Reynolds Text Download Problem

[fburrows]

For some unknown reason in the last month when downloading a file from a Reynolds system in text format, the system will omit 1 or 2 percent of the data. We have found this at two different dealerships and not only in parts but accounting as well. If you print the job on a Reynolds printer you get 100% valid data but if you download it as a text file (none format) you only get about 98% of the file. There will be a blank space where the data should be located. The dealers and I have been unsuccessful in convincing Reynolds that there is a problem. Has anyone else encountered this problem and come up with a fix?

------------------
Frank Burrows
Automotive Business Solutions
frank@autobusiness.org

[petepuma01]

What report(s) are you trying to download?

I assume you're using EraLink-- what version?

[fburrows]

The reports were created in 6910 Report Generator and downloaded with Era 2.6.1 We are unable to use Query Builder since it will not produce a text file in a normal horiziontal format like the 6910 does.

------------------
Frank Burrows
Automotive Business Solutions
frank@autobusiness.org

[Chuck Hartle]

Frank,

There are methods for capturing data in vertical format. You might look into it. Have you tried to capture with an off-the-shelf communication program, such as Procomm? With the right settings, this might be a better way to capture your data versus ERALink.

Chuck Hartle'

[patcorley]

Are you certain the Query Builder program will not produce the horizontal format you desire?

I'm using Query Builder for several reports, all of which exceed the 132 column width problem with 6910.

Otherwise, it would seem you may have a bit of line (telephone line) noise, or possibly the R+R system is running slowly @ the time you are attempting to pull the data? If you'll send over your data fields, file you're pulling from, etc., I'd be glad to try it on one of my clients systems.

Hope this helps - Pat Corley,
patcorley@digitalonramp.com

[partsray]

The problem you are experiencing may be caused by incompatable programs. Your ERA computer host server may have been updated to ERA-Link 32 technology. If you are still running ERA-Link 2.6 on your client PC you will experience odd results from some query builder downloads. Just something to consider before you lose your hair over this problem.

[ScottM]

What operating system do you have on your PC? Eralink 2.6.1 is compatible with 16 bit systems for Windows 95/98. R&R does not support Millenium Edition but does Support Windows 2000 with ERAlink32 (32 bit). That may or may not be an issue. I have a hard time believing that if you have a printed report from 6910 and compare it to a ERAlink downloaded report, that R&R support would not aknowledge the disparity? ERAlink32 was COMPLETELY re-written to assure 32 bit compatibility as well as many enhancements. If you have already have the user license for ERAlink 2.6.1 Server, you may upgrade to ERAlink32 Server for $250.00. I would recommend pursuing it through the Tech Assistance Center at 1-800-767-0080. Stick with it.
1)Ask them to verify the integrity of the report generator vs. the query builder in ERAlink. If they agree it's OK,
2)Fax them a report sample printed from 6910 and the query data from ERAlink.
3) Discuss the possibity of benefiting from upgrading from ERAlink32.
Good luck!

[fburrows]

Thanks to everyone who replied. Reynolds tech support feels that the omitted data from the 6910 download may be due to column widths and they may be right. The problem is that the people doing this download daily are not computer literate enough to adjust the columns and then verify the data. Rob from Reynolds was kind enough to contact me and we are going to switch to a comma delimitated file in Query Builder which is a lot simpler for our customers to use and will be more accurate. I doubt that the 16 vs 32 bit issue is the cause but since these dealerships are our customers, they just expect our software to work with their existing systems.

Thanks again for your suggestions


------------------
Frank Burrows
Automotive Business Solutions
frank@autobusiness.org