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TOC | 3
Contents
Auto Print Control Course......................................................................................................5
Before You Begin....................................................................................................................6
Audience.........................................................................................................................................................6
Prerequisites....................................................................................................................................................6
Environment Setup..........................................................................................................................................7
Workshop Constraints..............................................................................................................................7
Overview.................................................................................................................................9
Process...................................................................................................................................11
Link Network Printers.....................................................................................................................................11
Printer Maintenance...............................................................................................................................11
Detail Sheet.....................................................................................................................................11
Company Configuration.........................................................................................................................12
General Settings Sheet....................................................................................................................12
Workshop - Share a Network Printer.......................................................................................................13
Workshop - Link a Shared Network Printer..............................................................................................14
Format Report Style.......................................................................................................................................14
Detail Sheet............................................................................................................................................15
Styles Detail............................................................................................................................................15
Report Style Settings........................................................................................................................16
Workshop - Format Report Style.............................................................................................................17
Duplicate an Existing Report............................................................................................................17
Create a Report Style.......................................................................................................................17
Report Data Maintenance..............................................................................................................................18
Select a Report Format............................................................................................................................19
Detail......................................................................................................................................................19
Report Labels Detail................................................................................................................................19
Report Table...........................................................................................................................................19
Relationships..........................................................................................................................................19
Auto Print Rules......................................................................................................................................20
Workshop - Create a Report Data Definition...........................................................................................21
Modify the New Report Data Definition...........................................................................................21
Verify Included Report Tables and Fields...........................................................................................21
Define the Rule Header....................................................................................................................21
Add Rules and Conditions to the Report Data Definition..................................................................22
Verify the Rules and Conditions are Valid.........................................................................................22
Business Activity Manager Overview...............................................................................................................22
Event Sheet............................................................................................................................................23
Action Sheet...........................................................................................................................................23
Rules Sheet.............................................................................................................................................23
Workshop - Add a New Business Activity Manager Record......................................................................24
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Conclusion.............................................................................................................................38
Epicor Software
Seagull Scientific's BarTender or Crystal Reports . Use Auto Print Control to automatically print standard or customized
reports, labels, or barcode labels. The reports or labels can consist of fixed data or database data in both human readable
and barcode format.
This course covers Auto Print Control configuration using multiple system programs, defining the actions and conditions
that automate report and label printing, and how to use the available report and label interface programs to work with
Auto Print Control functionality.
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
Understand the purpose of Auto Print Control.
Share and link network printers.
Create a report style format.
Configure report data definition rules and conditions.
Add new Business Activity Manager transactions and rules.
Optionally define label printing setup in the BarTender and Commander applications.
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Audience
Specific audiences will benefit from this course.
System Administrator
IT/Technical Staff
Department Manager
Project Team Leader
Prerequisites
In order to complete the workshops in this course, all necessary modules must be licensed and operating in your training
environment. For more information on the modules available, contact your Epicor Customer Account Manager
EpicorCAM@epicor.com. It is also important that you understand the prerequisite knowledge contained in other valuable
courses.
Navigation Course - This course introduces navigational aspects of the Epicor application's user interface. Designed
for a hands-on environment, general navigation principles and techniques are available at each of the interface
levels in the Epicor application - system, module, and program. Workshops focus on each of these levels and guide
you through each navigational principle introduced.
Database Concepts Course - This course reviews the table and field name identification process using Field Help,
Customization Tools, and the Data Dictionary Viewer functionality. It also describes table linking procedures and
requirements, Dataset Relationships Tracker features, and join type definitions and specifications.
System Flow Course - This course introduces a basic quote to cash scenario that includes the process from the
initial customer quote to final cash receipts and payment of supplier invoices. This course emphasizes the series of
processes that make up the quote to cash process by using a simple scenario to highlight various transactions. Your
organization may have more complex processing routines than those described in this course.
Recommended Industry Knowledge:
Experience with sharing and linking network printers.
Knowledge of your current Epicor application.
Understanding of relational database concepts such as tables, table relationships, records, and field types.
General knowledge of Seagull Scientific's BarTender application and the Commander program.
Epicor Software
Environment Setup
The environment setup steps and potential workshop constraints must be reviewed in order to successfully complete
the workshops in this course.
Your Epicor training environment, in which the Epicor demonstration database is found, enables you to experience
Epicor functionality in action but does not affect data in your live, production environment.
The following steps must be taken to successfully complete the workshops in this course.
1.
Verify the following or ask your system administrator to verify for you:
Your Epicor training icon (or web address if you are using Epicor Web Access) points to your Epicor
training environment with the Epicor demonstration database installed. Do not complete the course
workshops in your live, production environment.
Note It is recommended that multiple Epicor demonstration databases are installed. Contact Support
or Systems Consulting for billable assistance.
The Epicor demonstration database is at the same service pack and patch as the Epicor application.
Epicor's education team updates the Epicor demonstration database for each service pack and patch. If your
system administrator upgrades your Epicor application to a new service pack or patch, he or she must also
download the corresponding Epicor demonstration database from EPICweb > Support > Epicor > Downloads
and install it. If this is not performed, unexpected results can occur when completing the course workshops.
Your system administrator restored (refreshed) the Epicor demonstration database prior to starting
this course. The Epicor demonstration database comes standard with parts, customers, sales orders, and so
on, already defined. If the Epicor demonstration database is shared with multiple users (that is, the database
is located on a server and users access the same data, much like your live, production environment) and is not
periodically refreshed, unexpected results can occur. For example, if a course workshop requires you to ship a
sales order that came standard in the Epicor demonstration database, but a different user already completed
this workshop and the Epicor demonstration database was not restored (refreshed), then you will not be able
to ship the sales order. Epicor's education team has written the course workshops to minimize situations like
this from occurring, but Epicor cannot prevent users from manipulating the data in your installation of the
Epicor demonstration database.
2.
Log in to the training environment using the credentials manager/manager. If you are logged into your training
environment as a different user, from the Options menu, select Change User.
3.
From the Main menu, select the company Epicor USA (EPIC03).
4.
Workshop Constraints
Below is a list of workshops in this course that can be performed only once in each instance of a restored (refreshed)
database. Where applicable, a detailed explanation of the workshop constraints is documented in the workshop itself.
Workshop - Link a Shared Network Printer
If your Network Printer is already set up in the environment, skip this workshop.
Workshop - BarTender Setup
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Overview | 9
Overview
This course first addresses the general application configuration to help you establish auto print control. Workshops
focus on how to use the Crystal Reports application format to auto print reports. The section on BarTender and
Commander program configuration is optional, as the BarTender and Commander applications must be installed to
complete it.
Application Configuration
When you configure Auto Print Control in the application, you can activate the label or manufacturing report auto-print
functionality. To do this, change the data in comparison to the table in the Business Activity Manager (BAM) for the
report. When a BAM is set up for any action, whether Create Log, Send Alert, or Auto-Print, it triggers when any of
the table fields selected in the BAM screen change.
Example
You can create a BAM to auto print the Job Traveler Report on the JobHead table and select the ReqDueDate
column. The Report Rule on the Data Definition screen activates the printing process. To auto print, open Job
Entry, select a job, and change its ReqDueDate field. This triggers an auto-print instance.
Auto Print Control Process Flow
The Auto Print Control flow typically follows the pattern in the diagram below. As noted, the process to use either
Crystal Reports or BarTender is similar.
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Note
Crystal Reports is the standard third party application for reports and labels in the Epicor application. The Crystal
Reports application is typically part of the Epicor installation. BarTender sections are optional in this flow.
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Process
The Auto Print Control process involves multiple steps. First, link network printers to the system in Printer Maintenance,
create a new record and add rules in Report Data Maintenance, format the report type in Report Maintenance, and
add a new record in Business Activity Manager (BAM). Once you complete these steps, your system updates trigger
auto printed reports or labels.
Printer Maintenance
Use Printer Maintenance to establish printer information. The printer information is used to identify a printer throughout
the Epicor application.
The printers you define here display on drop-down lists within Company Configuration and Workstation Maintenance,
programs used to set up auto-printing. You also indicate whether this printer is compatible with SSRS printing. Printers
you indicate can use SSRS printing then display as an option within SSRS Printer windows.
Menu Path
Navigate to this program from the Main Menu:
System Management > Company Maintenance > Printer
Important This program is not available
in the Epicor Web Access interface. You can launch this program
Detail Sheet
Use the Detail sheet to set up your printer.
The following are the key fields within the sheet:
Printer ID - This is the ID of the printer.
Tip Enter a unique identifier that will help you quickly find this printer.
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SSRS Printer - Select this check box if the printer is available for SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) technology.
Page Settings - Use this pane to set up page settings and other formatting options.
Collate - Select this check box if the printed pages should always be assembled in the correct order when the hard
copy is generated.
Company Configuration
Company Configuration defines options for companies in the Epicor application. Use these options to customize the
Epicor application to best fit each company within your organization.
When you install the Epicor application, one company record is automatically created by default. You can then use this
program to define how the company interacts with the various modules you have licensed.
Tip You can purchase a Multi-Site license; use this license to set up multiple companies within Company
Configuration. To do this, you first create the company within the Epicor Administration Console. You can
then display the new company in this program and configure it as you need.
Menu Path
Navigate to this program from the Main Menu:
System Management > Company Maintenance > Company
Important This program is not available
in the Epicor Web Access interface. You can launch this program
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1. In Microsoft Windows , from the Start menu, access the Printers and Faxes window.
2. Right-click an installed printer and select Properties.
You can select your default printer.
Note If a printer is not installed, refer to the printer documentation on how to install a printer.
Use Windows Explorer to access the server you use in your environment (for example, \\ProdServer) and
verify the shared printer is listed (just as other shared folders).
2.
In the Windows Explorer, while still on the server, double-click Printers and Faxes. Verify that the printer's
icon displays a little hand below it.
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Fields of interest:
Description - This is a brief description of the report style (for example, BarTender Labels).
Report Type - This is the report type style. The report type indicates the software used to print the report. Valid
selections include:
Crystal Reports - This is the generic report writer used for all reports other than those specifically created by
the GL Financial Report process.
Outbound EDI - This report writer converts .xml files into the EDI flat file format. You can use Service Connect
to export the report to customers (Demand Management) and suppliers (Purchase Contract Management).
For more information on how to use EDI and Service Connect, see the Application Help and the related user
guide.
Epicor Financial Report - This report writer is used only for reports created by the GL Financial Report process.
Bartender Labels - This report writer creates custom labels that can use fixed data or database data. The format
can be text based, barcode format, or both.
Data Definition - This is the system's Report Data Definition.
Report Location - This is the path and program name used when this form is printed (for example,
reports\PackSlip.rpt or reports\ShipLabl.btw).
Note
This is the relative path and these templates are found under the reports folder on the computer where the
Epicor 9 Server is installed.
Output Location - This is the output location of the report. This field is available only if the report type is Outbound
EDI or Bartender Labels.
Detail Sheet
Use the Detail sheet to select a report record. You can then create styles for this record.
The following are the fields on the Detail sheet:
Report ID - This is the unique identifier for the report or form.
Description - This is a brief description of the report or form.
Styles Detail
Report Maintenance > Styles > Detail
Use the Styles > Detail sheet to identify the different styles you would like to use to print user-customizable reports
and forms from the Epicor application. You can also establish the default style per company on this sheet.
The printing process typically generates .xml datasource files. The report style is then set up to indicate the report writer
to use and the specific report writer program (for instance, .rpt) that consumes the .xml datasource. Using report styles,
you can create additional reports that process the same datasource (for example, different layouts, calculations, and
so on).
Tip If you duplicate a report using the Report Data Maintenance > Duplicate Report command, you can
add the duplicated dataset to the current report. These copied tables are then attached to the modified report,
enabling you display the exact data you need. Link this copied Dataset by creating a new style for the current
report.
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Detail
Use the Detail sheet to define the primary attributes of the customized report. The controls on this sheet allow you
to create a new custom report or find and select an existing report.
Report Table
Use the Report Table sheets to add or edit a report table on the current report definition.
First, select the report table, and then, you can add calculated fields, edit calculated fields, exclude fields, create filter
criteria, and add lookup tables.
Relationships
Use the Relationships sheets to define the required links, or joins, required for a specific table to pull and display its
data within the report.
Use the Detail sheet to define the links you want on a specific table. Use the List sheet to review and update all the
links contained within the current report.
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2.
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Menu Path
Navigate to this program from the Main Menu:
Executive Analysis > Business Activity Management > Setup > Business Activity Manager
System Management > Utilities > Business Activity Manager
Important This program is not available
in the Epicor Web Access interface. You can launch this program
Event Sheet
Use the Event sheet to create an event record. This record defines the table and fields monitored by the Business
Activity Manager (BAM). When any changes occur to the fields defined in the event, the actions you define on the
Actions sheet occur. You can have an event trigger change log updates, custom alerts, or auto-printing for reports
and labels.
Updating from Previous Versions
If you are using an event created within a previous version, you may need to redo its tables so it uses the current
database schema. If a global alert, change log, or other BAM action causes a [Field Name] not valid error message,
you need to update the event to the current database schema.
To do this, use the Data Dictionary Viewer to find out where the information from the obsolete field is now stored.
The Data Dictionary Viewer is found under the System Management folder. Once you locate this information, update
the change log or global alert's tables within the Business Activity Manager.
Note If the obsolete field was used to log changes, delete the field from the list within the Business Activity
Manager.
Action Sheet
Use the Detail > Action sheet to define the purpose of the current event. First, indicate if this event is for a change
log, customized global alert, auto-printing, or combination of these options. Depending on the action(s) you select,
use the fields to indicate what occurs when the action is triggered.
When you select the Auto-Print option, define the Report ID and Data Definition ID in the Auto-Print pane on
the Action sheet.
Rules Sheet
The Detail > Rules sheet allows you to define the conditions, or criteria, that must occur before an action is launched
from the current BAM event. Use this sheet as a filter to prevent an action from running every time you add or update
data within the table.
This sheet is similar to the Report Data Definition's Auto Print Rules sheet. Test these rules before they take effect and
trigger auto printing.
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BarTender Configuration
This optional BarTender section covers setup and configuration specific to the BarTender and Commander applications.
The workshops included are similar to the previous workshops where a Crystal Reports template was auto-printed;
these workshops contain variations with regard to using BarTender when you set up auto print control functionality.
BarTender Setup
If you plan on completing the BarTender Configuration section, Seagull Scientific's BarTender and Commander
applications must be installed and operational in the training environment. If you want to work through the optional
section but do not have BarTender currently installed, you can download a 30-day trial Full BarTender Suite version
using the website:
http://www.seagullscientific.com/aspx/btw_down.aspx
Direct any questions about the download or the BarTender and Commander applications towards Seagull Scientific or
the BarTender online help.
Application Overview
Seagull Scientific's BarTender is the leading Windows barcode label software program. This professional label design
and barcode software tool has powerful features for compliance labels and integration with the Epicor 9 application.
Using the BarTender application, you can create customized labels that consist of fixed data, database data, or human
readable or barcode format. All templates are saved in the reports folder, where the Epicor 9 Server is installed (for
example, <servername>\Epicor_Software\Epicor904\Server\Reports). If necessary, contact your System
Administrator for the correct path.
Note This course does not cover features and navigation within Seagull Scientific's BarTender application. Refer
to the Application Help for specific inquiries on BarTender or Commander.
Optional PDF Printer Setup
For testing purposes, it is easier to print a BarTender label printout as a PDF document than printing it directly to a
network printer. You can optionally install a PDF printer that can generate a PDF file using the following website:
http://www.pdf995.com
Installation and the setup process is described in the FAQ part of the website:
http://www.pdf995.com/faq.html
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Note
To test the PDF printer functionality, create a new record in Printer Maintenance. Also, during the process,
reference a PDF printer in Report Data Maintenance.
BarTender Setup
When a transaction with an associated label or report completes and the setup conditions are met, a drop file with all
available data for that transaction is created within the application in the BarTender folder. The BarTender Commander
intercepts this file and sends it to the printer.
Note To reprint the file, access the System Monitor, select the correct report or label on the Reports sheet,
and select to print or preview the file.
Establish a Commander Task
When you create a BarTender Commander task, the Commander application monitors the BarTender folder to intercept
any drop files and print the labels to the appropriate printer. You should either open the Commander application and
manually start to monitor for drop files or set it to proactively monitor in the background.
Ensure Drop File Information
Information that must be included in the drop file includes field names, data values available for printing, the label
name, the full path, and a printer name. A drop file can contain many label print commands, especially when multiple
labels are set up for one transaction and data conditions are met. The drop file must be placed in a folder while the
Commander application is active. Multiple active commanders can run at the same time.
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6. In the New Extension field, enter btp.
7. Accept the remaining defaults.
2. Minimize the BarTender Commander window while you configure the application.
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5. In the Data Definition field, select XXXLabl (where XXX are your initials).
6. In the Report Location field, enter reports/CartonSinglePart.btw.
This is the relative report location that points to the default system reports location.
7. In the Output Location field, enter the location of the Bartender folder, for example C:\Program
Files\Epicor Software\Epicor904\BarTender
This is the output location of the report. If you created the BarTender folder under a different path, indicate that
path for the output location.
8. Click Save.
9. Exit Report Maintenance.
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6. Click Save.
7. On the Standard toolbar, click the Refresh icon.
8. In the Table field, select ShipHead.
The red Conditions Not Validated message displays on the Auto-Print Rules > Detail sheet.
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Create a BAM
Navigate to the Business Activity Manager.
Menu Path: Executive Analysis > Business Activity Management > Setup > Business Activity Manager
Important This program is not available
in the Epicor Web Access interface. You can launch this program
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4. In the Field Name field, select ShipStatus.
5. In the Operator field, select =.
6. Verify the Constant check box is selected.
7. In the Value field, enter Closed.
8. Click Save.
The red Rules Not Validated message displays on the Rules sheet.
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9. Exit Customer Shipment Entry.
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Conclusion
Congratulations! You have completed the Auto Print Control course.
Please take a moment to let Epicor know how to serve you better by completing a course evaluation at
http://www.keysurvey.com/survey/191084/2e21/ or by clicking the Course Evaluation link below. Your feedback provides
the guidelines for the future direction of Epicor education.
Epicor Software