New Release of TASLink/TASFlex SDK for TASBooks

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This morning we shipped a new release (v2.16.6) for the SDK for TASBooks (known as TASLink to developers, TASFlex to end-users) and it is now available for download. The main change is a new installation/setup program. Until now, you have had to install System Integration Manager (SIM), then use it to install and configure the SDK. It’s taken a long time to install, involved many clicks and much frustration all round.

However, all of this has now changed for the better.

As of this release, there is a single download and a simple installation routine. Simply download the setup file then choose the edition of the SDK to be installed. Wait approximately 30 seconds for the installation to finish. Finally launch the Control Centre shortcut from the desktop and configure.

Much more detail can be found in the installation guide available with the downloads. To confirm, this removes the dependency on the System Integration Manager (SIM) component. You’ll no longer need it. Hurrah!

Release Notes

  • This version is not compatible and will not install on Windows XP computers. Ever.
  • This release requires Microsoft .NET Framework v4.5 (you’ll most likely already have it but its a free download from Microsoft if not)
  • To upgrade to this version requires a live (i.e. not lapsed) TASLink and/or TASFlex support contract

 

Back to Back Ordering – Customer Projects Showcase #2

The second solution in this series was for a customer who specialises in motors in the conveyor industry.

Our customer wanted to reduce the amount of time spent processing orders. Their purchase orders were more or less a copy of their sales orders. So, typed in by hand, entry was work duplicated. So we designed and developed a Back-To-Back Ordering application.

The customers’ requirements:

1)    Be able to select 1 or more sales orders from list of incomplete orders

2)    Ask which supplier to use – select one supplier at a time for a ‘group’ of sales orders

3)    A Yes/No box asks whether to generate purchase orders from selected sales orders. The purchase order lines use the cost price entered into the sales order lines

4)    Then the program generates 1 purchase order for 1 sales order only

The body lines of the sales order are copied to the new purchase order. The purchase order address is the delivery address from the sales order (the customers).

HOW DOES IT WORK?

It is a single application powered by TASflex – the runtime version of the TASBooks SDK. TASflex fetches the sales order data and creates the purchase order. The main form has 3 menus – FileSettings and ExitSettings provides default date filters and order filters. It has an option to limit the Supplier list to a specific supplier group. Useful when you have a large number of suppliers!

Using the application is simple. Once setup, click the List Sales Orders button and essential information is displayed. Select the order(s) to process and click Create PO’s. Finally select the supplier to use from the drop-down list. The purchase orders are created then a log file displays the numbers used.

WHO ELSE MIGHT USE IT?

Any company who drop ships products to customers.

Further development paths? 1 purchase order for many sales orders for example. Or we could limit B2B processing to specific customers/products. Perhaps, it could run on a scheduled basis and process orders itself…

Follow us for the next in the series!

Main Application Form

Sales Dashboard – Customer Projects Showcase #1

Infoplex offers off the shelf add-on software for TASBooks. For stock/order processing requirements – MultiTAS. For programmatic access to the TASBooks database – TASLink for developers, TASflex for their clients. For automated data import/export  from an eCommerce website – eTAS.

However, we do a lot of bespoke development work. So, this is the beginning of a short series of blog posts showcasing some of these projects.

The first solution in this series was developed a couple of years ago, for a customer who specialise in the supply of safety signs and equipment for the road transport and logistics industry.

Our customer wanted to show key sales data in a Dashboard format on a large flat screen TV wall-mounted in their office. Their sales guys/gals would then know at a glance how the day was going. The data to be displayed was:

  • Today’s sales with a target figure below
  • This month’s sales with a target figure below
  • Invoiced Sales for the month
  • Number of calls made today together with a target figure

HOW DOES THE DASHBOARD WORK?

There are two components. One pulls sales information out of TASBooks every 5 minutes into an Access database. A simple Dashboard application retrieves the data from Access and displays it. The customer provided the design so it is exactly as they wanted it. TASflex – the runtime version of the TASBooks SDK – is used to fetch the sales information. Target and call information are added via simple Access forms. Reaching the daily target auto-plays a celebratory tune (à la Ryanair though marginally less cheesy) – a nice, whimsical touch in what is a high pressure environment.

WHO ELSE MIGHT USE IT?

Any company who wants to share key sales data via a Dashboard with their sales team. So most, if not all companies!

It could be expanded too – for instance show the salesperson with most sales that day/month, show the single biggest sale, average sale and so on. This Dashboard (or something similar customised for you or something completely different) could be on the wall of your sales office within a few weeks. For more information on this project please get in touch with our sales team.

Ireland-based Caraden Construction adopts TASLink

Another company with in-house development skills has taken advantage of TASLink, the leading application for real-time bi-directional TASBooks integration, to streamline their accounting processes.

The Ireland-based Caraden Construction have worked with Infoplex, Europe’s leading TASBooks developer, to develop further their in-house Sales Order Processing system. Using the real-time features of TASLink, Caraden have integrated their custom-built IT systems with TASBooks.

Using the Infoplex TASLink solution has enabled Caraden to integrate our systems with our TASBooks accounts… in turn allowing us to post our invoices from our bespoke system directly to  TASBooks in real time.

Yet another example of having the ability to custom-develop TASBooks’ integration with other applications using TASLink.

NEW Addon – Direct Debit Receipts for TASBooks

A perfect example of how we can always find a solution for our customers.

O’Neil Gas and Plumbing Services Ltd approached us to see if we could find a solution to ensure that when posting their “Customer Monthly Direct Debit Receipts” the process could become quicker, efficient and error free.

If you or your company has a large number of monthly customer direct debit receipts then we have developed a solution that would allow you to post multiple direct debits – for example 600 – in just minutes. Please call George on 01592 598101 for additional information.

Infoplex updates TASLink SDK; adds purchase order processing

Infoplex today updated TASLink SDK with added functionality, new developer tools and bug fixes. This release, version 2.12, allows developers to fully automate purchase order processing.

The latest release of TASLink SDK streamlines the purchase order process and automates the receipt of goods and invoices. With this update, developers can integrate their applications with TASBooks as never before. TASLink SDK can streamline the exchange of data and offer cost and time savings.

This release incorporates valuable feedback from our clients, third-party developers and the team at TAS Software. This update features a number of bug fixes – including customer and supplier flags – and is recommended for ALL users.

Full details of these changes are in the TASLink SDK Release Notes