How to Create and Use Procedure Files

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A procedure file is a data file with Triad commands interspersed so that when the procedure file is executed by EZ_Software, the Triad will follow the desired procedure.   When you execute (PLAY back) the procedure file, the Triad thinks a person typed in whatever is in the file.  EZ_Software can easily record and play back procedure files.  You might record a procedure file to automate something that you do over and over again.  You can also create a procedure file with a text editor or spreadsheet program if you want to upload data that can not be posted in any other way (such as general ledger data).

Begin with EZ_Software in TERMINAL mode.  Press the ALT and EQUALS keys at the same time.  The following menu will pop up:
    MACRO    Record keystrokes as a macro
    SELECT     Select a macro to play or erase
    RECORD   Record keystrokes as a procedure file
    PLAY          Play a procedure file
    OPTIONS   Set play speed
    Zmodem     Start zmodem transfer now

Use RECORD to create a sample procedure file.  You will be asked for a file name and everything you type after that will be recorded in the file.  To stop recording, press ALT-EQUALS again and select "STOP RECORDING".

If you select PLAY, you will be asked for the name of a procedure file.  After you enter the file name, the data and commands in the file will be played back onto the Triad as though you had typed them.

If you look at the contents of a procedure file, you will see Triad commands such as   <ENTER> interspersed with the data that gets typed into the Triad.   There is a list of Triad commands at the end of this document.  You can use this list to create a procedure file without recording it.

Here are some tips for creating procedure files:

Keep in mind what function the Triad is in when you start the procedure.  For example, if the procedure file is written to upload data to IMU, you should be in IMU before you select PLAY to play back the file.
Procedure file names can be up to 8 characters long.  It is a good idea to have procedure file names end with  ".pro" to remind you that the file contains a Triad procedure.  A sample file name is "imudata2.pro"
The easiest way to create a procedure file is to record it.  Then you can use Windows Wordpad or some other text editor to add on or make changes.
If you use Excel to create a procedure file, add additional columns to hold the Triad commands and then save the spreadsheet as "Formatted Text".
Be sure to fill fields completely.  Use blank spaces to fill to the end.  That way, if something is already on the screen it will not get intermixed with what you are typing in.  For example, if you are entering a price of "8.99" and a price can be 8 characters long, add 4 spaces after the 8.99 to completely cover any price that might have been on the screen before.

In a procedure file, Triad commands are placed in <> brackets.  For example, Add is written as "<ADD>"

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REDRAW ignore RECSPO recall sp ord EZ_BSP ignore
KINSERT ignore QUOTE quote key EZ_SPSE ignore
KDELETE ignore INV invoice EZ_KBHELP ignore
KCLRFLD ignore CHARGE charge key EZ_DIAGS ignore
UPC printupc key ROA rcvd on acct EZ_RULER ignore
TAB tab key CREMEM credit memo EZ_CLEAR ignore
BTAB back-tab PRINT print key EZ_MDIAL ignore
UP up arrow PROMO promotion EZ_MHANG ignore
DN down arrow DISC discount EZ_RDSKU ignore
LT left arrow NXTSCR next screen EZ_RDSTR ignore
RT right arros VOID void key EZ_DELAY ignore
ENTER enter key NOTAX no tax/trans EZ_REPEAT ignore
CLEAR clear key PAIOUT paid out EZ_BLOT ignore
CLRFLD clear field NOSALE no sale EZ_SSKIP ignore
DISP dislpay TOTAL total key EZ_BS ignore
END end key SH_PRINT ignore
HOME home key SH_HELP ignore
RUN run key SH_RUN ignore
ADD add key SH_CLRFLD ignore
CHANGE change key SH_NEXT ignore
DEL delete key SH_DISP ignore
NEXT next item SH_INV ignore
PREV prev item SH_CHARGE ignore
QUERY query key SH_CHANGE ignore
SAVORD save order SH_F3 ignore

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