The Spruce software is typically opened (run) via a Windows Desktop or Taskbar shortcut. This shortcut links to a "start" program located in a deployment folder (directory) on the server, not directly to an application installed on the client machine. The "start" program compares the software version that is installed on the client machine (if any) with the current database version. If the database version is newer, the client installer is run to update the client machine to the proper version. If no client software is installed, the client installer installs the software on the client. After the "start" program checks the version, and possibly installs an update or the application, the Spruce software will open. The application installed on the client cannot be opened directly.

You may receive a security warning when the application is run. The reason this happens is because the application that the shortcut refers to is located on another computer (the server). The warning can be eliminated by adding the server's IP address or name to your list of trusted sites from the Internet Options form.

When running an instance of the application, there is one main form that remains open on your desktop until you close (exit) the software. In addition to the main form, additional utility forms and dialogs may be opened and closed as needed. These additional forms are considered the same "instance" of the application and do not use additional licenses. Often, you can open multiple copies of the same form. For example, you could have three (3) open "Item Inquiry" forms at the same time. Very high quantities of open forms can potentially cause memory issues, so we suggest using some discretion regarding the number of forms you do open at the same time. Forms and dialogs are displayed either modal or modeless. Modal means that while the form or dialog is displayed any parent forms won't allow use until the modal form or dialog is closed. Modeless dialogs and forms can be used in combination with other open forms or dialogs.

The application is designed to be run in a "window" format rather than a full-screen style application. This is intentional as it allows multiple forms to be open accessible at the same time as well as overlap each other for both comparison and productivity reasons. The size of the application window can be modified to increase visibility on larger or higher resolution monitors.

It is possible to run multiple instances of the software concurrently. In this case, there would be a "main" form for each instance. In order for the same user to access the software in additional instances, they must have permission. User permission can also limit the hours of the day that a user can access the software.