Documentation How to Load O/PUS, Vendor Files

This page provides instructions for using:

Get Adobe ReaderTo open, read, and print portable document files (PDF), install the Adobe Reader software. Enable the browser plug-in or add-on as needed.

Documentation for Loading O/PUS Quarterly Updates

FYI² Notes Quarterly Newsletter

FYI² Notes (pdf) and FYI² Canadian (pdf) The For Your Immediate Information — OPdb MultiVendor Update newsletters are published online quarterly when the current quarter's OPUSInstall software update and OPdb®/OPdb2 multi-vendor catalog update databases are ready for release. The newsletter includes information about software enhancements for the O/PUS PSNControl download software, the SIMPLE loading wizard, Super Store Data Update, and other software and services from O/PUS and ECi Content Services. The newsletter also announces new vendors, shares important notes from vendors, and includes a chart of pricing programs, consumer price levels, and dealer cost levels for each vendor included in the OPdb or OPdb2 catalog update.

See also O/PUS News This Quarter and Archives.

O/PUS Quick Reference Checklist (TIP: Use a New One Every Quarter!)

O/PUS Quick Reference (pdf) This two-page checklist includes: Pre-Load Steps (One week to 24 hours before loading O/PUS), Loading Steps (Immediately Before Loading O/PUS), Post-Load Steps (When O/PUS Load is 100% Complete), Optional Steps, and Additional resources & links.

SIMPLE Wizard: Loading O/PUS Multi-Vendor Quarterly Update

Updated! Loading O/PUS Multi-Vendor Quarterly Update (pdf) This handout, along with the Toolbox handout, replaces the original Complete O/PUS Multi-Vendor Documentation and O/PUS Made SIMPLE. It covers all of the basic quarterly catalog update concepts and procedures for DDMS. It includes the O/PUS Quick Reference, as well as detailed instructions for 1) downloading and running OPUSInstall to update all O/PUS software; 2) Using PSNControl to Download Quarterly Update Files and Vendor Pricing Files; 3) Running the SIMPLE Wizard to process the data; 4) viewing report messages; 5) processing price files; 6) keeping your database clean; and more.

Canadian Multi-Vendor Documentation

Canadian Multi-Vendor documentation (pdf), (rev 12/01) For detailed instructions on loading and maintaining your inventory with O/PUS' Canadian edition. Also see FYI² Notes for O/PUS Canadian Customers (fyi2_Canada.pdf; Revised 4/11/2007).

(+I) O/PUS Toolbox

O/PUS Toolbox (pdf) The O/PUS Toolbox is a collection of text-based (+I) programs for managing your DDMS inventory catalog, costs, pricing, and purchasing preferences. Learn how to adjust costs, prices, dates, and profits; build or create vendor contracts; set and modify your purchasing vendor; move, modify, and classify your data; process vendor unit of measure (UOM) changes to recalculate costs, prices, contracts, inventory quantities, shipping weights, and history totals; view various reports; build SuperIndex; process vendor price files; implement page numbers from special catalogs; and more.

Setting Your Purchasing Vendor Tutorial Your quarterly O/PUS® multi-vendor database load updates the pricing for your Item database. You can then maximize your purchasing power using a combination of tools to set primary purchasing vendor. Some dealers base their purchasing vendor based on volume incentives using the (+IL) tool. Others base it on the lowest price and/or best rebate percentage, using the (+IZ) tool. In this video, watch how it is done. See also the O/PUS Toolbox documentation on setting purchasing vendor with (+IL), (+IZ), or (+IT).

Vendor Multiloaders: Loading multiple supplemental vendor price files at once

Using O/PUS Vendor Multiloader (pdf) In just a few clicks, the Vendor MultiLoader program gives you access to all the supplemental vendors’ item files. You can load supplemental vendor files and custom item files quickly and easily. The Vendor MultiLoader program updates all the O/PUS supplemental vendors according to the parameters (settings) you set. Each vendor has its own settings screen. The Vendor MultiLoader program is normally run once each quarter after you complete your O/PUS item load and run the UpdateUNI or UpdateSPR programs. However, you can run the program as many times as you need as updated vendor files become available.

Note: Supplies Network (suppliesnetwork.com) and Lagasse (www.lagassesweet.com) require you to download the latest price files from their Web sites prior to processing in the Vendor Multiloader software.

UpdateSPR and UpdateUNI MultiLoaders: Loading multiple price files at once

Load Multiple S.P. Richards Price Files At Once (pdf) How to use the UpdateSPR multi-loader software. See also Using S.P. Richards Carton Pricing (pdf).

Load Multiple United Stationers Price Files At Once How to use the UpdateUNI multi-loader software.

PSNControl (O/PUS PSN, and what if "File Not Found")

Setting Up and Using the O/PUS® PSN (pdf) Learn how to set up appropriate parameters, install and use O/PUS PSNControl software, and download and process vendor pricing files, flyers, programs, and catalogs. Also learn how to download the quarterly Multi-Vendor Catalog Update database via PSN, and schedule your PSN downloads with PSNControl.

PSN "File Not Found" (pdf) If you are using the O/PUS PSN, use the instructions on this form to check availability for files with PSNControl software. If two business days have passed since your vendor representative has confirmed they sent the files to O/PUS, and PSNControl still indicates "File Not Found," submit this form. A technician will confirm file availability so you can update. You can even fill it out online and print for optimum readability! See online PDF form instructions. For even easier emailing, use the Word document version (file: PSNFileDownload.doc).

Super Store Data Update (SSD) — Now Chain Store Data!

Effective for 2nd Quarter 2011, Trade Service has replaced the original Super Store Data Update subscription and software.

For O/PUS customers who subscribe to the Super Store Price File update (SSDpricing), Trade Service offers a newer version — Chain Store Data, with the following enhancements:

  • New software to load item and pricing data into your DDMS system.
  • The ability to load pricing factors directly into your CONTRACTS file.
  • Many more cross-references — both Quill and WB Mason are now available!

If you are an existing SSDpricing subscriber, Trade Service automatically converts you over to the new product —AT NO EXTRA CHARGE TO YOU!

The Super Store Data Update software update has been removed from the OPUSInstall for 2nd quarter 2011, and Trade Service has discontinued updates to SSDitems or SSDpricing.

For more details on Chain Store Data, as well as how to install this new service, please contact Trade Service Tech Support at 1-800-701-6999 or e-mail to technicalsupport@tradeservice.com.

Instant Contract Eraser (csICE)

Using ECi Content Services Instant Contract Eraser (csICE) (pdf) Instant Contract Eraser (csICE) is a new application for deleting contracts and price plans. It is designed to dramatically speed up the price file load process. OPUSInstall will install the standalone application on your system.

MAC Codes (Manufacturer 3-digit codes in the Co or Company field of the Item record)

O/PUS MAC codes (pdf) Three-digit codes that identify manufacturers. The system displays these codes in the Company field of the Item record, or CO field in the (E) screen. (Revised 4/12/2011)

Contract Wizard to Import Excel Spreadsheet

File # 246: O/PUS Contract Wizard (pdf) 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.

FileMapper to convert Manufacturer product data & load into DDMS Direct Buy Records

FileMapper documentation (pdf) Do you have inventory data including Direct Buy Costs from manufacturers such as Smead, 3M, Fellowes, and so on? The O/PUS FileMapper program for Windows lets you quickly convert manufacturers’ product data into a DDMS-compatible format. You can then use the U_MFG loading program to load the data into your DDMS system’s I-MFG Direct Buy Record.

Monthly Price File Update Instructions

Vendors are increasingly moving to monthly pricing updates, in addition to the quarterly item updates. However, each vendor's file may require different loading options and methods:

Vendor Price File Loading Instructions

Vendor-specific flyers, catalogs, promotions, and contracts are available for download via the O/PUS PSN.

Supplemental Vendors (listed below*) may not update their pricing files on the same quarterly schedule as other suppliers. For additional information, see O/PUS Supplemental Vendor Information (pdf) and Using O/PUS Vendor Multiloader (pdf).

All Value program: U_ALLV
All Value Price Update Instructions
* Arlington program: U_ARLI

Setting Up and Using the Arlington PSN (pdf) Set up appropriate parameters transmit purchase orders, check stock availability and pricing, and request acknowledgements via the PSN with Arlington.

Using O/PUS Vendor Multiloader (pdf) or Arlington Item Update Instructions (pdf) Download an Arlington item and pricing file and load it into your DDMS Item Database. Arlington is an O/PUS® Supplemental Vendor, and may not update their pricing files on the same quarterly schedule as other suppliers.

Setting Up and Receiving Invoices: Arlington How to set up electronic invoicing with Arlington, and how to receive and process these invoices via PSN. To complete the process, see Posting Electronic Invoices

Avery program: U_AVE
Setting Up & Using the Avery PSN, Custom Binder Microsite (pdf) Want to set up the Avery Signature Series Microsite for Avery Custom Binders? In this document, you'll learn how to set up appropriate accounts and parameters to transmit purchase orders to Avery (in DDMS 8.18 and higher). You'll also learn how to use the O/PUS application to load Avery item files into your DDMS inventory database. You'll also learn how to use the Dealer Station or is.D-Force Admin Control panel to activate the microsite for your Web storefront customers and to customize the microsite link text that appears on your storefront site. This document also includes the steps your Dealer Station or is.D-Force end customers will use to order from the Avery Signature Series Microsite.
Azerty program: U_AZER
Azerty Update Instructions (pdf)
Digitek

New! Setting Up and Using the Digitek PSN (pdf) Set up your system to communicate via the PSN with Digitek for automated item & pricing file import via ECi Content Integration software, real-time stock/price check in Order Entry, and Purchase order transmission / acknowledgement of vendor-allocated inventory.

* Diversified Computer Supplies (DCS)

Setting Up and Using the Diversified Computer Supplies (DCS) PSN (pdf) Set up your system to communicate via the PSN with DCS for automated item & pricing file import via ECi O/PUS Vendor Multiloader software, real-time stock/price check in Order Entry, and Purchase order transmission / acknowledgement of vendor-allocated inventory.

See also Diversified Computer Supplies (DCS) Update Instructions (pdf)
or Using O/PUS Vendor Multiloader (pdf)

* Doane Keyes program: U_DOAN
Doane Keyes Update Instructions (pdf)
or Using O/PUS Vendor Multiloader (pdf)
* Educators Resource

New! Setting Up and Using the Educators Resource (EDR) PSN (pdf) Set up your system to communicate via the PSN with Educators Resource for automated item & pricing file import via ECi Content Integration software, real-time stock/price check in Order Entry, and Purchase order transmission / acknowledgement of vendor-allocated inventory. Requires DDMS 10.2 and higher.

See also Educators Resource Update Instructions (pdf)
or Using O/PUS Vendor Multiloader (pdf)

* Equipment Distributors
file names and instructions are available from Mike Prichard at 1-800-366-6636
Forms & Supply
(contact ECi Technical Support for these instructions).
Hallmark program: U_HMK
Hallmark Update Instructions (pdf)
HON Direct

Updated! Setting Up and Using the HON Direct PSN for Supply Dealers (pdf) In DDMS® Version 8.25.1 and higher, office supply dealers who have a direct account with HON can buy hundreds of furniture items direct from HON. Learn how to install and use ECi Content Integration software to retrieve the latest item and pricing files from HON and update your DDMS Item database. Then set up appropriate parameters, database records, and default settings to transmit purchase orders and receive acknowledgements via the PSN. See also the announcement, Buy Furniture Direct from HON via PSN and the video tutorial below.

New! Setting Up HON Direct for Office Supply Dealers Video Tutorial In DDMS® Version 8.25.1 and higher, office supply dealers who have a direct account with HON can buy hundreds of furniture items direct from HON. Learn how to update your DDMS Item Database with HON Direct items and pricing, and set up appropriate parameters, database records, and default settings to transmit purchase orders and receive acknowledgements via the PSN.

Horizon program: U_HORI
Horizon Update Instructions (pdf)
Image Star program: U_IMAG

Image Star is an O/PUS supplemental vendor; to load Image Star items and pricing, see O/PUS Item Update Instructions for Image Star (pdf). If Image Star assigns you a Sign On ID that exceeds the 20-character limit, request an alias from itrequest@imagestar.com. 

Alternatively, see Using O/PUS Vendor Multiloader (pdf).

See also Setting Up and Using Image Star PSN (pdf) Learn how to set up appropriate parameters, database records, and default settings to transmit purchase orders, check stock availability and pricing, and request acknowledgements via the PSN with Image Star. Notes: Requires DDMS Version 8.18 or higher.

is.group (Independent Stationers)

File names and instructions are available from their Web site: www.isgroup.org

After you log in, navigate to "Price Files & Load Info", choose "Load File Information" and click tab labeled "DDMS."

Katun

New! Setting Up and Using the Katun PSN (pdf) Set up your system to communicate via the PSN with Katun for automated item & pricing file import via ECi Content Integration software, real-time stock/price check in Order Entry, and Purchase order transmission / acknowledgement of vendor-allocated inventory. Requires DDMS 10.2 and higher.

* Lagasse

Lagasse custom files can only be loaded Using O/PUS Vendor Multiloader (pdf). Lagasse no longer provides O/PUS with a standard price file (I-LAGAS).  You can obtain your latest custom price file from their Web site (http://www.lagassesweet.com) prior to processing with the Vendor MultiLoader software.

See also Setting Up and Using the Lagasse PSN (pdf) Set up appropriate parameters transmit purchase orders and request acknowledgements via the PSN with janitorial/sanitation wholesaler Lagasse Bros., Inc., a United Stationers subsidiary.

* LC Industries program: U_LCI

LC Industries Electronic Item Update Instructions (pdf)
or Using O/PUS Vendor Multiloader (pdf)

* MeadWestvaco program: U_MWV
Loading the MeadWestvaco Price File in DDMS (pdf), for your AAG Calendars & Planners Microsite on ECinteractive and Dealer Station
Norwestra (now SPR Canada) program: U_SPR
SPR Canada Update Instructions - text-based (pdf) (name changed as of 1Q 2004) or Load Multiple S.P. Richards Price Files At Once
OF/USA
Contact Ron Mayfield, 800-872-2728 xt. 130, for these instructions.
Office Partners
Contact ECi Technical Support for these instructions.
* Pens Etc. program: U_PENE
Pens Etc. Update Instructions (pdf)
or Using O/PUS Vendor Multiloader (pdf)
* Printer Essentials program: U_PRTESS
Printer Essentials Item Catalog Update Instructions (pdf)
or Using O/PUS Vendor Multiloader (pdf)
S P Richards program: UPDATESPR or U_SPR

S.P. Richards Monthly Price Plan Update
Load Multiple S.P. Richards Price Files At Once (pdf)
S.P. Richards Update - text-based (pdf)
Special Order with S.P. Richards ProductPro™ and FurnitureAdvantage™ (pdf)
Using S.P. Richards Carton Pricing (pdf)

DMI Supplies Network program: U_DMISN

In addition to the quarterly update using the SIMPLE wizard, Supplies Network provides a downloadable Price List file that contains item price changes and product information via their Web site, www.suppliesnetwork.com. ECi Content Services’ SNcustom program allows you to import the product information from the Supplies Network price file into the ECi™ DDMS® Item database.

See SN Custom Price List (pdf)
or Using O/PUS Vendor Multiloader (pdf)

Tech Data program: U_TECH

Tech Data Tech Mapper Instructions (pdf) Price files and the ProdList.exe item file are available for download from www.techdata.com. The O/PUS TechMapper application, available upon request from opus@ecisolutions.com, is required to convert TechData files to a format readable by your DDMS® system.

TriMega Purchasing Association (TPA)

If you are a TriMega Purchasing Association member loading the TriMega Edition of the OPdb updatePSNControl instructions and the O/PUS User Direct-Buy Information Password are available at www.trimega.org in the member center, on the TriMega Catalogs page (https://www.trimega.org/members/programs/catalogs.asp).

Trodat

Setting Up & Using the Trodat PSN (pdf) Want to set up the Trodat Microsite to sell Custom Stamps on ECinteractive or is.D-Force 2? In this document, you'll learn how to set up appropriate accounts and parameters to transmit purchase orders to Trodat (requires DDMS 10.0 and higher). You'll also learn how to use the O/PUS application to load Trodat item files into your DDMS inventory database. You'll also learn how to use the ECinteractive or is.D-Force 2 Admin Control panel to activate the microsite for your Web storefront customers.

United Stationers program: UPDATEUNI or U_UNI

To view United’s latest Price Plan Code Chart, link to www.ussco.com, log into the Classified Zone, and select the “Item File/Unitape” page.

United Stationers Monthly Price Plan Update
Load Multiple United Stationers Price Files At Once (pdf) - graphical
United Stationers Update - text-based (pdf)

West Point program: U_WEST

West Point Products (www.westpointproducts.com), an STMC certified manufacturer or premium replacement laser toner cartridges and provider of related imaging supplies and services, is an O/PUS supplemental vendor; to load West Point items and pricing, see West Point Electronic Item Update Instructions (pdf).

See also Setting Up & Using West Point Products PSN (pdf) Dealers who have loaded DDMS 8.23 and higher can request stock/price checks, transmit purchase orders, and receive purchase order acknowledgements via the ECi Private Supply Network (PSN) with West Point Products.

Xstamper program: U_XSTAMP

Updated! Setting Up and Using the Xstamper PSN (pdf) Set up appropriate parameters to load items, transmit purchase orders and request acknowledgements via the PSN with Xstamper. Also learn how to update your Item files using PSNControl, and activate the Microsite in your legacy Web storefront.