Automation (General)

Please Note: This is a general topic regarding automation and EDI processing and is not specific to any particular vendor or EDI option. Additional information specific to your vendor can be located in the EDI chapter found in the Special Topics section (if automation is applicable).

The "Auto Run Schedule" form is used for scheduling some aspects of EDI processing as automated tasks. Just as with the overrides, settings and functionality will vary by vendor. Automation is not necessarily available for all vendors. When an option doesn't apply, it is typically disabled on the form. If automation is used, you won't have to manually remember to perform the operations; however, we suggest checking your EDI Log on a regular basis to ensure that automated processing is occurring as expected. Automation saves time and keeps the vendor information up-to-date, but it does eliminate the option to review and monitor the process.

Main Menu > Maintenance > Database > Branches, EDI, Automation (Context Menu)

Auto Run Schedule

Automated processes run either daily or hourly. In some cases, hourly procedures are limited to certain or specific times of day. This is only done if the vendor requires or requests that we do so.

All automated processing relies on "services" that run on the database server. Services run independently of the application in the background on the server. Problems with services and communication issues (Internet, etc.) can cause issues with automated EDI processes.

Settings For

This label indicates the vendor that the EDI automation settings are being displayed for. This is the wholesaler ID used by our software and does not necessarily match your vendor code.

Daily Update Runs At Time

This is the time of day (using your server's designated time zone) when "daily" type updates are run (this includes "weekday" timings where offered). This does not affect the timing of "hourly" operations. Application services running from the server perform automated operations.

Update Vendor Code

The vendor assigned to the EDI interface to be used when data is updated. Some companies have more than one vendor assigned to the same EDI interface.

Frequency

Some options allow users to select a frequency. Schedule frequencies include the following: daily (0), Monday (1), Tuesday (2), Wednesday (3), Thursday (4), Friday (5), Saturday (6), and Sunday (7). Numeric values (in parentheses) represent the enumeration values kept with the wholesaler record in the database and aren't used for selection.

File Maintenance

If the EDI interface has been configured to automatically retrieve and apply file maintenance updates, this check box will be enabled and allow selection of a frequency (either daily or by day of the week); otherwise, you can disregard this option. File Maintenance typically updates item (inventory), vendor-item, and catalog data at the same time. Overrides are commonly provided to allow for some degree of customization regarding what information is updated (item descriptions, for example).

Classification Codes

If enabled and checked for the vendor, this updates your inventory items' merchandising fields (class, department, and fineline) and/or product IDs based on the vendor's merchandising structure. This may be offered as a manual process in addition to or instead of this option.

Price Update

When provided, this feature allows automatic download and creation of price updates. Updates are not automatically applied in order to allow for manual review.

RPE Extract

"RPE" stands for Retail Pricing Extract and is provided for members who participate in True Value Company's Variable Retail Pricing program. This sends data to True Value Company when item pricing is changed by the member. This option is disabled for vendors other than True Value Company.

Nightly Routines

The following processes run each day if checked and provided for the vendor.

POS Data Send

The POS Data Send transmits data to the vendor when applicable. The content of the data sent will vary by vendor.

Warehouse Quantity

When applicable and selected, this feature updates the warehouse quantities maintained in the catalog for your branch's assigned warehouse.

Hourly Routines

These operations process on an hourly basis (or during specific hours/periods during the day).

Price Change Send

If enabled, this sends changes your company has made to inventory pricing since the last send.

Bulk Apply

"Bulk Apply" refers to an operation that performs multiple EDI functions as part of the same process. For example, a bulk apply might update purchase orders with shipped quantities and also generate payables.

Inventory Send

This sends data to the vendor based on changes made to inventory items since the last send (this also includes price changes, so "inventory send" and "price change send" are typically not both selected).

Services Base Pathname

This directory, used by services, is the equivalent of the local or mapped drive "base" directory found on the Branch Setup, EDI tab. This would be the UNC path to the same directory but from the server, not a client.

POS Data Upload Directory

This directory, used by services, is the equivalent of a local or mapped drive "upload" directory found on the Branch Setup, EDI tab. This would be the UNC path to the same directory but from the server, not a client.