Batch

The Batch is used to record Sales documents, Stock documents and Receipts entered at the distributed workstation. This allows entry of documents without access to the main files. Batches are transmitted to a mailbox area on the main site. From here they are merged with the Master Batch.

At a branch where Purchase, Transfer or Factory orders are in use a single machine for that branch (usually the branch server) is nominated to send this information to the main site. Whenever a batch is sent from this machine any changes in Purchase, Transfer and Factory orders is also transmitted.

When a batch is placed in the mailbox area it is identified by its batch number. The batch number consists of the machine ID followed by a four digit number. Each time a batch is sent to the main site the workstation begins a new batch with a new batch number.

At the main site the system operator can select all or individual batches from the mailbox area for merging with the master batch. As batches are merged they can also be processed against the files if required. Otherwise the operator can select to process outstanding documents in the master batch at a later time. The following sections on Off-Line and Remote operation will explain more on when and how processing can occur.