Symbol AccuScan Palm Pro, AccuScan Pa User manual

AccuScan Palm / AccuScan Palm Pro
Version 2.0 User Manual
AccuScan Palm Version 2.0
POS-X.com and MGM Solutions Inc.
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
http://www.pos-x.com
[e-mail]
This document and the software described by this document are sold and distributed by POS-X.com, a
division of MGM Solutions Inc. All rights reserved. Use of the software described herein may only be done
in accordance with the License Agreement provided with the software. Information in this
document is subject to change without notice.
Windows is the registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. All other trademarks are the
property of their respective owners
MGM SOLUTIONS INC. WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR (A) ANY BUG, ERROR, OMISSION,
DEFECT, DEFICIENCY, OR NONCONFORMITY IN ACCUSCAN PALM OR THIS
DOCUMENTATION; (B) IMPLIED MERCHANTIBILITY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE; (C) IMPLIED WARRANTY RELATING TO COURSE OF DEALING, OR USAGE
OF TRADE OR ANY OTHER IMPLIED WARRANTY WHATSOEVER; (D) CLAIM OF
INFRINGEMENT; (E) CLAIM IN TORT, WHETHER OR NOT ARISING IN WHOLE OR PART
FROM PORTABLE TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS CORPORATION'S FAULT, NEGLIGENCE,
STRICT LIABILITY, OR PRODUCT LIABILITY, OR (F) CLAIM FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT,
INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, OR LOSS OF DATA, REVENUE,
LICENSEES GOODWILL, OR USE. IN NO CASE SHALL MGM SOLUTIONS INC. LIABILITY
EXCEED THE PRICE THAT LICENSEE PAID FOR ACCUSCAN PALM.
AccuScan PalmM-0002.010 1

AccuScan Palm / AccuScan Palm Pro
Version 2.0 User Manual
Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction................................................................................................................ 4
1.1 What is AccuScan Palm?.............................................................................................. 4
1.2 New Features in AccuScan Palm 2.0............................................................................ 4
1.3 Free Trial....................................................................................................................... 5
1.4 Learning AccuScan Palm.............................................................................................. 5
1.5 Bar Coding with AccuScan Palm .................................................................................. 5
1.6 Integrating AccuScan Palm........................................................................................... 6
1.7 POS-X Support.............................................................................................................. 6
Chapter 2: Installation.................................................................................................................. 7
2.1 System Requirements................................................................................................... 7
2.2 Automatic Installation.................................................................................................... 7
2.3 Installing AccuScan Palm on Multiple PDAs................................................................. 7
2.4 Registering AccuScan Palm.......................................................................................... 7
2.4.1 Upgrading from AccuScan Palm 2.0 Standard to AccuScan Palm 2.0 Pro.. 8
2.5 Removing AccuScan Palm Installation ......................................................................... 9
Chapter 3: Sessions.................................................................................................................... 10
3.1 Configuring Session Attributes.................................................................................... 10
3.2 Session Settings Explained......................................................................................... 11
3.2.1 General Session Settings........................................................................... 11
3.2.2 HotSync Settings ........................................................................................ 12
3.2.3 Data Storage and Transfer Settings........................................................... 13
3.2.4 Backup Settings.......................................................................................... 14
3.3 Deploying Configured Sessions to Multiple Users...................................................... 15
Chapter 4: Field Settings............................................................................................................ 16
4.1 Configuring Field Settings........................................................................................... 16
4.2 Field Settings Explained.............................................................................................. 18
4.2.1 Field Types ................................................................................................. 18
4.2.2 General Field Settings ................................................................................ 20
4.2.3 Validation Field Settings............................................................................. 23
4.2.4 After Scan Field Settings............................................................................ 23
4.2.5 Drop-Down Lists ......................................................................................... 25
Chapter 5: Managing Data......................................................................................................... 27
5.1 Entering Data .............................................................................................................. 27
5.2 Quick Buttons.............................................................................................................. 28
5.3 Finding Data................................................................................................................ 29
5.4 Managing Data from the PDA to the PC..................................................................... 29
5.4.1 How Data Is Sent to the PC........................................................................ 29
5.4.2 Viewing Data Files on the PC..................................................................... 29
5.4.3 Linking AccuScan Palm Session Data to an MS Access Table................. 30
5.4.4 Linking AccuScan Palm Data to an MS Excel Worksheet.......................... 30
5.4.5 Using POS-X ODBC Link for AccuScan Palm to Control Data .................. 30
AccuScan PalmM-0002.010 2

5.5 HotSyncing Data from the PC to the PDA................................................................... 30
5.5.1 Sending Session Data to the PDA.............................................................. 31
5.5.2 Creating Session Data Files with Excel...................................................... 31
5.5.3 Sending Drop-Down Lists to the PDA......................................................... 32
5.5.4 Sending Field Hints to the PDA (Pro version only)..................................... 32
Chapter 6: Administration Settings........................................................................................... 34
6.1 Setting Passwords....................................................................................................... 34
6.1.2 Enable Protection for.................................................................................. 34
6.2 Deploying Configured Sessions to Multiple Users...................................................... 35
6.2.1 How to Copy One PDA’s Configuration to Other PDAs.............................. 35
6.2.2 File Names Used by AccuScan Palm......................................................... 35
AccuScan PalmM-0002.010 3

Chapter 2: Installation
Chapter 1: Introduction
1.1 What is AccuScan Palm?
Create enterprise class, barcode enabled, data collection applications in minutes for most tasks
including asset management, inventory control, and many others with AccuScan Palm. No
programming knowledge is needed. Simply create your familiar forms right on your PDA.
Designed by Symbol Certified Programmers, AccuScan Palm incorporates time saving features
that are not seen in any other applications. "Data Entry Validation", "Auto Find", and "After Scan
Settings" are just a few of the features that will save you time and money. If you or your company
has to collect data, AccuScan Palm is the right choice.
Common AccuScan Palm Applications
•Inventory Management.
•Asset Management.
•Library Book Tracking.
•Route Delivery Management.
•Vendor Managed Inventory.
•Remote Store Management.
•Computer Inventory.
•Job Material Management.
•Time Tracking.
•Trade Show Visitor Tracking.
•Electronic Signature Capture.
1.2 New Features in AccuScan Palm 2.0
Great feedback from AccuScan Palm users leads to the release of AccuScan Palm 2.0.
AccuScan Palm continues to be the affordable solution for most data capture requirements.
Exciting new features ease AccuScan Palm session deployment and offer more data
management capabilities.
The latest 2.0 version introduces AccuScan Palm Pro, the POS-X solution for those who need
even more. With 30 configurable fields and signature capture, AccuScan Palm Pro is choice for
those who have extended data capture needs.
AccuScan Palm 2.0 New Features Highlights
•Increased maximum fields to 30 (Pro version only).
•Signature capture (Pro version only).
•Configurable field hints (Pro version only).
•PC data view shortcuts.
•PC session deployment manager.
•Multi-field search capabilities.
•Auto edit on find.
•Configurable data display.
•Improved backup capabilities.
•Improved HotSync event logging.
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Chapter 2: Installation
1.3 Free Trial
AccuScan Palm is a shareware application. A shareware application typically means that you
can use it on a trial basis for no fee. In the AccuScan Palm Splash Screen, select the version you
would like to try (Standard or Pro) and you can demo all of the features for that version.
The trial download is limited in that only allows 2 sessions can be created and only 5 records will
transfer to and from the PC. Once you decide to purchase AccuScan Palm, simply contact a
POS-X sales representative to order. A registration code will be sent within 24 hours. This
registration code will activate your trial version, enabling it for full use; there is no need to
reinstall.
1.4 Learning AccuScan Palm
To discover the full power of AccuScan Palm, we strongly recommend that you read this manual
completely. However, with only a basic understanding of Chapters 3 and 4, a user can begin to
create basic applications with AccuScan Palm. If you wish to send data to a PC or retrieve a
database from the PC, Chapter 5 should be read thoroughly. Finally, if a system administrator
needs to deploy AccuScan Palm sessions to a mobile workforce, Chapter 6 should be read
thoroughly. In order to ease the learning process of AccuScan Palm, a registered user receives
free email support for 30 days from the date of purchase. Purchase of extended support
agreements is also available, offering both email and phone support, depending on the package
purchased.
We have also included a tutorial in this manual. Refer to Chapter 7 for more information on this
topic.
1.5 Bar Coding with AccuScan Palm
AccuScan Palm is designed to speed data entry with or without a barcode enabled PDA. Popup
menus, time/date stamps and auto submit features allow users to collect data faster and more
accurately. However, to discover the full power of AccuScan Palm, we recommend using a
barcode enabled PDA. A list of the current barcode enabled PDAs supported by AccuScan Palm
are listed below. All of these units are available for purchase at http://www.POS-X.com.
Current Palm OS bar code enabled PDAs include:
SPT-1500/1550 Series by Symbol Technologies
SPT-1700/1800 Series by Symbol Technologies
CSM 150 Bar Code Plug-in Module for Handspring Visor by Symbol Technologies
Momentum II Bar Code Plug-in Module for Handspring Visor by PSC – Discontinued
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Chapter 2: Installation
1.6 Integrating AccuScan Palm
AccuScan Palm data can be HotSynced to the PC in one of five popular file formats. Refer to
Section 5.3.1 for a more detailed discussion on file transfer formats. This flexibility makes it
possible to integrate AccuScan Palm with most programs and databases. ODBC Link for
AccuScan Palm further simplifies the integration process by allowing users to seamlessly
connect to ODBC data sources. ODBC Link for AccuScan Palm is a separate application and is
available for free evaluation from our website at http://www.POS-X.com. AccuScan Palm Pro
also allows for Custom HotSync paths, allowing users to specify a specific file download location.
Below is a list of the more popular programs and databases AccuScan Palm is integrated with.
•Excel
•Microsoft Access
•Microsoft SQL
•Oracle
•People Soft
•FileMaker
•FoxPro
1.7 POS-X Support
As a registered AccuScan Palm user, you receive free email support for 30 days from the date of
purchase. During this period, we are available to answer AccuScan Palm questions as well as
general bar code questions. Our goal is to provide AccuScan Palm users the tools to capitalize
on the efficiencies of bar code data acquisition. To contact POS-X technical support, please
email [e-mail].
Extended support contracts, including phone support can be purchased at http://www.POS-
X.com.
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Chapter 2: Installation
Chapter 2: Installation
This chapter details the steps for installing AccuScan Palm.
2.1 System Requirements
•Windows 95/98/NT/2000/XP
•Palm Desktop v3.1 or higher (includes HotSync Manager)
•Palm OS PDA running Palm OS 3.0 or higher
2.2 Automatic Installation
1. Make sure you have Palm Desktop installed and working with your PDA. If not,
please visit www.palm.com or contact your PDA vendor for support. AccuScan
Palm requires that Palm Desktop (and the included HotSync Manager) be
installed and working before AccuScan Palm can be installed.
2. Download the most current version of AccuScan Palm from the POS-X website
or an authorized POS-X reseller. AccuScan Palm can be downloaded from the
POS-X website at http://www.POS-X.com/downloads.htm.
3. Install AccuScan Palm to your PC by simply double clicking the downloaded
install file. This file is named accuscanpalm.exe and is located in the location
you chose to save the downloaded file.
4. Once the installation is complete, perform a HotSync with your PDA. At this
point you will see the AccuScan Palm application installed on your PDA.
5. On the PDA, tap the AccuScan Palm icon.
6. Select the mode you want (Standard or Pro), then click the Try It Button.
7. Click the New button to create a new record.
8. Test your scanner by scanning a barcode. Refer to your scanner’s hardware
manual for instructions on activating the barcode scanner.
9. Click the Done button to save the barcode just scanned.
10. To begin customizing your AccuScan Palm data capture experience, proceed to
the session setup portion of this manual
2.3 Installing AccuScan Palm on Multiple PDAs
Before installing AccuScan Palm on multiple PDAs, it is recommended that each PDA be
HotSynced at least once with Palm Desktop and assigned a PDA user name. With AccuScan
Palm installed on your PC use the PDA Installer to select the PDAs you want to install AccuScan
Palm on. The PDA install tool can be found on your PC, click on Start →Programs →AccuScan
Palm, and select the “PDA Installer” icon. Then simply HotSync each PDA and AccuScan Palm
will be installed.
2.4 Registering AccuScan Palm
AccuScan Palm is an application that requires registration for full functionality. The trial version of
AccuScan Palm limits the number of records entered on the PDA and transferred to the PC to
five, and the number of sessions to two. Once AccuScan Palm is registered, these trial limitations
are lifted.
AccuScan PalmM-0002.010 7

Chapter 2: Installation
POS-X encourages all users who benefit from AccuScan Palm to register their copy. To register
AccuScan Palm, we only require your AccuScan Palm PDA ID and an Email address. We
generate a unique registration code for your AccuScan Palm PDA ID so it is important that you
send the ID exactly as it appears on the AccuScan Palm splash screen; capitalization and
spacing are critical.
How to Register:
1. Send your PDA ID number and email address to [email protected] or call 1-800-903-
6572
2. Once your purchase is completed and payment is received, your registration code is e-
mailed to the address provided. This process usually takes approximately one hour but
we ask that you allow one business day in the event of heavy traffic or any other delay.
3. Once you receive your registration code, follow the instructions below to enter the code
into your PDA.
Entering Your Registration Code
1. Start the AccuScan Palm application on the PDA.
2. Click the Register button in the AccuScan Palm Splash Screen.
3. Enter your Registration Code at the Code prompt.
4. If the Registration Code is valid, you will receive a Thank you for Purchasing
AccuScan Palm message.
2.4 Upgrading AccuScan Palm
To upgrade from an existing version of AccuScan Palm or to upgrade to AccuScan Palm Pro,
follow these steps:
2.4.1 Upgrading from AccuScan Palm 2.0 Standard to AccuScan Palm 2.0 Pro
4. If you have already purchased and registered a registration code for AccuScan Palm 2.0
Standard Edition, you will need a new registration code for the Pro Edition.
5. Start the AccuScan Palm 2.0 application on your PDA, and go to the main screen.
6. Click on the menu and choose “About AccuScan Palm”
7. Click the “Upgrade” button in the lower right corner of the screen.
8. Click “OK”, then exit AccuScan Palm, and start AccuScan Palm again.
9. Select the “Pro Mode,” and tap “Register”
10. Now you can enter your new registration code for the Pro version.
AccuScan Palm 2.0 Exists as a Separate Application
Since AccuScan Palm 2.0 is a significant version update, we have created this application as
a separate and independent application from any previous AccuScan Palm versions. We
hope that this process eases the transition process of existing AccuScan Palm users.
AccuScan PalmM-0002.010 8

Chapter 2: Installation
New Registration Code Required
Due to a new licensing algorithm, all users upgrading to AccuScan Palm 2.0 will need to get a
new registration code. This process is discussed in Section 2.4. You can easily register by
calling POS-X.com at 1-800-903-6572.
New Location for Data Files
C:\Program Files\AccuScan Palm\Data\username\FromPDA
New Location for Uploading Files
C:\Program Files\AccuScan Palm\Data\username\ToPDA
New Name for List Upload Files
NEW: S01F02.txt
Note: The “Custom HotSync Path” feature is available only in AccuScan Palm 2.0 Pro edition.
2.5 Removing AccuScan Palm Installation
In the unlikely event that you would like to remove AccuScan Palm from your PDA, follow these
simple instructions.
1. On your PC, select “PDA Installer” from Start Menu programs within AccuScan Palm.
2. Select to “Remove AccuScan Palm” from PDA Installer application.
3. Use the Add/Remove Programs feature in MS Windows via Control panel to Remove
POS-X AccuScan Palm
4. On your PDA, manually delete the application. First, click the Home Icon (typically on the
lower left of the PDA screen), followed by the Menu Icon (just below Home). Choose the
Delete option and select AccuScan Palm 2.0.
AccuScan PalmM-0002.010 9

Chapter 3: Sessions
Chapter 3: Sessions
AccuScan Palm allows users to create up to 32 unique data capture programs. These unique
programs are called Sessions. Sessions are easily accessed from the Main Screen, where
captured data can be viewed and searched. In this section, you will learn how to configure
session attributes to meet your data capture needs. Chapter 4 details how to configure individual
fields within a Session.
3.1 Configuring Session Attributes
The first step in creating a AccuScan Palm Session is to assign a name. This name is displayed
in the session menu, and is selected by the user when collecting data, editing field settings, or
editing session settings. To create a Session name, follow the steps below.
1. From the data view screen select the Palm Menu button.
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Chapter 3: Sessions
2.Select Session Settings. 3. Select the New button.
A
ccuScan Sessions
[
General
]
4.Enter the name of the session you are creating.
5. Configure your session’s General, Hot Sync, Data and Backup attributes as described in
AccuScan Sessions
[
General
]
Sections 3.2.1-3.2.4. When you are finished, press Done. If you do not need to modify the
session, the default settings will be used and you can proceed directly to Field Settings,
Chapter 4, if you wish to use default session settings.
3.2 Session Settings Explained
3.2.1 General Session Settings
General Session Settings are used to control the general operating characteristics of the session.
These operating characteristics cannot be set at the field level.
AccuScan Sessions
[
General
]
Start On Screen
Select the screen the User will enter when they leave the AccuScan Palm Splash Screen. The
user can choose between starting on the Main Screen or the Data Entry screen. Note that this
AccuScan PalmM-0002.010 11

Chapter 3: Sessions
option takes effect only when this session was the last one used – each session has its own
settings.
Start On Field
Select the first field the User is focused on when New is selected from the data view screen. This
setting is commonly selected to control what data must be entered when the program is initially
opened.
Example: A session is created to capture package delivery information. Date and Time
stamps are captured in fields 1 and 2. The bar-coded Package ID will be entered into is Field
3. In this scenario the Start On is set to Field 3 since Field 1 and 2 are auto entered via
automatic date and time stamps.
Edit on scan/Find in grid
Select Edit on scan/Find in grid to automatically open records in the data entry screen when a
record is located using ‘Find’ or scanning on the main grid screen. Note that the Find Field
affects which field’s data is used for searching.
Example: A session is created to perform an inventory audit. The goal of the audit is to quickly
find items in the AccuScan Palm database and compare the database values to the actual
inventory levels. To speed this process, the Edit on scan/Find in grid setting is enabled. When
an item is scanned in the find field and located in the database, the matching record is
automatically brought up in the data entry screen for editing.
Edit on Click in Grid
A similar option for automatically editing a record is the behavior of editing a record immediately
upon clicking it in the grid. Selecting this option is very useful for the user who is performing a lot
of edits to existing data.
Note: When this option is selected, it is not possible to delete a single selected record from the
grid. The user must turn this option off before being able to delete single records. The Delete All
menu choice behavior is not affected.
3.2.2 HotSync Settings
HotSync settings are used to control how data is routed during HotSync to the PC.
AccuScan Sessions
[
Hot S
y
nc
]
Delete Data After HotSync
Select Delete Data After HotSync if the data should be removed form the PDA after a
successful HotSync. Note that if data is not successfully transferred to the PC, as a safety
precaution, it will not be deleted from the PDA even when this option is enabled.
AccuScan PalmM-0002.010 12

Chapter 3: Sessions
Archive PC Data
Select Archive PC Data if you wish to archive any PC files transferred to the PDA during
HotSync. Any data files sent from the PC are renamed with a prefix of “old_” after a successful
HotSync if this option is selected. In a multi-user environment, many users would not select this
option because it prevents any other user from receiving updated PC files. PC Files include both
list contents as well as any session data needing upload to the PDA.
Note: Without this option, your upload files will be uploaded every time you perform a HotSync,
which may cause the HotSync process to take longer than necessary.
Use Custom HotSync Folder (Pro version only)
If you wish to HotSync data to a specific folder on your machine, specify it here. This is
especially useful if you are running automated processing scriPOS-X and have multiple users
performing individual HotSync operations. This option allows you to have all users HotSync their
data to a common location. The transferred filenames are changed to include the username that
sent the data. An example of a filename using this option is S01_data_johnsmith.txt.
When the Custom HotSync Folder feature is used, the “ToPDA” folder is expected as a sub-folder
of the specified Custom HotSync Folder. For more information about the ToPDA folder, refer to
section 5.5 on uploading data to your PDA.
Note: If the specified Custom HotSync folder cannot be created, the data will be transferred to the
default HotSync folder. If you are having trouble using this feature, double check the HotSync log
file for any error messages after a HotSync.
3.2.3 Data Storage and Transfer Settings
Data settings are used to control the format of the session’s data file sent to the PC during a
HotSync.
AccuScan Settin
g
s
[
Data
]
Export As
This option allows the user to select from one of five possible data formatting types
Text (Tab delimited)
This formatting option embeds a <tab> character between every transferred field. Each
record is terminated with a Carriage Return/Line Feed (CRLF)
Text (Comma delimited)
This formatting option wraps each field in quotation marks and separates each field with a
comma. Each record is terminated with CRLF.
Text (Fixed Width)
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Chapter 3: Sessions
This formatting option transfers all fields using a fixed width. Any space remaining at the
end of Field data is padded with spaces. Use of the Max Length field setting is also used to
dictate the width of each fixed width field. The maximum length of any given field is 30
chars. Each record is terminated with CRLF.
XML
This formatting option allows data to be transferred in XML format. This is very useful for
customers when importing into existing systems.
HTML
This formatting option transfers all data in HTML table formats. This provides a formatted
representation of the collected data that can be viewed as a web page.
Append to Existing File
By default, AccuScan Palm overwrites the existing data file on the PC with the newly hot synced
data file. When this option is selected, the new data file is appended to the pre-existing file if it
exists. A new file will be created if it does not exist.
Send Non-Visible Fields
By default, AccuScan Palm does not include non-visible fields in the data file. When this option is
selected, non-visible fields will be sent to the PC. Refer to Chapter 4 on how and when you might
use this option.
Include Field Names
By default, AccuScan Palm does not include field names in the HotSync data file. When this
option is enabled, the user configured field names are provided in the generated data file.
Depending on the file format, this is represented in different ways. For all of the text data
transfers, the Field names are included as a header record, being transferred as the first line of
the data file. For the XML and HTML formats, the field names are included in the general
formatting of the data file.
3.2.4 Backup Settings
AccuScan Palm Backup options allow you to individually choose which types of files are backed
up to a Palm Desktop backup location during each HotSync operation. These files may be useful
to some users for enterprise wide deployment in addition to a simple backup file. Deployment of
configured sessions from one PDA to many is discussed in more detail in Chapter 6. Any file
type that is selected for backup will add a certain amount of time to the HotSync process so if
backup of these files is not necessary, you have the ability to disable the backup setting.
Any of the databases created during a backup process can be loaded to any other PDA running
AccuScan Palm 2.0 simply by double clicking the created file and selecting the appropriate user
to receive it during that user’s next HotSync. POS-X also offers an enterprise deployment
application included with your AccuScan Palm installation. This application allows for an easier
method of distributing backup configuration files to multiple users simultaneously.
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Chapter 3: Sessions
AccuScan Settin
g
s
[
Backu
p
]
Note: Enabling these backup options can slow down your HotSync process considerably, since each
time you HotSync a copy of the selected databases is made on your PC. You may want to enable these
options, then HotSync, then disable them again once you have the copies made.
Backup Session Data
When this option is selected, the actual session configuration is backed up to your Palm Desktop
backup location. An example of the location and filename for this option is C:\Program
Files\Palm\[username]\backup\TRPP-AccuScan Palm_Sessions.pdb where:
C:\Program Files\Palm = Palm Desktop install location
[username] = The PDA username of the current PDA.
TRPP-AccuScan Palm_Sessions.pdb =The Palm database containing session
configuration information.
Backup Drop-down Lists
When this option is selected, any drop-down list databases used on the PDA are saved to the
Palm Desktop backup location for the current user. The filename for this database is
TRPP-List_SxxFyy.pdb where:
xx = the Session number of the current session
yy = the Field number of the backed up list.
Note: Field Type must be set to Drop-Down List for the list database to take effect.
Backup Field Hints
When this option is selected, any created field hints are saved to the Palm Desktop backup
location for the current user. The filename for this database is TRPP-Hint_Sxx.pdb where:
xx = the Session number of the current session
3.3 Deploying Configured Sessions to Multiple Users
Please refer to Chapter 6, Section 6.2 for a detailed look into how to deploy session
configuration to your entire workforce.
AccuScan PalmM-0002.010 15

Chapter 4: Field Settings
Chapter 4: Field Settings
After a session is created, fields within that session may also require configuration. Before
configuration, all available fields within the session are in a default state.
Customizing your session settings and field settings is not required, as the default settings will
work perfectly for many users. However, to fully realize the power of AccuScan Palm, some of
these settings may need modification for your specific needs. Proper field configuration may
speed up data acquisition and may prevent data input errors, again, depending on your collection
requirements.
In this chapter, you will learn how to set up fields for your specific application. Section 4.2
explains the various AccuScan Palm field settings in more detail.
4.1 Configuring Field Settings
Below we go through the steps required to configure field settings.
1. From the AccuScan Palm Main Screen, select the Palm Menu button.
AccuScan PalmM-0002.010 16

Chapter 4: Field Settings
2. Select Field Settings. 3.Select a AccuScan Palm session.
4.Select a field to configure.
5. Enter the field Name.
6. Select a Field Type.Section 4.2.1 discusses these field types in more detail.
AccuScan Settin
g
s
[
General
]
A
ccuScan Settin
g
s
[
General
]
7. Enter General field settings. Section 4.2.2 discusses these settings in more detail.
AccuScan Settin
g
s
[
General
]
8. Enter additional field settings. Refer to Sections 4.2.3 through 4.2.5 for more detail on the
other available field settings options.
9. Repeat steps 4-8 to configure additional fields.
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Chapter 4: Field Settings
4.2 Field Settings Explained
4.2.1 Field Types
The Field Type setting is used to control what type of data is entered for this field. AccuScan
Palm has four available Field Types: Text, Drop-Down, Checkbox and Variable. AccuScan
Palm Pro has an additional Signature Field Type.
AccuScan Settin
g
s
[
General
]
Text
Text fields should be chosen when data is to be entered via a bar code, keyboard, or graffiti. The
Text type does not restrict input in any way, and can store up to 30 characters.
AccuScan Settin
g
s
[
General
]
Drop-Down
Drop-Down fields allow the user to select from a pre-defined list of items. Drop-Down fields offer
a quick, error free way to enter data from a select list of choices. Section 4.2.5 provides more
detailed information regarding drop down lists.
AccuScan Settin
g
s
[
General
]
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Chapter 4: Field Settings
Check Box
Check box fields are used when simple Yes/No, True/False, On/Off selections are made. Check
boxes should be used whenever possible to speed data entry, and limit data entry error.
AccuScan Settin
g
s
[
General
]
Variable
Variable fields are used to automatically enter values such as Time and Date. To set a Variable
field the user selects the value they would like to enter in the field from the drop down menu. The
selected setting will then appear in the “Default” field value in the Settings screen. By default,
Variable field values are populated when the record is first created. To update the variable each
time it is submitted, simply enable the Update Variables option for that field. Refer to Section
4.2.4 for more information regarding Update Variables.
AccuScan Settin
g
s
[
General
]
DATE
When DATE is selected the current date is automatically entered in the field in the
mm/dd/yyyy format (i.e. 05/07/2003).
TIME
When TIME is selected the current time is automatically entered in the field in hh:mm:ss
military format (i.e. 19:19:55).
DATETIME
When DATETIME is selected, the current date and time are automatically entered in the
field in the mm/dd/yyyy hh:mm:ss format (i.e. 05/07/2003 13:14:55).
TIMEHHMM
When TIMEHHMM is selected the current time is automatically entered in the field in the
hhmm format (i.e. 0915). The first two digits represent the hour the next two digits
represent the minutes past the hour.
DATE2
When DATE2 is selected, the current date is automatically entered in the field in the
yyyy-mm-dd format (i.e 2003-05-07)
AccuScan PalmM-0002.010 19

Chapter 4: Field Settings
DATESYS
When DATESYS is selected, the current date is automatically entered in the field in the
same format as you have chosen in system prefs. This option give you the greatest
flexibility. To select a date format, click on “Home” and then “Prefs”, and choose
“Formats” from the upper right-hand menu.
USER
When USER is selected, the current PDA User ID is automatically entered in the field.
INCR:1,1
When INCR:1,1 is selected, the field is set to be an auto-incrementing field. The first digit
represents the starting value while the second digit represents the increment value. The
default setting INCR:1,1 starts the record as a value of 1 and increment by 1 for every
following scan of a previously scanned barcode. This feature can automate a lot of data
entry tasks that involve counting items.
This field setting option is dependent on both the Edit on Scan Session setting as well as
the Auto Find on Scan Field setting. Refer to the appropriate Session and Field settings
section of this manual for more information in those areas.
The INCR variable type can also be used to count backwards by setting the second
number to a negative value. When the field reach zero, AccuScan Palm alerts the user.
For example, INCR:10,-1
Signature (Pro Version Only)
When a Signature Field Type is selected, the user is prompted for a signature when the field is
tapped. Signatures collected in a Signature field are HotSynced to the PC in a bitmap format. All
signature files transferred during HotSync are located in a \signatures subfolder of the HotSync
data transfer folder. If you happen to be using POS-X ODBC Link for AccuScan Palm, these
signatures are also placed directly into the database if you configure your database field type
appropriately.
AccuScan Settin
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General
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4.2.2 General Field Settings
General Field Settings allow the user to define the most basic field attributes. These settings
allow a AccuScan Palm user to remove visibility of a field, establish default values, numeric only
fields, and read only fields.
Data Type
The Data Type represents the format of the expected data for the selected field.
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