Chapter 2 - Basics

2.1 Starting the System

Start the program through Start/Programs/Almyta/Almyta Control System. Or if you created a shortcut (see 1.5), double-click the shortcut. The Almyta Control System Company Selector starts.

Figure 2.1 - Almyta Control System Company Selector

If you are starting the application for the first time, just double-click <new company>. On the next message popup, for test or training purposes, click the No button to create a company with some initial values in it. Otherwise, to start configuring the System for your own needs, click the Yes button. Enter a new company name on the next popup screen.

Figure 2.2 - Almyta Control System Company Selector

If you have used the system before, you can double-click a company in the list or select it and click the Open button.

2.2 Quitting the System

Almyta would like to caution users not to leave the database open for extended periods of time unattended. If you leave the application open on your PC and go on vacation for a week, you risk corrupting the database in case of hardware or power failure. If corruption occurs, use the Repair button on Maintenance screen of Almyta Switch. Also, never just shut off your PC. Please go through the normal system shutdown procedure when turning off your PC. This will save wear and tear on both the hardware and the software.

To simply close the system, click the x button in the right top corner of the main window, or press Alt and F4 keys simultaneously, or select Exit in the File menu. To close a current company and return to Almyta Control System Company Selector, select File/Exit and Return to Company Selector or click the rightmost button in the toolbar (the folder-like button).

2.3 The Toolbar Buttons

The buttons on the toolbar provide shortcuts to certain screens or commands.

Figure 2.3 – Almyta Control System Toolbar

Button descriptions from left to right:

Label	Description
Warehouse	Lets you change the warehouse you are working with.
Apply Filter	Can be used to search your records when you are using the “Fast Browse” function (see section below). From the “Fast Browse” screen, select a characteristic for which you wish to search. For example, in the supplier column you might highlight “Supplier ABC.” Then choose “Apply Filter” to view only records of items from this supplier.
Remove Filter	Can be used in the “Fast Browse” function to undo the effects of a search. After you have applied a filter, select “Remove Filter” to view all of your records.
Refresh	Lets you update the database to reflect changes you have made in your current session without restarting the program.
Save	Saves the record currently on the screen.
Find	Lets you search your records for items with a particular characteristic. From any screen, you can click “Find,” then enter a term in the “Find what” field. The system will display all records in which the term is used.
Find Next	Can be used in conjunction with “Find” to display the next result of a search.
Replace	Use to replace a specified text with another one.
Purchase Orders	Opens the Purchase Orders screen.
Inbound Appointments	Opens the Warehouse Appointments screen.
Item Master List	Opens the “Item Master List.”
Receive	Opens the Receiving screen for direct positive inventory adjustment. To receive against a purchase order, use the Purchase Order screen. The same goes for warehouse appointments.
Locate and Move	Opens the Locate and Move Filter screen. Make a selection and go to the Locate and Move screen.
Issue	Opens the Issue screen for direct negative inventory adjustment. To issue inventory against shipping orders, use the Shipping Order Processing screen. The same goes for work orders.
Shipping Orders	Opens the Shipping Orders screen.
Work Orders	Opens the Work Orders screen.
Archived Units	Opens a filter screen to query issued inventory units.
Detailed Assets	Opens the Assets screen.
System Browser	Displays the system browser—an outline form of the program designed to give users a fast way of viewing the entire system and locating information within it.
Initialize Data	Use it to start a new company. Lets you quickly initialize all essential lists.
Almyta Website	Takes you to the systems.almyta.com website for information about the latest upgrades for the program.
Back to Company Selector	Closes a current company and returns to the Company Selector.

2.4 Pencils and Asterisks

Figure 2.4 - Almyta Control System Buttons

Label	Description
1.	A pencil like the one shown above indicates that you have made changes or are making changes to this record or row. If you decide that you want the data to revert back to the way it was before you made any changes, press Ctrl+Z or press the <Esc> key two times before you move to the next row or record. As soon as you move to the next row or record, your changes will be saved. If you are sharing Almyta Control System with other users, Almyta Control System will lock out this record from being modified by others while you edit it. If another user tries to access the record while you are editing it, they will see a “crossed circle” icon.
2.	An asterisk indicates that the row adjacent is blank and that you can type data to create a new record. When you begin to type, the asterisk changes to the pencil for modifying a list.

2.5 Executing Commands

Almyta Control System requires keyboard and mouse actions to select from the screen and to give commands. This section describes the actions involved in using Almyta Control System and the way these actions are described within this manual.

Action Terms

In this manual, you will see the following terms used over and over. These terms indicate actions that will be performed many times. They indicate both mouse actions and the analogous keyboard actions. Here is what they mean:

Action	Description
Select	Highlight or mark a section of text, menu name, or command by clicking with the mouse or using the arrow keys on the keyboard.
Tab	The “Tab” key moves the cursor from field to field, selecting fields as it goes.
Choose	Select and execute a command. You may execute some commands when you select the menu command. Other commands execute when you choose “OK” from a dialog box.

Mouse Actions

The mouse lets you select and move items on your screen. When you move the mouse on your desk, the mouse pointer on your screen moves in the same direction. The mouse pointer takes on different shapes depending on its location on your screen and the task you are performing. The chart below describes the actions that you will see described throughout this manual.

Action	Description
Click	Place the tip of the mouse pointer or lower portion of the I-beam pointer at the desired location and then press the left mouse button one time. This action chooses a menu or command or moves the cursor.
Right Click	Place the tip of the mouse pointer in the desired location on a document or toolbar then click the right mouse button. This action displays a menu appropriate to the item on which you clicked.
Double Click	Place the tip of the mouse pointer or the lower portion of the I-beam pointer at the desired location and then quickly press the left mouse button two times. This action is often a shortcut for carrying out a command or opening a menu choice.

Keyboard Actions

The keyboard is most useful for entering text and numbers and performing operations in conjunction with the mouse. The following table defines terminology used in this manual regarding the keyboard.

Action	Description
Enter	Press the “Enter” key located on your keyboard.
Type	Type characters from the keyboard but do not press the “Enter” key.
Alt	Press the “Alt” key on your keyboard.
Alt, Letter	Press the “Alt” key, release it, and then press the underlined letter or number shown.
Letter	Press only the underlined letter shown in the menu, command, or option.
Alt+Letter	Hold down the “Alt” key as you press the underlined letter.
Tab	Press the “Tab” key.
Esc	Press the “Esc” key.
Left/Right Arrow Key	Press the left or right arrow key. Moves the cursor arrow key left or right one character.
Shift+Arrow Key