processing in the EBS SQL Import Panel, you'll set up your schedule of "delta sync" (a process that synchronizes changes only) for the file groups and timetables you specify. See also Troubleshooting EBS SQL Validation Errors (pdf) and Tips on Validating DBF Data With EBS SQL Import Panel (pdf)
New! Setting Up & Using SQL Preview Reports for DDMS (pdf) The new Preview Reports function in the Report Menu combines the current capabilities of the existing sales database report screens in DDMS with the new functionality of the SQL EBS database. It is designed to allow both new and experienced users to easily view and print SQL reports. It also allows users to make minor report changes on the fly that could previously only be made in more complex report designer applications. Information is displayed in an Excel-style grid with columns that can be fully customized using sorts and limits.
New! Advanced SQL Reports (pdf) Recommended for users who are already familiar with SQL databases, table structure, and running query statements. Create custom reports with new SQL technology using the Component 1 Designer (included with DDMS’ new SQL reporting feature). You will learn how to define data sources and create basic reports using this powerful tool. We will also review the rules for viewing custom reports with the Preview Reports function. While ECi does not support C1 Report Designer, this document presents helpful rules and definitions that should be useful in designing reports that are compatible with the Preview Reports function.
Setting Up C1 Report Designer for SQL Reporting (pdf) Learn how to set up C1 Report Designer to access the DDMS sales history database data now available in SQL. With authorization, you can launch the C1 Report Designer from the Keyop Menu in DDMS Version 8.11 or higher. Once your connection is successful, you can use C1 to compose SQL statements and design custom reports. You can select from lists of fields and limits, customize each report’s display, and manage saved formats. Other users can view and print your saved custom C1 reports in the Report Preview application, from the DDMS Reports menu. Report Preview can send the output to the printer, or export to Excel, PDF, or other options. You can use the same connection information to use the data on a read-only basis from Microsoft Access, Crystal Reports, or similar database reporting software.
Authorization Request For Third-Party C1 Report Designer (pdf) ECi developers rewrote all of DDMS's sales history databases and tables in Structured Query Language (SQL), a widespread industry standard for relational databases. As a result, all the SQL data for your DDMS sales history are now available for use with SQL reporting. With authorization, you can launch the C1 Report Designer from the Keyop Menu in DDMS Version 8.11 or higher. C1 entails composing SQL statements to design custom reports. You can select from lists of fields and limits, customize each report’s display, and manage saved custom formats. Other users can view and print your saved C1 reports in the Report Preview application, from the DDMS Reports menu. Report Preview can send the output to the printer, or export to Excel, PDF, or other options.
Procs Like a Pro (pdf) Proc (procedure) files can automate many of your routine procedures. From simple tasks like day-end procedures and reports to complex functions that can calculate their own date limits and modify databases, proc files can be that extra manpower you need. Learn how to run proc files as completely unattended automated functions, or set them up as an interactive program to prompt for key information and then run procedures based on user input.
Reports for Efficiency (pdf) An illustrated guide to common reports in DDMS, describing the uses of the data for maximizing efficiency.
Printing a Report Writer Analysis (pdf) Learn to help Support quickly diagnose problems with your custom reports.
Report Writer Manual (pdf) The full documentation for writing and customizing reports in DDMS was part of the Optional Books from the DDMS Version 3&4 manuals.
Beyond Advanced Report Writer: Making Report Writer Jump Through Hoops (pdf) Learn how to utilize the eye candy of laser printing, logos, and watermarks by creating graphic file overlays, PCL macros that you can call from a DDMS ticket or report, send to your laser printer, and embed PCL commands in a DDMS format file for correct graphic positioning. Mike Clare from Hicks Office Plus led this User Perspectives session at the ECi Direction 2003 User Conference.
Quote request for a custom form or report (pdf) Use this form to get a quote on a custom format for a form or report, such as custom invoices, statements, and so forth
RouteTrak™ / RoutePerfect™ / RouteVision™
New! Setting Up & Using RouteTrak™ for Windows® Mobile (pdf) RouteTrak’s Digital Signature Handheld software can be installed on a Windows Mobile unit. Drivers can identify errors, shortages and overages at the point of delivery. RouteTrak synchronizes with your shipping manifests and your customer order data, so drivers no longer need to file multipart forms. Learn how to automate your delivery process and verify receipt, eliminating missed and misrouted shipments and the resulting billing disputes.
Setting Up & Using RouteTrak™ Proof of Delivery for DDMS (pdf) Learn how to automate your delivery process and verify receipt, eliminating missed and misrouted shipments and the resulting billing disputes. RouteTrak’s Digital Signature Handheld Unit synchronizes your shipping manifests. Drivers can identify errors, shortages and overages at the point of delivery. RouteTrak Pro synchronizes with your customer order data, so drivers no longer need to file multipart forms.
Setting Up RouteTrak to Show Delivery Signatures on Your Web Storefront (pdf) If your delivery drivers use RouteTrak mobile units to capture proof of delivery, you can allow your Web shoppers to look up that information in Order History. This feature is available in ECinteractive, Dealer Station, is.D-Force and is.D-Force 2. Order History will display a link, which will open a new window that shows the signature for the order, the date when it was signed and the individual who signed it. To enable this feature, you must add your Web storefront URL to the RouteTrak SyncBox setup window for proper synchronization of delivery data and signature images.
Setting Up & Using RoutePerfect™ Working with Microsoft® MapPoint software, RoutePerfect™ is a delivery management tool that lets you optimize delivery operations. You can make route changes even after you build a manifest. RoutePerfect works with your business system so customer information is always accurate. Once you build a manifest or delivery list, you can export it to RoutePerfect for optimization. RoutePerfect's optimize tool analyzes every available option and calculates the most efficient route for each day's deliveries. You can optimize routes by shortest distance or by quickest route. You can export the optimized manifest to the RouteTrak proof of delivery system and download the information to the driver's handheld unit.
RouteVision™ (pdf) RouteVision ensures that your drivers and vehicles are achieving maximum efficiency by comparing real-time route progress to optimized route paths. Your trucks communicate at regular intervals on a 2.5G wireless network utilizing GPRS/GSM and SIM card technology. RouteVision allows you to improve customer service by decreasing customer wait time and giving customers more accurate arrival estimates. By tracking the progress of your vehicles, you can also identify vehicles being misused or stolen and you can cut maintenance costs by identifying and correcting unnecessary route detours.
The Route to Efficiency and Profit This white paper discusses the best practices for integrating RouteTrak™ Pro with your DDMS® Business Systems. A recommended work flow summarizes procedures for bar coded invoices and shipping labels, building and exporting delivery manifests, docking the handheld unit, capturing electronic signatures, uploading and importing delivery manifests using third-party carrier manifest features, viewing reports in Accounting and Order Entry, and transferring undelivered items to a new manifest. The white paper also discusses optimizing delivery routes.
ScanClik
All ScanClik documentation (a tip sheet, setup guide, user guide, frequently asked questions, troubleshooting, and scanner manual) can be found at www.scanclik.com under Documentation. ScanBuy is an Approved Vendor.