RSVP for Randolph-Sheppard Vending Programs

DataLNX IRC Overview

Overview: = DataLNX IRC, is a = fully integrated solution to managing a state's instructional materials program. = DATALNX IRC is a client-server application using Microsoft^® Windows = 98 or XP, Microsoft Office, and MS SQL server database. The application is available to local clients or statewide over your wide area network.=

DATALNX IRC was devel= oped to provide appropriate detail and linkages to speed the process of catalogi= ng, locating, and shipping books, equipment, and supplies. We designed the program with powerful sort, search and grouping tools that allow the user to answer virtually any questions about the data in less than one minute. And, most importantly, DataLNX IRC was designed for instructional materia= ls centers by people who know how these centers work. It was not designed to manage libraries.

Here are some frequently asked questions...

What does&= nbsp;DATALNX IRC do? DATAL= NX IRC manages all aspects of the title, title copy, volume, patron and student. T= ransactions are tightly integrated and retained for historical reporting. Analysis of virtually all aspects of your program's operation is available at your fingertips.

What if I = have a data management system now? Sometimes, the data contained in existing systems is migrated to DATALNX IRC for you by SyLNX as part of the installation process. Because DATALNX IRC is so comprehensive, data from various aspects of the program probably do not exist in your current system. These = data will require manual entry during the installation phase. SyLNX can not assu= re you of a successful migration since some data are not compatible with the DATALNX file structure.

Does this = mean I will need to add staff? No, current staff can bring your current data up-to-date and, simple data maintenance is all that is required. DATALNX IRC becom= es a new and powerful tool for each of your staff.

What makes DATALNX IRC unique? First, DATALNX IRC has been de= signed to be as comprehensive as possible. Next, it is a transaction based system = that checks business rules and refuses a transaction if the rules disallow or triggers associated processes if the transaction is approved. Also, program history is maintained over time so you can instantly see available materials, how many times they have been shipped, and to whom. These are ju= st a few examples of the robustness of the program.

Is this an accessible program for blind and visually impaired persons?
Yes, DATALNX = IRC works with JAWS^®,popular screen enlargement programs and fo= nt preferences may be customized to individual preferences within the Grid of = the program.

Wha= t about security? Security features= are configurable within the database. The program administrator will set access levels for all staff with respect to whether they may read-only, or read and update certain data, or read and update all data. SyLNX does = not assume responsibility for security. This is the responsibility of your administrator.

Using DATALNX IRC

When you enter data into DATAL= NX IRC, it stores it into a large and complex database. DATALNX IRC serves as a win= dow into the database and arranges the information you want to see into "views". DATALNX IRC comes with over two dozen views from which y= ou may look at data. You may create as many additional customized views as you find useful. Views are displayed to you through three built-in screens.

The Grid

First, the Grid displays data = in a column and row format. The Grid permits you to drag as many as four column headers into an area that organizes the corresponding data into groups relating to the column headers you selected. For example, you may gro= up titles by author, publisher or subject. Or you can group your student regis= try by reading medium, grade level, or location. When you group like this, Data= LNX IRC counts the members of each unique group.

Data may be entered, updated, = and deleted directly into the Grid from the keyboard. As changes are submitted, the database is updated and all users are able to see the change= s. Grid screens are implemented for all views within DATALNX IRC.

Once you have grouped, filtere= d, and sorted a Grid, you can instantly export the data to Microsoft Excel™, manipulate it further to meet your requirements, and print a report or a chart. A completely customized and properly formatted report can be generated in a few minutes without the need to master complicated procedures.

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Forms

DATALNX= IRC has other and even more powerful screens with which to enter and record your data. When viewing data in the Grid, you can select the entity you wi= sh to view and then open the "Forms" screen (figure 3). Forms = are available from many views. The powerful feature of Forms is in its ability = to bring multiple views of the data to your desktop. In addition to the = view you are in, you can switch to other views of the data by clicking file fold= er tabs on the form. For example, if you were viewing information on a t= itle and wanted to see how many copies you have and whether they are available or not, you simply click the desired tab and that information is displayed on = the form.

For data entry purposes, many people prefer to enter data on a form rather than, for instance, in the Grid view. Forms provide a concise summary of information in one place rather than scrolling or navigating a large area of data. Forms also have the look and feel of paper forms, which most pe= ople are accustomed to using. As with the Grid, Forms have pop-up lists of commonly entered data. These data are maintained by you in lookup lists. Instead of typing repetitive information into fields, these li= sts give you a choice to click from a set of pre-described data. This feat= ure cuts typing significantly, reduces error, and makes your data look clean and orderly.

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Repo= rts

DataLNX IRC has three= types of reporting functions:

1. = Ad-hoc reports: this function = all allows you (with minimal training) to produce raw or aggregate data into informational reports by using:

a. = The Grid and its multi-functio= nality for on-screen or printout.

b. = The Grid exporting to Microsoft Excel.

c. = SQL to Microsoft Excel

d. = SQL to Microsoft Access

2. = Customized (hard-wired) report= s that collect appropriate data for printing such as:

a. = Packing lists for shipping

b. = Acknowledgements to patrons

c. = Intent and completion forms

d. = Transcriber assignments

e. = Inkprint request forms to patr= ons

3. = Customized (hard-wired) report= s that collect appropriate data for auto emailing such as:

a. = Patron order acknowledgements<= o:p>

b. = Inkprint requests

c. = Transcriber assignment

d. = Publisher requests for electro= nic files

Optional Modules:

· Wireless barcode scanning system for inventory management

· Web based on-line patron search and ordering system

SEE MINIM= UM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS BELOW:

Minimum System Requirements for SyLNX Product Line

Server

	Operating System: Windows 2000 Server (Latest Service Pack) Note: For installations of 5 = or less users, Windows XP Professional will suffice.
	For an existing server minimum requirements call for a Pentium III computer 800 Mhz
	For a new server, it is recommended that the server is equipped with a Pentium Xeon CPU. A fast CPU should be selected for high use environments.<= /span>
	512 MB Memory (1GB Preferable)
	9 GB Available Disk Space (RA= ID Preferable)
	Monitor
	Network Interface Card
	CD-ROM Dri= ve (DVD Preferable)
	Tape Backup Device and Softwa= re (Compliant with Microsoft SQL Server)
	Microsoft SQL Server 2000 (La= test Service Pack)
	Internet Connection Recommend= ed
	Depending on Installation Opt= ions: (*) Modem <= /o:p>

Client Desktop/Laptop

	Operating System: Windows 98,= NT 4.0 Workstation (SP5), Windows 2000 Pro or Windows XP Pro
	Pentium computer (800 Mhz or = better recommended)
	128 MB Memory
	4GB Disk Storage
	17" Monitor (19+" recommended)
	Network Interface Card=
	Microsoft Office 2000 or XP Professional
	Access to Laser Printer
	Internet Connection Recommend= ed

Recommended Customer Knowledge/Training
Pre-requisites=

	Windows NT Workstation, Windo= ws 2000/XP Professional, XP (depending on target operating system)
	Microsoft Office Professional=