| Rules Of Thumb and Tips |
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| The following are some rules-of-thumb, hints
and tips to help you keep this utility interface working accurately on a
day to day bases. |
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When running the Download
process; it assumes you have already synchronized and will be
downloading several types of work orders onto the same PDA device. In
that case; you can skip the synchronization process after each download
until after the last download..
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When prompted to
synchronize with your PDA device, wait until the
synchronization process has completed before selecting the Okay
button.
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If you have already
synchronized, it's okay to skip any synchronization prompt.
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When in doubt, Synchronize.
(it's not going to hurt anything)
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Always check the
Exceptions Tab after each upload.
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Default Storage Limit for Work
Orders on PDA device is around 500 records.
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Default Storage Limit for Contacts
on PDA device is around 1800 records.
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Use the Log History
and Last PDA files to keep track of where you are.
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During the UpLoad process,
all un-completed work orders are left on the PDA device.
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The Contacts Sync file
is optional, keep in mind that the more records the more memory required
on your PDA device. Also consider the synchronization process time. Use
the Record Limit field to keep this under control.
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The PDA Device Usernames
are used to identify PDA Devices during the synchronization process and
when downloading to each users Sync files. With that said, it
should come to no surprise that changing usernames is not
something you would want to do very often.
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If needed, you can delete both
Work Orders and Contacts forms from your PDA.
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When using multiple PDA
Devices; make sure you have the correct Username selected when
downloading and uploading data.
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Work Order records cannot be
shared across multiple PDA Devices.
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This utility works in harmony
with other ProServe II users across your network and never requires
other users to log off.
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Use the Download Process with
Delete records on PDA Write Option to remove all records from PDA
device.
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If a Service Amount
has been changed on PC; be sure to run the Download with Overwrite
Records on PDA option set to ON after Uploading; this insures that all
current PDA records are updated.
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On Exceptions; if you
Review work orders on your PDA, be sure to synchronize before
Uploading again. Otherwise if records make it in on 2nd upload, it may
cause out-of-sync records to be left on PDA. (any PDA
screen beyond WIP will record a change)
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Use PDA Deletion Utility
option to delete selective work orders from PDA device.
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Typical Day-To-Day Operations Guide
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The basic concept of this utility is to download
work orders to your PDA device so you can process them while working in
the field. Then upload posted work orders into ProServe at the end of the
day. This reference assumes that the WorkPDA Interface Utility with all
its components have been installed and is working with your PDA Device. |
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Phase I, Downloading to PDA device. (assumes PDA device is empty
1st time) |
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Connect your PDA
device to your PC.
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Select option
Download To
PDA from main menu.
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Select the PDA Device
Username.
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Select the options and
parameters for work orders or contacts to be downloaded.
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Select the Build
button.
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Repeat steps 4 - 5
until all work order or contact records are downloaded.
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Select the View Last PDA
button, to verify records that will be synchronized.
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Synchronize to
your PDA device.
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Phase II, Working the PDA device in the field. |
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Use the Work Orders
form to schedule, research and work jobs.
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Use the Contacts form
for researching contact information.
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On job arrival; select
the Work Order to start the WIP
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On job completion;
post any changes, notes, supplies etc... for that job.
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Post work order as
Completed.
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Repeat steps 1 - 5 for
each job.
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Phase III, Uploading from PDA device. |
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Connect your PDA
device to your PC.
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Select option
Upload From
PDA from main menu.
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Select the PDA Device
Username to be uploaded.
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Check the
Exceptions
Tab and take note of any.
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If using multiple PDA
devices; you should re-select Username.
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Select the Upload
button.
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Synchronize from your
PDA device when prompt, wait until the synchronization has
completed before selecting the Okay button. If you had already
synchronized, this utility would not prompt you to.
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Posted work order records
will load into a temporary work file for you to verify.
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Select the Upload
button to update ProServe.
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Synchronize to your
PDA device when prompt, Even if you plan to download later.
This removes completed records and leaves all un-completed
records on your PDA device.
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Check the
Exceptions
Tab and take any action as necessary.
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Phase IV, options. |
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At this
point you may or may not have open work orders waiting to be worked on
your PDA device. So choose the option below that best fits your needs.
Notice that the Options below are not listed in any particular
order, choose one or the other. |
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Unplug your PDA device
and start at Phase II.
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Start at Phase I to
Append new work orders to existing un-completed jobs.
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Start at Phase I to
Delete existing records and re-load new open work orders.
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Phase V, maintaining files. |
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Purge Log Files ever
so often, this utility will not remove history or exception records
automatically.
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Use the PDA Deletion
Utility to remove out-of-sync records from PDA device.
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Use the Sales Ledger
and Cash Ledger reports in ProServe to verify PDA upload
postings.
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07/19/2006 |
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