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ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE - Technical Features

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


 1.  The master menu and all system menus are displayed by a single 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 (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.

 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 modularly written in 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 common 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 (Code-Type of "LP") 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 pop-up 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 pop-up help 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.  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 (DB03).

MORE INFORMATION:

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

Revision 7.8 - Copyright 2000 by Legler Systems Company. All rights reserved.