Accounting Software Technical Features

The accounting software technical features apply to each online accounting module from Legler Systems Company and influenced how the computer programs were designed for improved reliability and ease of maintenance. The accounting software is written in COBOL (COmmon Business Oriented Language) for general use in mainframe and client-server environments.

The major accounting software technical features are described below:

1. A menu driven system offers easy operator navigation to specific procedures or functions. The master menu and all system menus are displayed by a single computer program (DBSMNU) that also calls each application program based upon the procedure number specified by the user. A separate program file (DBSPGM) relates the system-ID and procedure number of a specific application program-ID and its location on disk (path name) to provide a menu driven system.

2. All screen operations are performed from a single sub-program (DBSSCR) that is called by each application program. The content of what is displayed on the screen is defined in a separate format file (DBSFMT) and can be changed by the user to add any special text to a specific screen or rearrange fields for data entry purposes.

3. All master file operations are performed from a single sub-program (DBSIDX) that is called by each application program. The master file (DBSMST) is an indexed file with up to five alternate keys to provide flexible and rapid access to a single record or a group of records. Also, this single master file is composed of different record types for easy operational maintenance and control.

4. Dynamic file specifications allow for easily switching to another file as defined in a Global Control Record (procedure DB04) for maximum flexibility. File locations can be changed on-the-fly. Also, support files can be located on the server or client PC for optimum performance.

5. Record level locking is provided to ensure the accuracy of information in the system by ensuring that another user has not changed the same record between the time of the query and modify function. All file update programs are designed with record level locking.

6. The COBOL sort verb is used for report sorting operations where the sort work file is user definable, thereby allowing for decentralized sorting on a PC other than the file server in a LAN environment.

7. Disk access is minimized during data entry operations by storing prior codes in internal tables for subsequent verification rather than re-reading the same record over and over again.

8. The content of any record in the master file, history file, transaction log file or transfer file can be printed in character or hex format.

9. The number of detail records that can be stored in the system depends upon disk capacity and the amount of history the user wants to see online. All records are 400 characters including five alternate keys plus some extra space for new fields that may be added in the future. Purging of old records is initiated by the user.

10. One common parameter record (SLD500) is defined for internally passing data to and from all called sub-programs for standardization.

11. Three source text files (DBSSCR, DBSPGM and DBSHLP) are available and can be easily changed using any standard text editor. For example, the online help file (DBSHLP) can be expanded to add more text or special messages. The screen definitions file (DBSSCR) is used to rearrange fields on the screen and add new fields. The program file (DBSPGM) defines the names and disk locations of the computer programs that are executed when the operator enters a specific procedure number on a application menu.

12. Provide a dump/restore capability where the dump process copies records in the online master file (indexed) to a backup history file (sequential) and the restore process copies data records from the backup history file to the online master file.

13. Accounting programs are written in structured COBOL and are logically divided into three major sections: main-line, file and sub-routine. In each COBOL accounting program, business logic is done within PERFORM statements with the THRU option. The COPY statement is used for all record descriptions and sub-routines in each COBOL accounting program.

14. The date format can be dynamically changed for entry purposes as either YRMODA, MODAYR or DAMOYR with the report heading reflecting the proper format (System-Option-36).

15. Laser printer (HP compatible) support is provided for all reports in either landscape (12 cpi) or portrait (17 cpi) orientation. Separate Code Definition Records with a Code-Type of "LP" (procedure DB01) define the laser printer setup codes (PCL commands) for each report.

16. Printed reports can be viewed on the terminal, prior to printing when as disk file is specified as the print file name.

17. Every data field is defined by a prompt name stored in the Format File (DBSFMT) along with its relative location within the data record.

18. All data entered by the operator is edited for valid code, format and completeness to ensure accuracy. Any computer detected error results in an error message being displayed at the bottom of the screen. Invalid data cannot be written to the online database.

19. Whenever function key F1 is pressed, a field help window is displayed containing help text about the field the cursor is on. For error messages, a description of the error cause and what to do is shown in a user error window when the F1 key is pressed.

20. Any report procedure can be aborted during online processing by pressing the ESC key. Function key F10 exits any screen and returns to the application menu.

21. Any field within any record can be selected by system date range and written to an external export file (comma separated fields) for import to other computer systems using procedure DB05.

22. Up to three independent sequential number counters (SEQNO) are defined in the Company Control Record for use in assigning voucher, invoice, order and name-ID numbers to avoid duplicate numbers when adding new records. These sequential number counters can be reset by the operator.

23. Most modules provide for auxiliary input capability of fixed format records for initial file creation or processing input transactions created by other computerized systems.

24. Multiple companies (up to eight) can be defined in one database, since the Company-ID field is part of the primary key.

25. The same application programs that access the online database on disk are used to access historical data on CD-ROM to avoid duplicate programs. The accounting software is designed to provide both disk and CD-ROM data access support.

26. All application procedures are defined on the application menu.

27. Record counts can be displayed on the message line when printing reports online as set by System-Option-14 (procedure DB03).

More Information on the Software Technical Teatures:

To receive additional information on the Legler Systems online accounting software, please e-mail Bill Legler in the San Francisco Bay Area, California or go to the Accounting Software Summary page.

Revision 7.9 - Copyright 2009 by Legler Systems Company. All rights reserved.