Microsoft Business Solutions–Solomon

System Manager
Release 6.0
Microsoft® Business Solutions–Solomon

System Manager
Release 6.0

RPMN-SM00-0000600
6/2004
Copyright Manual copyright © 2004 Great Plains Software, Inc. All rights reserved. Great Plains
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Publication date June 2004
Part number RPMN-SM00-0000600
 Table of Contents iii

Table of Contents
Introduction 1
Solomon System Overview......................................................................................................................1
User Guide Overview ................................................................................................................1
What is Covered in the User Guide?..........................................................................................1
Who Should Use the User Guide? .............................................................................................1
How to Use the User Guide .......................................................................................................1
Documentation Conventions ....................................................................................................................2
Quick Reference Task List.......................................................................................................................3
How Do I Add…?......................................................................................................................3
How Do I Assign…?..................................................................................................................3
How Do I Attach…? ..................................................................................................................3
How Do I Back Up…?...............................................................................................................3
How Do I Build…?....................................................................................................................3
How Do I Change…?.................................................................................................................3
How Do I Clear…? ....................................................................................................................4
How Do I Copy…? ....................................................................................................................4
How Do I Create…? ..................................................................................................................4
How Do I Define…?..................................................................................................................4
How Do I Delete…? ..................................................................................................................4
How Do I Enter…? ....................................................................................................................4
How Do I Exit…? ......................................................................................................................4
How Do I Import…?..................................................................................................................5
How Do I Look…? ....................................................................................................................5
How Do I Navigate…? ..............................................................................................................5
How Do I Paste…? ....................................................................................................................5
How Do I Print…? .....................................................................................................................5
How Do I Save…? .....................................................................................................................5
How Do I Select…? ...................................................................................................................5
How Do I Set…?........................................................................................................................5
How Do I Sign On To…? ..........................................................................................................5
How Do I Start…? .....................................................................................................................6
How Do I Submit…? .................................................................................................................6
How Do I Switch…?..................................................................................................................6
How Do I Transfer…? ...............................................................................................................6
How Do I Unlock…? .................................................................................................................6
How Do I Update…? .................................................................................................................6
How Do I Use…? ......................................................................................................................6
How Do I Validate and Repair…? .............................................................................................7
How Do I View…? ....................................................................................................................7
iv System Manager

Setting Up Solomon 9
Overview ..................................................................................................................................................9
System Database ........................................................................................................................9
Application Database .................................................................................................................9
Company ....................................................................................................................................9
Creating Initial System and Application Databases ...............................................................................10
Defining a Company ..............................................................................................................................13

Registering Solomon Software 15

Overview ................................................................................................................................................15
Registration Process.................................................................................................................15
TRIAL-LOC mode...................................................................................................................15
Entering and Submitting Registration Information ................................................................................16
Entering Customer Information ...............................................................................................16
Entering Reseller and Consultant Information.........................................................................17
Entering Module Information ..................................................................................................18
Submitting Registration Information .......................................................................................19
Unlocking Modules ................................................................................................................................20

Maintaining Solomon Security 21

Overview ................................................................................................................................................21
Solomon Security.....................................................................................................................21
Creating Groups .....................................................................................................................................22
Adding Users..........................................................................................................................................23
Assigning Users to Groups.....................................................................................................................25
Assigning Access Rights ........................................................................................................................27
Changing a Password .............................................................................................................................29

Starting Solomon 31
Overview ................................................................................................................................................31
Solomon Configurations ..........................................................................................................31
Signing On to Solomon ..........................................................................................................................32
Locating a System Database...................................................................................................................33
Using the Solomon Toolbar ...................................................................................................................34
File Menu .................................................................................................................................35
Edit Menu.................................................................................................................................36
Module Menu...........................................................................................................................37
Application Options Menu.......................................................................................................38
Utility Menu.............................................................................................................................39
Customize Menu ......................................................................................................................40
Help Menu ...............................................................................................................................41
Switching to a Different Company.........................................................................................................42
 Table of Contents v

Using Module Menus.............................................................................................................................43

Switching to a Different Module Menu ...................................................................................45
Selecting from the Module Menu ............................................................................................46
Tacking a Module Menu..........................................................................................................46
Exiting Solomon ....................................................................................................................................46

Entering and Editing Data 47

Overview................................................................................................................................................47
Entering Data Items................................................................................................................................48
Switching Between Grid and Form Views.............................................................................................49
Navigating Data Entry Screens ..............................................................................................................51
Navigating in Form View ........................................................................................................51
Navigating in Grid View..........................................................................................................51
Setting the Navigation Level....................................................................................................52
Using Function Keys..............................................................................................................................52
Using the Keyboard and Mouse .............................................................................................................53
Using Possible Values Lists ...................................................................................................................54
Adding or Changing Possible Values ......................................................................................54
Using Extended Possible Values Lists ...................................................................................................55
Changing the Business Date...................................................................................................................56
Changing the Transaction Currency.......................................................................................................57
Using Initialize Mode.............................................................................................................................58
Attaching Notes to Data Items ...............................................................................................................59
Viewing a Note ........................................................................................................................60
Attaching Notes to Transaction Detail Lines ...........................................................................60
Clearing Data Fields...............................................................................................................................60
Saving Data ............................................................................................................................................61
Selecting Data Items ..............................................................................................................................62
Selecting Data Items in Form View.........................................................................................62
Selecting Data in Grid View ....................................................................................................63
Transferring Data ...................................................................................................................................64
Transferring a Single Data Item...............................................................................................64
Transferring Multiple Data Items ............................................................................................65
Pasting Data in Grid or Form View .........................................................................................65
Undoing a Paste Operation ......................................................................................................66
Clearing a Selection Before Pasting.........................................................................................66
Copying an Entire Screen or Screen Section ...........................................................................66
Deleting a Data Record ..........................................................................................................................67
Setting Data Entry Options ....................................................................................................................68

Using Solomon Templates 69

Overview................................................................................................................................................69
What is a Template?.................................................................................................................69
The Template Function ............................................................................................................69
Creating a Screen Template ...................................................................................................................70
vi System Manager

Building Formulas..................................................................................................................................72
Defining a Fiscal Period Formula ............................................................................................73
Defining a Date Formula..........................................................................................................74
Using a Screen Template........................................................................................................................75
Modifying a Screen Template ................................................................................................................75
Creating and Using Report Templates ...................................................................................................76
Deleting a Template ...............................................................................................................................76

Generating Reports 77
Overview ................................................................................................................................................77
Standard Reports ......................................................................................................................77
Report Templates .....................................................................................................................77
Setting Up the Default Printer ................................................................................................................78
Creating a Report ...................................................................................................................................80
Specifying Sort Order ..............................................................................................................81
Selecting Values.......................................................................................................................82
Using Wildcards.......................................................................................................................84
Setting Options.........................................................................................................................84
Printing a Cover Page ..............................................................................................................85
Selecting Companies................................................................................................................85
Printing a Report ....................................................................................................................................86
Saving a Report Template ......................................................................................................................87
Using Report Templates.........................................................................................................................89
Maintaining Report Control Records .....................................................................................................90

Maintaining Solomon 93
Overview ................................................................................................................................................93
Maintaining Databases.............................................................................................................93
Troubleshooting Solomon........................................................................................................93
Looking Up Active Users.......................................................................................................................94
Backing Up Databases............................................................................................................................95
Backing Up the System Database ............................................................................................95
Backing Up the Application Database .....................................................................................95
Validating and Repairing Databases ......................................................................................................95
Updating the Databases ..........................................................................................................................96
Importing Messages and Possible Values Lists .......................................................................97
Viewing the Solomon Event Log ...........................................................................................................98
Setting Solomon Event Log Options....................................................................................................100

Importing Transaction Data 101

Overview ..............................................................................................................................................101
Transaction Import.................................................................................................................101
Simple Form Data Files .........................................................................................................102
Intelligent Form Data Files ....................................................................................................102
Simple Form Control Files.....................................................................................................103
Intelligent Form Control Files................................................................................................103
 Table of Contents vii

Editing Transaction Import Data Files .................................................................................................104

Simple Form Data File Syntax...............................................................................................106
Limitations of the Simple Form Data File .............................................................................107
Sample Simple Data Files/Lines ............................................................................................107
Intelligent Form Data File Syntax..........................................................................................108
Sample Intelligent Data Files/Lines.......................................................................................110
Special Data Considerations for All Data Files .....................................................................111
Creating and Working with Transaction Import Control Files.............................................................114
Creating Control Files............................................................................................................114
Simple Form Control Files.....................................................................................................115
Simple Control File Syntax....................................................................................................115
Limitations of the Simple Control Form................................................................................116
Sample Simple Import Control Files .....................................................................................116
Intelligent Form Transaction Import Control Files ................................................................117
Functions Used in Intelligent Form Control Files..................................................................118
Sample Intelligent Control Files ............................................................................................120
Starting the Transaction Import Process ..............................................................................................127
Starting Transaction Import From the Menu .........................................................................127
Starting Transaction Import from a Command Line..............................................................129
Starting Transaction Import from a VB Tools Application ...................................................130
Viewing Transaction Import Log Files ................................................................................................131

Reference 133
Overview..............................................................................................................................................133
Login (98.000.00).................................................................................................................................133
Company................................................................................................................................133
User ID...................................................................................................................................133
Password ................................................................................................................................133
System Database (Button)......................................................................................................133
Find Database (98.000.01) ...................................................................................................................134
System Database ....................................................................................................................134
Create Database (Button).......................................................................................................134
Database Maintenance (98.290.00) ......................................................................................................135
Connect Server Tab ...............................................................................................................135
Create Databases Tab.............................................................................................................137
Update Databases Tab............................................................................................................138
Advanced Configuration Settings ........................................................................................................139
Business Date.......................................................................................................................................142
Active Users (98.210.00) .....................................................................................................................143
Name......................................................................................................................................143
Company ID...........................................................................................................................143
Database Name ......................................................................................................................143
Screen Number ......................................................................................................................143
Telephone ..............................................................................................................................143
Location .................................................................................................................................144
eMail Address ........................................................................................................................144
Network Address ...................................................................................................................144
viii System Manager

Printer Options (98.220.00)..................................................................................................................145

Destination .............................................................................................................................145
Font ........................................................................................................................................145
Print to File ............................................................................................................................145
Save as Default ......................................................................................................................145
Use Printer Orientation ..........................................................................................................146
Use Windows Default Printer ................................................................................................146
Default (Button) .....................................................................................................................146
Setup (Button)........................................................................................................................146
Fonts (Button) ........................................................................................................................146
Print to File...........................................................................................................................................147
Destination File ......................................................................................................................147
File Name...............................................................................................................................147
Directories..............................................................................................................................147
List Files of Types..................................................................................................................147
Drives.....................................................................................................................................147
Open With Associated Application........................................................................................148
Printer Codes Included...........................................................................................................148
Concatenate files ....................................................................................................................148
Copy Special ........................................................................................................................................149
Screen.....................................................................................................................................149
Section ...................................................................................................................................149
Include Lower Levels.............................................................................................................149
Template (98.230.00) ...........................................................................................................................150
Screen.....................................................................................................................................150
Template ID ...........................................................................................................................150
Description.............................................................................................................................150
Visibility ................................................................................................................................150
Application Field Selection....................................................................................................151
Insert Level...........................................................................................................................................152
Batch ......................................................................................................................................152
Invoice ...................................................................................................................................152
Delete Level .........................................................................................................................................153
Batch ......................................................................................................................................153
Invoice ...................................................................................................................................153
Navigation Level ..................................................................................................................................154
Batch ......................................................................................................................................154
Invoice ...................................................................................................................................154
Note (98.260.00) ..................................................................................................................................155
Type .......................................................................................................................................155
Revised Date ..........................................................................................................................156
Text Field ...............................................................................................................................156
Reports .................................................................................................................................................157
Report Tab .............................................................................................................................157
Sort Tab..................................................................................................................................159
Select Tab...............................................................................................................................161
Cover Page Tab......................................................................................................................163
 Table of Contents ix

Company Selection Tab.........................................................................................................164

Template Tab .........................................................................................................................166
Save Template (98.600.01) ..................................................................................................................167
Template ID ...........................................................................................................................167
Description.............................................................................................................................167
Public .....................................................................................................................................167
Password Change .................................................................................................................................168
User Maintenance (95.260.00) .............................................................................................................169
User ID...................................................................................................................................169
Name......................................................................................................................................169
Details Tab.............................................................................................................................170
Groups Tab ............................................................................................................................172
Access Rights Maintenance (95.270.00)..............................................................................................173
Type .......................................................................................................................................173
Group / User ID .....................................................................................................................174
Name......................................................................................................................................174
Company ID...........................................................................................................................174
All Companies .......................................................................................................................174
Preload (Button).....................................................................................................................174
Detail......................................................................................................................................174
Access Rights Report (95.600.00)........................................................................................................176
Report Tab .............................................................................................................................176
Preload Screens (95.270.01).................................................................................................................177
Group Maintenance (95.280.00) ..........................................................................................................178
Group ID................................................................................................................................178
Name......................................................................................................................................178
Detail......................................................................................................................................178
Event Log Viewer (95.290.00).............................................................................................................179
Process ID..............................................................................................................................179
Delete File..............................................................................................................................179
User ID...................................................................................................................................179
Execution Date.......................................................................................................................179
Last Viewed ...........................................................................................................................179
View (Button) ........................................................................................................................179
Event Log Viewer (95.290.01).............................................................................................................180
Process ID..............................................................................................................................180
User ID...................................................................................................................................180
Execution Date.......................................................................................................................180
View Date ..............................................................................................................................180
Database Physical Integrity (95.500.00) ..............................................................................................181
Record Name .........................................................................................................................181
Validate..................................................................................................................................181
Repair.....................................................................................................................................181
Validate System Records .......................................................................................................182
Validate Application Records ................................................................................................182
Complete Log ........................................................................................................................182
Start (Button) .........................................................................................................................182
x System Manager

Registration (95.250.00).......................................................................................................................183
Customer Tab.........................................................................................................................183
Reseller/Consultant Tab.........................................................................................................185
Modules Tab ..........................................................................................................................187
Screen Category Maintenance (98.310.00) ..........................................................................................189
User Type...............................................................................................................................189
User/Group ID .......................................................................................................................189
Module ...................................................................................................................................189
Row........................................................................................................................................189
Column...................................................................................................................................190
Category ID............................................................................................................................190
Description.............................................................................................................................190
Load Details (Button).............................................................................................................190
ScreenMenu Records for Module.........................................................................................................190
Row........................................................................................................................................190
Screen.....................................................................................................................................190
Description.............................................................................................................................190
OK (Button) ...........................................................................................................................190
Modules Maintenance (98.320.00).......................................................................................................191
Code .......................................................................................................................................191
ID ...........................................................................................................................................191
Name ......................................................................................................................................191
Active.....................................................................................................................................191
Screen Maintenance (98.330.00)..........................................................................................................192
Number ..................................................................................................................................192
Name ......................................................................................................................................192
Module ...................................................................................................................................192
Type .......................................................................................................................................192
Favorites Maintenance (98.340.00)......................................................................................................193
Application Number...............................................................................................................193
Application Name ..................................................................................................................193
Application Type ...................................................................................................................193
Execute...................................................................................................................................193
Transaction Import (98.500.00)............................................................................................................194
Selected ..................................................................................................................................194
Data File Name ......................................................................................................................194
Data File Type........................................................................................................................194
Screen ID ...............................................................................................................................194
Control File Name..................................................................................................................194
Output Log File Name ...........................................................................................................195
Minimized ..............................................................................................................................195
Select All (Button) .................................................................................................................195
Clear All (Button) ..................................................................................................................195
Edit Errors (Button) ...............................................................................................................195
Options (Button) ....................................................................................................................195
Begin Processing (Button) .....................................................................................................195
 Table of Contents xi

Import File Edit ....................................................................................................................................196

File Menu...............................................................................................................................196
Log File..................................................................................................................................197
Data File.................................................................................................................................197
Line ........................................................................................................................................197
Column ..................................................................................................................................197
Print Output Log (Button)......................................................................................................197
Print Data File (Button) .........................................................................................................197
Transaction Import (98.500.01) ...........................................................................................................198
Import Processing ..................................................................................................................198
Data Written to Log File ........................................................................................................198
Discontinue After ____ Errors...............................................................................................199
Control Macro Generator (98.510.00)..................................................................................................200
Screen ....................................................................................................................................200
Control File Type...................................................................................................................200
Control File Name .................................................................................................................200
Browse (Button).....................................................................................................................200
View Macro (Button).............................................................................................................200
Transaction Import Control File...........................................................................................................201
File Menu...............................................................................................................................201
Control File ............................................................................................................................201
Transaction Import Messages...............................................................................................................202
Event Log Options ...............................................................................................................................208
Fatal Diagnostics....................................................................................................................208
Recoverable Error Diagnostics ..............................................................................................208
Database Calls........................................................................................................................208
Data Entry Keystrokes ...........................................................................................................208
Database Update (DB.UPD.ATE)........................................................................................................210
Cumulative Database Updates ...............................................................................................210
Selective Database Modifications..........................................................................................211
Company Maintenance (98.280.00) .....................................................................................................212
Company ID...........................................................................................................................212
Company Name .....................................................................................................................212
Address, City, State/Province, Country/Region, Postal Code................................................212
Database Name ......................................................................................................................212
Phone .....................................................................................................................................212
Fax .........................................................................................................................................213
Employer Tax ID ...................................................................................................................213
Database Administration (98.270.00) ..................................................................................................214
System Database ....................................................................................................................214
Application Database(s).........................................................................................................214
Create Database (Button).......................................................................................................215
Possible Values Import (PV.REC) .......................................................................................................216
Specify Import File ................................................................................................................216
Process ...................................................................................................................................216
xii System Manager

Currency Selection (24.000.00)............................................................................................................218

Transaction Currency.............................................................................................................218
Currency Exchange Rate........................................................................................................218
Currency Unit Equivalents.....................................................................................................219
Report Control Record Maintenance (98.300.00) ................................................................................220
Report Number.......................................................................................................................220
Report Format Name..............................................................................................................221
Report Format ........................................................................................................................221
Custom Fields ........................................................................................................................221
Required Sort Fields...............................................................................................................221
Control Options......................................................................................................................221

Appendix A – Solomon.ini Settings 223

Overview ..............................................................................................................................................223
[System32 Database] Section ...............................................................................................................224
[Company] Section...............................................................................................................................225
[Print Default] Section..........................................................................................................................226
[Database Runtime] Section.................................................................................................................231
[Read Directory] Section......................................................................................................................232
[Reports] Section..................................................................................................................................233
[Miscellaneous] Section .......................................................................................................................233
[Event Log] Section .............................................................................................................................236
[TranImport] Section............................................................................................................................238
Solomon Financial Management Settings ............................................................................................238

Glossary of Terms 241

Index 245
 Introduction 1

Introduction

Solomon System Overview

Microsoft© Business Solutions–Solomon represents a new era in accounting information
systems. Not only is Solomon one of the first, and few, accounting information systems
to be built from the ground up as a back office product, it also offers unrivaled
customization capabilities and provides a unique open architecture. The product was
developed using industry-standard tools, such as Microsoft® Visual Basic® and SQL
database technology. Solomon’s award winning design provides users with maximum
flexibility, efficiency, reliability, and performance. With Solomon, users can quickly
create and integrate
Was this financial and operational solutions for all of their business needs.
page helpful?

User Guide Overview

This user guide provides information regarding the setup and use of the Solomon
System Manager module. The System Manager online help or user guide differs from
other Solomon manuals in that its topics tend to be global, applying to the whole
system and to most users working in the system. The manuals for individual Solomon
modules, such as the Accounts Payable module, contain information useful only to
those involved in those tasks, for example, the payables function.

What is Covered in the User Guide?

The user guide consists primarily of procedures and checklists that describe how to
perform the various tasks featured in the System Manager module. The user guide also
contains topics that help you become better acquainted with the capabilities of the
module.

Who Should Use the User Guide?

The user guide is designed for users, System Administrators, and Developers who are
new to Solomon. The guide provides the information necessary for making decisions
regarding how to use the Solomon System Manager module in order to get the most
from your Solomon system.

How to Use the User Guide

The user guide presents the procedures and steps required for using the System
Manager. To assist you in locating information, the user guide contains:
• A “Table of Contents” of logically organized activities and tasks.
• An alphabetized “Quick Reference Task List” of commonly performed tasks.
• An alphabetized “Index” of the information provided in the user guide.
2 System Manager

Documentation Conventions
The following conventions are used throughout this document to help you quickly
determine the difference between screen names, keystroke combinations, procedures,
menu selections, and button names.
• Menu options that you choose, tabs, and buttons that you click appear in Special
Bold text. A vertical bar appears between individual options where a series of
menu selections is indicated. An underline appears under the appropriate letter of
menu options where an alternate keystroke exists for choosing the option. For
example:
— Choose File | Save or click Save on the toolbar.
— Type the number of copies to print in Copies.
— Select Batch to apply the navigation functions to batches.
• Screen names are italicized and followed by the screen number in parentheses.
Fields into which you type data, and checkboxes and radio buttons that you select,
appear in Special Bold text. Names of frames and field options appear as normal
text. For example:
— Choose Save to close Object Properties (91.250.00).
— Choose Utility | Password. The Password Change dialog box displays.
— On Registration (95.250.00), click the Reseller/Consultant tab. The
Reseller/Consultant tab displays.
— In the Consultant frame, enter the information about your certified Solomon
consultant.
• Keystroke combinations are shown in UPPERCASE Courier New font,
separated by a plus sign (+). To use a keystroke combination, press and hold the
first key in the sequence, then press the second key. For example:
— Press CTRL+C to copy your selection to the clipboard.
• In some cases, multiple procedures may exist for each topic. The beginning of
each procedure is preceded by a Pointer icon (>) and is shown in bold text to help
you quickly find the procedures on each page. For example:
> To add an additional control:
• Notes and examples are identified with the word Note or Example to distinguish
them from body text. For example:

Note: Setup options for the General Ledger module are defined on GL Setup
(01.950.00).

Example: Open DD Setup (02.951.00) in the Payroll module.

 Introduction 3

Quick Reference Task List

This list contains tasks that are commonly performed with the System Manager
module. Each task is cross-referenced to a specific page in this user guide.

How Do I Add…?
• Users to the system — see “Adding Users” on page 23.
• Possible Values — see “Adding or Changing Possible Values” on page 54.

How Do I Assign…?
• Application Databases to the System Database — see “Creating Initial System and
Application Databases” on page 10.
• Users to Groups — see “Assigning Users to Groups” on page 25.
• Access Rights — see “Assigning Access Rights” on page 27.

How Do I Attach…?
• Notes to Data Items — see “Attaching Notes to Data Items” on page 59.
• Notes to Transaction Detail Lines — see “Attaching Notes to Transaction Detail
Lines” on page 60.

How Do I Back Up…?

• Databases — see “Backing Up Databases” on page 95.

How Do I Build…?
• Formulas — see “Building Formulas” on page 72.

How Do I Change…?
• The Transaction Currency — see “Was this page helpful?
• Changing the Transaction Currency” on page 56.
• The Business Date — see “Changing the Business Date” on page 56.
• A Password — see “Changing a Password” on page 29.
• Possible Values — see “Adding or Changing Possible Values” on page 54.
4 System Manager

How Do I Clear…?
• Data Fields — see “Clearing Data Fields” on page 60.
• A Selection Before Pasting — see “Clearing a Selection Before Pasting” on
page 66.

How Do I Copy…?
• An Entire Screen of Data or Section of Data — see “Copying an Entire Screen or
Screen Section” on page 66.

How Do I Create…?
• An Application Database — see “Creating Initial System and Application
Databases” on page 10.
• Reports — see “Creating a Report” on page 80.
• A Screen Template — see “Creating a Screen Template” on page 70.
• A Report Template — see “Creating and Using Report Templates” on page 76.
• A Transaction Import Control File — see “Creating and Working with Transaction
Import Control Files” on page 114.

How Do I Define…?
• A Company ID — see “Defining a Company” on page 13.

How Do I Delete…?
• Data Records — see “Was this page helpful?
• Deleting a Data Record” on page 67.

How Do I Enter…?
• Registration Information — see “Entering and Submitting Registration
Information” on page 16.
• Data Items — see “Entering Data Items” on page 48.

How Do I Exit…?
• Solomon — see “Exiting Solomon” on page 46.
 Introduction 5

How Do I Import…?
• Possible Values Lists — see “Importing Messages and Possible Values Lists” on
page 97.
• Transaction Data — see “Importing Transaction Data” on page 101.

How Do I Look…?
• At the Event Log — see “Viewing the Solomon Event Log” on page 98.
• Up Active Users — see “Looking Up Active Users” on page 94.

How Do I Navigate…?
• Data Entry Screens — see “Navigating Data Entry Screens” on page 51.

How Do I Paste…?
• Data in Grid or Form View — see “Pasting Data in Grid or Form View” on
page 65.

How Do I Print…?
• Reports — see “Printing a Report” on page 86.

How Do I Save…?
• Data — see “Saving Data” on page 61.
• A Report Template — see “Saving a Report Template” on page 87.

How Do I Select…?
• Data Items — see “Selecting Data Items” on page 62.

How Do I Set…?
• Data Entry Options — see “Setting Data Entry Options” on page 68.
• Printer Options — see “Setting Up the Default Printer” on page 78.

How Do I Sign On To…?

• Solomon — see “Signing On to Solomon” on page 32.
6 System Manager

How Do I Start…?
• The Transaction Import Process — see “Starting the Transaction Import Process”
on page 127.

How Do I Submit…?
• Registration Information — see “Submitting Registration Information” on
page 19.

How Do I Switch…?
• Between Grid and Form View — see “Switching Between Grid and Form Views”
on page 49.
• To a Different Company — see “Switching to a Different Company” on page 42.
• To a Different Module Menu — see “Switching to a Different Module Menu” on
page 45.

How Do I Transfer…?
• A Single Data Item — see “Transferring a Single Data Item” on page 64.
• Data — see “Transferring Data” on page 64.
• Multiple Data Items — see “Transferring Multiple Data Items” on page 65.

How Do I Unlock…?
• Solomon Modules — see “Unlocking Modules” on page 20.

How Do I Update…?
• The System Database — see “Updating the Databases” on page 96.

How Do I Use…?
• The Solomon toolbar — see “Using the Solomon Toolbar” on page 34.
• The Module Menu — see “Using Module Menus” on page 43.
• Function Keys — see “Using Function Keys” on page 52.
• The Keyboard and Mouse — see “Using the Keyboard and Mouse” on page 53.
• Possible Values Lists — see “Using Possible Values Lists” on page 54.
• Extended Possible Values Lists — see “Using Extended Possible Values Lists” on
page 55.
 Introduction 7

• Initialization Mode — see “Using Initialize Mode” on page 58.

• Screen Templates — see “Using a Screen Template” on page 75.
• Report Templates — see “Creating and Using Report Templates” on page 76.

How Do I Validate and Repair…?

• Databases — see “Validating and Repairing Databases” on page 95.

How Do I View…?
• A Note Attached to a Data Item — see "Viewing a Note" on page 60.
• A Transaction Import Log File — see “Viewing Transaction Import Log Files” on
page 131.
8 System Manager
 Setting Up Solomon 9

Setting Up Solomon

Overview
The Setting Up Solomon section provides information and procedures for creating the
fundamental structures the program uses to work with the information it stores. These
basic tasks include:
• Creating Initial System and Application Databases
• Defining a Company

System Database
The system database contains shared site-specific data, such as database field
attributes, edit characteristics, product registrations, customizations, and Solomon
screen-level security.

Application Database
An application database contains all of the accounting data for an individual financial
entity.

Company
When signing on, the user selects a company ID that tells Solomon to automatically
open the appropriate application database that is linked to a system database. The
System Administrator assigns the appropriate application database to the company ID
and the system database.
10 System Manager

Creating Initial System and Application Databases

Upon starting Solomon for the first time, the System Administrator must create at least
one system database and one application database.

Note: After creating the initial system and application databases, the System
Administrator can add more databases at any time by choosing Utility | Database
Administration, and then clicking Create Database.

> To create initial system and application databases:

1. Double-click on the Solomon shortcut on the desktop or choose Start | Programs |
Solomon | Solomon Main Program. Login (98.000.00) displays showing the
SYSADMIN user ID.

Figure 1: Login (98.000.00)

2. Make sure that Company and Password are blank.

3. Click System Database. Find Database (98.000.01) displays.

Figure 2: Find Database (98.000.01)

 Setting Up Solomon 11

4. Click Create Database. Database Maintenance (98.290.00) displays.

Figure 3: Database Maintenance (98.290.00, Connect Server tab

5. In the Connect Server tab, enter the Destination SQL Server Name, the Login ID, and
Password for the SQL server where the databases will be created.
6. Click Connect. A message in the status bar indicates that you are connected to the
SQL server.
7. Click on the Create Databases tab.

Figure 4: Database Maintenance (98.290.00, Create Databases tab

12 System Manager

8. Select Empty Databases from the list of Scenarios.

9. To override the default name, location, or size of the system or application
databases in the scenario, click the Advanced button. Advanced Configuration
Settings displays.

Figure 5: Advanced Configuration Settings

10. Enter the correct information and then click OK to return to the Create Databases
tab of Database Maintenance (98.290.00).
11. Click Create to create the scenario databases.
12. After creating the scenario, click the Close button on any tab in Database
Maintenance (98.290.00). This will take you back to Find Database (98.000.01).
13. Enter the name of the SQL server where you just created databases.
14. Select the System Database that you just created in the database name field. If you
did not override the name of the system database, the name is NewSystem.
15. Click OK. The Login (98.000.00) dialog displays.

Figure 6: Login (98.000.00)

16. Click OK. The Solomon toolbar displays.

 Setting Up Solomon 13

Defining a Company
Upon starting Solomon for the first time, the System Administrator must create at least
one company. The System Administrator can add more companies at any time.
> To define a company:
1. Choose Utility | Company Maintenance. Company Maintenance (98.280.00)
displays in grid view showing all the companies currently defined in the system.

Figure 7: Company Maintenance (98.280.00)

2. Type a unique identification code for this company in Company ID.

3. Type the name of the company in Company Name.
4. Type the name of the application database to associate with the company ID in
Database Name. To see the application database names that have been created, you
can run Utility | Database Administration (98.270.00) and note the application
database names shown in the detail area. If you did not change the application
database name during the creation of the Empty Company scenario, the default
application database name will be NewApp.
5. Type address information for the company in Address, City, State/Province,
Country/Region, and Postal Code.
6. Type the contact information for the company in Phone and Fax.
7. Type the tax identification code for the company in Employer Tax ID.
8. Click Save on the toolbar.
9. Click File | Close Company.
14 System Manager

10. Click File | Open Company. Login (98.000.00) displays.

Figure 8: Login (98.000.00)

11. Type the company ID you just created in Company.

12. Click OK. The Solomon toolbar displays.
 Registering Solomon Software 15

Registering Solomon Software

Overview
The Registering Solomon Software section provides information and procedures on
registering Solomon Software and unlocking modules. These basic tasks include:
• Entering and Submitting Registration Information
• Unlocking Modules

Registration Process
After purchasing Solomon software, notify Microsoft© Business Solutions of licensed
modules by registering the product. Registration provides Microsoft Business Solutions
with:
• Information about the company.
• The name of the reseller who sold Solomon.
• The name of any consultants engaged to customize the Solomon software.
• The licensed modules.
Upon receipt of the registration information, you will receive a license that entitles you
to unlimited access to the modules, as well as the keys to unlock those modules.
Registered users will also receive software updates and bulletins.

TRIAL-LOC mode
You can install the complete suite of Solomon modules, even though you may not have
licensed them all. You can use each module in a special TRIAL-LOC mode following
the initial installation. The TRIAL-LOC mode permits 20 logins to an unregistered
version of the Solomon database. After 20 logins, register the product to continue use.

Note: If you receive system message 6824 “You have reached the maximum number of
users” while in TRIAL-LOC mode, then you have exceeded the maximum number of 5
users. This limit is in effect until the system is registered and unlocked accordingly.
16 System Manager

Entering and Submitting Registration Information

To register Solomon software, enter information about the company, the reseller who
sold the software, any consultants engaged to customize the software, and the names of
the licensed modules.

Entering Customer Information

To receive software updates and user bulletins, enter the company’s address and
contact person. Do not use a post office box, because many delivery services do not
deliver to post office boxes. Enter a street address to ensure receipt of software updates
and user bulletins.
> To enter customer information:
1. Choose Utility | Registration. The Customer tab of Registration (95.250.00)
displays.

Figure 9: Registration (95.250.00), Customer tab

2. Do not type a value in Customer ID. A value to enter here will be sent with your
module unlocking codes.
3. Enter information about the company in the other fields.
4. Click Save on the toolbar.
 Registering Solomon Software 17

Entering Reseller and Consultant Information

Microsoft Business Solutions requests information on the reseller who sold the
software and any consultant hired to customize the software.
> To enter reseller/consultant information:
1. On Registration (95.250.00), click the Reseller/Consultant tab. The
Reseller/Consultant tab of Registration (95.250.00) displays.

Figure 10: Registration (95.250.00), Reseller/Consultant tab

2. Type the information about your authorized Solomon reseller in the Reseller area.
3. Type the information about your certified Solomon consultant in the Consultant
area.
4. Click Save on the toolbar.
18 System Manager

Entering Module Information

Enter information on any licensed modules. Microsoft Business Solutions issues a key
to unlock the modules after it receives this registration information.
> To enter module information:
1. On Registration (95.250.00), click the Modules tab. The Modules tab of
Registration (95.250.00) displays in grid view.

Figure 11: Registration (95.250.00), Modules tab

2. Type the two-character module code or five-character user pack code of each
module to register in Item.
3. Complete the other fields on this tab after receiving the unlocking codes. See
“Unlocking Modules” on page 20.
4. Click Save on the toolbar.
 Registering Solomon Software 19

Submitting Registration Information

When the information is complete, print the registration information and send it to
Microsoft Business Solutions. They will issue codes to unlock the modules entered on
the Modules tab of Registration (95.250.00).
> To submit the registration Information:
1. On the Modules tab of Registration (95.250.00), click Print to print the
information.
2. Send the registration information to Microsoft Business Solutions by fax or mail.
20 System Manager

Unlocking Modules
Complete the registration process upon receipt of the customer ID and module
unlocking codes from Microsoft Business Solutions.
> To unlock modules:
1. Choose Utility | Registration. The Customer tab of Registration (95.250.00)
displays.
2. Type the customer ID in Customer ID. The customer’s information displays.
3. Click the Modules tab. The Modules tab of Registration (95.250.00) displays in
grid view.

Figure 12: Registration (95.250.00), Modules tab

4. Enter information received from Microsoft Business Solutions in Serial Number

and Unlocking Key. Solomon calculates Unlocked, Verification Code, and
Authorized Users for each module.

Note: Solomon automatically updates Unlocked, Verification Code, and Authorized

Users whenever you save or print registration information.

5. Click Save on the toolbar.

 Maintaining Solomon Security 21

Maintaining Solomon Security

Overview
The Maintaining Solomon Security section provides information and procedures for
maintaining security in Solomon. These basic tasks include:
• Creating Groups
• Adding Users
• Assigning Users to Groups
• Assigning Access Rights
• Changing a Password

Solomon Security
Solomon provides two important functions that protect business information from
access by unauthorized personnel. These functions are user registration and access
rights assignment.
• User registration or authorization identifies a user to the system and provides a
password the user must enter to gain entry to the system.
• Access rights are a set of permissions that define the parts of the system an
authorized user may access as well as the user’s rights to alter any information.
The Customization Manager module provides the additional ability to restrict screen
access by hiding fields and limiting the field values the user is allowed to enter.
22 System Manager

Creating Groups
A group is a collection of users who share the same access rights. Assigning users to
groups makes it easier to change access rights. With a single change, all the users in the
group are updated.
Solomon maintains the information about groups in the system databases. Because this
information is shared, group information is available to all application databases.
> To create a group:
1. Choose Utility | Group. Group Maintenance (95.280.00) displays in grid view.

Figure 13: Group Maintenance (95.280.00)

2. Type an identification code for the group in Group ID.

3. Type a description of the group in Name.
4. Click Save on the toolbar.
 Maintaining Solomon Security 23

Adding Users
Anyone who wishes to access the Solomon system must be an authorized user. To add
users to the system, define user information, such as user ID, name, and password.
Solomon maintains the information about users in the system databases. Because this
information is shared, user information is available to all application databases.
> To add a user:
1. Choose Utility | User. The Details tab of User Maintenance (95.260.00) displays.

Figure 14: User Maintenance (95.260.00), Details tab

2. Type a unique identification code in User ID.

3. Type the full user’s name in Name.
4. Click in the Enable Integrated Logon box to allow the user to sign on once with
their Windows user ID and password.

Note: Clicking the Enable Integrated Logon box affects how the user being defined
logs on to Solomon. If this option is selected, then anytime the user starts
Solomon, the system checks their Windows user ID (this is the user ID they used
to log on to the network), then checks to see if the user is defined within Solomon.
If there is a matching user ID, then the user is automatically logged on to Solomon
and does not see the signon box or need to specify user and password information.
24 System Manager

5. Type the user’s information in the Details tab.

Note: Passwords must be used to maintain any level of security and access rights
within the Solomon system. If you leave New Password blank, the user being
defined has unlimited access to all Solomon screens and reports. Even if you have
selected Enable Integrated Logon, you still need to define a password in this screen
(the user’s Windows password does not maintain security within the Solomon
system).

6. Click the Pick Color for Required Fields button to choose the color for mandatory
fields. In Sample Required field, you will see how all mandatory fields will appear
for this user.
7. Click Save on the toolbar.
 Maintaining Solomon Security 25

Assigning Users to Groups

Each user must have access rights assigned. Access rights give the user the security
needed to either add, modify, and/or delete information for Solomon. To make it easier
to assign access rights, assign users to groups that share similar access rights.
> To assign a user to a group:
1. On User Maintenance (95.260.00), click the Groups tab. The Groups tab of User
Maintenance (95.260.00) displays.

Figure 15: User Maintenance (95.260.00), Groups tab

2. Type the identification code or the group to which the user belongs in Group ID.
3. Click Save on the toolbar.
Users can also be added to a group using Group Maintenance (95.280.00)
26 System Manager

> To assign users to a group:

1. On the Utility menu, click Group. Group Maintenance (95.280.00) displays.

Figure 16: Group Maintenance (95.280.00)

2. Enter the group users will be assigned to in Group ID.

3. Enter a name for the group in Name.
4. Type User IDs for all users to assign to the selected group in the grid.
5. Click Save on the toolbar.
 Maintaining Solomon Security 27

Assigning Access Rights

Each user or group must have access rights assigned. Access rights are a set of
permissions that define the parts of the system an authorized user can assess as well as
the user’s level of access. Levels of access range from view only to full edit
capabilities, which includes adding, modifying, or deleting data items. Users or groups
can also be denied access to Initialize mode. See “Using Initialize Mode” on page 58.
Solomon maintains user and group access rights information in the system databases.
Because this information is shared across application databases, you only have to enter
it once to make it available to all application databases.
> To assign access rights:
1. Choose Utility | Access Rights. Access Rights Maintenance (95.270.00) displays.

Figure 17: Access Rights Maintenance (95.270.00)

2. Select either User or Group from the Type drop-down list.

3. Type the user ID or group ID in Group/User ID. The name of the user or group
displays automatically in Name.
4. Type the company ID in Company ID or select All Companies to apply the access
rights to all companies. If All Companies is selected, <ALL> appears in
Company ID.
28 System Manager

5. Type a screen or report number in Screen/Report Number or click Preload to

quickly load all the screen and report numbers for one or more modules. See
“Preload Screens (95.270.01)” on page 177. The information corresponding to the
screen or report number displays in Type, Name, and Module.
If a screen or report number appears on this list, the user or group can access the
corresponding screen or report. If you use Preload to load all the screens and
reports for a module, be sure to delete any screens or reports that you do not want
the user or group to access.
6. Specify access rights for each screen. By default, if a screen appears on the list, the
user or group has view access rights.
• View — user can view data items.
• Update — user or group can modify data items, including deleting line items.
• Insert — user or group can add data items.
• Delete — user or group can delete data items or records.
• Initialization Mode — user or group can use Initialize mode.
7. Click Save on the toolbar.
 Maintaining Solomon Security 29

Changing a Password
A user receives a password when the System Administrator adds a user to the system.
To keep security tight, change passwords on a regular basis. To change a password, use
the Password function. Use the new password when signing on to Solomon the next
time.
> To change a password:
1. Choose Utility | Password. The Password Change dialog box displays.

Figure 18: Password Change Dialog Box

2. Type the old password in Old Password.

3. Type the new password in New Password.
4. Click OK.
30 System Manager
 Starting Solomon 31

Starting Solomon

Overview
The Starting Solomon section provides information and procedures for accessing
Solomon and for using the Solomon toolbar and module menus. These basic tasks
include:
• Signing On to Solomon
• Locating a System Database
• Using the Solomon Toolbar
• Switching to a Different Company
• Using Module Menus
• Exiting Solomon

Solomon Configurations
The System Administrator can set up the Solomon installation in a variety of
configurations. The configuration determines how you sign on to Solomon.
Multiple System Databases
If a company has multiple locations, the System Administrator may set up more than
one system database. The system database contains site-specific data, such as product
registrations, customizations, user information, and Solomon screen-level security.
When signing on for the first time, select the system database used most often to serve
as the default database. After the initial sign on, you can switch to any other system
database during the sign-on process.

Example: A company has a main office on the west coast and a satellite office on the
east coast. Each office has its own system database. The east coast office may need to
occasionally get into the Solomon installation at the west coast office. When signing
on, the east coast office would select the system database that corresponds to the west
coast installation.
32 System Manager

Multiple Application Databases

Signing on to Solomon involves specifying a company ID, which automatically loads a
default system and application database. After signing on, you can switch to a different
company ID to load its default system and application databases.

Example: The west coast office in the previous example wants to keep their financial
information separate from the east coast office. To accomplish this task, each office
would have its own application database and company ID. If the west coast office
wanted to access the east coast office, the west coast office would sign on using the
east coast office company ID.

Signing On to Solomon
If more than one company exists in the Solomon installation, specify which company
to sign on to by entering the company ID. Solomon automatically logs into the system
database and the application database associated with the company ID.
During the first sign-on, select the system database to use. After the first sign-on, the
fields on Login (98.000.00) default with the values last entered.
> To sign on to Solomon:
1. Choose Start | Programs | Solomon | Solomon Main Program. Login (98.000.00)
displays.

Figure 19: Login (98.000.00)

2. Type the company ID in Company.

3. Type the Solomon user identification code in User ID.
4. Type the Solomon password in Password.
5. To switch to a different system database, click System Database. See “Locating a
System Database” on page 33.
6. Click OK.
 Starting Solomon 33

Locating a System Database

The selected system database becomes the default database for all future logins until a
different database is selected.
> To locate a system database:
1. On Login (98.000.00), click System Database. Find Database (98.000.01)
displays.

Figure 20: Find Database (98.000.01)

Note: See your System Administrator for the server and database names.

2. Select a server name from the Server Name drop-down list or type the name of the
server is it does not appear on the list.
3. Select a system database name from the Database Name drop-down list or type the
name of the system database if it does not appear on the list.
4. Click OK.
34 System Manager

Using the Solomon Toolbar

When you have successfully signed on, The Solomon toolbar displays with its menus
and buttons used to perform various tasks. Solomon uses the standard Windows®
navigation conventions. Initiate most tasks through one of two actions:
• Click the button that corresponds with the particular task to perform.
• Choose the menu item that corresponds with the task to perform.

Figure 21: Solomon toolbar

The toolbar is independent from any screen or dialog box opened in Solomon. Since it
is not physically attached to any other component, move it on the desktop to keep it
visible.
 Starting Solomon 35

File Menu
Use the File menu to open and close companies, list active users on the system, set up
the printer, and exit Solomon. The File menu also displays the:
• Current business date.
• Application database that is open.
• User who is currently signed on.
• Number of times Solomon was accessed.
• Company.
• Toggle option to change the look of Solomon.

Figure 22: File Menu

36 System Manager

Edit Menu
Use the Edit menu to modify entries in a database and to navigate within a database.
The New, Save, Finish, Cancel, Delete, First, Prev, Next, Last, and Close functions
perform the same operations as the identically titled buttons on the toolbar.

Figure 23: Edit Menu

 Starting Solomon 37

Module Menu
Use the Module menu to access Solomon application modules. Each module has its
own menu of screens and reports that displays after module selection.

Figure 24: Module Menu

38 System Manager

Application Options Menu

Use the Application Options menu to set and save user options and to switch Solomon
into the Initialize mode.

Figure 25: Application Options menu

 Starting Solomon 39

Utility Menu
Use the Utility menu to manage system security and to perform database maintenance
operations.

Figure 26: Utility Menu

40 System Manager

Customize Menu
Use the Customize menu to access the Solomon customization features. For
information about the Customize menu, see the Customization Manager online help or
user guide.

Figure 27: Customize Menu

 Starting Solomon 41

Help Menu
Use the Help menu to look up online information on using Solomon. The Help
function includes:
• Context-sensitive applications assistance.
• Reference material.
• User guidelines and procedures.
• Database structure information for use with third-party tools.

Figure 28: Help Menu

42 System Manager

Switching to a Different Company

You can switch to another company by signing on with that company’s ID. Because
you can access only one company at a time, you must close the current company before
opening a new company.

Note: The default company may be set using the [Company] section of the Solomon.ini
file. For more information, see “Appendix A – Solomon.ini Settings” on page 223.

> To switch to a different company:

1. Click the Company button on the toolbar. Login (98.000.00) displays showing the
company and user IDs that were last logged into.

Figure 29: Login (98.000.00)

2. Type a company ID in Company.

3. To sign on as a different user, type a user ID and password.
4. To open a different system database, click System Database. See “Locating a
System Database” on page 33.
5. Click OK.
 Starting Solomon 43

Using Module Menus

The Solomon Module menu displays all of the Solomon application modules that are
installed on the system. Access each application’s screens and reports through the
Module menu.
When you log on to Solomon, the Module Navigation Pane on the left side of the
screen will list all available modules to which you have access.
After you select a module, the Application Navigation Pane will display a list of
screens and reports that are associated with the module. This list is divided into the
following categories:
• Input
• Inquiries
• Maintenance
• Processes
• Setup
• Reports
The categories may be edited using Screen Category Maintenance (98.310.00).
The Active Applications Pane is displayed at the bottom of the screen. You can switch
between active applications by clicking a shortcut in this pane.
To toggle between menu appearances, choose Options | Toggle Legacy Menu | Toolbar.
The Favorites Pane displays shortcuts to your most frequently used applications. Use
the Favorites button to navigate. To add a shortcut to Favorites, right-click on the
application in the Modules Navigation Pane and click the Add to Favorites button. To
remove a shortcut from Favorites, right-click on the application shortcut you want to
remove and then click Remove from Favorites. Favorites can also be changed in
Favorites Maintenance (98.340.00).
44 System Manager

> To display a Solomon module menu:

Choose Module and select a module. The menu for the module displays. Each module
menu contains a list of associated screens and reports. Some menus may display with
scroll bars.

Figure 30: General Ledger Module Menu

> To view the list of screens:

Select Screen or press CTRL+S. The list of screens associated with the module
displays. For general information on using data entry screens, see “Entering and
Editing Data.” For detailed information, see each module’s online help or user guide.
> To view the list of reports:
Select Reports or press CTRL+R. The list of reports associated with the module
displays. For more information on running reports, see “Creating a Report” on page 80.
For detailed information, see each module’s online help or user guide.
 Starting Solomon 45

Switching to a Different Module Menu

The current module name displays in the list box at the top of the module menu.
> To select a different module menu:
Click the down arrow, then select a module from the drop-down list.

Figure 31: Module Menu Drop-down List

46 System Manager

Selecting from the Module Menu

Several Solomon screens can display at once, depending on the resource limitations in
the current version of Windows.
> To select from the module menu, do one of the following:
1. Select the screen or report name on the module menu.
2. Press the first letter of the screen or report name then press Enter. If more than
one name exists with that first letter, the first name is highlighted. Press the letter
repeatedly until the desired name is highlighted.

Tacking a Module Menu

By default, the module menu closes after selecting a screen or report. To keep the
module menu on the desktop, click Tack to tack it to the desktop. The module
menu remains open on the desktop until you close the module menu or exit
Solomon.
> To tack the module menu in place on the desktop:
Click Tack.

Exiting Solomon
Upon exit, Solomon automatically closes all databases currently in use.
> To exit Solomon:
Choose File | Exit.
 Entering and Editing Data 47

Entering and Editing Data

Overview
The Entering and Editing Data section provides information and procedures for
entering, editing, transferring, and saving data. These basic tasks include:
• Entering Data Items
• Switching Between Grid and Form Views
• Navigating Data Entry Screens
• Using Function Keys
• Using the Keyboard and Mouse
• Using Possible Values Lists
• Using Extended Possible Values Lists
• Changing the Business Date
• Changing the Transaction Currency
• Using Initialize Mode
• Attaching Notes to Data Items
• Clearing Data Fields
• Saving Data
• Selecting Data Items
• Transferring Data
• Deleting a Data Record
• Setting Data Entry Options
48 System Manager

Entering Data Items

A data item is an individual piece of information in a data record. A data record is a
collection of data items. Enter data items into fields on a data entry screen. Each data
entry screen has a different layout, but the process of entering data on each screen is
exactly the same.

Figure 32: Sample Data Entry Screen

> To enter data, do one of the following:

1. Place the cursor in the field, and then type the information.
2. Click the down arrow next to the field, and then select a value from the drop-down
list.
3. Place the cursor in the field, and then press F3 to select a value from the possible
values list. See “Using Possible Values Lists” on page 54.
4. Place the cursor in the field, and then press SHIFT+F3 to select a value from the
extended possible values list. See “Using Extended Possible Values Lists” on
page 55.
 Entering and Editing Data 49

Switching Between Grid and Form Views

Some data entry screens have two different views for entering data: grid view and form
view. Grid view is the default and shows fields for all entries in rows and columns.
Grid view helps quickly locate a specific record.

Figure 33: Transaction Detail Area in grid view

50 System Manager

Form view shows all the fields for one record and helps when viewing a single record.

Figure 34: Transaction Detail Area in form view

> To switch between grid and form views:

Double-click anywhere inside the grid or form area or press F4.
 Entering and Editing Data 51

Navigating Data Entry Screens

Use the mouse, keyboard, or the Solomon toolbar to move around data entry screens.
The method used may act differently depending on whether form view or grid view is
displayed.

Navigating in Form View

To move to the: Press: Or click:
Next field TAB In the field
Previous field SHIFT+TAB In the field
Right one character in a field RIGHT ARROW In the field
Left one character in a field LEFT ARROW In the field
Beginning of a field HOME The home position in the field
End of a field END The end position in the field
Next record or batch PAGE DOWN Next
Previous record or batch PAGE UP Previous
First record CTRL+HOME First
Last record CTRL+END Last

Navigating in Grid View

To move to the: Press: Or click:
Next column TAB or RIGHT ARROW In the column
Previous column SHIFT+TAB or LEFT ARROW In the column
First column HOME In the column
Last column END In the column
First row CTRL+HOME First
Last row CTRL+END Last
Next row DOWN ARROW In the row
Previous row UP ARROW In the row
Next page PAGE DOWN Next
Previous page PAGE UP Previous
52 System Manager

Setting the Navigation Level

Navigation functions include the First, Prev, Next, and Last buttons on the toolbar and
options on the Edit menu. The Navigation Level menu choice is only available for
applications that have multiple navigable levels (as designed by developers). For
example, you might have the option to navigate at either the document or batch level.
The dialog box displays a list of navigable levels for the application.

Example: Setting the navigation level to batch and clicking Next causes the next batch
in the database to display. Setting the navigation level to document and clicking Next
causes the next document in the current batch to display.

> To set the navigation level:

1. Choose Edit | Navigation Level. The Navigation level dialog box displays with the
navigation level choices particular to the application.

Figure 35: Navigation level dialog box

2. Select the desired navigation level. From this point forward, the First, Prev, Next,
and Last buttons can be used to navigate the chosen level.
3. Click OK.

Using Function Keys

Use the function keys to perform certain tasks when you are entering or editing data.

To: Press:
Access Solomon Help F1
Edit a field in grid view or enter a formula in a date or period field F2
Look up possible values for a field, or access a calendar for a date field F3
Switch between form and grid view F4
Clear a field in form view F5
Enter and display notes F9
 Entering and Editing Data 53

Using the Keyboard and Mouse

Solomon permits you to complete all supported data entry and maintenance actions
using either the standard computer keyboard or a two-button mouse. The following
table lists the Solomon data entry and/or maintenance actions, how to complete them
using a keyboard or mouse and the Solomon toolbar, the context in which the actions
should be completed, and their result within the Solomon system.

Action Key Button Context Result

Delete DEL Delete Focus on detail line Delete detail line
Focus on entity Delete entity after
confirmation
Focus on document in Delete either batch or
batch document after
confirmation
Cursor in field with no Deletes character to right
data selected of cursor
Cursor in field with data Deletes the selected data
selected
Insert INS New Focus in detail line Insert new row
Focus on entity Insert new entity
Focus on document in Insert either batch or
batch document after
confirmation
Cursor in field with no No action
data selected
Cursor in field with data No action
selected
Cancel ESC Cancel All Abandons all changes in
the current screen since
last save and refreshes
display
Save CTRL+S Save All After completing error
checks, saves all changes
in the current screen since
the last save operation.
Close ALT+F4 Close All Closes the active screen
Help F1 Help All Opens a context-sensitive
Help window
54 System Manager

Using Possible Values Lists

Some fields have possible values lists from which you can select a value to enter into
the field.

Figure 36: Sample Possible Values List

> To use a possible values list:

1. Place the cursor in the field.
2. Double-click the right mouse button or press F3. A list of the possible values for
that field displays.
3. To sort the list, click the title of the column to sort on.
4. Double-click on a value, or highlight a value and click OK. The selected value
appears in the field.

Adding or Changing Possible Values

If a value is not available, add a new value directly from the list. You also can make
changes to existing values.
> To add a new value:
1. Click Insert. The maintenance screen for the field displays.
2. Type any new information.
3. Close the window and click Yes when prompted to save.
> To edit an existing value:
1. Click Edit. The maintenance screen for the field displays.
2. Change any information.
3. Close the window and click Yes when prompted to save.
 Entering and Editing Data 55

Using Extended Possible Values Lists

Some key fields have extended possible values lists of records such as accounts,
customers, and orders. When you select a record from the extended values list, all key
fields for the related screen are populated with that record’s information.

Figure 37: Sample Extended Possible Values List

> To use an extended possible values list:

1. Position the cursor in the field.
2. Double-click the right mouse button while holding down the SHIFT key or press
SHIFT+F3. A list of the records for that field displays.
3. To sort the list, click the title of the column to sort on.
4. Double-click on a value, or highlight a value and click OK. The selected value
appears in the field and all other key fields on the screen are populated with the
associated values.
56 System Manager

Changing the Business Date

The current business date displays on the File menu. This date is used throughout the
system as the default date when adding or updating data.

Example: To date stamp a large number of documents with a date other than today’s
date, change the business day and enter the documents into the system. Upon
completion, change the business day back to the actual date.

> To change the current business date:

1. Choose File | Business Date. Business Date box displays.

Figure 38: Business Date Box

2. Select the new date.

3. Click OK.
 Entering and Editing Data 57

Changing the Transaction Currency

When entering data on a screen that supports multi-currency data entry,
you can change the transaction currency being used with Currency
Selection.
• The transaction currency is the actual currency in which the
business was transacted.
• The base currency is the currency in which General Ledger account
balances are kept.
When entering data using a transaction currency that is different from
the base currency, you can toggle between the two currencies with
Change Currency View. When the button is in the up position, the
monetary symbol represents the selected transaction currency. When the
button is in the down position, the monetary symbol represents the base
currency.

Example: The base currency and current transaction currency is USD or United States
Dollars. A Canadian receipt is the next document to enter. Change the transaction
currency to CAD or Canadian Dollars and enter the document. The base currency
remains USD and Solomon handles the conversion of Canadian to US dollars.

> To change the currency:

1. Click Currency Selection from the toolbar or choose Edit | Currency Selection.
Currency Selection (24.000.00) displays.

Figure 39: Currency Selection (24.000.00)

2. Type the currency ID in Tran Currency ID.

3. Click OK. The symbol for the currency appears in the toolbar.
58 System Manager

Using Initialize Mode

When setting up a Solomon module, use Initialize mode to begin data entry at a
specific point in time. The Initialize mode is available in most Solomon modules.

Example: You are setting up the Accounts Payable module to begin regular operation
on the first day of fiscal period seven. There are six previous periods with vendor
activity to enter in the database for Solomon to accurately track and maintain the
accounts payable information. You could start with period one and enter, post, and
close each period’s activity to catch Solomon up with the current accounts payable
situation. However, a more convenient alternative is to place Solomon in Initialize
mode and enter all vendor-related balances, such as period-to-date purchases,
payments, and discounts taken, as of the last day of fiscal period six.

By entering just the balances in Initialize mode, you achieve the same effect as if you
used Solomon to process all the activity in periods one through six. When you take
Solomon out of Initialize mode and begin regular Accounts Payable module
operations, all accounts payable information in the database will be current as of the
first day of period seven.

> To use Initialize mode:

Choose Option | Initialize Mode. A checkmark indicates the option is selected.
 Entering and Editing Data 59

Attaching Notes to Data Items

If the Notes icon appears next to a field, you can attach a note to the data item in
the field. Some fields can have two or more types of notes; however, you can attach
only one note per note type to a field. For example, a note attached to a transaction
batch may direct data processing personnel not to release the batch for posting until
after a certain date. Another note attached to a transaction may explain that a
customer’s account is reaching their credit limit. Notes can be attached to fields or to
transaction detail lines.
> To attach a note to a field:
1. Place the cursor in the field.
2. Click Note or choose Edit | Note. Note (98.260.00) displays indicating the current
screen number.
Text box

Figure 40: Note (98.260.00)

3. Select a note type from the Type drop-down list, if necessary.

4. Type the desired note text, up to 30,000 characters, in the text box.
5. Click Apply to save the contents of the note. Solomon assigns today’s date as the
revised date.
6. Click OK and the content of your note is saved. The current data entry screen
displays.

Note: Even though you saved the note, it is not actually saved with the data item until
you save the data record. See “Saving Data” on page 61.
60 System Manager

Viewing a Note
If a note is attached to a field, Notes appears with lines on the page.
The note is attached to the data item but is not part of the data record.
> To view a note:
1. Click Note. Note (98.260.00) displays.
2. Select a note type from the Type drop-down list, if necessary.
3. Click OK.

Attaching Notes to Transaction Detail Lines

To attach a note to a specific transaction detail line, use Note located at the bottom of
the screen.
> To attach a note to a transaction detail line:
1. Select a transaction detail line.
2. Click Note at the bottom of the screen.
3. Type the desired note text, up to 30,000 characters, in the text box.
4. Click Save.
5. Click OK.

Note: The first column of some grids may be a note column. If a grid contains a note
column, you can double-click in a detail line’s note field and the note dialog will
appear, allowing you to enter a note for that detail line. If a detail line contains a note, a
note icon will be shown in the note field of the grid for that line.

Clearing Data Fields

To clear the screen and start data entry over again, clear the data fields. Information
that is already saved in the database is not deleted.
To clear a single field, use BACKSPACE or DELETE. To clear several
fields at once, but not the entire screen, use the Clear Selection function.
To clear all fields, click Cancel.
> To clear a single data field:
Click in the field and use Backspace or Delete to delete the contents of the field.
> To clear multiple data fields:
1. Hold CTRL while clicking on each field. A small number appears in each field to
indicate the selection order.
2. Choose Edit | Clear Selection. Solomon deletes all selected data items.
> To clear all the fields:
Click Cancel on the toolbar, choose Edit | Cancel, or press ESC.
 Entering and Editing Data 61

Saving Data
Save the data entered on the current document before proceeding to enter data on the
next document.
Use Finish to end data entry on the current document and clear the screen
to begin data entry on the next document. Solomon automatically saves
the data entered on the current document.

Use Save to periodically save the data while entering a long document.
The data entered remains on the screen for continuation of data entry.

Use New to clear the screen for continuation of data entry. Solomon
prompts to save the current document.
> To save data and clear the screen:
Click Finish on the toolbar, choose Edit | Finish, or press CTRL+F.
> To save data and keep it on the screen:
Click Save on the toolbar, choose Edit | Save, or press CTRL+S.
> To clear the screen to enter a new record:
Click New on the toolbar, choose Edit | New, or press CTRL+N. Click Yes to save the
current record, if prompted.
62 System Manager

Selecting Data Items

To cut or copy data in Solomon, first select the data items.

Selecting Data Items in Form View

> To select a single data item in form view:
Click in the field. You do not need to select the contents of the field.
> To select multiple data items, do one of the following:
• Hold CTRL and click on each field. A number appears in the field to indicate the
selection order.

Figure 41: Multiple Data Fields Selected

• Click and hold in the field containing the first data item, drag the mouse pointer to
the field containing the last data item, then release the mouse button.

Note: You can click and drag in any direction. The typical method is to drag the
mouse pointer down and right. However, you can also drag the mouse pointer
down and left, up and right, or up and left to designate a data block.

• Click in the field containing the first data item, then hold SHIFT while clicking in
the field containing the last data item.
• Click in the field containing the first data item, hold CTRL, then press a cursor
arrow key to expand the selection area.
 Entering and Editing Data 63

Selecting Data in Grid View

> To select a single column of data:
Select the column heading.
> To select multiple columns of data:
Click and hold on the column heading of the first column, drag the mouse pointer to
the last column, then release the mouse button.
> To select multiple rows:
Click in the first data entry field in the first row, hold SHIFT while clicking in the last
data entry field in the last row.
> To select multiple rows using grid row numbers:
Click and hold on the grid row number of the first row, drag the mouse pointer down to
the grid number of the last row, then release the mouse button.

Note: Displaying grid row numbers is optional. See “Setting Data Entry Options” on
page 68.

> To select a block of data items:

Click and hold in the first data entry field in the first row and column, drag the mouse
pointer to the last item in the last row and column, then release the mouse button.
64 System Manager

Transferring Data
Solomon’s cut, copy, and paste features give you powerful capabilities for transferring
data items from one Solomon screen to another or to other Windows applications, such
as spreadsheets or databases.

Example: You can copy account numbers and descriptions from Chart of Accounts
Maintenance (01.260.00) in the General Ledger module to a Microsoft® Excel
spreadsheet.

Solomon will not copy values from key fields into other Solomon screens. Key fields
include:
• Solomon-generated numbers used to uniquely identify batches, documents, and
transactions within the database.
• Unique identification codes of entities, such as vendors, customers, or inventory
items.
• Date and balance information maintained by Solomon, such as last voucher date,
or current customer balance.

Transferring a Single Data Item

To transfer data to another Windows application, use that application’s Paste function.
To transfer data from another Windows application to Solomon, use that application’s
Cut or Copy function. To facilitate transfer to the Solomon, edit or format the data
items, if necessary.
> To transfer a single data item:
1. Click in the field that contains the data item.
2. Cut or copy the data item.
• To copy, choose Edit | Copy or press CTRL+C.
• To cut, choose Edit | Cut or press CTRL+X.
3. Click in the field at the new location.
4. Choose Edit | Paste or press CTRL+V.
 Entering and Editing Data 65

Transferring Multiple Data Items

When transferring multiple data items, you can control the order in which the items are
cut, copied, and pasted. You can paste data items in a completely different order from
the order they were cut or copied.
> To cut or copy multiple data items:
1. Hold the CTRL key while selecting the data items. As each item is selected, a
number appears in the field indicating the selection order.
2. Cut or copy the data items.
> To paste the data items in the same order they were copied:
1. Click anywhere in the first field.
2. Paste the data items
> To paste the items in a different order than they were copied:
1. Hold CTRL while selecting the fields. A number appears in the fields indicating
the order in which Solomon will paste the data items.
2. Paste the data items.

Pasting Data in Grid or Form View

Solomon pastes data starting at the insertion point. So Solomon does not write over
existing data, click in the first column of the first empty line before pasting.
To paste data without writing over existing data, use Edit | Insert rows + Paste. The
number of lines Solomon inserts before the current line depends on the number of lines
that were cut or copied.
> To paste data in grid or form view:
1. Click in the first column of the first blank line.
2. Paste the data items.
> To insert blank lines before pasting in grid or form view:
1. Place the insertion point in the first column of the line before which to paste the
lines that were cut or copied.
2. Choose Edit | Insert rows + Paste from the menu bar. Solomon inserts blank lines
ahead of the current line and pastes the lines that were cut or copied.
66 System Manager

Undoing a Paste Operation

Undo the paste operation if the data is pasted in the wrong location. The data cut or
copied remains in the Clipboard. Select the fields in the correct order and paste the data
again.
> To undo a paste operation:
Choose Edit | Undo Paste from the menu bar or press CTRL+Z.

Clearing a Selection Before Pasting

If the order of the selected fields in which to paste data is incorrect, use the Clear
Selection function to clear the selection tags. Select the fields in the correct order and
paste the data.
Any data in the field is deleted also. Do not use this option to clear the selection before
copying the data. Only use this option when pasting data into fields.
> To clear a selection:
Choose Edit | Clear selection. Solomon clears the selection tags from the selected fields.

Copying an Entire Screen or Screen Section

To copy the entire contents of a Solomon screen or a major portion of a screen, use the
Copy Special feature. If you use Copy Special to copy values to another Solomon
screen, Solomon pastes only non-key information.
> To copy an entire screen or screen section:
1. Access the Solomon screen.
2. Access the data record containing the data items.
3. Select Edit | Copy Special. The Copy Special dialog box displays showing the
current screen name and number.

Figure 42: Copy Special Dialog Box

4. Select a select-and-copy option from the Section drop-down list.

 Entering and Editing Data 67

5. Deselect Include Lower Levels to exclude data items at the lower hierarchical level.

Example: On Voucher and Adjustment Entry (03.010.00), if you want to copy a

batch’s information, such as status, batch control or amount, but none of its
voucher information or transaction details, select Batch from the Section drop-
down list and deselect Include Lower Levels. When Solomon copies the data items,
it copies batch information only because the voucher information and transaction
details are at a lower level and are not copied.

6. Access the screen into which you want to paste the data items.
7. If the screen requires a reference number or identification code, enter an
appropriate reference number or identification code.

Note: In some cases, such as when pasting voucher details into a new voucher,
Solomon assigns a reference number to the new voucher when you save its record.
In other cases, such as pasting vendor details to a new vendor record, enter the ID
of the entity, in this case the vendor ID, before pasting the data items.

8. Select the data entry fields into which you want to copy the data items.
• To paste the data items in the same order they were copied, place the insertion
point in the first data entry field.
• To paste the data items in a different order, press and hold CTRL while you
select the fields.
9. Select Edit | Paste or press CTRL+V.

Deleting a Data Record

Use Delete to delete a data record from the Solomon database. Use the
delete function with caution. Deleting records can break the audit trail.
> To delete a data record:
1. Display the data record to delete.
2. Click Delete on the toolbar, select Edit | Delete, or press CTRL+D.
68 System Manager

Setting Data Entry Options

The Options menu contains a few options to customize data entry. These options are
connected to your user ID so they apply only to your session.

Note: To avoid entering extraneous tabs, deselect Enter key = Tab key when using Event
Procedures (91.251.00) in the Customization Manager module. Pressing Enter
should create a new line.

> To set data entry options:

1. Choose Option. The Option menu opens showing the available data entry options.
2. Select the options. A checkmark appears next to a selected option.
• Initialize Mode. Places Solomon into Initialize mode, which starts all data
entry in the module at the current date
• Enter key = Tab key. Sets the Enter key to perform the same as the TAB key
• Save Settings on Exit. Saves any changes you made to a Solomon screen,
such as sizing the window or columns in grid view, so they become the
default settings for the screen
• Show Grid Lines. Displays horizontal and vertical lines around the fields in
grid view
• Show Grid Row Numbers. Displays the row numbers in grid view
• Cancel Prompt. Displays a dialog box to confirm cancellation when clicking
Cancel during data entry
3. Choose Options Save to save your selections.
 Using Solomon Templates 69

Using Solomon Templates

Overview
The Using Solomon Templates section provides information for creating and using
templates. These basic tasks include:
• Creating a Screen Template
• Building Formulas
• Using a Screen Template
• Modifying a Screen Template
• Creating and Using Report Templates
• Deleting a Template

What is a Template?
A template is a set of data copied from a screen or report. You save this data so that
you can use it later with the same screen or report. The template data may include
document and transaction details of a batch or sorting and printing options of a report.
Templates are useful for repetitive tasks such as:
• Issuing the same order to several different vendors.
• Using the same default tax information for a large number of customers.
• Generating a report with complex sort/select and printing options, and using these
parameters for future generations of the same report.
Templates are attached to the screen or report from which they were created. A
template created from Journal Transactions (01.010.00) is available to that screen
only.
Templates can be private or public. A private template is available only to the user who
created the template. A public template is available to all users.

The Template Function

The Template function in Solomon creates a new template from selections you have
made or data items you have entered in the current screen. When you need the same
screen data or report parameters again, select the desired template, and Solomon copies
the information from the template to the specified destination.
70 System Manager

Creating a Screen Template

Any public or private template associated with a specific Solomon screen is exclusive
to that screen. In other words, you cannot create a template in one Solomon screen and
use that template in another. When you are using a specific Solomon screen and you
access Template (98.230.00), the only template IDs displayed in Template ID are the
IDs of templates created for the current Solomon screen.
> To create a screen template:
1. Choose Module and select a Solomon module. The module menu for the selected
module displays.
2. Select Screens. The list of screens in the selected module displays.
3. Select the screen to associate with the template.
4. Type the information in the fields to include in the template or use the information
of an existing data record.
5. Define any formulas for dates and periods. See “Building Formulas” on page 72.
6. Choose Edit | Template. Template (98.230.00) displays showing the screen name
and number in Screen.

Figure 43: Template (98.230.00)

7. Type the identification code of the new screen template in Template ID.
8. Type a description of the screen template in Description.
9. Select either Private or Public from the Visibility drop-down list.
10. Select the appropriate template data option from the Section drop-down list. All
and Selected always appear on the list. Additional options vary depending on the
function of the screen.
 Using Solomon Templates 71

11. Select Load lower levels to include levels of data at a lower hierarchy. This option
is available only for the All and Selected values in Section.

Example: To include only a batch’s status information on Voucher and Adjustment

Entry (03.010.00), choose Batch in Section and deselect Load lower levels. When
Solomon creates the template, it includes batch information only.

Example: To create a template that includes a batch’s voucher information and

transaction details, choose Document in Section and select Load lower levels.
When Solomon creates the template, it includes both the voucher information and
its related transaction details.

12. Click Save.

72 System Manager

Building Formulas
Solomon templates include time information, such as fiscal periods and years, and
document and transaction dates. Fiscal periods and dates can be either absolute or
relative.
• An absolute date or period is a specific value. Any changes to an absolute date or
period are manual.
• A relative date or period is a calculated value. Solomon calculates the date and
period based on the defined formula.

Example: You create a template for a lengthy set of journal transactions on 10/15/98
and decide that you want to use the same set of transactions for a 10/29/98 transaction
batch. If you set the date in the template to an absolute value of 10/15/98, you have to
change the date manually to 10/29/98. If you set the dates in the journal transaction
entries relative to the current system date, Solomon automatically changes the dates of
all transactions to 10/29/98.

To build a formula, use the relative setting. You can create period and date formulas in
templates that:
• Use the current period and date. Current is the default period and date setting for
Solomon templates.

Example: If you create a template on 10/15/97 but use it on 10/20/97, Solomon

enters 10/20/97 in the screen.

• Enter periods or dates that are a specific number of periods or dates removed from
the current period or date. Solomon supports both future and prior periods and
dates.

Example: You create a template in period 07-1997 that always calculates a period
number two periods ahead of the current period. When you use the template in
period 08-1997, Solomon enters 10-1997 as the period number.

• Use a combination of relative and absolute values for periods and dates.

Example: You create a template in period 10-1997 with a transaction date formula
that uses a relative value for the month and year but an absolute value of 15 for the
day. If you use the template on 11/11/97, Solomon enters 11/15/97 for all
transaction dates.
 Using Solomon Templates 73

Defining a Fiscal Period Formula

When creating a screen template, a fiscal period is a specific month and year. When
creating a report template, the fiscal period is a range of months.
> To define a fiscal period formula:
1. Place the cursor in the appropriate period field and press F2. Relative Period
(98.250.00) displays.

Figure 44: Relative Period (98.250.00)

2. Select either Relative or Absolute from the Month and Year drop-down lists.
3. Click the up or down arrows to the right of Month and Year to select the relative or
absolute values.
4. Type a period/year number in Current to test the formula. The period/year
displayed in Result should increase or decrease as defined in the formula.
5. Click OK.
74 System Manager

Defining a Date Formula

Several types of date fields appear on data entry screens. On reports, the date
represents the date on which the report prints.
> To define a date formula:
1. Place the cursor in the appropriate date field and press F2. Relative Date
(98.240.00) displays.

Figure 45: Relative Date (98.240.00)

2. Select either Relative or Absolute from the Day, Month, and Year drop-down lists.
3. Click the up or down arrows to the right of Day, Month, and Year to select the
relative or absolute values.
4. Type a period/year number in Today to test the formula. The period/year displayed
in Result should increase or decrease as defined in the formula.
5. Click OK.
 Using Solomon Templates 75

Using a Screen Template

Use a screen template to insert data, such as document information and transaction
details, from a Solomon template into a Solomon screen.
Templates can insert almost any information into a screen. However, certain data
items, known as key Solomon fields, are not included as part of a template’s
information, because including them could result in duplicate records. These key
Solomon fields include:
• The Solomon-generated numbers used to uniquely identify batches, documents,
and transactions within the database
• Entity information including vendors, customers, and inventory items
Solomon pastes any non-key information from the template into the screen and
supplies the key-field data items when you save the new record to the database.

Example: If you use a voucher template in Voucher and Adjustment Entry (03.010.00)
to insert information into a new voucher being added to the same batch, Solomon does
not include a reference number as part of the information until the record is saved.

> To use a screen template:

1. Display the Solomon data entry screen.
2. Choose Edit | Template. Template (98.230.00) displays.
3. Type the template ID in Template ID. The description of the template appears in
Description.
4. Click Paste to load the template information into the current screen.

Modifying a Screen Template

Modify a screen template whenever any information changes. The changes take effect
the next time the template is loaded.
> To modify a screen template:
1. Display the Solomon data entry screen associated with the template.
2. Select Edit | Template. Template (98.230.00) displays.
3. Type the template ID in Template ID.
4. Click Paste to load the template information into the current screen.
5. Make changes on the screen.
6. Select Edit/Template 98.230.
7. Type the Template ID.
8. Click Save.
76 System Manager

Creating and Using Report Templates

To create a report template, define the report and save the settings as a template. See
“Generating Reports” on page 77.

Deleting a Template
> To delete a template:
1. Display the Solomon screen or report associated with the template.
2. Select Edit | Template. Template (98.230.00) displays.
3. Type the template ID in Template ID.
4. Click Delete on the template form, and then click Yes to confirm the deletion.
 Generating Reports 77

Generating Reports

Overview
The Generating Reports section provides general information for generating standard
system and financial reports. The basic tasks include:
• Setting Up the Default Printer
• Creating a Report
• Printing a Report
• Saving a Report Template
• Using Report Templates

Standard Reports
Each Solomon module has a set of standard reports. To modify the standard reports,
choose a report format, select a date range, sort fields, select values to include in the
report, or include a cover page. Some standard reports also have a special set of
options. For more detailed information about each report, see the individual module
online help or user guide.

Report Templates
After creating a report, save the selected report options as a template to use at a later
time. The template contains all the report settings to use to create the report using the
latest available data. See “Using Report Templates” on page 89 for more information
about templates.
78 System Manager

Setting Up the Default Printer

Before printing reports, forms, or labels, set up the default printer settings for the entire
Solomon system. Default printing options include the print destination, the font in
which all information is printed, and the orientation of the information on the printed
page.
When printing an individual report, you can override the default printer settings.
For more information, see the Microsoft® Business Solutions–Solomon Reporting
Guide.
> To set up the default printer:
1. Choose File | Printer Setup from the Solomon toolbar. Printer Options (98.220.00)
displays.

Figure 46: Printer Options (98.220.00)

2. Click Setup. The Print Setup dialog box displays.

Figure 47: Print Setup Dialog Box

3. Select the printer to use as the default printer, if necessary.

4. Select the paper size, the source of the paper, and orientation.
 Generating Reports 79

5. Click Properties, if available, and define any advanced printer properties. See the
printer documentation for more information about the options that display.
6. Click OK on each dialog box that you use, to return to Printer Options (98.220.00).
7. Click Fonts. The Font dialog box displays.

Figure 48: Font dialog

8. Define the default report font, font style, and font size. Click OK to accept your
settings and return to Printer Options (98.220.00).
9. Select Save as Default.
10. Click Ok to close Printer Options (98.220.00).
80 System Manager

Creating a Report
Upon selection of a Solomon report from a module menu, a screen of options
associated with that report appears. Use these options to define the information to
include on the report.
Every report in Solomon has its own set of tabs to customize the report. Some tabs may
appear differently than the tabs shown in this section. For information about a specific
report, see that module’s online help or user guide.
To create a Solomon report, select a report format, specify a fiscal period to print,
specify a sort order, select values to print, set any options, and define the cover page.
For more information, see the Microsoft Business Solutions–Solomon Reporting
Guide.
> To create a report:
1. Open the Solomon Module menu and select a module. See “Using Module Menus”
on page 43.
2. Select Reports, to display the available standard reports for this Solomon module.
3. Choose the report to print. The Report tab for the selected report displays.

Figure 49: Sample of a Report tab

4. Select a format from the Report Format drop-down list.

5. Type the date to appear on the report in Report Date. Today’s date is the default.
To create a date formula, press F2. See “Defining a Date Formula” on page 74.
6. Type the beginning and ending fiscal period in Beg/End Period. To create a period
formula, press F2. See “Defining a Fiscal Period Formula” on page 73.
 Generating Reports 81

7. Type the page range to print in Beg/End Page Nbr.

8. Type the number of copies to print in Copies.
9. Select Print Notes to print notes attached to data items. See “Attaching Notes to
Data Items” on page 59. This checkbox is disabled if there are no notes fields on
the specified report.
10. If present, select Print Mask to print any selection criteria. See “Selecting Values”
on page 82. The selection criteria automatically print on the cover page, if
selected. See “Printing a Cover Page” on page 85.

Specifying Sort Order

Solomon prints fields on the report in columns in a default order. To specify a specific
sort order, select the fields to sort on in the order Solomon should sort them and
specify whether the fields are sorted in ascending or descending order. To control how
the report prints, specify whether a page break or a total report break occurs when the
value of a field changes.

Example: By default, Solomon sorts the Customer Trial Balance report in the Accounts
Receivable module first on subaccount number, second on customer ID, third on
reference number, and fourth on transaction date. To sort the report first by customer
ID, select CustID as the first field to sort.
82 System Manager

> To specify the sort order:

1. Click the Sort tab. The Sort tab for the selected report appears.

Figure 50: Sample of a Sort tab in grid view

2. Type a field name in Field.

3. Select Group Field or Sort Field in Sort Type.
4. Select Sort Ascending to sort a column of data in ascending order.
5. Select Page Break to insert a page break when the value in a field changes.
6. Select Total Break to insert a total report break when the value in the field changes.
7. Select a field name and use the Up and Down buttons to move its row up or down.
8. If you have made changes that you do not want to apply, click Reset. This restores
grouping and sorting criteria from the report.
9. To apply your changes for this specific report generation, click Apply.

Selecting Values
To further control the contents of the report, select specific values to print, such as
customer ID 349 or account numbers 100010 through 100050. By default Solomon
prints all values in the report fields.
To select specific values, select an operator, type a value or range of values, and select
a standard Boolean expression. The completed expression is also called a “selection
mask.”

Example: To print only accounts 100010 through 100050, choose the BETWEEN
operator, type the range 100010,100050 and choose the AND Boolean expression.
 Generating Reports 83

> To select values:

1. Click the Select tab.

Figure 51: Sample of a Select tab in grid view

2. Type a field name in Field. Or press F3 to select from a list of Possible Values.
3. Select a standard operator from the Operator drop-down list.
4. Type the value or range of values in Value. For a range of values, separate the
values with a comma.

Note:
• When using operators like Between that require more than one report select
value at Value, type a semicolon between the values (for example, 1010;2020).
• Use wildcards in the Value field to select ranges of values. See “Using
Wildcards” on page 84.
5. If defining a range, select either AND or OR from the Boolean drop-down list.
6. If present, click View Selections to check the selection criteria.
84 System Manager

Using Wildcards
Use wildcards in the Value field to select ranges of values. Wildcards include the
asterisk (*) and the question mark (?).

Example: To select all account numbers with a 1 in the first character position and a 2
in the third character position use the wildcards 1*2*, 1?2? or 1*2? in the Value field.

Setting Options
Some reports have options. If a report does not have options, the tab is unavailable. See
the module’s online help or user guide for more information about the specific report
options.
> To set options:
1. Click the Options tab. The Options tab for the selected report displays.

Figure 52: Sample Options tab

2. Set the options as needed.

 Generating Reports 85

Printing a Cover Page

Print a cover page as an introduction to the report, providing a summary of the report’s
content, selection criteria, and sort order. A cover page may also contain any user-
defined comments entered on the Cover Page tab prior to printing the report. The
information entered in the Sort and Select tabs automatically prints on the cover page.
> To print a cover page:
1. Click the Cover Page tab. The Cover Page tab for the selected report displays.

Figure 53: Sample Cover Page tab

2. Select Print Cover Page to print a cover page.

3. Type the text to print on the cover page in the Description text box. The text prints
on the cover page in addition to the sort and selection criteria.

Selecting Companies
If using Multi-Company and there are multiple companies set up in the current
application database, the Company tab is enabled and the report can include
information from more than one company. By default the report will be printed from
the current company.
> To print a report against multiple companies:
1. Click the Company Selection tab.
2. Select in the grid the companies to be included in the report.
86 System Manager

Printing a Report
After defining the report, print the report from any tab. By default, Solomon prints the
report based on the default printer setup. Preview the report before printing to verify
that it will print as desired. To choose a different printer orientation or font to fit the
report on the page, override the default printer setup.

Note: The printing defaults may be set using the [Print Default] section of the
Solomon.ini file. For more information, see “Appendix A – Solomon.ini Settings” on
page 223.

> To override the default printer setup:

Click Printer Options. Change the default printer setup or choose a different printer.
See “Setting Up the Default Printer” on page 78.
> To preview the report:
Click Print Preview to view the report as it will print. The first page of the report
displays.

Figure 54: Print Preview Showing First Page of the Report

> To print the current Solomon report:

Click Print.
 Generating Reports 87

Saving a Report Template

After creating a report, save the report definition as a template for use at a later time. A
template is a set of data, such as the printing and sorting options of a report, that is
saved for later use with a Solomon report. See “Using Solomon Templates” on page 69
for more information on templates.
To print the report next time, load the template and print. Solomon pulls new data into
the report template from the current database.
To enhance report generation, include date and fiscal period formulas when setting up
templates. See “Building Formulas” on page 72 for information on including formulas
in templates.
> To save the template:
1. Click the Template tab. The Template tab for the selected report displays.

Figure 55: Sample Template tab in grid view

2. From the Template tab of the selected report, click Save Template. Save Template
(98.600.01) displays.

Figure 56: Save Template (98.600.01)

88 System Manager

3. Type a template ID in Template ID.

4. Type a description of the template in Description.
5. Select Public to make the template available to all users. Otherwise the template is
only accessible by the user who created it.
6. Select Save Current Printer settings with the Template to avoid choosing the
template printer’s settings each time you print the template.
7. Click OK.
 Generating Reports 89

Using Report Templates

A template is a set of data, such as the printing and sorting options of a report, that is
saved for later use with a Solomon report. To use a report template, load the template
and print the report. Solomon uses the report definition in the template and pulls new
data from the current database to create the report.
> To use a template:
1. Click the Template tab. The Template tab for the selected report displays.

Figure 57: Sample Template tab in grid view

2. Highlight the template ID to use.

3. Click Load Template.
4. Make any changes to the report, if necessary.
5. Click Print.
90 System Manager

Maintaining Report Control Records

When printing a report in Solomon, whether from the menu or from within code, a
surrogate program called the Report Options Interpreter (ROI.EXE or ROI) is called
and this program actually launches the Crystal Reports printing engine to print the
report. The ROI provides a common interface for all reports, allowing the user to make
many different choices that affect exactly how a given report will ultimately appear.
Each report can have a different set of options, formats, etc. when the ROI is run.
Which options, formats, etc. will be displayed is determined by a record from a
Solomon system table called RPTCONTROL. There must be a record in this table for
all reports printed from Solomon.
Report Control Maintenance (98.300.00) allows many different options of the ROI to
be set for a given report. At a minimum, at least one report format must be defined for
each report number. The report format consists of a description of the format and the
name of the actual Crystal Reports definition file that generates that report format.
For more information, see the Microsoft® Business Solutions–Solomon Reporting
Guide.

Note: Many of the functional settings for the ROI may be set using the [Reports]
section of the Solomon.ini file. For more information, see “Appendix A – Solomon.ini
Settings” on page 223.

> To maintain report control records in Report Control Maintenance (98.300.00):

1. From the Solomon menu, choose Utility | Report Control. Report Control
Maintenance (98.300.00) displays.
2. If you are creating a new report, type a report number in Report Number. To select
an existing report, Press F3 to open a Possible Values (PV) window listing all
available report numbers to choose from. Select a report number and click OK.
3. In Report Format Name, type a name for the first report format. You may also
change the name if this is an existing report.
4. In Report Format, type a Crystal Reports definition file for the first report format.
This is the report file name without the .rpt extension.
5. To view, create, or modify report-specific runtime options for this report, click
Custom Fields. Custom Fields (98.300.01) displays.
• To create prompts for text fields that the user can enter values into, type them
in Custom String Field Captions.
• To create prompts for checkbox options that the user can choose to turn on or
off, type them in Custom Logical Field Captions.
• To accept Custom Fields changes and return to Report Control Maintenance
(98.300.00), click OK.
 Generating Reports 91

6. To view, create, or modify report processing options, click Control Options.

Control Options (98.300.03) displays.
• In Report Date Caption, specify the value that prompts for report date.
• In Pre-Process Name, type the name of the pre-process stored procedure or
VBTools application, if any.
• In Post-Process Name, type the name of the post-process stored procedure or
VBTools application, if any.
• In Data Source, choose the name of the Solomon database type where the data
for this report resides.
• If cover pages are not to be allowed for this report, select Disable Banner
Prompt. This disables the Cover Page tab on the ROI screen.
• If multiple copies are allowed to be created for this report, select Allow
Multiple Copies. This enables the Copies text box on the ROI Report tab.
• If data for this report is to be taken from multiple companies, select Multi-
Company Selection Allowed. This enables the Company Selection tab on the
ROI screen.
• Select an option from Reporting Period Prompt: No Period Number, Period to
Report, or Beg/End Period to Report. Selecting No Period disables the next
two options.
• If the default period value is to be taken from a Solomon setup record, select
the one you want in Default Period From, or select None.
• In Period Field Name, enter the name of the field in the database where the
default period value is stored. Use the format table.field.
• If this report is to be printed on special forms rather than plain paper, select
Print on Special Forms. Selecting this option enables the next two options.
• If the report should have account and subaccount values displayed, select
Display Acct/Sub Fields.
• In Document Number Caption, type in text that will identify the type and
number of documents being created by this report.
• To accept control option changes and return to Report Control Maintenance
(98.300.00), click OK.
7. Assign additional report format names and definitions as desired.
8. Save the record.
9. Close the screen.
10. Run the report from the menu to verify the results.
92 System Manager
 Maintaining Solomon 93

Maintaining Solomon

Overview
The Maintaining Solomon section provides information and procedures for performing
maintenance tasks and troubleshooting the system. These basic tasks include:
• Looking Up Active Users
• Backing Up Databases
• Validating and Repairing Databases
• Updating the Databases
• Viewing the Solomon Event Log
• Setting Solomon Event Log Options

Maintaining Databases
The system and application databases should be backed up routinely. In case of system
failures, a current back up of the databases is needed to restore the system.
Periodically, Solomon issues software updates that include changes to the database
structure. To add the new changes to the system, update the system database.

Troubleshooting Solomon
The Solomon Event Log records actions taken by each user, such as opening a
database, changing a record, or deleting a data item.
94 System Manager

Looking Up Active Users

On occasion, you may need to locate users currently signed on to the Solomon system.
The information displayed on users includes: name, database and screens they are
using, and how to contact them.
Being able to communicate with other Solomon users quickly and efficiently is helpful
in emergency situations when performing system-wide operations, such as backing up
a database.
> To look up a list of active users:
Choose File | Active Users. Active Users (98.210.00) displays showing a list of all the
users currently active on the system.

Figure 58: Active Users (98.210.00)

 Maintaining Solomon 95

Backing Up Databases
Backing up the Solomon database is one of the most critical aspects of ensuring the
integrity of your computerized accounting information. Even a small business cannot
survive the loss of its database, especially when it comes to accounting records.
Database backup is not an option; it is a requirement and is always a vital part of the
data processing responsibilities of any organization. Even the best hard disk fails
eventually.
Backing up the Solomon program files is not necessary. It is often simpler to re-install
all or part of the program files from the Solomon CD.

Backing Up the System Database

The system database contains Solomon user information, access rights, customization
files, registration information, and the Solomon system tables. Back up the system
database after updating the database with new information, such as adding a new user.
A current backup of the system database is needed to rebuild the Solomon system.

Backing Up the Application Database

The application database contains several data directories that contain the records that
are added and modified every day. Use the Microsoft® SQL Server™ Edition Back Up
Utility to back up system and application databases and transactions at least once a
week.

Validating and Repairing Databases

Microsoft SQL Server Edition provides the DBCC utility, which provides several
options for validating and repairing databases. See the Microsoft SQL Server Edition
documentation or Books On-Line for further information on this utility.
96 System Manager

Updating the Databases

Periodically, Microsoft Business Solutions issues a software update that includes
changes to the database structure, such as changes to system messages and possible
values. To add the new database structure to the current version of Solomon, update the
system and application databases.
Updating the system and application databases may take a long time. Plan to run the
update either overnight or over a weekend.
> To update the databases:
1. Make sure every user is logged off Solomon. See “Looking Up Active Users” on
page 94.
2. Make a backup of the system database. See “Backing Up the System Database” on
page 95.
3. Sign on to the system database to update. See “Signing On to Solomon” on
page 32.
4. Choose Utility | DB Update. Database Update (DB.UPD.ATE) displays.

Figure 59: Database Update (DB.UPD.ATE)

5. Highlight the files to update or add to the current Solomon system database.
6. Click Begin Processing. Solomon updates the system database and all associated
application databases.
 Maintaining Solomon 97

Importing Messages and Possible Values Lists

If Solomon issues changes to just system messages and possible values list, import the
new lists rather than updating the databases to save time.
> To import messages and possible values lists:
1. Choose Utility | Possible Values Import. Possible Values Import (PV.REC)
displays.

Figure 60: Possible Values Import (PV.REC)

2. Click Enter file name. The Specify Import File dialog box displays.
3. Highlight the file or files to import: messages (messages.csv) and/or possible
values (pvrec.csv).
4. Click Open. Possible Values Import (PV.REC) displays with the selected file
names.
5. Click Begin Process. During processing, Possible Values Import (PV.REC)
displays the number of records that are being added to the database. Follow the
prompts to overwrite existing files.
6. Click OK after processing completes.
98 System Manager

Viewing the Solomon Event Log

An event is a statement summarizing the completion of a process, such as deleting a
data item or closing a module. Solomon records these events in the Event Log. Use the
Event log to help troubleshoot problems.
> To look at the Event Log:
1. Choose Utility | Event Log Viewer. Event Log Viewer (95.290.00) displays.

Figure 61: Event Log Viewer (95.290.00)

2. Highlight the process ID of the event to view.

 Maintaining Solomon 99

3. Click View. Event Log Viewer (95.290.01) displays.

Figure 62: Event Log Viewer (95.290.01)

4. Click OK. Event Log Viewer (95.290.00) displays.

5. Optionally, select Delete to delete the event.
6. Close the window and click Yes when prompted to save.
100 System Manager

Setting Solomon Event Log Options

In addition to process information, Solomon can also record fatal errors and the details
of database calls in the Event Log. Process information is recorded by default.
> To set the Event Log Options:
1. Choose Utility | Event Log Options. Event Log Options displays.

Figure 63: Event Log Options

2. Select Fatal Diagnostics to include information about fatal errors in the log.
3. Select Recoverable Error Diagnostics to include information about recoverable
errors in the log.
4. Select Database Calls to include database calls in the log.
5. In the Data Entry Keystrokes area, select whether or not to include keystrokes in
the error log and the maximum number of keystrokes to include.
6. Click OK.
 Importing Transaction Data 101

Importing Transaction Data

Overview
The Importing Transaction Data section provides information and procedures for
importing data into a Solomon database. These basic tasks include:
• Editing Transaction Import Data Files
• Creating and Working with Transaction Import Control Files
• Starting the Transaction Import Process
• Viewing Transaction Import Log Files

Transaction Import
Transaction Import offers a powerful, yet flexible, way to import data into a Solomon
database. Transaction Import interfaces external systems with Solomon. For instance,
assume a company has a branch office that generates sales orders, but records those
orders in a system other than Solomon. The main office can use Transaction Import to
bring those sales records into Solomon.
Transaction Import accomplishes this action by reading the source information from a
data file. It processes the lines in that file according to the instructions contained in a
control file, then places the imported information into Solomon applications.
Transaction Import supports additions, deletions, and updates to any records entered
into a Solomon application.
Transaction Import validates all imported data. For instance, Solomon must recognize
a customer ID imported from a data file as a valid customer ID. The process also
maintains full logical data integrity. That is, Solomon must recognize as valid all the
inventory items on a sales order or it refuses to import the record.
Transaction Import sends the data it imports to specific Solomon data entry screens. To
Solomon, the end data appears just as if entered manually. With the exception of Data
Import and some System Manager screens, Transaction Import can send data into
every screen available in Solomon. Transaction Import also supports all customized
Solomon screens, Solomon Tools for Visual Basic applications, and multiple
languages. Additionally, multiple instances of Transaction Import can run on the same
workstation at the same time.
Transaction Import makes use of two types of files:
• Data files that contain header and detail information about the source records
• Control files that instruct Transaction Import how to handle the information found
in the data file
Both of these files come in two forms: simple and intelligent.
102 System Manager

Simple Form Data Files

Simple data form files contain:
• The data’s destination screen in Solomon.
• The type of transaction: change, insertion, or deletion.
• Which information serves as key fields.
• The actual data.
• Comments.
See “Simple Form Data File Syntax” on page 106 for details on the contents and
syntax of simple form data files, as well as examples of them.
Simple form data files have some limitations:
• The comma (,) is the only supported field separator.
• The double quote (") is the only supported field delimiter.
• The first field in a line of data must contain the key fields for the level.
• The arrangement of fields in the data file must match that of the object names in
the simple form control file.
• Limited multiple language support. Words from a different language cannot
substitute for the words Change, Delete, Insert, and Comment.

Intelligent Form Data Files

Intelligent form data files support all the features of simple form data files, plus several
others for greater flexibility:
• Fields can be arranged in any order.
• Files have greater self-documenting capabilities.
• Other characters can substitute for the default separator, delimiter, and comment
characters.
• Words from multiple languages can substitute for the words Change, Delete,
Insert, and Comment.
See “Intelligent Form Transaction Import Control Files” on page 117 for details on the
contents and syntax of intelligent form data files, and examples of them.
 Importing Transaction Data 103

Simple Form Control Files

Simple form control files consist of a list of object names. The order of these object
names must correspond to the order of the data field values in the associated data file.
Each line in the simple form control file specifies all the object names included on the
screen into which the simple form data file’s information flows. Lines can consist of a
maximum of 1,020 characters.
Simple form control files have limitations:
• The Transaction Import process cannot perform deletes.
• The process cannot make use of Basic Script Language (BSL) code.
• The comma (,) is the only supported field separator.
See “Simple Control File Syntax” on page 115 for details on the contents and syntax of
simple form control files, as well as examples of them.

Intelligent Form Control Files

Intelligent form control files consist of a Basic Script Language (BSL) subroutine
definition called Process Import Line. Each line of the associated intelligent form data
file calls for this subroutine.
The subroutine contains SetObjectValue calls and, in conjunction with the ImportField
function, imports the specified column of data into a particular object in the application
screen.
There are two optional BSL subroutines that can also be part of an intelligent form
control file — ButtonLevelChange and ButtonFormChange. Both contain
SetObjectValue calls to execute the button click events.
See “Sample Intelligent Control Files” on page 120 for examples of Intelligent Form
Control Files.
104 System Manager

Editing Transaction Import Data Files

Create ASCII data files for Transaction Import operations using the applications which
currently store the source information.
> To view or edit a Transaction Import data file:
1. Choose Utility | Transaction Import. Transaction Import (98.500.00) displays.

Figure 64: Transaction Import (98.500.00)

2. Place the cursor in Data File Name containing the name of the data file you want to
view or edit or type the name in a blank Data File Name.
 Importing Transaction Data 105

3. Click Edit Errors. Import File Edit displays showing the log file generated during
the last Transaction Import process and the specified data file.

Figure 65: Import File Edit

4. Use the scroll bars to view various portions of the file. The line and column
numbers of the cursor’s current location in the data file display in Line and
Column.
To jump to a specific location in the data file, type the desired line and column
numbers in Line and Column, and then press TAB. The cursor goes to the location
you specified.
5. Edit the file, then do one of the following:
• Choose File | Save Data File to save the data file with its current name.
• Choose File | Save Data File as to save the data file with a new name.
6. Click Print Data File or choose File | Print Data File to print the data file on the
default system printer.
7. Click OK. Transaction Import (98.500.00) displays.
106 System Manager

Simple Form Data File Syntax

Solomon ignores white space (spaces, tabs, etc.) between fields and separators, unless
within a set of delimiters.
Sample syntax:
LEVEL, KEY1,KEY2, ... KEYn, VALUE1, VALUE2, ... VALUEn<CR><LF>
or:
"LEVEL[,TRANTYPE]", KEY1,KEY2, ... KEYn, VALUE1, VALUE2, ...
VALUEn<CR><LF>
or:
COMMENT here goes a comment
or:
‘ this is also a comment line

LEVEL
Tells Transaction Import the source data’s destination Solomon application screen
level.
• Uses the form LEVELn where n is a number from 0 to 9.
• The level identifier must be the first field on every data line.
“LEVEL,[TRANTYPE]”
A level identifier-transaction type combination; required to update or delete a specific
item; if not specified, Transaction Import assumes Insert.
Valid Transaction Types
• Change — Updates an existing record.
• Insert — Adds a new record; updates an existing record; the default value when
no other is specified.
• Delete — Deletes an existing record.
• Processed — Skips the line because it has already been processed.
KEY1,KEY2, ...KEYn
The key fields for a specified level (LEVEL) of an application; when a key (KEY)
object is populated, other objects are set to default values to prevent non-key data from
changing when populating key objects; values must be first in the data line to eliminate
unexpected data changes.
VALUE1, VALUE2, ...VALUEn
Field values for the level.
, (Comma)
The only field separator supported in simple form data files.
 Importing Transaction Data 107

" (Double Quote)

The only field delimiter supported in simple form data files; required only if a comma
is in the field data; to include a double quote as part of the data, put two quotes in the
field itself (" ").
' (Single Quote)
Treated as a comment line and not processed as data.
Comment
Treated as a comment line and not processed as data.
<blank line>
Treated as a comment line and not processed as data.
<CR><LF>
Carriage return followed by a linefeed; the end-of-line characters.

Limitations of the Simple Form Data File

• Multiple language support limited; Change, Delete, Insert, and Comment cannot
interchange with words from a different language.
• Fields in the data file must be arranged in the same order as object names in the
associated simple form control file.
• The key fields for a level must be the first field in a line of data.
• Maximum data line length is 1,020 characters.

Sample Simple Data Files/Lines

Sample One
This sample is for a screen with one level of objects. In this sample:
• Lines 1 and 2 tell Transaction Import to insert accounts 1010 and 1020.
• Line 3 tells Transaction Import to delete account 1030. Note that if account 1030
does not exist, an error is reported in the event log.
• Line 3 uses a TRANTYPE, so it must use double quotes around the level
identifier.
Line
1 Level0,"1010","Account 1010 Description","1A", "Y"
2 Level0,"1020","Account 1020 Description","1A", "Y"
3 "Level0,Delete","1030"
108 System Manager

Sample Two
This sample is for an application with three levels of objects. In this sample:
• The levels are not always sequential.
• The first and second lines have a field set to " ", which tells Transaction Import to
leave the field contents as defaulted by the application. This notation is useful
when Solomon is set up for automatic batch and reference numbering.
• Lines 1 and 3 are comments denoted in different ways.
• Line 2 tells Transaction Import to insert a new batch.
• Line 2 uses " " to denote a blank field; means do not change the defaulted value.
• Line 4 tells Transaction Import to insert a new document.
• Line 5 tells Transaction Import to insert a transaction detail line.
Line
1 ‘Batch Info
2 Level0,"",199407,123.00
3 COMMENT -- Document starts here
4 Level1,"",Vendor1, 01, 5.25, 0.00
5 Level4,1030, 34234234234, 1, 5.25, 5.25, "Transaction description"

Intelligent Form Data File Syntax

Sample syntax:
LEVEL, VALUE1, VALUE2, ... VALUEn<CR><LF>
or:
"LEVEL[,TRANTYPE]", VALUE1, VALUE2, ... VALUEn<CR><LF>
or:
COMMENT here goes a comment
or:
‘ this is also a comment line

LEVEL
Tells Transaction Import the source data’s destination Solomon application screen
level.
• Can use the form LEVEL0.
• Can use an alias level identifier, taking a form something like ORDER.
• The level identifier must be the first field on every data line.
The following syntax in the control file can substitute a more meaningful name for the
level number; either name can then be used in the data file.
AliasConstant ( "Level0", "Order" )
 Importing Transaction Data 109

“LEVEL,[TRANTYPE]”
A level identifier-transaction type combination; required to update or delete a specific
item; if not specified, Transaction Import assumes Insert for levels that are not Lookup
(type L) levels; for lookup-type screen levels, transaction type defaults to Change; no
spaces allowed between double quotes.
Valid Transaction Types
• Change — Updates an existing record.
• Insert — Adds a new record; updates an existing record; the default value when no
other is specified.
• Delete — Deletes an existing record.
• Processed — Skips the line because it has already been processed.
VALUE1, VALUE2, ...VALUEn
Field values for the level.
, (Comma)
The default field separator; a different character can be substituted through use of the
following syntax in the control file; in this sample, a semicolon is designated as the
separator character:
AliasConstant( "Separator", ";" )

" (Double Quote)

The default field delimiter; required only if a comma is in the field data; substitute a
different character with the following syntax in the control file; whatever the character
used, if a delimiter is in the data, two delimiters go in the field (in this sample, " " or
!!):
AliasConstant( "Delimiter", "!" )

' (Single Quote)

Treated as a comment line and not processed as data.
Comment
Treated as comment lines and not processed as data; other words can substitute for
Comment with the following syntax; even if AliasConstant changes the comment
character, a single quote in the first column of data is always treated as a comment
character; in such a situation, both characters are treated as comment characters.
AliasConstant( "Comment", "#" )

<blank line>
Treated as a comment line and not processed as data.
<CR><LF>
Carriage return followed by a linefeed; the end-of-line characters.
110 System Manager

Sample Intelligent Data Files/Lines

Sample One
This sample is for a screen with only one level of objects.
• Lines 1 and 2 tell Transaction Import to insert accounts 1010 and 1020.
• Line 3 tells Transaction Import to delete account 1030; if account 1030 does not
exist, an error is written to the event log.
• Also in Line 3, the level identifiers are a table name; by looking at the data, one
can determine that this data file contains information for the Account records in
the database.
• Line 3 uses a TRANTYPE, so it must use double quotes around the level
identifier.
Line
1 Account,1010,Account 1010 Description,1A, Y
2 Account,1020,Account 1020 Description,1A, Y
3 "Account,Delete",1030

Sample Two
This sample is for an application with three levels of objects.
• Levels are not always sequential.
• Delimiter is an exclamation point (!).
• Separator is a semicolon (;).
• Lines 2 and 4 set a field to !!; instructs Transaction Import to leave the field
contents at their default values, as specified by the application; useful when
Solomon is set up for automatic batch and reference numbering.
• Lines 1 and 3 are comments denoted in different ways.
• Line 2 tells Transaction Import to insert a new batch.
• Line 2 uses to denote a blank field. This means do not change the default value.
• Line 4 tells Transaction Import to insert a new document.
• Line 5 tells Transaction Import to insert a transaction detail line.
Line
1 ‘Batch Info
2 Level0;!!;!199407!;123.00
3 COMMENT -- Document starts here
4 Level1;!!;!Vendor1!;!01!; 5.25; 0.00
5 Level4;!1030!;!34234234234!;1; 5.25; 5.25; !Transaction description!
 Importing Transaction Data 111

Sample Three
This sample is for an application with three levels of objects.
• Lines 1 and 3 are comments, denoted in different ways.
• Line 2 tells Transaction Import to insert a new batch.
• Lines 2 and 4 use !! to denote a blank field; instructs Transaction Import to leave
the field contents at their default values, as specified by the application; useful
when Solomon is set up for automatic batch and reference numbering.
• Line 4 tells Transaction Import to insert a new document.
• Line 5 tells Transaction Import to insert a transaction detail line.
Line
1 ‘Batch Info
2 Level0;!!;!199407!;123.00
3 # -- Document starts here
4 Level1;!!;!Vendor1!;!01!; 5.25; 0.00
5 Level4;!1030!;!34234234234!;1; 5.25; 5.25; !Transaction description!

Special Data Considerations for All Data Files

Several rules specify the kinds of data acceptable for each type of object. These apply
to both the simple and intelligent Transaction Import file forms.
SAFOPTION
This is an option button, usually grouped together with other option buttons to depict a
setting. Each setting is assigned a database value and a caption describing the setting.
In a Transaction Import data file, either the value or the caption are valid entries. When
using a description, Transaction Import maps that description back to the database
value and the database value is stored.
Sample code:
object cautoref
This object is actually an array of objects:
• cautoref(0) Value P, Caption Past Due
• cautoref(1) Value E, Caption Early
• cautoref(2) Value O, Caption On Time
Valid data values:
• P — Past due
• E — Early
• On time
112 System Manager

SAFCHECKBOX
The typical check box object type; possible field values:
• 0 — the box is cleared.
• 1 — the box is selected.
• CHECKED — the box is selected.
• UNCHECKED — the box is cleared.
Zero (0) and 1 are not valid for all check boxes in Solomon applications; CHECKED
and UNCHECKED are valid.
SAFCOMBO
A combo box object; acceptable object values are derived from the list property of the
object. A typical list property has the form:
Database Value; Description,...

• The database value is stored in the database when a selection is made.

• The description is a short description of that database value:
A,Active;I,Inactive;S,Suspended;C,Closed
Valid data file values:
• A. Active
• I. Inactive
• S. Suspended
• C. Closed
Solomon supports the database value or the description. Description support is offered
because the description is displayed on the screen, while the database value is not
always obvious.
Period
Format: YYYYPP.
Date
Format: MM/DD/YY.
 Importing Transaction Data 113

Fields with a Mask

Valid mask characters for field masks:
• 9. Numeric characters
• A. Alphabetical characters (except * and ?)
• N. Alphabetical characters and numbers (except * and ?)
• X. Any characters between and including ASCII 32 through 127 (except * and ?)
• M. Any characters between and including ASCII 32 through 127
• L. Same as X but converted to lowercase
• U. Same as X but converted to uppercase
• V. Same as A but converted to uppercase
• W. Same as N but converted to uppercase
• H. The characters A through F and 0 through 9
Clicking Buttons
For some Solomon screens, processes, and reports, clicking a button is required to
complete a task. Transaction Import can click buttons automatically if the process uses
an Intelligent form control file. For instance, Solomon applications supporting tax
entry require this automatic clicking when entering special tax information. To enable
this feature, the file must contain a line similar to the following:
Serr = SetObjectValue( "cBeginProcess", "PRESS" )
114 System Manager

Creating and Working with Transaction Import Control Files

Create initial simple and intelligent Transaction Import control files using the control
macro generator, then tweak the file to optimize its performance. That tweaking
requires knowledge of Control files’ syntax and limitations.

Creating Control Files

The control macro generator creates a control file containing the name of each object in
the specified Solomon application screen. Using this file as a starting point, rearrange
the lines in the control file to match the order of fields in the data file and add any
Basic Script Language (BSL) code needed to complete the Transaction Import process
successfully.
> To create a Transaction Import control file:
1. Choose Utility | Control Macro Generator. Control Macro Generator (98.510.00)
displays.

Figure 66: Control Macro Generator (98.510.00)

2. Type the number of the screen that will receive the imported data in Screen. Do
not include the decimal points usually part of a screen number. For instance,
0126000 specifies Chart of Accounts Maintenance (01.260.00) in the General
Ledger module.
3. Select the type of the new control file from the Control File Type drop-down list.
4. Type the path and name for the new control file in Control File Name. Click Browse
to display a dialog box for specifying the path and filename.
5. Click OK to create the control file.
 Importing Transaction Data 115

6. Click View Macro. Transaction Import Control File displays the macro created by
the control macro generator.

Figure 67: Transaction Import Control File

7. Rearrange the lines of the control file to match the order of fields in the data file.
8. Add any Basic Script Language (BSL) code needed to complete the Transaction
Import process successfully.
9. If desired, do one of the following:
• Choose File | Save to save the new control file with the name specified on
Control Macro Generator (98.510.00).
• Choose File | Save as to save the new control file name with a different name.
10. If desired, choose File | Print to print the file on the default system printer.
11. Click OK to close Transaction Import Control File.

Simple Form Control Files

Simple form control files consist of a list of object names, recorded in the same order
as the field values in the associated source data file. Each line in the control file
specifies all the object names for the specified Solomon application level.

Simple Control File Syntax

Simple form control files must conform to this syntax layout:
LEVEL, OBJECTNAME1, OBJECTNAME2, ... OBJECTNAMEn
116 System Manager

LEVEL
The destination Solomon application screen level. A level identifier must be the first
field on every control file line.
OBJECTNAME1, OBJECTNAME2, ... OBJECTNAMEn
The internal names assigned to the objects of the destination Solomon application
screen. The names are separated by commas (,).

Limitations of the Simple Control Form

• The comma (,) is the only supported field separator.
• The order of the fields in the data file must match the order of object names in the
simple form control file.
• Deletes cannot be performed.
• Basic Script Language (BSL) code cannot be added.
• Maximum line length: 1,020 characters.
• Maximum level name length: 20 characters.
• Maximum control file size: 32,000 characters.

Sample Simple Import Control Files

These sample simple form control files correspond with the sample data file discussed
in “Sample Simple Data Files/Lines” on page 107.
Sample One
This sample is for a one-level application:
‘Level Identifier, Account ID, Account Description, Status, Posting
Level0, cacct, cdescr, cstatus, csummpost

Sample Two
This sample is for a three-level application:
Description ‘Level Id, Batch Number, Period, Batch
Control Total
DB Object Name Level0, cbatnbr, ccurrperiod, cbatcntrl
Description ‘Level Id, Ref #, Vendor ID, Terms, Document
Amt, Discount Amt
DB Object Name Level1, crefnbr, cvendid, cterms, cdocamt,
cdiscamt
Description ‘Level Id, Account ID, Sub Acct, Quantity,
UnitPrice, Tran Amount, Description
DB Object Name Level4, cacct, csub, cqty,
cunitprc, ctranamt, ctrandesc
 Importing Transaction Data 117

Intelligent Form Transaction Import Control Files

Intelligent form control files consist of Basic Script Language (BSL) subroutine
definitions, such as ProcessImportLine, ButtonLevelChange, and ButtonFormChange.
> For ProcessImportLine:
• The subroutine is called for each line of the data file.
• The subroutine contains SetObjectValue calls.
• In conjunction with the ImportField function, the subroutine maps a specified
column of the import data into an object in the Solomon application screen.
• Substitutions are specified in the control file.
• In the default control file created by the control file generator, the appropriate
Level Name automatically substitutes for the default LevelN constants, causing
data constants to self document in the control file.
> For ButtonLevelChange:
• The subroutine is called when Transaction Import detects a level change in the
data.
• If the corresponding level change is in the last, the click event that triggers the
change will be executed.
> For ButtonFormChange:
• The subroutine is called when Transaction Import detects a form change in a data
line.
• If the corresponding form change is in the last, the click event that triggers the
change will be executed.

Note: Only one level of form change within a data line is allowed. Nested form
changes may cause problems.
118 System Manager

Functions Used in Intelligent Form Control Files

AliasConstant(Constant, Alias)
Aliases certain Solomon constants used specifically by Transaction Import. This helps
in using a different language, because English words such as Comment, Insert, and
Change can be replaced by another language’s alternative words.
Syntax
Call AliasConstant( Constant, Alias )
Sample
AliasConstant( "Change", "Update" )
Constants that can be redefined using the AliasConstant function include:
• Change
• Checked
• Comment
• Delete
• Delimiter
• Insert
• LevelN (where N is 0 to 9)
• Press
• Processed
• Separator
• Unchecked
ImportField(int index)
Returns one field of information to the calling function and/or sub-function. This
function is also used to retrieve an entire data line by specifying an index of -1.
Sample
ImportField( 1 ) or ImportField( -1 )
 Importing Transaction Data 119

SetObjectValue(objectname, value)
Imports a value into an object in the currently running Solomon application. Error
checking functions, if any, execute for the given object. An index is not needed when
using TLBOPTION objects.
Syntax
serr = SetObjectValue( objectname, value )
Sample
serr = SetObjectValue( "cterm", ImportField(1) )
or:
serr = SetObjectValue( "cterm", "01" )

SetBufferValue(fieldname, value)
Imports a value into a field in the currently running Solomon application. No error
checking functions execute for the given field. This function is designed to populate
fields of database structures not associated with objects or controls on an application’s
screen, such as “User” fields in the Solomon schema.
Syntax
Call SetBufferValue( objectname, value )
Sample
Call SetBufferValue( "bterms.User1", ImportField(1) )
or:
Call SetBufferValue( "bterms.User1", "01" )
120 System Manager

Sample Intelligent Control Files

Sample One
In this sample intelligent form control file:
• BSL.DH is required.
• The TI_Start Case segment of BSL code is called only once per import process,
before any data has been read. All redefinition of constants using the
AliasConstant function must be done at this time.
• The TI_Finish Case segment of BSL code is called only once per import process,
after all data processing finishes.
The sample control file:
1. Opens the data file.
2. Executes the ProcessImportLine macro for the TI_Start Case (Account substitutes
for the Level ID Level0).
3. Instructs Transaction Import to read and process a line of data to determine the
line’s level.
4. Executes the ProcessImportLine macro for the correct level case (0 in this sample).
5. Calls SetObjectValue for each object on that screen level. As SetObjectValue
executes, ImportField is also called. ImportField extracts the value for the given
field from the data line and passes it on to SetObjectValue, where edit checks
occur. All objects for a level are populated and checked for errors.

‘$Include: "bsl.dh"
Sub ProcessImportLine( LevelNumber%, Retval%)
Select Case LevelNumber
case TI_Start
Call AliasConstant("Level0", "Account")

case 0 ‘ Account
serr = SetObjectValue("cacct",ImportField(1))
serr = SetObjectValue("cacctdesc",ImportField(2))
serr = SetObjectValue("cstatus",ImportField(3))
serr = SetObjectValue("csummpost",ImportField(4))

case TI_Finish
‘ End of screen processing
End Select
End Sub
 Importing Transaction Data 121

Sample Two
In this sample intelligent form control file with multiple levels in the application, the
file uses AliasConstant to change the delimiting and separator characters.

‘$Include: "bsl.dh"
Sub ProcessImportLine( LevelNumber%, Retval%)
Select Case LevelNumber
case TI_Start
Call AliasConstant( "Delimiter", ";" )
Call AliasConstant( "Separator", "!" )

case 0 ‘ Batch
serr = SetObjectValue("cbatchnbr",ImportField(1))
serr = SetObjectValue("ccurrperiod",ImportField(2))
serr = SetObjectValue("cbatctrl",ImportField(3))

case 1 ‘ Document
serr = SetObjectValue("crefnbr",ImportField(1))
serr = SetObjectValue("cvendid",ImportField(2))
serr = SetObjectValue("cterms",ImportField(3))
serr = SetObjectValue("cdocamt",ImportField(4))
serr = SetObjectValue("cdiscamt",ImportField(5))

case 4 ‘ Detail
serr = SetObjectValue("cacct",ImportField(1))
serr = SetObjectValue("csub",ImportField(2))
serr = SetObjectValue("cqty",ImportField(3))
serr = SetObjectValue("cunitprc",ImportField(4))
serr = SetObjectValue("ctranamt",ImportField(5))
serr = SetObjectValue("ctrandescr",ImportField(6))

case TI_Finish
‘ End of screen processing
End Select
End Sub
122 System Manager

Sample Three
In this sample intelligent form control file, AliasConstant changes the character used to
denote a comment.
‘$Include: "bsl.dh"
Sub ProcessImportLine( LevelNumber%, Retval%)
Select Case LevelNumber
case TI_Start
Call AliasConstant( "Comment", "#" )
Call AliasConstant( "Delimiter", ";" )
Call AliasConstant( "Separator", "!" )

case 0 ‘ Batch
serr = SetObjectValue("cbatchnbr",ImportField(1))
serr = SetObjectValue("ccurrperiod",ImportField(2))
serr = SetObjectValue("cbatctrl",ImportField(3))

case 1 ‘ Document
serr = SetObjectValue("crefnbr",ImportField(1))
serr = SetObjectValue("cvendid",ImportField(2))
serr = SetObjectValue("cterms",ImportField(3))
serr = SetObjectValue("cdocamt",ImportField(4))
serr = SetObjectValue("cdiscamt",ImportField(5))

case 4 ‘ Detail
serr = SetObjectValue("cacct",ImportField(1))
serr = SetObjectValue("csub",ImportField(2))
serr = SetObjectValue("cqty",ImportField(3))
serr = SetObjectValue("cunitprc",ImportField(4))
serr = SetObjectValue("ctranamt",ImportField(5))
serr = SetObjectValue("ctrandescr",ImportField(6))

case TI_Finish
‘ End of screen processing
End Select
End Sub
 Importing Transaction Data 123

Sample Four
In the following sample, the control file subroutine specifies data directly without
referring to a data file. When an import data file is not specified, the
ProcessImportLine subroutine is called only twice:
• The first time, with a TI_Start level number value.
• The second time, with a TI_Finish level number value.
The Transaction Import process always calls ProcessImportLine with these two level
number values, regardless of whether, or how much, import data is specified.

‘$include: "bsl.dh"
’0101 Control Macro
Sub ProcessImportLine( LevelNumber%, Retval% )
select Case LevelNumber
case TI_Start

call AliasConstant( "Level0", "Batch" )

call AliasConstant( "Level1", "Detail" )

serr = SetObjectValue( "cbatnbrH", "" )

‘ Field mask is UUU
serr = SetObjectValue( "cjrnltypeH", "GJ" )
serr = SetObjectValue( "cbattype", "N" )
‘ cperpostH is a Period Field
serr = SetObjectValue( "cperpostH", "199407" )
serr = SetObjectValue( "cBatchHandling", "H" )
‘ cAutoRefNbr is an Check Box
‘ Values are -1 for ON and 0 for OFF
‘ Values are CHECKED for ON and UNCHECKED for OFF
serr = SetObjectValue( "cAutoRefNbr", "0" )
‘ cautorev is an Check Box
‘ Values are 1 for ON and 0 for OFF
‘ Values are CHECKED for ON and UNCHECKED for OFF
serr = SetObjectValue( "cautorev", "0" )
serr = SetObjectValue( "cctrltot", "132" )

‘Level 1 if of Type D
serr = Edit_first(1)
‘ Field mask is UUUUUUUUUU
serr = SetObjectValue( "cacct", "1010" )
‘ Field mask is 99-999-WW-99-99-9
124 System Manager

serr = SetObjectValue( "csub", "01000AA00001" )

‘ Field mask is UUUUUU
serr = SetObjectValue( "crefnbr", "" )
‘ ctrandate is a Date Field Type
serr = SetObjectValue( "ctrandate", "" )
‘ Field mask is XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
serr = SetObjectValue( "ctrandesc", "wowowow" )
serr = SetObjectValue( "cdramt", "123" )
serr = SetObjectValue( "ccramt", "0" )

‘Next Level 1 if of Type D

serr = Edit_Next(1)

‘ Field mask is UUUUUUUUUU

serr = SetObjectValue( "cacct", "1010" )
‘ Field mask is 99-999-WW-99-99-9
serr = SetObjectValue( "csub", "01000AA00001" )
‘ Field mask is UUUUUU
serr = SetObjectValue( "crefnbr", "" )
‘ ctrandate is a Date Field Type
serr = SetObjectValue( "ctrandate", "" )
‘ Field mask is XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

serr = SetObjectValue( "ctrandesc", "wowowow" )

serr = SetObjectValue( "cdramt", "0" )
serr = SetObjectValue( "ccramt", "123" )

‘Save the batch to the database

call Edit_Finish(0)
case TI_Finish

End Select
End Sub
 Importing Transaction Data 125

Sample Five
This sample contains additional BSL code that is compiled into memory and, when
certain events occur, checked to see if certain subroutines exist. If they exist, they are
executed.
The control file that follows contains two new functions that are called as the
application executes its validation checks and save logic.
• Application error checking occurs first.
• Any customization functions occur next.
• Any control file functions occur last.

‘$Include: "bsl.dh"
Sub ProcessImportLine( LevelNumber%, Retval%)
Select Case LevelNumber
case TI_Start
Call AliasConstant( "Comment", "#" )
Call AliasConstant( "Delimiter", ";" )
Call AliasConstant( "Separator", "!" )

case 0 ‘ Batch
serr = SetObjectValue("cbatchnbr",ImportField(1))
serr = SetObjectValue("ccurrperiod",ImportField(2))
serr = SetObjectValue("cbatctrl",ImportField(3))

case 1 ‘ Document
serr = SetObjectValue("crefnbr",ImportField(1))
serr = SetObjectValue("cvendid",ImportField(2))
serr = SetObjectValue("cterms",ImportField(3))
serr = SetObjectValue("cdocamt",ImportField(4))
serr = SetObjectValue("cdiscamt",ImportField(5))

case 4 ‘ Detail
serr = SetObjectValue("cacct",ImportField(1))
serr = SetObjectValue("csub",ImportField(2))
serr = SetObjectValue("cqty",ImportField(3))
serr = SetObjectValue("cunitprc",ImportField(4))
serr = SetObjectValue("ctranamt",ImportField(5))
serr = SetObjectValue("ctrandescr",ImportField(6))

case TI_Finish
‘ End of screen processing
End Select
End Sub
126 System Manager

Sub ctranamt_chk( chkstrng as String, retval as Integer )

‘ any special code needed at error checking time
‘This function is called when validation occurs on the ctranamt
object
End Sub

Sub Update ( level%, insertflg%, levelsdone%, levelsleft%, retval% )

‘ any special logic to occur when update occurs
‘ This function will be called at save time
End Sub

Sample Six
This sample shows how the ButtonLevelChange subroutine is used. When there is a
level change in the data file, the ButtonLevelChange subroutine is called. If there is a
select statement case for the level change that is occurring, the code inside that case
will be executed. This gives the control file the ability to open subforms if needed
when the level changes.

‘$Include: "bsl.dh"
Sub ProcessImportLine( LevelNumber%, Retval% )
Select Case LevelNumber
Case TI_Start
Call AliasConstant( "Level0", "ClassID" )
Call AliasConstant( "Level1", "Class" )
case 0 ‘ 0 of 1
serr = SetObjectValue("cClassID",ImportField(1))
serr = SetObjectValue("cName",ImportField(2))
case 1 ‘ 1 of 1
serr = SetObjectValue("cClassClassID",
ImportField(1))
serr = SetObjectValue("cStudentID",ImportField(2))
serr = SetObjectValue("cGrade",ImportField(3))
case TI_Finish
End Select
End Sub
Sub ButtonLevelChange
Dim LevelPair$
LevelPair = trim$(str$(LevelFrom)) + "-" + trim$(str$(LevelTo))
Select Case LevelPair
case "0-1"
serr = SetObjectValue ("class1","PRESS")
serr = SetObjectValue ("command1","PRESS")
End Select
End Sub
 Importing Transaction Data 127

Starting the Transaction Import Process

After creating the data and control files, the Transaction Import process can begin.
Start the Transaction Import process in one of three ways:
• By menu selection.
• From a command line entry.
• From a VB Tools application.

Starting Transaction Import From the Menu

Starting Transaction Import from the menu bar is the most common method used.
> To start Transaction Import from the menu:
1. Choose Utility | Transaction Import. Transaction Import (98.500.00) displays.

Figure 68: Transaction Import (98.500.00)

2. Select Selected next to the data files to import or Select All to select all data files.
3. Type the full path and file name to the source file in Data File Name.
4. Select the file type of the source data file from the Data File Type drop-down list.
5. Type the screen number in which to place the source data in Screen. Do not
include the decimal points usually part of a screen number. For instance, 0126000
specifies Chart of Accounts Maintenance (01.260.00) in the General Ledger
module.
6. Type the full path and file name of the control file in Control File Name.
7. Select Minimized to run the Transaction Import process’s target application in
minimized mode. Clear the check box to run the target application normally.
8. Type the full path and file name of the log file generated by Transaction Import in
Output Log File Name.
128 System Manager

9. If desired, click Edit Errors to view, edit, or print the data and log files. See
“Editing Transaction Import Data Files” on page 104.
10. If desired, click Options to set options for this Transaction Import process.
Transaction Import (98.500.01) displays.

Figure 69: Transaction Import (98.500.01)

11. Select the import processing option for this Transaction Import process. See
“Transaction Import (98.500.00)” on page 194 for more information.
12. Select how much information Transaction Import should write to the log file for
this process from the Data Written to Log File drop-down list. See “Transaction
Import (98.500.00)” on page 194 for more information.
13. Type a number in Discontinue after ____ errors to abandon the process when the
Transaction Import process encounters the specified number of errors.
14. Click OK. Transaction Import (98.500.00) displays.
15. Click Begin Processing to start the Transaction Import process.
16. If necessary, press ESC to stop the processing of a single entry in the grid.
Processing on that entry stops when Transaction Import concludes processing the
batch or document.
 Importing Transaction Data 129

Starting Transaction Import from a Command Line

To execute a Transaction Import process from the command line, use a command line
similar to the following:
0101000.EXE [TI]TM=1 [TI]TC=ABC.CTL [TI]TD=ABC.DTA [TI]TO=ABC.OUT
[TI]TL=1 [TI]TE=20 [TI]Minimize=Y

[TI]TM =<#> - Transaction Mode ( default

is 1 )
1 - Edit Only
2 - Combine Edit and Update
3 - Update after successful
Edit
[TI]TD=<filename> - Data Filename
[TI]TC=<filename> - Control Filename
[TI]TO=<filename> - Output Filename
[TI]TL=<#> - Logging info ( default is 0 )
0 - Nothing
1 - All Data lines and
messages
2 - Just Bad Data Lines and
messages
[TI]TE=<#> - Number of errors to stop after
( default is 20 )
[TI]Minimize=<Y|N> Y - Yes, run the app
minimized
N - No, run the app in normal
mode
This command line executes Journal Transactions (01.010.00) in the General Ledger
module and does the following:
• Imports the data from the file Abc.dta.
• Uses the control file Abc.ctl.
• Creates the output log file Abc.out.
• Logs all messages and data.
• Stops after 20 errors.
• Runs in Edit Only mode.
• Runs minimized.
130 System Manager

Starting Transaction Import from a VB Tools Application

Use the functions ApplSetParmValue and to invoke Transaction Import from
within VB Tools for another application. Use the following sample as a guide:
• Set the Transaction Import mode:
Call ApplSetParmValue([TI], "TM", "1" )
Mode Options:
1 — Edit Only.
2 — Combine Edit and Update.
3 — Update after successful Edit.
• Set the data file name:
Call ApplSetParmValue([TI], "TD", "ABC.DTA" )

• Set the control file name:

Call ApplSetParmValue([TI], "TC", "ABC.CTL" )

• Set the output file name:

Call ApplSetParmValue([TI], "TO", "ABC.LOG" )

• Set the loginfo parameter:

Call ApplSetParmValue(PRMSECTION_TI, "TL", "1" )
Parameter Options:
0 — Nothing.
1 — All Data lines and messages.
2 — Just Bad Data Lines and messages.
• Add the number of errors to stop after:
Call ApplSetParmValue(PRMSECTION_TI, "TE", "20")

• If you want to run the application in minimized mode, enter:

Call ApplSetParmValue(PRMSECTION_TI, "Minimize", "Y")

• Call the application:

Call CallApplicWait( "0101000", "" )
 Importing Transaction Data 131

Viewing Transaction Import Log Files

In addition to providing a record of what occurred during a Transaction Import process,
viewing, saving, and printing any generated log files helps track down and correct
errors occurring during a process.
> To view an import log file:
1. Choose Utility | Transaction Import. Transaction Import (98.500.00) displays.

Figure 70: Transaction Import (98.500.00)

2. Place the cursor in Data File Name containing the name of the data file that
corresponds to the log file you want to view or edit. If the data file name does not
appear in the grid, type it in a blank Data File Name.
132 System Manager

3. Click Edit Errors. Import File Edit displays.

Figure 71: Import File Edit

4. Use the upper area’s scroll bars to view various portions of the log file.
5. Do one of the following:
• Choose File | Save Log File to save the log file with its current name
• Choose File | Save Log File as to save the log file with a new name.
6. If desired, click Print Output Log or choose File | Print Log File to print the log file
on the default system printer.
7. Click OK. Transaction Import (98.500.00) displays.
 Reference 133

Reference
Overview
The Reference section contains screens and dialog boxes that you use in the System
Manager module. For each screen and dialog box, a description of every field and most
buttons is included. Use the Reference section if you have a specific question about an
element on a screen or in a dialog box. If you have a procedural question, consult the
User portion of this manual.

Login (98.000.00)
Use to sign on to Solomon. Solomon automatically opens the system and application
databases associated with the specified company ID. The company ID and user ID
entered appear as the defaults on subsequent sign-ons.

Note: One or more of the defaults for the options on this screen may be set using the
[Company] section of the Solomon.ini file. For more information, see “Appendix A –
Solomon.ini Settings” on page 223.

Figure 72: Login (98.000.00)

Following are the field descriptions for Login (98.000.00).

Company
Company where the user wants to work after logging in to Solomon.

User ID
Identification code of the user who is signing on to Solomon.

Password
Password of the user who is signing on to Solomon.

System Database (Button)

Click to select a different system database than the current default system database that
was used the last time the user logged in to Solomon.
134 System Manager

Find Database (98.000.01)

Use to locate a system database or switch to another during the initial sign on to
Solomon.

Note: One or more of the defaults for the options on this screen may be set using the
[System32 Database] section of the Solomon.ini file. For more information, see
“Appendix A – Solomon.ini Settings” on page 223.

Figure 73: Finding a system database in Find Database (98.000.01)

Following are the field descriptions for Find Database (98.000.01).

System Database
Use to specify which system database to load and on which server it is located.
Server Name
Name of the server where the database is located.
Database Name
Name of the system database to load.

Create Database (Button)

Click to create a new system database.
 Reference 135

Database Maintenance (98.290.00)

Use to create a new system database.

Connect Server Tab

Use this tab to connect to a SQL server.

Figure 74: Database Maintenance (98.290.00), Connect Server tab

Following are the field descriptions for the Connect Server tab of Database
Maintenance (98.290.00).
Destination SQL Server Name
SQL server to which the application should connect to build the database.
Login ID
User id to use to connect to the SQL server. This user id must have administrator rights
on the server.
Password
Password to use to connect to the SQL server.
Connect (Button)
Click to connect to the specified SQL server.
136 System Manager

Path of Configuration File

Specifies the path to an .ini file (the default name of dbuild.ini) that contains settings
indicating the names of the database script files and where they are located.
Browse (Button)
Use to select the configuration file using the Microsoft Windows Common dialog box.
 Reference 137

Create Databases Tab

Use this tab to set up a scenario of databases.

Figure 75: Database Maintenance (98.290.00), Create Databases tab

Following are the field descriptions for the Create Databases tab of Database
Maintenance (98.290.00).
Scenario
The list of database scenarios that can be created.
Create (Button)
Creates the database scenario.
Advanced (Button)
Launches a dialog to override the default name, location, and size of the databases that
will be created in the scenario.
138 System Manager

Update Databases Tab

Use this tab to apply service pack schema updates to a set of system or application
databases.

Figure 76: Database Maintenance (98.290.00), Update Databases tab

Following are the field descriptions for the Update Databases tab of Database
Maintenance (98.290.00).
System Database Name
The name of the system database which is attached to the applications database(s) to
which the updates will be applied.
Databases
List of all the application databases which are connected to the selected system
database.
Update Scenarios
List of all updates that can be applied either to the system or application databases.
Update Views (Button)
Drops and re-creates views of the system tables in the selected application databases.
Update Database (Button)
Applies the selected set of updates to the databases.
 Reference 139

Advanced Configuration Settings

Use to override the default name, location, or size of the system or application
databases in the scenario. To display this screen, click the Advanced button on
Database Maintenance (98.290.00), Create Databases tab.

Figure 77: Advanced Configuration Settings

Following are the field descriptions for Advanced Configuration Settings.

System Database Name
This field defaults to the current system database name specified for the selected
scenario on the Create Databases tab. A new System Database Name may be entered
here.
System Database Size
This value in this field defaults from the System Database Size specified in the
configuration file for the selected scenario on the Create Databases tab. This value may
be changed and indicates the initial size of the database when it is created.
Server Location of Database Device Files
This field specifies the default location on the destination SQL server of the physical
database files that will be created. A fully qualified path name of a directory on the
destination SQL server must be entered to change the location where the database files
will be created.
140 System Manager

Server Location of Transaction Log

Specifies the default location of the physical transaction log file that will be created. A
fully qualified path name of a directory on the destination SQL server must be entered
to change this location.
Browse (Button) (System Database)
Use this button to display a tree view of the directories on the destination SQL server:

The tree view can be used to select the desired path of the database files.
Application Database Definition Grid
This grid will display application database information for all the databases to be
created for the selected scenario on the Create Databases tab. The values displayed are
default values from the configuration file for the selected scenario on the Create
Databases tab. Each value within the grid may be overwritten.
Database Name
This column shows the default database names of the application databases to be
created.
Database Size
This column shows the default database size of the application databases to be created.
Database Path
This column shows the default location of the database files to be created. This path
can be overridden by typing a new fully qualified path name into the field, or using the
button with 3 dots to display a tree view of the destination SQL server directories.
 Reference 141

Path of Configuration File

Displays the location and name of the configuration file that contains scenario data
used by this utility. The value specified in this field must be a fully qualified path name
and filename.
Browse (Configuration File)
This Browse button will display the Microsoft Windows Common Dialog for locating
files.

This dialog can be used to locate a configuration file.

142 System Manager

Business Date
Use to change to the current business date, which is the date associated with Solomon
activity completed during the current Solomon session.

Figure 78: Business Date

 Reference 143

Active Users (98.210.00)

Use to display information about other Solomon users currently signed on to the
Solomon system. Information about the user, such as their telephone number or what
application they are using, is helpful when troubleshooting the system.

Figure 79: Active Users (98.210.00)

Following are the field descriptions for Active Users (98.210.00).

Name
The names of all users currently signed on to the Solomon system.

Company ID
Unique ID for the company each user is currently accessing.

Database Name
The application database that each user is currently accessing.

Screen Number
The number of the Solomon screen that each user is currently accessing. For example,
01010 indicates that a user is using Journal Transactions (01.010.00) in the General
Ledger module.

Telephone
Each user’s telephone number; obtained from User Maintenance (95.260.00).
144 System Manager

Location
The physical location of each user; obtained from User Maintenance (95.260.00).

eMail Address
Each user’s eMail address; obtained from User Maintenance (95.260.00).

Network Address
Each user’s network address; obtained from the system during signon.
 Reference 145

Printer Options (98.220.00)

Use to select a printer other than the default, to send a report to a file, or to establish
the default printing options. Default printing options include the print destination, the
font in which all information is generated, and the orientation of the report on the
printed page.

Note: One or more of the defaults for the options on this screen may be set using the
[Print Default] section of the Solomon.ini file. For more information, see “Appendix A
– Solomon.ini Settings” on page 223.

Figure 80: Printer Options (98.220.00)

For more information, see the Microsoft® Business Solutions–Solomon Reporting

Guide.
Following are the field descriptions for Printer Options (98.220.00).

Destination
Specifies where Solomon sends information when printing.
• If Solomon is sending information to a printer, this field displays the name of the
printer and the port to which it is attached.
• If Solomon is sending information to a file, this field displays the path and file
name to the location where the information is being sent.

Font
The default printer font, which includes typeface, style, and size, that Solomon uses
when generating reports.

Print to File
Sends Solomon information to a file.

Save as Default
Saves the selected printing options as the default Solomon printing options.
146 System Manager

Use Printer Orientation

Specifies if Solomon uses the orientation set for the current printer when it prints
information. For example, if selected and the current printer is set for portrait
orientation, Solomon sends the information to the printer in portrait orientation, even if
the orientation of information is landscape. If deselected, Solomon sends the
information in the orientation of the report.

Use Windows Default Printer

Tells Solomon to use the default printer defined for the Windows operating system
instead of the Solomon default printer.

Default (Button)
Sets the printing options to the default values.

Setup (Button)
Sets up the printer or specifies the full path to the location where Solomon saves the
report information.

Fonts (Button)
Defines the type specifications of the Solomon printer font.
 Reference 147

Print to File
Use to define the location to place a file.

Figure 81: Print to File

For more information, see the Microsoft® Business Solutions–Solomon Reporting

Guide.
Following are the field descriptions for Print to File.

Destination File
The full path to the location where the report information will be saved.

File Name
The name of the file that will hold the report information; if left as *.rpt, Solomon
creates file names automatically using the report screen number as the file name.

Directories
The directory where the report file will be placed.

List Files of Types

The type of file to display in the list box; the .txt file type is the default.

Drives
The drive where the report file will be placed.
148 System Manager

Open With Associated Application

With this checkbox selected, the file will open for printing automatically in its
associated application. For example, if it is a .doc file, then the file will open
automatically in Word when you print it. If it is a .txt file type, it will open in Notepad.

Printer Codes Included

Indicates to include the printer control codes generated by the report writer.

Concatenate files
Adds the selected file to the end of an existing file; providing the file types are the
same.
 Reference 149

Copy Special
Use to copy all data items in a Solomon screen or a specific section of a Solomon
screen.

Figure 82: Copy Special

Following are the field descriptions for Copy Special.

Screen
The name and number of the current Solomon screen from which you accessed the
Copy Special dialog box.

Section
The select-and-copy options for the current Solomon screen:
• All — Select and copy all data items at all levels in the source screen.
• Selected — Copy only those data items selected for copying in the source screen.
Select all items to copy before opening the Copy Special dialog box.
• Order/Batch/Detail/Customer/Transaction — Select and copy all data items in the
specified major screen section only; options vary from screen to screen, depending
on the function of the screen.

Include Lower Levels

Controls whether or not Solomon includes data items at a lower hierarchical level.
150 System Manager

Template (98.230.00)
Use to create a new Solomon template and to paste the contents of an existing template
into a Solomon screen or report.

Figure 83: Template (98.230.00)

Following are the field descriptions for Template (98.230.00).

Screen
The name and number of the Solomon screen associated with the new or existing
template.

Template ID
The unique identification code of a new or existing template; can be any alphanumeric
code up to 30 characters in length.

Description
A description of the template.

Visibility
Specifies whether or not the template is available to Solomon users other than yourself;
options are:
• Private — template is available for use by only the person who created it
• Public — template is available for use by all Solomon users
 Reference 151

Application Field Selection

Use to select the level of Solomon screen detail to include in the template.
Section
Specifies the level of Solomon screen detail included in the template; options are:
• All — includes in the template all data items in the current source screen
• Selected — includes in the template only those data items currently selected in the
source screen; items must be selected after accessing the appropriate data record
and before opening Template (98.230.00)
• Order/Batch/Detail/Customer/Transaction — includes in the template only those
data items in a specific application field section of the current source screen, such
as the batch section
Load lower levels
Indicates to include data items at a lower hierarchical level.
152 System Manager

Insert Level
Use to insert a new batch or document record after selecting the New function.

Figure 84: Insert level

Following are the field descriptions for Insert level.

Batch
Inserts a new batch record.

Invoice
Inserts a new invoice record.
 Reference 153

Delete Level
Use to delete either a batch or document record after selecting the Delete function.

Figure 85: Delete level

Following are the field descriptions for Delete level.

Batch
Deletes the selected batch record.

Invoice
Deletes the selected invoice record.
154 System Manager

Navigation Level
Use to specify whether the First, Previous, Next, and Last navigation functions apply to
batches or documents when using Solomon data entry screens. The Navigation level
function applies only to those data entry screens that use batch control, such as those
used for recording vouchers and invoices.
For example:
• If navigation applies to batches only, the Next function causes the next batch in the
database to display.
• If navigation applies to documents only, the Next function causes the next
document in the current batch to display.

Figure 86: Navigation level

Following are the field descriptions for Navigation level.

Batch
Applies the First, Prev, Next, and Last navigation functions to batches on Solomon
data entry screens; for example, using the Next function causes the next batch in the
database to appear.

Invoice
Applies the First, Prev, Next, and Last navigation functions to invoices on Solomon
data entry screens; for example, using the Next function causes the next invoice in the
current batch to appear.
 Reference 155

Note (98.260.00)
Use to attach notes, up to 30,000 characters each, to Solomon data items. Solomon
notes can serve a variety of useful purposes. For example, record a customer’s
collection as a note and attach it to the customer’s record. You can attach only one type
of note per data field.
While a note is attached to a data item, Solomon does not consider the note to be part
of the data item’s associated data record. Notes are not included as part of the
information reported when generating regular Solomon reports.
A Solomon data field with notes capability is indicated by a page icon on the data entry
screen. The page icon for the transaction details area is located at the bottom right
corner of the screen.
data field does not have a note attached to it

data field has a note attached to it

Many Solomon screens support multiple notes to the same data item. Solomon
distinguishes between multiple notes according to their note type. For example, on
Journal Transactions (01.010.00) in the General Ledger module, a batch-related note
has a Batch note type and a transaction-details-related note has a Detail note type.

Figure 87: Note (98.260.00)

Following are the field descriptions for Note (98.260.00).

Type
The type of data item to which the note is attached.
156 System Manager

Revised Date
The date when you last saved the note text currently displayed in the note text box.

Text Field
Displays up to 30,000 characters in a note; only one type of note per field.
 Reference 157

Reports
Access reports from each module’s menu. Whenever selecting a Solomon report from
the reports portion of a module menu, a screen of options associated with that report
appears. The Report options define the information to be included on the report. Each
report has its own set of options.
For more information, see the Microsoft® Business Solutions–Solomon Reporting
Guide.

Report Tab
Specifies the report format, dates, fiscal periods, page ranges, and the number of copies
to print. For more information, see the Microsoft® Business Solutions–Solomon
Reporting Guide.

Figure 88: Sample Report tab

Following are the field descriptions for the Report tab.

Report Format
The format Solomon uses to print the report. Many reports have multiple report format
options.
Print Notes
Select to print the notes attached to each data item included in the report.
Report Date
The date that appears on the report; defaults to today.
158 System Manager

Beg/End Period
The beginning and ending fiscal period that prints on the report.
Beg/End Page Nbr
The beginning and ending page numbers of the range of report pages to print.
Copies
The number of copies to print.
 Reference 159

Sort Tab
Use the Sort tab to define a custom sort order for Solomon report information based on
any of the report’s record.filename fields. For example, the standard sort order priority
for customer names is last name first, first name second. With the Sort tab, you could
set up a report to sort customers based on the sort order first name first. Or you might
set up a report to sort customers based on year-to-date net sales.
The Sort tab allows you to define custom report sort orders based on multiple
record.filename fields. For example, first sort a report alphabetically based on vendor
name, then sort the report based on year-to-date net purchases, with the lowest net
purchase amount listed first.
The Sort tab initially displays the grouping and sorting criteria as defined in the report
itself. This allows for modifications, additions, and deletions to the criteria, and
provides a complete picture of how the report will be grouped and sorted.
For more information, see the Microsoft Business Solutions–Solomon Reporting
Guide.

Figure 89: Sample Sort tab in form view

Following are the field descriptions for the Sort tab.

Field
Identifies the database record.fieldname on which to base the report’s custom sort
order. Press F3 to open a Possible Values (PV) window listing all record.fieldnames
for the report. Select a record.fieldname, and then click OK.
160 System Manager

Sort Type
Describes the type of field identified in Field. Group Field indicates that the field is a
report group that allows page and total breaks. Sort Field indicates that the report data
is to be sorted by the values in the field, within existing groups. Groups are always
processed first, followed by sort fields.
Sort Ascending
Select to sort the field in ascending order. Clear to sort in descending order.
Page Break
Determines if Solomon should insert a page break every time the value specified by
record.fieldname at Field changes (for example, if the sort order is based on customer
name, insert a page break between each new customer name on the report). Select Page
Break to insert a page break between each new record.fieldname value. Clear Page
Break to omit the page break.
Total Break
Determines if Solomon should insert a total break every time the value specified by
record.fieldname at Field changes. Select Total Break to insert a total break between
each new record.fieldname value. Clear Total Break to omit the total break.
Up (Button)
Click the up arrow to move the selected row up in the grid.
Down (Button)
Click the down arrow to move the selected row down in the grid.
Reset (Button)
Click Reset to restore the grouping and sorting criteria from the report. This allows
users to make changes and, if they do not like them, to reset the original values or
restart modifications.
Apply (Button)
Click Apply to implement the changes made by the user for this specific report
generation. Clicking Apply also refreshes the display to show the values in the order
they will be used.
 Reference 161

Select Tab
Enables you to print a Solomon report that contains only a subset of the report’s
available information. You specify an expression that selects a specific value or range
of values for selected fields. For example, to print only the data for account number
123, specify that the Account field only prints for values equal to 123.
For more information, see the Microsoft Business Solutions–Solomon Reporting
Guide.

Figure 90: Sample Select tab

Following are the field descriptions for the Select tab.

Field
The name of the field to use for selecting report information to print. Press F3 to select
from a list of possible values.
Operator
The expression used in the selection; the options are:
• Equal
• Greater than
• Greater than or equal to
• In
• Is NULL
• Less than
• Less than or equal to
162 System Manager

• Not between
• Not contains
• Not equal
• Is not NULL
Value
The record.fieldname value (for example, amount, ID, account number, etc.) on which
you are basing the report selection. For example, if you select Account.ACCT in Field
and Greater than in Operator, typing 1010 here would print a report containing database
records with account numbers greater than 1010.

Note: When using operators like Between that require more than one report select value
in Value, type a semicolon between the values (for example, 1010;2020).

Boolean
Specifies whether to use AND or OR to connect the values in a range.
 Reference 163

Cover Page Tab

Use the Cover Page tab to print a cover page for the current Solomon report. A
Solomon report cover page is an introduction to the report, providing a summary of the
report’s content, selection criteria, and sort order. It also contains any user-defined
comments defined in the Cover Page tab prior to printing the report.
For more information, see the Microsoft Business Solutions–Solomon Reporting
Guide.

Figure 91: Sample Cover Page tab

Following are the field descriptions for the Cover Page tab.
Print Cover Page
Prints a cover page, including information entered on the Sort and Select tabs, in front
of the selected report.
Description
Additional information to print on the cover page.
164 System Manager

Company Selection Tab

Use to select the company or multiple companies on which to report. For more
information, see the Microsoft Business Solutions–Solomon Reporting Guide.

Figure 92: Sample Company Selection tab

Following are the field descriptions for the Company Selection tab.
Current Company
Reports only on the company specified when you logged in.
Selected Companies
Reports on a group of selected companies.
Show active companies only
Includes only active companies in the report.
Select
Includes the company shown in Company ID and Company Name in the report.
Company ID
Identification number of the company shown in Company Name.
Company Name
Name of the company.
Active
Indicates the company is currently active.
 Reference 165

Select All (Button)

Selects all available companies for inclusion in the report.
Clear All (Button)
Resets the Company Selection tab grid so that no companies are selected.
166 System Manager

Template Tab
Specifies the ID and description of a template, which is a set of data, such as the
printing and sorting options of a report, that is saved for later use with a Solomon
report.
For more information, see the Microsoft Business Solutions–Solomon Reporting
Guide.

Figure 93: Sample Template tab

Following are the field descriptions for the Template tab.

Public
Determines whether the template can be used by every Solomon user or just by the
user who created the template.
Template ID
Identification code for the template.
Description
Description entered when the template was created.
Load Template (Button)
Click to load the selected template.
Save Template (Button)
Click to save the current report settings as a template.
 Reference 167

Save Template (98.600.01)

Use to save the current report settings as a template. Save the report settings with the
same template ID or create a new template.

Figure 94: Save Template (98.600.01)

Following are the field descriptions for Save Template (98.600.01).

Template ID
Identification code of the template.

Description
Brief description of the template.

Public
Select to enable all other Solomon users to use the template. If not selected, only the
user who created the template can use it.
168 System Manager

Password Change
Use to change a user’s password.

Figure 95: Password Change

Following are the field descriptions for Password Change.

Old Password
Current Solomon password.
New Password
New Solomon password.
 Reference 169

User Maintenance (95.260.00)

Use to add new users to the system and to organize users into groups.

Figure 96: User Maintenance (95.260.00)

Following are the field descriptions for User Maintenance (95.260.00).

User ID
Identification code of an authorized Solomon user.

Name
Name or job title that is associated with the user ID.
170 System Manager

Details Tab
Use to enter/change specific information for a user and enable integrated system logon.

Figure 97: User Maintenance (95.260.00), Details tab

Following are the field descriptions for the Details tab of User Maintenance
(95.260.00).
Enable Integrated Logon
Affects how the user being defined is logged on to Solomon; allows a single sign-on to
both Windows and Solomon.
If this option is selected, then anytime the user starts Solomon, the system checks their
Windows user ID (this is the user ID they used to log on to the network), then checks
to see if the user is defined within Solomon. If there is a matching user ID, then the
user is automatically logged on to Solomon and does not see the signon box or need to
specify user and password information.
Telephone
User’s telephone number including area code; also appears in Active Users
(98.210.00).
Location
User’s physical location; also appears in Active Users (98.210.00).
EMail Address
User’s eMail address; also appears in Active Users (98.210.00).
 Reference 171

New Password
Access code the user must enter at sign-on to log in to Solomon.

Note: Passwords must be used to maintain any level of security and access rights within
the Solomon system. If you leave New Password blank, the user being defined has
unlimited access to all Solomon screens and reports. Even if you have selected Enable
Integrated Logon, you still need to define a password in this screen (the user’s
Windows password does not maintain security within the Solomon system).

Pick Color for Required Fields (Button)

Clicking Pick Color for Required Fields selects a color that will highlight mandatory
fields.
Sample Required field
Displays an example of a highlighted field to help you choose a suitable color.
172 System Manager

Groups Tab
Use to add the user to a group.

Figure 98: User Maintenance (95.260.00), Groups tab

Following are the field descriptions for the Groups tab of User Maintenance
(95.260.00).
Group ID
Identification code of the Solomon user group; must be set up in Group Maintenance
(95.280.00).
Name
Description of the group ID entered in Group ID; must be set up in Group Maintenance
(95.280.00).
Customization Group
Identifies a group of Solomon users for whom certain customizations apply; must be
set up in Customization Group Maintenance (91.270.00).
Menu Group
Identifies a group of Solomon users for whom certain screens and screen options are
available; must be set up in Screen Category Maintenance (98.310.00).
 Reference 173

Access Rights Maintenance (95.270.00)

Use to set user and group access rights.

Note: When granting access rights to Project Management and Accounting screens and
reports, the following must be entered manually in Screen/Report Nbr unless All is
chosen in Preload Screens (95.270.01):

• GRRSW00
• GRCRE00
• GRPVC00
• GRMAI00
• GRMLV00
• GRZIP00
These access rights should be granted to all users of Project Management and
Accounting modules in addition to access rights for individual screens and reports.

Figure 99: Access Rights Maintenance (95.270.00)

Following are the field descriptions for Access Rights Maintenance (95.270.00).

Type
Specifies whether the access rights apply to an individual user or a group.
174 System Manager

Group / User ID
The unique identification code of the Solomon user or group receiving access rights.

Name
The name of the Solomon user or group.

Company ID
Identification code of the company that the specified rights apply to.

All Companies
Indicates if the user’s or group’s access rights are valid for all companies defined in the
Solomon system.

Preload (Button)
Click to access Preload Screens (95.270.01) to select the Solomon module screen and
report numbers to load.

Detail
Use to enter screen-specific information for this user's access rights.
Screen/Report Nbr
Number of each screen or report to which the user or group is receiving access rights.
Type
Indicates whether the number is a screen number or a report number.
Name
Name of either the screen or report.
Module
Abbreviation of the Solomon module to which the screen or report belongs; for
example, GL indicates that the screen is located in the General Ledger module.
View
Specifies that the user or group can access the screen to view its information;
automatically selected by default.
Update
Select to specify that the user or group can update the existing information on the
screen. Updating can include both modifying line items and records and deleting line
items.
 Reference 175

Insert
Select to specify that the user or group can insert new information into the screen.
Delete
Select to specify that the user or group can delete information from the screen.
Initialization Mode
Select to specify that the user or group can set Solomon to the Initialize mode while in
the screen; Initialize mode permits entering and/or modifying balance fields.
176 System Manager

Access Rights Report (95.600.00)

Use to generate user and group access rights report.

Figure 100: Access Rights Report (95.600.00)

Report Tab
This is a standard Solomon report. For information about the other fields on the tab,
see “Generating Reports” in this manual.
Report Format
Report options are:
• Summary — Generate the report in a summarized format that includes only users
and groups.
• Detail — Generate the report in a detailed format that includes all modules and
reports for each user and group.
 Reference 177

Preload Screens (95.270.01)

Use to load a module’s screens into Access Rights Maintenance (95.270.00).

Figure 101: Preload Screens (95.270.01)

178 System Manager

Group Maintenance (95.280.00)

Use to define groups and assign users to groups.

Figure 102: Group Maintenance (95.280.00)

Following are the field descriptions for Group Maintenance (95.280.00).

Group ID
Unique identification number for the group you are creating.

Name
The name of the group you are creating.

Detail
Use to define specific user IDs within the group.
User ID
Unique ID for the user to be assigned to the group.
Name (Detail)
The name of the user assigned to the group.
 Reference 179

Event Log Viewer (95.290.00)

Use to view or delete the Solomon event log files that Solomon creates automatically
as a result of completing processes such as processing payments, deleting module
details, or closing modules.

Figure 103: Event Log Viewer (95.290.00)

Following are the field descriptions for Event Log Viewer (95.290.00).

Process ID
Identification code of each Solomon process for which Solomon has created a log file;
the screen number of the log file’s associated Solomon process; for example, 0156000
represents Closing Process (01.560.00) in the General Ledger module.

Delete File
Select to specify that Solomon should delete the log file when exiting Event Log
Viewer (95.290.00).

User ID
Solomon user who completed the process that created the event log file.

Execution Date
Date when the process that created the event log file occurred.

Last Viewed
Date when the event log file was last viewed.

View (Button)
Click to access Event Log Viewer (95.290.01) for the selected event log file.
180 System Manager

Event Log Viewer (95.290.01)

Use to view the contents of an individual event log file specified at Process ID in Event
Log Viewer (95.290.00). All event log file information is listed line-by-line in the text
box.

Figure 104: Event Log Viewer (95.290.01)

Following are the field descriptions for Event Log Viewer (95.290.01).

Process ID
Identification code of the Solomon process for which Solomon has created a log file;
the screen number of the log file’s associated Solomon process; for example, 0156000
specifies Closing Process (01.560.00) in the General Ledger module.

User ID
Solomon user who completed the process that created the event log file.

Execution Date
Date when the process that created the event log file occurred.

View Date
Date when the event log file was last viewed.
 Reference 181

Database Physical Integrity (95.500.00)

Use to validate and repair the physical and logical integrity of the database if problems
occur. If a database has physical integrity, all records referenced in the database index
exist and an index entry exists for every record. If a database has logical integrity, the
relationship between all database records is correct and up-to-date.
For example, if a database has physical and logical integrity, the open invoice file of a
customer adds up to the outstanding balance recorded for that customer.

Figure 105: Database Physical Integrity (95.500.00)

Following are the field descriptions for Database Physical Integrity (95.500.00).

Record Name
Record name associated with the Solomon database currently being checked for
integrity.

Validate
Select to complete the validation process for the database record.

Repair
Select to repair the database record if, after completing the validation process, it finds
the record to be invalid.
182 System Manager

Validate System Records

Select to validate all records in the current system database.

Validate Application Records

Select to validate all records in the current application database.

Complete Log
Select to record the information resulting from the Database Physical Integrity Process
in the Solomon event log.

Start (Button)
Click to start the Database Physical Integrity process.
 Reference 183

Registration (95.250.00)
Use to register Solomon software and modules.

Customer Tab
Displays information about the customer.

Figure 106: Registration (95.250.00), Customer tab

Following are the field descriptions for the Customer tab of Registration (95.250.00).
Customer ID
Identification code that distinguishes a customer from all other Solomon customers;
supplied by Solomon Software.
Company Name
Name of the company, organization, or individual to whom the Solomon software is
registered.
184 System Manager

Parent Company
Name of the organization’s parent company.
Address Line 1
Customer’s suite number or the name and number of a customer’s street location.
Address Line 2
Customer’s post office box number or the name and number of a customer’s street
location, if a suite number is entered on the first address line.
City
Municipality where the customer is located.
State/Province
Customer’s two-letter state or province abbreviation.
Postal Code
Customer’s five-digit or ZIP+4 digit postal code.
Country/Region
Customer’s two or three-letter country or region abbreviation.
Contact Person
The name of the person to contact, such as the System Administrator, should Microsoft
Business Solutions need further information.
Title
The title of the contact person.
Telephone
The customer’s area code and phone number.
Fax
The area code and phone number of the facsimile machine at the customer location.
Type of Business
A customer’s primary product or service.
Number of Employees at this Location
The total number of people employed by the customer.
 Reference 185

Reseller/Consultant Tab
Identifies the reseller who sold Solomon and/or any consultant who is assisting with
the installation.

Figure 107: Registration (95.250.00), Reseller/Consultant tab

Following are the field descriptions for the Reseller/Consultant tab of Registration
(95.250.00).
Reseller
Use to enter location information for the authorized Solomon reseller.
Reseller ID
The identification code of the authorized Solomon reseller from whom the software
was purchased.
Company Name (Reseller)
The name of the authorized Solomon reseller.
City (Reseller)
The municipality where the authorized Solomon reseller is located.
186 System Manager

State/Province (Reseller)
The two-letter abbreviation of the state where the authorized Solomon reseller is
located.
Contact Person (Reseller)
The name of an individual, typically a salesperson, to contact at the reseller’s location
when purchasing Microsoft Business Solutions products.
Telephone (Reseller)
The authorized Solomon reseller’s area code and telephone number.
Consultant
Use to enter location information for the authorized Solomon consultant.
Consultant ID
The identification code of a certified Solomon consultant.
Company Name (Consultant)
The company name of the certified Solomon consultant.
City (Consultant)
The municipality where the certified Solomon consultant is located.
State/Province (Consultant)
The two-letter abbreviation of the state where the certified Solomon consultant is
located.
Contact Person (Consultant)
The name of the person to contact for assistance in setting up, maintaining, or using
Solomon.
Telephone (Consultant)
The certified Solomon consultant’s area code and telephone number.
 Reference 187

Modules Tab
Unlocks each module after receiving the unlocking key from Solomon Software.

Figure 108: Registration (95.250.00), Modules tab

Following are the field descriptions for the Modules tab of Registration (95.250.00).
Item
The five-character module or user pack code.
Serial Number
The unique serial number assigned to a Solomon module; appears on the packing slip
that comes with the software.
Unlocking Key
The unique number, assigned by Solomon Software, that allows regular use of a
Solomon module; for each module, this field is blank until valid unlocking codes are
received from Solomon Software.
188 System Manager

Unlocked
Indicates if the Solomon module registration function has accepted the unlocking key;
selected once Solomon verifies that the module is registered for the number of users
specified during registration; unlocking keys are checked whenever registration
information is saved or printed.
Description
The full name of the module or user pack; includes user count information in
parenthesis for user packs.
Verification Code
Indicates whether or not the unlocking key entered for a Solomon module is valid;
calculated when a module’s unlocking key code is entered.
Authorized Users
The number of authorized users for each Solomon module; must be the same for all
modules; changes only when registration information is saved or printed.
Print (Button)
Prints Solomon registration information.
 Reference 189

Screen Category Maintenance (98.310.00)

Use Screen Category Maintenance (98.310.00) to customize screen categories in the
main menu for users or groups.

Figure 109. Screen Category Maintenance (98.310.00)

Following are the field descriptions for Screen Category Maintenance (98.310.00).

User Type
Choose User or Group.

User/Group ID
Identification code of the user or group.

Module
Identification code of the customized module.

Row
Row where the category will be displayed in the Application Navigation Pane of the
main menu.
190 System Manager

Column
Column in the main menu (1 through 3).

Note: Depending on user rights, the category may actually appear in a different column
or row. If a defined category has no applications listed under it on the menu, the
category will not be displayed, and all subsequent categories will shift to fill the void.

Category ID
ID of the category. This can be any value, but it should reflect the module to which it
belongs. This value is used to connect ScreenMenu records to Screen Categories.

Description
A short description that appears on the main menu and details the type of applications
listed in this category.

Load Details (Button)

Click this button to open ScreenMenu Records for Module.

ScreenMenu Records for Module

Use ScreenMenu Records for Module to put screens into categories customized in
Screen Category Maintenance (98.310.00).

Row
Row number in the category. This will define the order in which the applications will
be displayed in the category. If a user does not have access rights to a defined
application or report, that item will not appear in the menu. All subsequent applications
will be shifted up in the order.

Screen
Number of the Solomon application screen or report that you would like to add to this
category.

Description
Description of the Solomon application screen.

OK (Button)
Use this button to close the screen. Before closing, be sure to save your work. If you do
not, you will be prompted to do so.
 Reference 191

Modules Maintenance (98.320.00)

Use Modules Maintenance (98.320.00) to edit data in the Modules table. Every module
in Solomon should have a corresponding entry in this table. You can add or remove
modules. You can also make them active or inactive using Modules Maintenance
(98.320.00).

Figure 110. Modules Maintenance (98.320.00)

Following are the field descriptions for Modules Maintenance (98.320.00).

Code
The first two digits or letters in the module screen number.

ID
Identification code of the module. This value can be the same as the value in Code, but
it is typically a characters-based ID of the module (for example, AP for Accounts
Payable).

Name
Name of the module. This name must exactly match the name entered in the
Delta.mnu file for this module. The menu system uses the name from Delta.mnu to
look into the Module table to determine if the module is known to the Solomon system.

Active
Indicates whether a module is active or inactive.
192 System Manager

Screen Maintenance (98.330.00)

Use Screen Maintenance (98.330.00) to edit data in the Screen table. Every screen in
Solomon should have a corresponding entry in this table. You can add or remove
screens using Screen Maintenance (98.330.00).

Figure 111. Screen Maintenance (98.330.00)

Following are the field descriptions for Screen Maintenance (98.330.00).

Number
Number of the application screen. This is typically defined in the form MM.NNN.SS.
• MM is the module code (01, 02, 03, 10, 21, 40).
• NNN is the screen number (010, 200, 100).
• SS is the sub number for the application (01, 02, 03).

Name
Name of the screen that appears in the menu.

Module
Identification code of the application module.

Type
Type of screen. Possible values are:
• Screen
• Report
• Report with Interactive Proc
 Reference 193

Favorites Maintenance (98.340.00)

Use Favorites Maintenance (98.340.00) to maintain shortcuts on the Favorites Pane.

Figure 112. Favorites Maintenance (98.340.00)

Following are the field descriptions for Favorites Maintenance (98.340.00).

Application Number
Number of the application screen. This number can be any value, but it should
somehow identify the favorite. This only has to be unique per user.

Application Name
Name of the screen or application that will be displayed in the Favorites Pane.

Application Type
Possible values are:
• Solomon Application
These are the Tools for Visual Basic applications created by Microsoft Business
Solutions or by other software developers for use specifically with Solomon.
• Non-Solomon Application
These are applications not created with Tools for Visual Basic. They can be any
Microsoft Windows application, such as Internet Explorer.

Execute
The executable file name for the application. For Solomon applications, this can be just
the executable name (for example, 0101000.exe). For non-Solomon applications,
specify the fully qualified path name (c:\windows\notepad.exe).
194 System Manager

Transaction Import (98.500.00)

Used to control the Transaction Import process.

Figure 113. Transaction Import (98.500.00)

Following are the field descriptions for Transaction Import (98.500.00).

Selected
Specifies whether to process a particular line of detail information.

Data File Name

Name of the file containing the source data; optional if the control file contains the
source data; pressing F3 while the cursor is in Data File Name displays a dialog box for
selecting the source file; default data file name extension is .dta.

Data File Type

File type of the data file.

Screen ID
Number of the Solomon application screen in which the source data is imported;
number is typed without decimal points.

Control File Name

Name of the control file for this Transaction Import; control file tells Transaction
Import the arrangement of data in the data file; can also provide instructions on which
source fields go to which objects in Solomon.
 Reference 195

Output Log File Name

Name of the file to which Transaction Import writes messages; pressing F3 while the
cursor is in Output Log File Name displays a dialog box for selecting the source file;
default file name extension is .log.

Minimized
Specifies whether the Solomon application receiving the imported data runs in
Minimized mode.

Select All (Button)

Selects all data files in the grid for Transaction Import processing.

Clear All (Button)

Cancels the selection of all data files in the grid; no data files are selected for
Transaction Import processing.

Edit Errors (Button)

Displays Import File Edit; see “Import File Edit” on page 196 for more information.

Options (Button)
Displays Transaction Import (98.500.01); see “Transaction Import (98.500.00)” on
page 194 for more information.

Begin Processing (Button)

Starts the Transaction Import process; pressing Esc stops the process after the current
entity finishes processing.
196 System Manager

Import File Edit

Used to view the log file created during a Transaction Import process, as well as to
view and correct errors in the source data file; accessed by clicking Edit Errors in
Transaction Import (98.500.00).
• Displays in the upper portion of the screen the contents of the log file specified in
Output Log File Name in Transaction Import (98.500.00).
• Displays in the lower portion of the screen the contents of the data file specified in
Data File Name on Transaction Import (98.500.00).

Figure 114: Import File Edit

Following are menu and field descriptions for Import File Edit.

File Menu
Save Log File
Saves the log file with its current name.
Save Log File as
Saves the log file with a new name.
 Reference 197

Save Data File

Saves the data file with its current name.
Save Data File as
Saves the data file with a new name.
Search Log File
Searches for specified text in the log file; displays a dialog box for search criteria.
Search Data File
Searches for specified text in the data file; displays a dialog box for search criteria.
Print Log File
Sends the displayed log file to the default system printer.
Print Data File
Sends the displayed data file to the default system printer.

Log File
Displays the content of the log file.

Data File
Displays the content of the data file.

Line
Displays the line number of the cursor’s current location in the data file; can be used in
conjunction with Column to specify a location to jump to.

Column
Displays the column number of the cursor’s current location in the data file; can be
used in conjunction with Line to specify a location to jump to.

Print Output Log (Button)

Sends the displayed log file to the default system printer.

Print Data File (Button)

Sends the displayed data file to the default system printer.
198 System Manager

Transaction Import (98.500.01)

Use to specify processing options for a Transaction Import process.

Figure 115: Transaction Import (98.500.01)

Following are the field descriptions for Transaction Import (98.500.01).

Import Processing
Controls the handling of valid and invalid data lines.
Edit Only
Processes data but does not commit it to the Solomon database; error checking limited
to data entry.
Combined Edit and Update
Commits only valid data to the Solomon database.
Update After Successful Edit
Two processing passes; data checked for errors first time; if no errors found, data
committed to the Solomon database on second pass.

Data Written to Log File

Specifies what information goes into the log file.
No Output
Indicates that no information goes to the log file.
All Import Data
All source data lines echo to the log file; lines processed successfully marked
Processed; error messages accompany unsuccessful lines.
 Reference 199

Data Only in Error

Only data lines not processed successfully echo to the log file; error messages
accompany data lines.

Discontinue After ____ Errors

Specifies the number of errors Transaction Import encounters before stopping the
process.
200 System Manager

Control Macro Generator (98.510.00)

Use to create Transaction Import control files.

Figure 116: Control Macro Generator (98.510.00)

Following are the field descriptions for Control Macro Generator (98.510.00).

Screen
The Solomon application screen into which the data is imported; screen number is
entered without decimal points.

Control File Type

Intelligent
Creates an intelligent form control file; see “Intelligent Form Control Files” on
page 103 for more information.
Simple
Creates a simple form control file; see “Simple Form Control Files” on page 103 for
more information.

Control File Name

Path and name of the new control file; default file name extension is .ctl.

Browse (Button)
Displays a dialog box used to specify the path and name of the new control file.

View Macro (Button)

Displays Transaction Import Control File; see “Transaction Import Control File” on
page 243 for more information.
 Reference 201

Transaction Import Control File

Use to view, save, and print the Transaction Import control file specified in the Control
Macro Generator; accessed by clicking View Macro on Control Macro Generator
(98.510.00).

Figure 117: Transaction Import Control File

Following are menu and field descriptions for Transaction Import Control File.

File Menu
Save
Saves the control file with its current name.
Save as
Saves the control file with a new name.
Print
Sends the displayed control file to the default system printer.

Control File
Name of the displayed control file.
202 System Manager

Transaction Import Messages

These messages are written to the output log file; %s in messages is replaced in actual
messages with meaningful data such as object names, field values, column offsets, line
numbers, and miscellaneous text.

Nbr Message Cause Action

8000 Start Processing %s Transaction Import None.
process started.
8001 Completed Processing %s Transaction Import None.
process finished.
8002 Error In Field: %s Value: Error reported during Correct the data.
""%s"" Column %s" validation; states the
object being validated
and what data was
being validated at the
time of the error.
8003 Percent Complete Percentage of the data None.
file processed.
8004 Data File Record/Line Used in connection with Use this information to
Number: %s Column: %s other messages to locate and correct bad
define the location of an data in the data file.
error in the data;
specifies the line and
column number of the
data in error.
8005 New Record Requested An insert is about to None.
occur.
8006 Change Existing Records Update to an existing None.
record is about to occur.
8007 Delete Records Requested Deletion of an existing None.
record is about to occur.
8008 Record Deleted A record has been None.
deleted from the
database.
8009 Record Added/Updated A record has been None.
inserted or updated in
the database.
8010 Invalid Data Line Transaction Import has Correct the data line
Transaction Type (%s). detected a transaction and process the data file
Treated as a Comment type that it does not again.
understand; the line is
treated as if it were a
comment.
 Reference 203

Nbr Message Cause Action

8011 Begin Processing of a %s For reference only; if an Correct the data line
Data Line error occurs between and process the data file
this message and a again.
message 8012, the error
occurred in the line
immediately after this
message.
8012 End Processing of a %s Data For reference only; if an Correct the data line
Line error occurs between a and process the data file
message 8011 and this again.
message, the error
occurred in the line
immediately after the
message 8011.
8013 Item not found, please Transaction Import Correct the data file.
reenter. Control: %s Key encountered an error
Value: “%s” Column %s with the specified
object.
8014 Processing has stopped after Processing stopped Correct the errors in the
receiving %s errors because the error limit data file and process it
set in Transaction again.
Import (98.500.00)
Discontinue After ____
Errors setting has been
reached.
8015 Possible values for the Value specified for a Correct the data file
Check Box control %s are Check box-type object using values permitted
%s OR %s does not match the for the object.
possible values for that
object.
8016 Possible values for the Value specified for an Correct the data file
control %s are %s object does not match using values permitted
the possible values for for the object.
that object.
8017 Screen %s cannot be used in Current user does not Obtain the appropriate
conjunction with Transaction have access rights to the rights to execute the
Import Solomon application specified screen.
called for by
Transaction Import.
8018 Invalid possible value for an Value specified for an Correct the data file
options button. Control: %s option-type object does using values permitted
Value: “ “%s” Column %s” not match the possible for the object.
values for that object.
204 System Manager

Nbr Message Cause Action

8019 Invalid possible value for a Value specified for a Correct the data file
Checkbox. Control: %s check box-type object using values permitted
Value: “ “%s” Column %s” does not match the for the object.
possible values for that
object.
8020 Invalid possible value for a Value specified for a Correct the data file
ComboBox. Control: %s combo box-type object using values permitted
Value: “%s” Column %s does not match the for the object.
possible values for that
object.
8021 Invalid Level specified; An invalid level Correct the level
treated as a comment line identifier has been identifier in the data
detected by Transaction file.
Import.
8022 Currently Loading the The control file is None.
Control File loading into memory
for execution.
8023 Percent Complete Percentage of the data None.
file processed by
Transaction Import.
8024 Error Initializing the Macro Error encountered while Exit Solomon, reboot
Logic preparing Transaction the computer, and try
Import to compile the again.
control file.
8025 Error in compiling the A syntax error may Correct the syntax and
Transaction Import Control exist in an intelligent try processing the file
File control file. again.
8026 Insertion of new records on The current user does Remove all inserts from
this level are NOT allowed not have insert rights the data file.
for the current
application or this
application allows
updates to existing
records only.
8027 Deletion of records on this The current user does Remove all deletes
level are NOT allowed not have delete rights from the data file.
for the current
application or this
application allows
updates to existing
records only.
 Reference 205

Nbr Message Cause Action

8028 Invalid Value %s for Button When Transaction Correct the data file or
%s Import tried to click a use a different alias for
button in the destination PRESS in the intelligent
Solomon screen, the control file.
value sent was not
PRESS or an alias of
PRESS.
8029 Button %s was pressed Confirms a button in the None
destination Solomon
screen has been clicked.
8030 The Number of Errors Number of errors Correct any errors.
detected was %s detected; reported when
processing finishes.
8031 The object names in the While processing a Correct the simple
simple control file are not simple control file, control file to list key
sorted correctly Transaction Import fields first.
detected that the key
fields in the file are not
listed first.
8032 The Import Process was The Transaction Import None.
canceled process has been
stopped by someone
pressing Esc.
8033 Invalid data. Value “%s” Some of the characters Change the data file to
does not match Mask “%s” specified for an object match the object’s
do not match the mask mask.
for that object.
8034 Error in Field: %s Value: %s A field value has caused Determine why the
an error. value is in error and
correct the data file.
8036 Invalid attempt to populate a Transaction Import has Change the control so it
disabled field: %s with attempted to populate does not attempt to
value: %s an object that has been populate the object.
disabled by the
application’s logic.
8037 Error, no ending delimiter on A Level and/or Correct the data file.
the Level/Transaction Type transaction type
field of the TI data line. identifier in the data file
is not enclosed in
double quotes (“).
206 System Manager

Nbr Message Cause Action

8038 Error in creating a temporary Transaction Import Check the Temp
macro file could not create a new directory path specified
file in the Temp in the Temp
directory. environment string or in
the file Solomon.ini
and, if necessary,
correct it; check for
sufficient disk space
and, if necessary, free
some; try processing the
file again.
8040 Database Name %s Name of the database None.
used for the most recent
Transaction Import
process.
8041 Transaction Import Reports that None.
Processing Edit Only Mode Transaction Import is
processing the current
file in Edit Only mode,
as set using the import
processing option on
Transaction Import
(98.500.01).
8042 Transaction Import Reports that None.
Processing Combine Edit Transaction Import is
and Update mode processing the current
file in combined edit
and update mode, as set
using the import
processing option on
Transaction Import
(98.500.01).
8043 Transaction Import Reports that None.
Processing Update after Transaction Import is
Successful Edit mode processing the current
file in update after
successful edit mode, as
set using the import
processing option on
Transaction Import
(98.500.01).
 Reference 207

Nbr Message Cause Action

8044 Error — There are more than More than 255 lines of Edit the control file to
255 lines in the function executable code lines ensure that no functions
Process Line Import exist in a function or have more than 255
subroutine called for by lines of executable code
the control file. in them; comment lines
do not count toward the
255-line limit.
8047 Invalid date specified in Data A date value in the data Correct the date value.
Line. Value: %s Column: %s file is not in
MM/DD/YY formatted.
8048 The Transaction Import A control file was not Specify a control file.
Control Filename was NOT specified for a
specified Transaction Import
process.
8049 The Transaction Import Data Neither a control file Specify control and data
and Control Filenames were nor a data file were files.
NOT specified specified for a
Transaction Import
process.
8050 Error — Level name in A level name in the Notify the application
update control is longer than update control of an developer that the level
19 characters. Truncated to: application is longer name must be shortened
%s than 19 characters. to be 19 or fewer
characters.
208 System Manager

Event Log Options

Use to specify that Solomon should also include fatal error diagnostics and database
calls in the event log. The Solomon event log lists process-related events, such as detail
deletions or module closings.

Figure 118: Event Log Options

Following are the field descriptions for Event Log Options.

Fatal Diagnostics
Indicates to include the information of any fatal errors.

Recoverable Error Diagnostics

Indicates to include the information of any recoverable errors.

Database Calls
Indicates to include the details of database calls.

Data Entry Keystrokes

Contains the options for capturing user keystrokes in the Event Log.
Always Write
Indicates to always include a user’s keystrokes.
Write on Error Only
Indicates to include a user’s keystrokes when there is an error.
 Reference 209

Never Write
Indicates to never include a user’s keystrokes.
Maximum Written Keystrokes
The maximum number of keystrokes allowed in the Event Log.
210 System Manager

Database Update (DB.UPD.ATE)

Use to update the current Solomon database with the latest or custom versions of key
Solomon operating information. This information includes database indexes, system
messages, process information, and possible values. All such information is contained
in ancillary files that you copy to the Solomon database. The ability to add key
Solomon information via files, rather then keying all of this information, is a highly
efficient way of ensuring that needed database information is always up-to-date and
complete.
When the Database Update process completes, Solomon overwrites existing
information in the database with updated versions of the same information from the
ancillary file. Solomon also adds to the database any information present in the
ancillary file but not currently present in the database.

Figure 119: Database Update (DB.UPD.ATE)

Following are the field descriptions for Database Update (DB.UPD.ATE).

Cumulative Database Updates

Specifies the application database to update and its associated system database.
System Database
The current system database.
Application Databases
The application databases assigned to the current system database.
 Reference 211

Selective Database Modifications

Specifies the specific files to use to update the application database.
Current Working File
The path and file name of the ancillary file that contains the information you want to
add to the Solomon database; based on the selected drive and files.
Drive
The hard disk drive location of the ancillary file that contains the information to add to
the Solomon database.
Directory
The directory location where the ancillary file that contains the information to add to
the Solomon database.
Files
The names of the ancillary files that contain the information to add to the current
Solomon database; includes one or more files.
Begin Processing (Button)
Starts the database update process.
212 System Manager

Company Maintenance (98.280.00)

Use to define and display information about a company.

Figure 120: Company Maintenance (98.280.00)

Following are the field descriptions for Company Maintenance (98.280.00).

Company ID
Unique ID for the company.

Company Name
Name of the company.

Address, City, State/Province, Country/Region, Postal Code

Address information for the company.

Database Name
Name of the application database associated with this company.

Phone
Phone number of the company.
 Reference 213

Fax
Fax number of the company.

Employer Tax ID
Employer tax ID number for this company.
214 System Manager

Database Administration (98.270.00)

Use to display the Application databases assigned to a particular System database and
to make such assignments.

Figure 121: Database Administration (98.270.00)

Following are the field descriptions for Database Administration (98.270.00).

System Database
Displays information about the current System database.
Database Name (System)
Name of the current System database.
Server Name (System)
Name of the server on which the current System database resides.

Application Database(s)
Information about the databases currently assigned to the current System database.
Database Name (Application)
Name of the current Application database.
Server Name (Application)
Name of the server on which the current Application database resides.
 Reference 215

Password
Password of the master or primary user of the current Application database.
Description
Brief description of the current Application database.

Create Database (Button)

Begins the process of creating a new Application database assigned to the current
System database.
216 System Manager

Possible Values Import (PV.REC)

Use to update the current Solomon database with the latest or custom versions of
possible values lists. Possible values lists are contained in ancillary computer files that
you import into the Solomon database.
Possible values are used throughout Solomon to make entering and accessing data
records easier and faster. Rather than typing a value into a data field, open a Possible
Values list then select the possible value to use. When closing the Possible Values list,
Solomon automatically enters the selected value.

Figure 122: Possible Values Import (PV.REC)

Following are the field descriptions for Possible Values Import (PV.REC).

Specify Import File

Contains the options to select the file to import.
Enter file name (Button)
Allows for entry of the fully qualified path and name of the ancillary file(s) that
contain the possible values to import into the current Solomon database.
Import file
The file selected for import.

Process
Contains the options to begin and monitor the import process.
Begin Process (Button)
Starts the possible values importing process.
Processing
A real-time graph of the progress of the import process.
 Reference 217

PVRecs added
The number of records that are processed. During processing, the Import PVRecs
dialog box displays the current possible values ancillary file being imported and the
number of possible value records in the file being added to the database.
218 System Manager

Currency Selection (24.000.00)

Use to change the currency values used to enter data and to print reports. The symbol
representing the current currency displays on the System Manager toolbar.

Figure 123: Currency Selection (24.000.00)

Following are the field descriptions for Currency Selection (24.000.00).

Transaction Currency
Use to identify the currency that is being applied to the transaction.
ID
Identification code of the currency.
Description
Brief explanation of the currency.
Symbol
Symbol or abbreviation used to represent the currency.

Currency Exchange Rate

Use to define the exchange rate for the selected currency.
Base ID
Identification code of the base currency used for the database.
 Reference 219

Rate Type
Rate type to use when retrieving the desired currency rate from the currency rate table;
rate types must be set up on Rate Type Maintenance (24.260.00) in the Currency
module.
Effective Date
Date to use when retrieving the desired currency rate from the currency rate table; if an
exact match to the effective date is not found in the currency rate table, an exchange
rate is selected that matches the Tran Currency ID, Rate Type, and contains the most
recent date prior the effective date.
Multiply/Divide
Specifies whether the foreign currency indicated at Base Currency ID is to be multiplied
by or divided by the rate given to arrive at the base currency amount.
Rate
Rate to apply to the base currency to arrive at the foreign currency amount.
Rate Reciprocal
Exchange rate applied to the base currency to arrive at the foreign currency amount;
automatically calculated and displayed when the rate is entered.

Currency Unit Equivalents

Application of the currency rate in terms of units, going from foreign to base currency,
and base to foreign currency.
220 System Manager

Report Control Record Maintenance (98.300.00)

When printing a report in Solomon, whether from the menu or from within code, a
surrogate program called the Report Options Interpreter (ROI.EXE or ROI) is called
and this program actually launches the Crystal Reports printing engine to print the
report. The ROI provides a common interface for all reports, allowing the user to make
many different choices that affect exactly how a given report will ultimately appear.
Each report can have a different set of options, formats, etc. when the ROI is run.
Which options, formats, etc. will be displayed is determined by a record from a
Solomon system table called RPTCONTROL. There must be a record in this table for
all reports printed from Solomon.
Report Control Maintenance (98.300.00) allows many different options of the ROI to
be set for a given report. At a minimum, at least one report format must be defined for
each report number. The report format consists of a description of the format and the
name of the actual Crystal Reports definition file that generates that report format.
For more information, see the Microsoft® Business Solutions–Solomon Reporting
Guide.

Figure 124: Report Control Record Maintenance (98.300.00)

Following are the field descriptions for Report Control Record Maintenance
(98.300.00).

Report Number
The Solomon screen number for the report.
 Reference 221

Report Format Name

Report Format Name describes the form of the report. A report may have multiple
formats, for example, Detail and Summary.

Report Format
Each report format has its own Crystal Reports file. Report Format indicates the name
of the file for a report format.

Custom Fields
Click Custom Fields to open Custom Fields (98.300.01) and define additional fields to
be included on the report. Custom report information can be entered on the ROI
Options tab. These values can then be used as desired within the report. The custom
fields’ captions identify what values the controls are to be used for.

Required Sort Fields

Required Sort Fields is not active in Solomon at the time of this release.

Control Options
Click Control Options to open Control Options (98.300.03) and set specific settings for
the report. These options include identifying pre- and post-processes, specific text for
labels on the ROI screen, and cover pages for multiple copies.
222 System Manager
 Appendix A – Solomon.ini Settings 223

Appendix A – Solomon.ini Settings

Overview
The Solomon.ini is arranged in Windows profile format. It can reside in two locations,
the Solomon program directory (installed by default) and each workstation’s Windows
directory, which is created by Login (98.000.00). All Updates to the Solomon.ini by
Solomon will occur in the Windows directory.
The method of searching for (Reading) an entry in the Solomon.ini by Solomon is to
look for that entry in the Windows directory first. If that entry does not exist, then it
will continue to search the Solomon.ini in the Solomon program directory. This way,
entries that should be global (for all users) can be made in the Solomon.ini in the
Solomon program directory and individual settings can reside in the Solomon.ini in the
Windows directory.
In the remaining sections of this appendix, each of the following settings is
documented to detail its default setting, a description of what the setting is used for,
and a range of acceptable values.
• [System32 Database] Section
• [Company] Section
• [Print Default] Section
• [Database Runtime] Section
• [Read Directory] Section
• [Reports] Section
• [Miscellaneous] Section
• [Event Log] Section
• [TranImport] Section
• Solomon Financial Management Settings
Not all of these settings will be in the Solomon.ini that comes from the initial
installation of the software. These settings are available to make your installation more
flexible and perform better.
224 System Manager

[System32 Database] Section

Item Explanation: Used for defaulting Find Database (98.000.01).
[System32 Database]
Database= DEMOPREMIERSYSTEM,PREMIERSYSTEM
Server=SQLSERVER1,SQLSERVER1
Database Type = MS, MS

Note: There can be several entries for Database, Server, and Database Type. A comma
separates each entry. As you enter different databases, each one is recorded here. In the
above example the .ini settings denote that you have signed on to two separate system
databases. All database types will be MS (Microsoft SQL Server). Find Database
(98.000.01) uses these entries to populate the lists for the Server and Database options.

Database
Contains the Named System Database name to be used by Solomon.
DEFAULT: {None}
VALID ENTRIES: Any Named System Database (20 characters maximum)
CREATED BY: Login (98.000.00)
READ BY: Login (98.000.00)
UPDATED BY: Login (98.000.00)
Server
Contains the Microsoft® SQL Server™ database Server name.
DEFAULT: {None}
VALID ENTRIES: Any Microsoft SQL Server database Server.
CREATED BY: Login (98.000.00)
READ BY: Login (98.000.00)
UPDATED BY: Login (98.000.00)
Database Type
Describes the type of database server to be used to access the database.
Default: {None}
Valid Entries: MS
Created By: Login (98.000.00)
Read By: Login (98.000.00)
Updated By: Login (98.000.00)
 Appendix A – Solomon.ini Settings 225

[Company] Section
Item Explanation: Used for defaulting Login (98.000.00).
[Company]
CompanyID=0060
UserID=SYSADMIN
Password=
CompanyID
Contains the last-entered company ID used in Login (98.000.00).
DEFAULT: {None}
VALID ENTRIES: Any Company Name in the system database (10 characters
maximum)
CREATED BY: Login (98.000.00) (after OK is clicked)
READ BY: Login (98.000.00) (prior to display)
UPDATED BY: Login (98.000.00) (after OK is clicked)
UserID
Contains the last-entered User ID used in Login (98.000.00).
DEFAULT: SYSADMIN
VALID ENTRIES: Any Valid User ID created in User Maintenance (95.260.00)
CREATED BY: Login (98.000.00) (after OK is clicked)
READ BY: Login (98.000.00) (prior to display)
UPDATED BY: Login (98.000.00) (after OK is clicked)
Password
Contains the password used in Login (98.000.00). Password is not a recommended
entry if you wish to secure your Solomon data. It is mainly useful for demonstration
purposes.
DEFAULT: None
VALID ENTRIES: Any Valid Password set in User Maintenance (95.260.00)
CREATED BY: None
READ BY: Login (98.000.00) (prior to display)
UPDATED BY: None
226 System Manager

[Print Default] Section

Item Explanation: Contains printer information specific to this workstation for
Solomon.
[Print Default]
PrinterOrientation=No
WindowsDefaultPrinter=No
Device Name=Generic/Text Only
Driver=TTY
Port=LPT1:
Font=
Font Size=
Font Bold=
Font Italic=
Tray=0
Duplex=0
Color=0
PrintToFile=0
IncludeCodes=No
PrintFileType=X
FileType=X
File=C:\WINNT\Profiles\soluser\Application Data\Solomon\*.RPT
ShortIntlDates=ON
PrinterOrientation
Determines whether a report will use the saved report orientation (No setting) or the
current orientation set by the user at runtime (Yes setting).
DEFAULT: No
VALID ENTRIES: No and Yes
CREATED BY: Printer Options (98.220.00)
READ BY: Printer Options (98.220.00) and ROI at print time
UPDATED BY: Printer Options (98.220.00)
WindowsDefaultPrinter
Determines whether the Solomon printer settings are used (No setting) or the current
Windows Default Printer set in Windows Control Panel (Yes setting).
DEFAULT: No
 Appendix A – Solomon.ini Settings 227

VALID ENTRIES: No and Yes

CREATED BY: Printer Options (98.220.00)
READ BY: Printer Options (98.220.00) and ROI at print time
UPDATED BY: Printer Options (98.220.00)
Device Name
Contains the default printer device destination name used when printing in ROI. This is
ignored if the WindowsDefaultPrinter entry is set to Yes.
DEFAULT: Windows Default Printer
VALID ENTRIES: Windows print device names on the current workstation
CREATED BY: Printer Options (98.220.00)
READ BY: Printer Options (98.220.00) and ROI at print time
UPDATED BY: Printer Options (98.220.00)
Driver
Contains the default printer driver used when printing in ROI. This is ignored if the
WindowsDefaultPrinter entry is set to Yes.
DEFAULT: Windows Default Printer
VALID ENTRIES: Windows print driver on the current workstation
CREATED BY: Printer Options (98.220.00)
READ BY: Printer Options (98.220.00) and ROI at print time
UPDATED BY: Printer Options (98.220.00)
Port
Contains the default printer port used when printing in ROI. This is ignored if the
WindowsDefaultPrinter entry is set to Yes.
DEFAULT: Windows Default Printer
VALID ENTRIES: Windows printer port on the current workstation
CREATED BY: Printer Options (98.220.00)
READ BY: Printer Options (98.220.00) and ROI at print time
UPDATED BY: Printer Options (98.220.00)
Font
Contains the default printer font used when printing in ROI. This is ignored if the
WindowsDefaultPrinter entry is set to Yes.
DEFAULT: Report font used
VALID ENTRIES: Windows printer fonts on the current workstation
CREATED BY: Printer Options (98.220.00)
READ BY: Printer Options (98.220.00) and ROI at print time
228 System Manager

UPDATED BY: Printer Options (98.220.00)

Font Size
Contains the default printer font size used when printing in ROI. This is ignored if the
WindowsDefaultPrinter entry is set to Yes.
DEFAULT: Report font sizes used
VALID ENTRIES: Windows printer font size on the current workstation
CREATED BY: Printer Options (98.220.00)
READ BY: Printer Options (98.220.00) and ROI at print time
UPDATED BY: Printer Options (98.220.00)
Font Bold
Contains the default printer bold font attribute used when printing in ROI. This is
ignored if the WindowsDefaultPrinter entry is set to Yes.
DEFAULT: Report font attributes used if Font not set, otherwise No
VALID ENTRIES: Yes and No
CREATED BY: Printer Options (98.220.00)
READ BY: Printer Options (98.220.00) and ROI at print time
UPDATED BY: Printer Options (98.220.00)
Font Italic
Contains the default printer italic font attribute used when printing in ROI. This is
ignored if the WindowsDefaultPrinter entry is set to Yes.
DEFAULT: Report font attributes used if Font not set, otherwise No
VALID ENTRIES: Yes and No
CREATED BY: Printer Options (98.220.00)
READ BY: Printer Options (98.220.00) and ROI at print time
UPDATED BY: Printer Options (98.220.00)
Tray
Contains the default printer tray attribute used when printing in ROI. This is ignored if
the WindowsDefaultPrinter entry is set to Yes.
DEFAULT: Report font attributes used if Font not set, otherwise No
VALID ENTRIES: 0 (or valid tray entry number for the printer)
CREATED BY: Printer Options (98.220.00)
READ BY: Printer Options (98.220.00) and ROI at print time
UPDATED BY: Printer Options (98.220.00)
 Appendix A – Solomon.ini Settings 229

Duplex
Contains the default printer duplex attribute used when printing in ROI. This is ignored
if the WindowsDefaultPrinter entry is set to Yes.
DEFAULT: Report font attributes used if Font not set, otherwise No
VALID ENTRIES: 0 (or valid duplex entry number for the printer)
CREATED BY: Printer Options (98.220.00)
READ BY: Printer Options (98.220.00) and ROI at print time
UPDATED BY: Printer Options (98.220.00)
Color
Contains the default printer color attribute used when printing in ROI. This is ignored
if the WindowsDefaultPrinter entry is set to Yes.
DEFAULT: Report font attributes used if Font not set, otherwise No
VALID ENTRIES: 0 (or valid color entry number for the printer)
CREATED BY: Printer Options (98.220.00)
READ BY: Printer Options (98.220.00) and ROI at print time
UPDATED BY: Printer Options (98.220.00)
PrintToFile
Contains the print to file options. Wildcards can be used in the trailing porting of the
filename (not in the extension). This is ignored if the WindowsDefaultPrinter entry is
set to Yes.
DEFAULT: 0
VALID ENTRIES: 0 = to printer, 1 = to file (create new), 2 = to file (concatenate)
CREATED BY: Printer Options (98.220.00)
READ BY: Printer Options (98.220.00) and ROI at print time.
UPDATED BY: Printer Options (98.220.00)
IncludeCodes
Determines if printer control codes will be included in printer file output. This is
ignored if the WindowsDefaultPrinter entry is set to Yes or the PrintToFile setting is 0.
DEFAULT: Report font attributes used if Font not set, otherwise No
VALID ENTRIES: Yes and No
CREATED BY: Printer Options (98.220.00)
READ BY: Printer Options (98.220.00) and ROI at print time
UPDATED BY: Printer Options (98.220.00)
230 System Manager

File
Contains the default destination path and file location. Wildcards can be used in the
trailing porting of the filename (not in the extension). This is ignored if the
WindowsDefaultPrinter entry is set to Yes.
DEFAULT: None
VALID ENTRIES: Fully qualified path and file name
CREATED BY: Printer Options (98.220.00)
READ BY: Printer Options (98.220.00) and ROI at print time
UPDATED BY: Printer Options (98.220.00)
FileType
Contains the default file type for when Print to File is selected. This is ignored if the
WindowsDefaultPrinter entry is set to Yes.
DEFAULT: X (text)
VALID ENTRIES: X (text; .txt), W (Word for Windows; .doc), V (Character-
separated values; .txt), B (Comma-separated values; .csv), C (Crystal Reports; .rpt), I
(Data Interchange Format; .dif), E (Excel 2.1; .xls), F (Excel 3.0; .xls), 4 (Excel
4.0; .xls), 5 (Excel 5.0; .xls), G (Excel 5.0 tabular; .xls), H (HTML 3.0; .html),
M (HTML 3.2 Microsoft; .html), N (HTML 3.2 Netscape; .html), 0 (Adobe Acrobat,
.pdf), 1 (Lotus 1-2-3; .wk1), 2 (Lotus 1-2-3; .wk3), 3 (Lotus 1-2-3; .wks), Z (Paginated
Text; .txt), A (Rich Text; .rtf), T (Tab-separated text; .txt), Y (Tab-separated values,
.txt)
CREATED BY: Printer Options (98.220.00)
READ BY: Printer Options (98.220.00) and ROI at print time
UPDATED BY: Printer Options (98.220.00)
ShortIntlDates
Contains the method to do report dates in ROI. If ON then all dates in a report will be
made into Short International Dates at runtime (set in Control Panel).
DEFAULT: ON
VALID ENTRIES: ON and OFF
CREATED BY: Printer Options (98.220.00)
READ BY: Printer Options (98.220.00) and ROI at print time
UPDATED BY: Printer Options (98.220.00)
 Appendix A – Solomon.ini Settings 231

[Database Runtime] Section

Item Explanation: Contains settings pertinent to database operations.
[Database Runtime]
BusyRetrySeconds=10
AutoRetry=0
RetryWaitTime=3000
BusyRetrySeconds
Used to modify how long (in seconds) Solomon retries SQL calls during record busy
conditions.
DEFAULT: 10
VALID ENTRIES: 1-63
CREATED BY: None
READ BY: Login (98.000.00)
UPDATED BY: None
AutoRetry
Allows the user to turn off the busy record message (6902) and cause a delay (in
milliseconds) between busy retries. This is useful when doing performance testing with
macro scripts and eliminating the need to detect the busy message dialog.
DEFAULT: 0
VALID ENTRIES: 0-32767
CREATED BY: None
READ BY: Login (98.000.00)
UPDATED BY: None
RetryWaitTime
Allows the user to modify how long (in milliseconds) to wait between Solomon retries
during record busy conditions.
DEFAULT: 3000
VALID ENTRIES: 1-32767
CREATED BY: None
READ BY: Login (98.000.00)
UPDATED BY: None
232 System Manager

[Read Directory] Section

Item Explanation: Contains the alternative menu and message file location.
[Read Directory]
Menu File=C:\Program Files\Solomon\DELTA.MNU
Message File=MESSAGES.CSV
Menu File
Allows the user to specify an alternative menu file. The alternative menu file is a
complete replacement for the Menu file from the Solomon program directory.
DEFAULT: DELTA.MNU
VALID ENTRIES: Fully qualified path and file name
CREATED BY: None
READ BY: Solomon Parent Toolbar
UPDATED BY: None
Message File
Allows the user to specify an alternative message file. The alternative message file is a
complete replacement for the Message file from the Solomon program directory.
DEFAULT: MESSAGE.CSV
VALID ENTRIES: Fully qualified path and file name
CREATED BY: None
READ BY: First time a message is needed
UPDATED BY: None
 Appendix A – Solomon.ini Settings 233

[Reports] Section
Item Explanation: Used for ROI (Report Option Interpreter) functional settings.
[Reports]
TempDirectory=C:\TEMP
ODBCSource= SQLSRV32.DLL
TempDirectory
Allows the user to specify an alternative directory for report temporary files. The user
should have full access rights to the report temporary directory specified.
DEFAULT: Solomon program directory
VALID ENTRIES: Fully qualified path name
CREATED BY: None
READ BY: ROI at print time
UPDATED BY: None
ODBCSource
Allows the user to specify an alternative ODBC driver for Crystal Reports.
DEFAULT: SQLSRV32.DLL
VALID ENTRIES: ODBC
CREATED BY: None
READ BY: ROI atpPrint time
UPDATED BY: None

[Miscellaneous] Section
Item Explanation: Contains several settings used through Solomon.
[Miscellaneous]
KeyQueueSuppress=0
MeterOn=0
MeterFile=DBMETER.LOG
TempDirectory=
PVFastFirstRow=Yes
CenturyLimit=29
DatabaseIntegrityChecks=0
DiagnosticsL1=0
PVNoLock=Yes (Solomon 5.x Only)
234 System Manager

KeyQueueSuppress
Used to enable, or disable the ability for users to “type ahead” in Solomon. The default
is to not suppress the queue, thus allowing “type ahead” to work.
DEFAULT: 0
VALID ENTRIES: 0 or 1
CREATED BY: None
READ BY: Inquiry at runtime
UPDATED BY: None
MeterOn
Used to determine the screens and processes executed by a given site. When
MeterOn = Yes, the Solomon Kernel will report information on how many Inserts,
Deletes and Updates occur to database tables. It will also report information of the
length of time spent in user’s processes.
DEFAULT: 0
VALID ENTRIES: 0 or 1
CREATED BY: None
READ BY: Inquiry at runtime
UPDATED BY: None
MeterFile
Used to determine where the metering information is to be stored for future reference.
DEFAULT: DBMETER.LOG
VALID ENTRIES: A fully qualified pathname (Up to 128 characters).
CREATED BY: None
READ BY: Inquiry at runtime
UPDATED BY: None
TempDirectory
When the Solomon Kernel creates a temporary file, it will check for a TempDirectory
setting in a specialized entry, such as TranImport. If no setting is found there, the
setting under miscellaneous is searched for. If this setting is not found, then the
Windows Temporary directory is used to create the file.
DEFAULT:
VALID ENTRIES: A fully qualified path, no file name.
CREATED BY: None
READ BY: Inquiry at runtime
UPDATED BY: None
 Appendix A – Solomon.ini Settings 235

PVFastFirstRow
Indicates that the MS SQLServer Optimizer hint FastFirstRow is to be added to the
Possible Values Query to improve performance when displaying possible values. This
hint will tell MS SQLServer to use an index that includes the same fields as the order
by of the possible values query.
DEFAULT: Yes
VALID ENTRIES: Yes and No
CREATED BY: None
READ BY: Inquiry at runtime
UPDATED BY: None
CenturyLimit
Sets the century limit for two-digit year date and period fields. Two-digit dates
between 0 and this value are assumed to be century 2000. Years between this and 99
are assumed to be century 1900.
DEFAULT: 29
VALID ENTRIES: 1 through 98
CREATED BY: None
READ BY: Inquiry at runtime
UPDATED BY: None
DatabaseIntegrityChecks
Use DatabaseIntegrityChecks and DiagnosticsL1 to turn on the Runtime Diagnostics
Kernel (RDK). This is a support diagnostics tool.
DEFAULT: 0
VALID ENTRIES: 0 or 1
CREATED BY: None.
READ BY: Solomon kernel
UPDATED BY: None
DiagnosticsL1
Use DatabaseIntegrityChecks and DiagnosticsL1 to turn on the Runtime Diagnostics
Kernel (RDK). This is a support diagnostics tool.
DEFAULT: 0
VALID ENTRIES: 0 or 1.
CREATED BY: None
READ BY: Solomon kernel
UPDATED BY: None
236 System Manager

PREmpRegMess
Used to determine when the number of employees is near the maximum, then issue a
warning indicating the maximum is approaching. When PREmpRegMess=Y, the
message will display the warning message. When PREmpRegMess=N, the warning
message will not display but the checking will continue and calculation will be stopped
when the maximum has been exceeded and the grace period has expired.
DEFAULT: Y
VALID ENTRIES: Y, y, N, n
CREATED BY: None
READ BY: Inquiry at runtime
UPDATED BY: None
PVNoLock (Solomon 5.x Only)
Indicates that the Microsoft SQL Server Optimizer hint NoLock is to be added to the
possible values query to prevent locking the data when displaying possible values. This
hint will tell MS SQL Server to display the possible values window without waiting for
locks other users have on the data.
DEFAULT: Yes
VALID ENTRIES: Yes and No
CREATED BY: None
READ BY: Inquiry at runtime
UPDATED BY: None

[Event Log] Section

Item Explanation: Used for setting and saving options used by Solomon to populate an
Event log. Also used in Runtime Diagnostics.
[Event Log]
Directory=C:\Program Files\Solomon\EventLog
FatalDiagnostics=No
DatabaseCalls=No
EventDetailedOutput=No
RecoverableDiagnostics=No
DataEntryBuffer=50000
DataEntry=1
 Appendix A – Solomon.ini Settings 237

Directory
Allows you to set the location of a shared Event Log Directory. It is also very useful
when your Solomon System has used a “Local Program” installation. A local program
install occurs when you are accessing a Server-based database, but have a copy of
Solomon installed on your local hard drive. You, as an administrator, may want the
Process Status Event log files placed in a Server-based directory so other users could
view them.
For example, place a server-based directory in the setting: Directory =
I:\Solomon\Shared\Eventlog
DEFAULT: None -
VALID ENTRIES: Any valid path name
READ BY: Inquiry at runtime
FatalDiagnostics
Determines whether Stop Message Boxes (message boxes with a Stop sign icon) will
cause the Solomon Kernel to create a General Protection Fault (GPF), which in turn
will force Dr. Watson to become active for diagnostic purposes.
DEFAULT: No
VALID ENTRIES: Yes or No
CREATED BY: Event Log Options (95.300.00)
READ BY: Inquiry at runtime
UPDATED BY: Event Log Options (95.300.00)
DatabaseCalls
Determines whether information about all database calls is written into the Event log
file. If Yes, then all database calls are written into the Event log files.
DEFAULT: No
VALID ENTRIES: Yes or No
CREATED BY: Event Log Options (95.300.00)
READ BY: Inquiry at runtime
UPDATED BY: Event Log Options (95.300.00)
EventDetailedOutput
Determines whether information about all database calls is written into the Event log
file in greater detail. If Yes, then detailed database calls are written into the Event log
files.
DEFAULT: No
VALID ENTRIES: Yes or No
CREATED BY: Event Log Options (95.300.00)
READ BY: Inquiry at runtime
238 System Manager

UPDATED BY: Event Log Options (95.300.00)

RecoverableDiagnostics
Indicates to record the information of any recoverable errors in an eventlog.
DEFAULT: No
VALID ENTRIES: Yes or No
CREATED BY: Event Log Options (95.300.00)
READ BY: Inquiry at runtime
UPDATED BY: Event Log Options (95.300.00)

[TranImport] Section
Item Explanation: Transaction Import settings are used for Transaction Import
processes.
[TranImport]
TempDirectory=
TempDirectory
This setting is used when TI creates a temporary file to hold an intelligent control
macro. The contents of the control file are modified (if needed) and copied into a temp
file. It is then compiled into memory where it is executed. These temp files have an
extension of TIM for Transaction Import Macro file. These files are deleted after
successful execution. If this setting is NOT present, the path pointed to by the TEMP
environment string is used.
DEFAULT: {None} uses environment setting
VALID ENTRIES: A fully qualified path
CREATED BY: None
READ BY: Inquiry at runtime
UPDATED BY: None

Solomon Financial Management Settings

Accounts Payable
03.020.00
Quick Check
Retrieves the Quick Print formats from the Solomon.ini file.
SECTION: Quick Print Formats
DEFAULT: 03620
VALUES: Any valid check report format/file
03.030.00
 Appendix A – Solomon.ini Settings 239

Quick Check
Retrieves the Quick Print Formats from the Solomon.ini file.
SECTION: Quick Print Formats
DEFAULT: 0362Q
VALUES: Any valid check report format/file
03.270.00
VendorDetail
Retrieves the number of Vendor Detail documents to retrieve and display at a time for
the Documents tab.
SECTION: Miscellaneous
DEFAULT: 200
VALUES: Any numeric value > 0; example 50 would retrieve the first 50 records for
display
03.620.00
Report Name (i.e. 03620L or 0362SR)
Retrieves the number of lines to print on the check stub.
SECTION: Report Detail Lines
DEFAULT: 12
VALUES: Any numeric value > 0; example 12 would print 12 lines on each check stub

Note: Customization of the check form may be required if this number is increased.

03.625.00
Report Name (i.e. 03620L or 0362SR)
Retrieves the number of lines to print on the check stub.
SECTION: Report Detail Lines
DEFAULT: 12
VALUES: Any numeric value > 0; example 12 would print 12 lines on each check stub

Note: Customization of the check form may be required if this number is increased.

Accounts Receivable
08.010.00
AR Invoice
Retrieves the Quick Print Formats from the Solomon.ini file.
SECTION: Quick Print Formats
DEFAULT: 08760
240 System Manager

VALUES: Valid format (Crystal .rpt file) for the AR Invoice Report
08.030.00
PmtDetail
Retrieves the number of Customer Payment Detail documents to retrieve and display at
a time.
SECTION: Miscellaneous
DEFAULT: 500
VALUES: Any numeric value > 0; example 200 would retrieve the first 200 records
for display
PmtDetailUse
Retrieves the flag to determine Payment Detail Use.
SECTION: Miscellaneous
DEFAULT: False
VALUES: True or False
08.260.04
CustomerDetail
Retrieves the number of Customer Activity Detail documents to retrieve and display at
a time. This does not include the application records associated with the Customer’s
documents.
SECTION: Miscellaneous
DEFAULT: 5000
VALUES: Any numeric value > 0; example 200 would retrieve the first 200 records
for display
 Glossary of Terms 241

Glossary of Terms
Access Rights
A set of permissions that define the parts of the system an authorized user may access
as well as the user’s rights to alter any information.
Active User
A user who is currently signed on to Solomon.
Application
One of the Solomon accounting modules, such as Accounts Payable or Accounts
Receivable.
Application Database
A database that contains all of the accounting data for an individual financial entity.
Batch
A grouping of documents. The batch fields on a screen apply to all listed documents.
Control Macro
Synonym for a Transaction Import Control file.
Data Import
A Solomon function that brings data from another database into Solomon; typically
used to aid in the initial set-up of Solomon databases.
Data Item
A single value in a single field.
Document
An individual record in a batch. You can display document fields on a screen in either
grid or form view.
Extended Possible Values List
A list of records that displays when you press SHIFT+F3 or double-click the right
mouse button in a field. The data values associated with the record you select populate
the appropriate fields on the data entry screen.
Event Log
A listing of process events, such as processing payments, deleting module details, or
closing modules, that occur during a Solomon session.
242 System Manager

Form View
A portion of a data entry screen showing all the fields for one record. The form view
helps when you need to see all the fields in one record. Toggle between form and grid
view using F4.

Grid View
A portion of a data entry screen showing all the data items for all the records in rows
and columns. The grid view is useful when comparing values in detail records. Toggle
between grid and form view using F4.

Group
A collection of users who share the same access rights to an application screen.
Import Detail Definitions
Instructions that tell Solomon’s Data Import function how to place information from
individual fields into the destination table.
Import Filters
Instructions that tell Solomon’s Data Import function how to handle the source
information in relation to the destination database as a whole.
Import Sets
A collection of import detail definitions and import filters used by Solomon during
Data Import.
Initialize Mode
A special data entry mode where you select the starting point for data entry. You
typically use the Initialize mode when you first set up a Solomon module. In Initialize
mode, enter the starting balances only. From that point on, Solomon manages the
account.
Key Information
Data that is assigned by Solomon, such as a reference number, a vendor ID number,
balances, and voucher dates.
Logical Integrity
The relationship between all database records is correct and up-to-date. Check logical
integrity using the Database Physical Integrity option on the Utility menu. This option
is available only for Scalable SQL installations.
Non-key Information
Data that is entered by a user, such as name and address.
 Glossary of Terms 243

Physical Integrity
All database records referenced in a database index exist. Check physical integrity
using the Database Physical Integrity option on the Utility menu. This option is
available only for Scalable SQL installations.
Possible Values
Values that appear when you press F3 or double-click in a field. Files containing the
lists of possible values are imported into Solomon using the Possible Values Import
function on the Utility menu.
Selection Mask
A set of selection criteria entered on the Select and Sort tabs when creating a report.
The Selection Mask automatically prints on a cover page.
Selection Tags
Small numbers in black boxes that appear when you select multiple fields. The
numbers indicate the order in which you selected the fields.
SQL
Structured Query Language.
System Database
The database that contains shared site-specific data, such as database field attributes,
edit characteristics, product registrations, customizations, and Solomon screen-level
security.
Template
A set of options, such as the printing and sorting options of a report, that is saved for
later use.
Transaction Import
A function that aids in bringing into Solomon information used on an ongoing basis,
such as sales orders and inventory information.
Transaction Import Control File
File containing information on how the contents of a Transaction Import Data file are
to be handled by Solomon.
Transaction Import Data File
File containing information to be brought into Solomon during a Transaction Import
process.
244 System Manager

Unlocking Key
The unique number that is assigned by Solomon Software to allow regular use of a
Solomon module.
Unreferenced table
A table that exists in the source database, but is not defined in any import filter.
 Index 245

Index
closing
company 42
A company 9
closing 42
access rights defining 13
assigning 27 opening 42
Access Rights Report (95.600.00) 176 switching 42
adding copy 64
possible values lists 54 a screen 66
users 23 copy special 66
Alternative cover page
menu location 232 printing 85
message file location 232 Cover page
application database 9 printing 163
backing up 95 creating
creating 10 a report 80
updating 96 application database 10
Application Navigation Pane 43 groups 22
Application Options menu 38 report templates 76
assigning screen template 70
access rights 27 system database 10
users to groups 25 Transaction Import control file 114
attaching Customize menu 40
notes 60 cut 64

B D
backing up the database 93, 95 data
building clearing a selection 66
formulas 72 clearing fields 60
business date copy 64
changing 56 cut 64
deleting 67
C entering 48
paste 64
saving 61
cancel prompt 68
selecting 62
Century settings 235
selecting for a report 82
changing
sorting on a report 81
business date 56
transferring 64
password 29
data entry
possible values lists 54
setting options 68
transaction currency 57
Database
clearing
[Database Runtime] section,
a selection 66
Solomon.ini 231
data fields 60
runtime settings 231
246 System Manager

Database integrity 235

databases G
backing up 93, 95
updating 96 grid lines 68
date grid row numbers 68
building a formula 72 grid view 49
defining navigating 51
a company 13 pasting data 65
deleting selecting data 63
a template 76 groups
data 67 assigning users to 25
Directory creating 22
temp, setting 234
displaying
Module menu 44 H
documentation conventions 2 Help menu 41

E I
Edit menu 36 importing
editing messages 97
Transaction Import data files 104 possible values lists 97
entering transactions 101
data 48 initialize mode 68
event log Initialize mode
setting options 100 using 58
viewing 98 inserting
Event log, settings 236 rows 65
exiting intelligent form control files 103
Solomon 46 intelligent form data files 102
extended possible values lists syntax 108
using 55

F K
key fields 64
Favorites Pane 43 keyboard
fields customizing 68
clearing 60 using 53
sorting on a report 81
File menu 35
fiscal period
building a formula 73
L
form view 49 loading
navigating 51 a template 89
formulas locating
building 72 system database 33
function keys users 94
using 52
 Index 247

M P
menu password
Application Options 38 changing 29
Customize 40 paste 64
Edit 36 undoing 66
File 35 period
Help 41 building a formula 72
Module 37 Possible values
Utility 39 fast first row 235
Menu file possible values lists
alternative 232 adding 54
Message file changing 54
alternative 232 importing 97
messages using 54
importing 97 preloading screens 28
messages.csv file 97 Premptive messaging 236
Meter 234 previewing
Meter file 234 a report 86
modifying printer
a screen template 75 setting up 78
Module menu 37 printing
displaying 44 a report 86
selecting from 46 a report cover page 85
switching 45 Printing
tacking 46 a report cover page 163
Module Navigation Pane 43 PVNoLock 236
modules pvrec.csv file 97
unlocking 20
mouse
using 53 R
Read directory settings 232
N registering Solomon software 16
submitting information 19
navigating report
data entry screens 51 creating 80
navigation level previewing 86
setting 52 printing 86
notes printing a cover page 85
attaching 60 selecting data 82
viewing 60 setting options 84
sorting 81
Report
O printing a cover page 163
report template 77
opening creating 76
company 42 deleting 76
options saving 87
setting 68 using 89
setting for a report 84 reports
setting for event log 100 viewing a list of 44
248 System Manager

rows locating 33
inserting and pasting 65 updating 96
Runtime
database settings 231
Runtime Diagnostics Kernel (RDK) 235 T
tacking, Module menu 46
S Temp directory 234
template 69
saving building formulas 72
a report template 87 deleting 76
data 61 screen 70
screen template toolbar 34
creating 70 transaction
deleting 76 importing 101
modifying 75 transaction currency
using 75 changing 57
screens transaction import 101
copying 66 Transaction Import
navigating 51 starting 127
viewing a list of 44 Transaction Import control file
selecting creating 114
data for a report 82 Transaction Import data files
data items 62 importing 104
wildcards 84 Transaction Import log files
selecting from viewing 131
Module menu 46 transferring
setting data 64
navigation level 52 TRIAL-LOC mode 15
setting up the printer 78 Type ahead settings 234
simple form control files 103
simple form data files 102
syntax 106 U
Solomon software
exiting 46 undoing a paste 66
registering 16 unlocking modules 20
starting 32 updating databases 96
sorting a report 81 users
standard reports 77 adding 23
starting assigning to groups 25
Solomon 32 locating 94
Transaction Import 127 using
submitting a report template 89
registration information 19 a screen template 75
switching extended possible values lists 55
companies 42 function keys 52
Module menus 45 Initialize mode 58
views 49 keyboard 53
system database 9 mouse 53
backing up 95 possible values lists 54
creating 10 the toolbar 34
wildcards 84
Utility menu 39
 Index 249

V
viewing
event log 98
list of reports 44
list of screens 44
notes 60
Transaction Import log files 131
views, switching 49

W
wildcards 84