Abort: To stop a program execution immediately, usually in the event of an error that will prevent further execution.

Transcription

1 Commonly Used Terms Abort: To stop a program execution immediately, usually in the event of an error that will prevent further execution. Alphanumeric Code: A set of characters containing both letters and numbers that are sorted from 0 (zero) through 9, then A through Z. Application: A program designed to perform a specific function directly for the user or, in some cases, for another program. (e.g. TrulinX Application). Audit Trail: A journal of the sequence of programs used to process or change data. Backup: The weekly or nightly operation of storing one or more extra copies of data on a magnetic medium external to the computer. If the original becomes unusable, a backup copy can be used to restore the data. Bill of Materials (BOM): An item (referred to as the parent item) that is constructed from other lesser items or subassemblies (called component items) and which involves some kind of labor. A hose assembly is an example of a BOM. Bit: Binary digit. The smallest unit of data on a computer. A bit can have a value of either zero or one. BOF: Beginning of file. Introduction to TrulinX Page 1

2 Bug: An error in a program or malfunction in a system causing the program or system to work as it was intended or designed. The first known bug was a moth found (dead) in a machine by programmer Grace Murray Hopper, the author of COBOL. The bug now rests at the Smithsonian. Byte: A group of 8 bits, carried as a unit. A byte of memory can store one character of data. Characters: Symbols used to express information, including digits (0-9), letters, punctuation marks, and other special symbols. CPU: Central Processing Unit. The part of a computer that retrieves, decodes, and executes instructions. Cursor: The small flashing square or line on the screen that indicates where the next action will occur (e.g. typing, deleting). Customer Number: A 5-character alphanumeric number (E.G M2765 ) used in the sorting (i.e. lookup) of customers. An abbreviated method of indexing customers. Data: A general terms used to denote raw facts, numbers, letters, and symbols that describe an object, situation, condition, or idea; the basic elements of information. Database: The collective terms for data files stored on disc and available for use in reports and programming applications. Default: A value used by the computer when no other value is specified. For instance, a customer s default freight code is Prepaid. Unless another option is chosen during quote entry, the system will automatically assign a freight code of Prepaid to the order. Introduction to TrulinX Page 2

3 Domain: Also known as DNS. The friendly naming system for giving addresses to servers. Somewhat like international phone numbers, the domain name system gives every server a memorable and easy-to-spell- address. Simultaneously, the domain names hide the really technical IP address which most users are not interested in. EOF: End of File. Fabrication/Assembly: A term used in the processing of Bill of Materials orders. Fabrication/assembly refers to those items on the order whose parts must be put together or require some process performed on them (e.g. dipped in special coating). Field: An area for display and/or entry of a piece of data, such as name, date, commission rate, item description, account balance, etc. File: A group of records containing related data fields. For example, records on employees would be grouped in a personnel file ; records on customer account balances would be grouped in an accounts receivable file. Flag: The value in a field that is usually a single character code. For example, a checkbox in the Taxable box in Customer Maintenance means the customer s invoices are taxable. Flowchart: The graphical representation of the logical steps of the program. Format: The physical organization of printed, displayed, or stored data; that is, it s placement and spatial relationship on a field or file. Introduction to TrulinX Page 3

4 Hard drive: A high-capacity, self-contained storage device containing a read-write mechanism plus one or more hard disks, inside a sealed unit. Header/Detail: Header represents the data or information represented at the top of a form (e.g. invoice, purchase order, quote, etc.) and identifies and pertains to entire form. Detail pertains to the line item detail on the form (e.g. item number, quantity, price, etc.) Interface: Any connection between entities. May consist of hardware, software, or both. For example, TrulinX software interfaces with the 3DSI software to process credit card payments. Invalid: Cannot be used, considered or performed because it fails to meet established standards or criteria, as in invalid entry. Job: A program that processes multiple pieces of data at a time. It can be run on demand or scheduled to run from the server automatically. For example, Create Invoice from Queue Job. Leading Zeroes: Any 0 (zero) digit that comes before a nonzero digit in a number. For example, TrulinX requires that a purchase order number be eight characters. The very first purchase order would be The zeroes preclude the actual PO number to fulfill the required character length. Line Type: A code used to control the proper handling of different ordering situations on an order line (e.g. drop ship has a line type of DSCUST ). Load: To input data or programs. Introduction to TrulinX Page 4

5 Location: The physical branch of your company. Also sometimes called a profit center. For example, MAIN denotes the main location while 02 denotes the second branch location. Memory: Any part of the computer used to store data or programs. This may consist of main memory, on-line (disc) storage, or off-line (tape, CD) storage. Menu: A displayed list of programs. For example, the TrulinX main menu displays all of the available programs that are available to use. Module: A functional unit. For example, Accounts Receivable or Sales Analysis or Work Order Management. Nesting: (As applied to Bill of Materials). The process of including a separate item within another item to form an assembly, subassembly, or entire BOM. The structure of a BOM is said to be a nested structure; the different levels within a BOM indicate how the items are nested inside the other. On Account: A place for assigning unidentifiable payments on an invoice (Accounts Receivable module). Open Order: A sales order with line items that have not yet shipped. Operating System: The governing program of a computer system. The operating system allocates resources of the system, does file management, and schedules jobs. (e.g. Windows, Apple, etc.) Patch: A record of changes made to a set of resources. Typically, a patch will add a new feature or fix a bug in software. Introduction to TrulinX Page 5

6 Real-time: A term applied to an inquiry or transaction processing system with a very short response time (say, within 3 seconds), to permit a smooth, conversational flow between the user and the computer. Record: A group of related data items considered as a unit for access and processing by the computer. This is usually a group of information about some entity: a customer, an item number, a purchase order, or invoice. Release: 1) An updated version of the software. 2) Refers to the sales order releasing sub-system. An order is released when a quantity is released from stock and a pick ticket prints. Required Field: A field that requires entry of data i.e. cannot be left blank. Denoted by an asterisk next to the field name. Server: A computer program or device that provides functionality for other programs or devices (called clients ). SPC: Sales Product Category. A category used to group like items together. For example, Parker fittings would constitute an SPC. The purpose of an SPC is mainly for reporting purposes (sales by SPC, inventory value by SPC, etc.) SQL: Pronounced like sequel. It stands for Structured Query Language and is used to communicate with a database (e.g. the TrulinX database). A SQL query can retrieve, filter and organize information from a database. System Parameter: An optional feature that can be activated in TrulinX. For example, a system parameter to enable the inventory sharing functionality. Introduction to TrulinX Page 6

7 TeamViewer: A software application used for internet-based remote access and support. It can connect to any PC or server, so TrulinX Support can control a PC or server remotely as if they were sitting in front of it. User ID: The identification code assigned to a TrulinX software user. For example, John D or J Doe or JMD. The TrulinX user ID should be the same as the Windows ID used to log in to the user s desktop PC. Work-In-Process: A term used to describe the location of items that are being fabricated. These items are not physically on the warehouse shelf, but they haven t been sold yet, either. The work-in-process classification allows for control of these items which are in limbo, in terms of quantities as well as for accounting purposes. Applies to bill of material items (components). Workstation: A desktop computer or PC. Voucher: A vendor invoice for goods purchased by a distributor. VPC: Vendor Product Category. A category used to group like items together under a specific vendor. The purpose of a VPC is mainly for reporting purposes. Introduction to TrulinX Page 7