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Software Tools for Data Collection

Source: Scenic Technology
Data Wrench is an advanced set of software tools that enables the connection of applications developed in Windows NT and Client Server environments to Data Collection Devices
Details

Data Wrench is an advanced set of software tools that enables the connection of applications developed in Windows NT and Client Server environments to Data Collection Devices. The Data Wrench tool facilitates communications to prompt and retrieve user input from devices, independent of the application program.

Data Wrench simulates block mode to the application program, allowing multiple i nput fields to accumulate data prior to transmission to the host application. Complete field editing is allowed including: field to field moves, horizontal scrolling input fields for data elements longer than the display length allows, and on-screen help.

When the screen is complete all fields are sent to the application program simultaneously. This reduces the overhead on the host system. Therefore, the application program can concentrate on the major tasks of data validation, database updates and screen flow without spending time managing the data input.

Data Wrench/ANSI The ANSI runtime module enables the connection of ANSI and VT220 emulating terminals to Windows/NT Server via Ethernet TCP/IP. Wired and wireless terminals are controlled by programs that have the ability to communicate with the TCP/IP Sockets interface. Supported languages include but are not limited to Visual Basic, C/C++ and PowerBuilder.

Application programs use simple commands to identify to Data Wrench screen text and input fields. These commands include clear screen, display text, define input and set default input data.

Data Wrench/Designer The Designer tool creates and stores screens for use with the Data Wrench runtime modules. The screen design tool eliminates the need for the application program to define every detail of the screen. Text and input field properties are stored in Data Wrench. The screen properties include: row/column positioning, field length, default field data, screen input sequence and output field position.

Screens stored in Data Wrench are called up with one command and can be modified before being sent to the proper terminal.

With Data Wrench, a screen from the application program can be customized to add additional text and input fields for special inputs and error messages.

Special Features

  • Flexible -- Works with ANSI and VT220 terminals including wireless RF and hard wired terminals. Data Wrench supports multiple manufacturers' products on the same Ethernet backbone.
  • Distributed -- Data Wrench executes on remote systems with multiple application and terminal controllers connected over local and wide area networks using TCP/IP and Sockets.
  • Hardware Independent -- Data Wrench supports multiple terminal manufacturers. Some of the many are: Symbol, Telxon, Norand, Intermec, and DEC.
  • Language Independent -- Most common application languages can be used with Data Wrench. These include Visual Basic, C & C++, and PowerBuilder, to name a few. Application programs can reside on the same Server as Data Wrench or other networked computer systems.

System Requirements The Data Wrench tool set operates on a Windows NT or Windows 95 host. Network supported include: Ethernet, Token Ring, local and dial-up connections.

Wireless terminals are supported though their manufacturer's normal configurations, i.e. RF Controller, Access Points, Terminals. Special software or hardware devices are not needed. Hard-wired terminals are supported though standard terminal servers (RS232, 422, etc.) over the network backbone.

Application programs can reside on any networked computer which supports TCP/IP including Windows NT, Windows 95, UNIX, DEC and IBM's AS/400.

Scenic Technology, 1911 West County Road C, Saint Paul, MN 55113. Tel: 612-639-0301; Fax: 612-639-0311.

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