HIERARCHY

The Universal
  Application

Import data directly into your favorite database, spreadsheet or word-processing program

Discover how MacSema provides the total solution that will automate your data-collection needs  By using MacSema's   Hierarchy Application, you will virtually eliminate mounds of paperwork, the need to decipher handwriting, and errors caused by manual data  entry.

How? MacSema's Hierarchy Application uses a hand-held, portable reader and bar codes or ButtonMemories to collect data.  The data is downloaded to a simple text file that can be opened directly in a spread sheet or word-processing program, imported into your favorite database, or you can use MacSema's turnkey database program.

Many data-collection systems create individual records as data is being collected.  After the data is downloaded, it must be restructured before it can be imported into a program that will generate reports.  These systems are often "hard coded" and additional programming is required to restructure the data.

The Hierarchy Application is designed so that key functions are easily controlled by the user.  Data is downloaded according to the user's preference and no "restructuring" is required.

The power and flexibility of the Hierarchy Application will benefit both end users and programmers because it is so quick and easy to learn!  In addition, you control how data is displayed, you control the prompts that walk end users through the data-collection process, you control what data is to be downloaded, and you control how the data is to be formatted.  The user guide provides complete instructions and examples to help you operate your application.

The Hierarchy Application is perfect for any process that requires compiling data.  This encompasses any applications, such as work in process, shipping and receiving and asset tracking to name a few.

The following pages will demonstrate how easy it is for you to design your own application!  We will demonstrate the power and flexibility of the Hierarchy Application by setting up an actual inventory application.

    
HIERARCHY
  Easy Steps to Data Collection

1. DEFINE Column Names   The first step is to decide on categories for the types of data you want to collect and then identify each category with appropriate names.  Database programs call these categories "field names."  Because data is typically downloaded in column format, we refer to these categories as "column names."  Once you decide on your column names, they are added to the format file.  For our inventory application,  two employees Anna and Mary, will take turns collecting the identification numbers on equipment they find in Rooms 502 and 503; so we have decided to use the following column names:  Employee, Location and Equip ID.
   

Column names are the "field names" for you data.  Column  names also determine the order in which data will be collected.
      

2. Create Code List  The next step is to create a code list (The Code list and format files are simple text files that can be modified in any text editor or word processing program), which the reader uses to determine what codes are valid for each column.  Because adding thousands of ButtonMemory or bar code numbers to the code list may not be practical, you can also create rules for codes that meet specific criteria.  If a ButtonMemory or bar code is read and the code has not been explicitly entered in the code list, the reader reviews the rules and saves the data accordingly.
   
   The code list below reflects the data we plan to collect in our inventory application.  Codes for our employees and locations have been explicitly entered (E01, E02, R502 and R503).  When one of these codes is read, the data appearing under Description will be saved in the specific column.

 

The code list defines the codes that are valid for each column.

We are using a matching-pattern rule %m for our equipment ID codes  All equipment codes begin with the letter "E" and include at least four digits, so the criteria is "E###>."  The code will be saved in column 3 (as specified in the code list) when a ButtonMemory or bar code is read that matches this rule's criteria.  Other rules available include default settings (%d), symbology recognition (%s), column selection (%c) and concatenate (%c+).

3. MODIFY Format File  The third step is to modify the format file which contains many user-definable features, including the names of your  columns.  You can also specify what "time-stamp" information will be downloaded with the data and how that information will be formatted; define how data appears in the readers display; create user prompts and messages to walk end users through the data- collection process; add up to 99 column names; and much, much more!
   
   

4. START Data Collection  The final step is to send the code list and format files to the reader so that the end user can start collecting the data.  There are some data collection features built into the reader's program that are designed to expedite data entry and reduce user errors.  For example, data will not be entered in the wrong order because the reader will only accept the codes in the code list and in column order.  On the other hand, the user does not need to re-enter repetitive data; data collected in each column is carried down in subsequent records until replaced with new data, as shown in our illustration.  The end user can enter new data in any prior column.

Data is entered in column order and repetitive data is carried down until replaced with new data.

5. DOWNLOAD Data  Downloading data is as simple as inserting the reader into a downloader and entering a command to download the data in your desired format.
   
   The data will be added to a default text file or you can have the data added to another text file, the choice is yours!  The downloaded text file is in a simple, tab-delimited (Delimited identifies the character(s) you use to separate your columns of data) format, as shown in our illustration, or you can specify another format, again the choice is yours!

Downloaded text in a simple, tab-delimited format.

6. IMPORT Data  Because of the format structure of the data file generated during a download session, you have many choices for importing your data.  For example, the data can be imported directly into a database program.
   
   Or, you can use MacSema's turnkey database program which is a standard part of the Hierarchy Application. This database was developed in Microsoft^®  FoxPro^® version 2.5, resulting in a stand-alone program (user's do no need to purchase their own copy of FoxPro).  Or, the data file can be simply opened in a spreadsheet or word processing program!
   

Downloading and Importing Data

         

Claris FileMaker^®Pro import dialog box

 

Hierarchy turnkey database program

Microsoft Word Document

       Microsoft Excel spreadsheet

• The Total Solution  MacSema provides off-the-shelf, money-saving packages that include everything you'll need to get your application up and running.  The bar code package includes a Code 39 barcode font (bar code printing software is also available); a handheld, portable bar code reader; a Single-Station Downloader; communications software; and a user's guide.  The ButtonMemory package includes a supply of ButtonMemories; a hand-held, portable ButtonMemory reader; a Single-Station Downloader; communications software; and a user's guide.

• Developer's Kit  The Developer's Kit is designed for the developer or programmer who would like to use MacSema's hardware and software to design their own application.  You will receive all the tools you need to create a specialized application and to customize keypads, displays and reader prompts. MacSema provides the libraries, documentation and best of all example code.

• System Requirements  To use the Hierarchy Application, you will need an IBM compatible "286" or greater computer, at least 3MB RAM (memory), 4MB available hard disk space, an available 9- or 25 pin serial port, and DOS 3.1 or higher.

• Downloaders  MacSema Downloaders provide the necessary communication link between the reader and computer.  The downloader accommodates sending and receiving information as well as recharging reader batteries.  MacSema provides the Single-Station Downloader/Recharger, the Multi-Dock Downloader/Recharger, the Micro Downloader/Recharger and the S-10 Recharger.

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