Pre-Requisites
RMS 2.0 or 1.x
The database and SQL server collations must match. If they don't match DO NOT just change them as this can result in permanent damage to the RMS database.
Database
The system has a number of bugs regarding the handling of special characters. It is important to check that there are no special characters either in the barcodes, item descriptions or alias information. As a minimum the following apply:
None of the alias barcode fields can contain the string “master”None of the item description, alias or barcode fields can contain comma’s (“,”)
These should be checked prior to rollout. If someone writes the SQL script for this,
and emails it to me I will add this to the Blog.
ActiveSync
When using Windows XP, Search on Microsoft downloads for the latest version. With Vista the version built into the OS is adequate. Install this prior to connecting the scanner.
Instructions
Prepare Scanner
Dock the scanner device, this should start the ActiveSync connection wizzard. Click 'setup device'. Ensure the only items which are to be syncronised to the device is files. When prompted call the device RMS Stock Take Scanner 1. Where 1 is the number of the device (it will always be 1 unless you have multiple scanners in the store). Ensure 'Delete existing items on device and replace with items on the desktop is selected'.
The device will complete its initial syncronisation, and ActiveSync will create a shortcut on the desktop which can be used to copy files to the 'My Documents' folder on the device. For example:
"Documents on RMS Stock Take Scanner 1"
Install RMS Addin
Firstly fire up RMS and ensure a 'Physical Inventory' exists. The system requires at least one inventory count to exist, it is fine for this count to be closed. If one does not exist create a count for a single item, set the count level to the quantity in stock and close the count.
Extract the files from the ZIP file SetupStockTake.zip into a temporary directory. Run the setup.exe. Run it through on default options.
Browse to "C:\Program Files\CitrusLime\RMSStockTake".
Firstly edit the StockTakeRMSAddin.exe.config file to adjust the connection string with the details for the RMS database -
connectionString="Data Source=SQL_server
Right click on the executable file StockTakeRMSAddin.exe and create a shortcut.
Copy this shortcut into the RMS Addins directory. This would typically be located in
"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Retail Management System\Store Operations\Addins"
If an Addins folder does not exist, create one under the Store Operastions directory. Rename the shortcut to "Export Stock Take for Scanner"
Run SO Manager - Browse to Utilities - Addins. Run the "Export Stock Take for Scanner" . You should see a screen shot similar to one below displaying open stock takes.
Setup the Scanner
Copy the cabinet file 'SetupStockTake.CAB' contained in the zip file into the shortcut on the PC's desktop which is syncronised with the scanner. On the Pocket PC run this cab file.
Using Windows Explorer on the scanner browse into the applications folder. This should be inside the 'Program Files' folder, in a sub folder called 'CitrusLime StockTake'. Copy a shortcut to this icon onto the PocketPC's desktop.
Run the shortcut and ensure the application starts. Scan some barcodes - ensure the scanner makes a BLEEP when a barcode is scanned (this is essential to make the solution usable and this may require configuration of the PocketPC as the application does not generate the 'Bleep'!)
Ensure that the regional settings on the device match the PC it is being used with. Generally this will be UK settings. Also make sure the Time and Date are acurate. RMS checks the Time and Date of stockfiles it imports.
