There are various methods for importing orders into FeneVision, which are explained in this article. Order export is also described.
Order Import
FeneVision has a base order import file schema using the XML format. The base order import schema and available tags are found in file C:\Program Files (x86)\FeneVision\CORE\FtOrders.xsd on client stations with FeneVision Core installed. It is also described, with examples, in the attached document BP0025-XML Import-Export. When using the base format, no further setup is required, as long as the import file contains the customer for the order. See attached example file testbaseorderimport.xml.
The file can be imported at Core - Orders - Import. Simply select the folder containing the import file, select the file you want to import, and select the Import button.
If your customers want a different file format, then a custom script must be created to read and import their file schema. Contact Cyncly for help in writing the custom script.
Automating Order Import
The order import process can be automated with a SQL agent job. The job will automatically import orders, eliminating the need for a user to go to CORE - Orders - Order Import, select orders and import them. Files that are successfully imported will be moved to the "backup" folder. If a file fails to import, a notification email will be sent to a configurable email address, and the file will be moved to a "Failed" folder so that it's easy to go find which files failed.
The SQL job can accommodate the base XML format and a custom file format.
Setting up this job is a small project, so please contact Cyncly for assistance.
Paste Line Items into Order Entry from Excel
Paste Special allows multiple line items to be pasted into a grid from Excel to speed order entry when there are similar products on the order.
Copy rows from Excel into the clipboard. Then right click on a line item and select Paste Special from the popup menu. Paste copied data into the popup dialog and press OK to save.
Bulk Add from Excel to Order Entry
Users can copy and paste data from excel into a grid and add many different line items at once. Default options will be selected automatically, and the option wizard will only show if further selections are required.
The Bulk Add feature is akin to the Paste Special feature. It is accessed through the right click menu in order entry. The major difference between the two screens is that Bulk Add will create new line items for each record, and the parts can be different from line to line.
If there are required options, the Option Wizard will pop up for that line item. The Option Wizard must be finished; cancelling is not allowed. Parts requiring Alternate Wizards will not be selectable. Shortcut parts are also not selectable. Call sizes can only be copied if the column comes after height and width.
In order to Bulk Add, right click on the line item and select Bulk Add from the popup menu. Paste data copied from Excel into the popup dialog and press OK to save.
Order Export
The system can export orders in XML format for a customer. The base XML format is generated by the eServer module instead of a manual export. The export is triggered based on a change of order status, such as: Acknowledged, Released, Shipped, Closed.
To setup order export via Core - Setup - Import/Export, Export - Export Order tabs:
- The Status dropdown must be set to "Online and Auto". (This generates a task in the eServer queue.)
- The Order Status dropdown must be set to {All}, Acknowledged, Released, Shipped, or Closed. For example, setting this to "Acknowledged" means the task is inserted into the eServer queue when the order is acknowledged.
- Set an output directory path.
- Select a customer (or customers) with "Applies To" icon.
- A script is not required if the default file format is acceptable (contact Cyncly if you require a custom format).
FeneVision eServer periodically checks its queue, and will generate a file for the order in the directory specified. These tasks can be viewed in eServer Maintenance.
An example base order export file is attached in document Base Order Export Output File.xml.
Advanced
As mentioned earlier, sometimes a custom file format is required. In those cases, contact your account representative to arrange a project for assistance with writing a custom script.
Some users maintain the custom script using the Import/Export test shell. See BP0109-Import/Export Development for more information (attached).