General Concepts

Electronic data collection techniques include the scanning of a bar code by a hand-held terminal (HHT) containing a laser.  A number of different HHT vendors exist in the marketplace; however, the functionality of these machines is fairly similar.  The HHTs contain random access memory (RAM), which is programmable in a language such as BASIC.  Once customized, the HHT is ready to be used as a data collection device.

The MAC-PAC software accepts bar coded transactions including manufacturing order receipts, component issues, stock transfers, inventory adjustments, shop floor transactions, purchase order receipts, order processing transactions, flow receipts, deduct issue transactions, lot control issues, by-product receipts, unplanned material usage transactions, labor reporting transactions, machine reporting transactions, and shipping and billing transactions.  You enter the required fields via bar code scan or keypad entry.

Once data collection is completed, you upload the transaction file to the host system work file.  This is commonly done through an off-line device such as a personal computer.  HHTs usually have a port that enables a hookup to the personal computer via an RS-232 cable.  Once the transaction file from the HHT is uploaded to the personal computer, this file is uploaded to the MAC-PAC software.  This process is facilitated through the use of PC support and Electronic Data Collection programs on the host system.

Any method of data collection is acceptable, so long as the transaction file is formatted according to MAC-PAC and EDC specifications.  Once this is accomplished, the software posts the transactions.

Transactions captured through Electronic Data Collection are processed by the same application programs that process the corresponding online transactions.  For example, all purchase order receipts are processed by the same program, whether they were entered online or captured with EDC technology.

Any EDC transactions containing errors are stored in a Transaction Review File.  A separate file exists for each type of transaction.  You can view invalid transactions online, correct the captured information, and submit the corrected transaction for posting.

For a more detailed, technical understanding of the processing that occurs after the transactions have been uploaded to the host system, refer to the data flow diagrams that follow.  A diagram is included for each type of transaction processed by the software.

Order Processing implementation includes separating the picking transactions from the shipping and billing transactions.  The warehouse picks and ships the goods using data collection.  However, the transactions are posted through the use of the EDC Shipping Confirmation conversation.  This separation helps to maintain the integrity and accuracy of the data base.