PC HOST SUPPORT

The software can be configured to communicate with a PC running Procomm communications. This can be almost any PC operating system, but Microsoft Windows 95/98/NT is preferred.

The connection to the PC can be either through direct connection to the PC, or by connecting through a modem. The hand held computers support a variety of configuration options with internal and external modems.

UNIX HOST SUPPORT

The software can be configured to communicate with a UNIX host system. This has advantages over PC's when multiple concurrent communications sessions are required.

The connection to the UNIX computer can be either through direct connection to the computer, or by connecting through a modem. The hand held computers support a variety of configuration options with internal and external modems.

DRIVER SPECIFIC FILES

During the start of route process, the software loads both general and driver specific files from the host system. The use of driver specific files reduces the transmission time, and reduces memory capacity requirements on the hand held computers.

The general files include the item, driver list, sales tax, and account terms files.

The driver specific files include the route sequence, customer list, and quoted pricing files.

TRANSACTION DATA

At the end of a trip/shift, the software transmits the transaction data to the host system. This is delivered in a file with multiple record types, easily processed and imported into the host application(s). The file contains information on invoices, R.O.A.'s, and any entered inventory transactions. The file is given a unique file name, which includes the driver ID and a date/time stamp, to allow multiple files to accumulate on the host system before being processed.

SOFTWARE UPDATE

After each communication session, the software loads a version file from the host system. This is compared to the current software version. If different, the driver is advised to update the software. At an appropriate time, usually after ending a route, the driver can start the software update transaction, which loads new software from the host and automatically installs it.

Copyright 1999, 2000 Marietta Systems, Inc.   All rights reserved