HiFinance
5
SECTION
1.5.4.2 – CARDS ASCII IMPORT
USAGE: To import a file
containing, a set of Cards for the United Cards sub-system.
DISCUSSION: Make sure that you have a good backup of your data
and that no-one is using HiFinance during the update. HiFinance may not update
the files as you expected and the only completely safe way to correct the
mistake is to restore your data from backup.
Before you start, you must have created the main
account for this Debtor.
The import file required must be called newcards.csv, although case is not important in Windows. This
file must reside in your data directory, eg \HF5DATA\COMP1. Also, the file must not be in use. This is
important because if you have created the file from a spreadsheet and have
saved it but not closed it, the file will still be locked by the spreadsheet
program and HiFinance will not be able to open it.
The input file must be in CSV format. This is a
comma-delimited file (without quotes) with one record per line.
Exporting from Excel, choosing the CVS format, will produce the correct format
automatically. Each alphanumeric field must be left justified. HiFinance will
make no attempt to remove leading spaces (for names, etc.). Numeric fields
should not have any dollar signs or commas. Do not use commas in any
alpha fields. These will be treated as a field break and HiFinance will
not import the row correctly. Some fields, eg PIN can be left blank, but all
the option fields eg POSTEC, must be populated with
either a Y or N, or the equivalent ie y or + for Y and n or – for N.
The first line of the input file must contain only
field names. This line must be present, but is not counted in the import. All
columns must be present. Do not rearrange the columns. The number of cards to
be entered is not restricted (except by the total limit of cards, ie 99999).
Make sure that you have not duplicated any cards in the import file. Once the
import has run, you cannot get rid of the cards, except by deleting them one by
one.
When you start the program, you are asked for the
main account code. The screen looks as follows.
Enter the Debtor code, or <ESC> to be returned to the DEBTOR ASCII EXPORT
menu. When you enter a code, you will be asked to confirm your choice and then
the import is automatic.
Typically, the excel file that creates the import
file looks as follows:
and the file should be saved as a CSV file which
typically looks as follows:
No trailer is required.
Notice that all fields are left justified. Do not enter any commas in any of
the fields, eg the NAME ON CARD, as this will be interpreted as a column shift and
will cause the import to run erratically.
The Fields are as follows:
CARD
NUMBER This is the full card number
with all prefixes. It is compulsory.
NAME-ON-CARD This is the Name-on-Card field and can be up to 50
Characters.
PIN This field is optional.
DEPT-CODE This field is optional.
ACTIVE
(Y/N) This must be Y or N.
USE-POSTEC
(Y/N) This must be Y or N.
PLUS
(Y/N) This must be Y or N.
ULP
(Y.N) This must be Y or N.
DIS
(Y/N) This must be Y or N.
LPG
(Y.N) This must be Y or N.
PULP
(Y/N) This must be Y or N.
PRE98
(Y/N) This must be Y or N.
OTHER-FUELS
(Y/N) This must be Y or N.
LUBS
(Y/N) This must be Y or N.
CARWASH
(Y/N) This must be Y or N.
SHOP GST
(Y/N) This must be Y or N.
SHOP
NO-GST (Y/N) This must be Y or N.
When HiFinance finishes importing, the import file
will be renamed to newcards.old (to stop you from accidentally rerunning the
program with used data) before returning you the MAIN MENU.
