Welcome to the TPSquared Web Site. We are in the process of updating our site with the intent of providing you an easier and more fruitful web experience. This is the same logic we apply to the on-going development of TPSquared. A constant re-evaluation in our never ending desire to produce the best software on the market.
TPSquared Import - How-To's (Inclusive Exporting)
Conceptual Overview
TPSquared has several built in routines that allow the user to import data originally generated, or created, with tools such as an Excel spread sheet. The most common would be the ability to import price updates.
It is common within the "Green" industry to re-price in preparation for the next selling season. This is especially true with installed, or planted prices, as some users make use of very complex pricing algorithms that take into consideration man hours involved, equipment costs, fertilizer costs, etc., to arrive at an equitable and profitable selling price.
The system also has the ability to import orders that originate from outside sources. The most common of which would be Internet based orders. Additionally, the system can import Customer records and contract prices.
Note: When importing/exporting data between sources it is common to use the comma as a field separator. TPSquared uses the semi-colon as a field separator.
Hint: WordPad can be used to replace commas with semi-colons.
Pricing
This process allows pricing data to be imported into TPSquared. It can accessed under the main menu heading "Inventory", then the sub-menu "Pricing". As a complimentary process the system also provides for the export of existing pricing information. Although not a mandatory function it can be used to setup an initial price worksheet in Excel. Alternatively, it can be used to perform all types of price analysis to determine profitability, margins, etc.
To access the export feature go to the main menu item "Inventory", then to the sub-menu item "Pricing", then to "Data Export". The user must specify a range of items to be exported. This is based on item code. Drop down windows are available for item selection.
When executed two files are created automatically. The have system generated names and can be found in the top-level TPSquared directory. The first is TP2InvenData and the other is TP2PriceData. The TP2InvenData file contains current stock on hand positions per item, per stocking location. The second contains current pricing information per item. Each item contains all 10 price levels that can be specified, If all prices are not used then the record will contain a comma separated empty price.
The actual format for the Inventory file is shown below. Each data field is separated by a semi-colon.
File Name = TP2InvenData
The Internal TP2 Item ID code
Item Code
Item Description
Item Location
Plot/Bin/Store
Ready Date
Quantity with 2 decimal places
The actual format for the Pricing is shown below. Each data field is separated by a semi-colon.
File Name = TP2PriceData
The Internal TP2 Item ID code
Item Code
Item Description
Price Level #1
Price Level #2
Price Level #3
Price Level #4
Price Level #5
Price Level #6
Price Level #7
Price Level #8
Price Level #9
Price Level #10
Customers
This import routine can be used to import customers into the tpsquared database. It is most commonly used during the initial system setup but may be used at any time.
These customer records can originate from any source. By using this technique these customers are generally sold to on a cash basis, as this routine does not place them in the Accounts Receivable master file.
When executed the program allows the user to browse for an input source. This can be any semi-colon delineated text file , (file suffix .txt),.
After determining a valid source the program allows the user to specify four (4) field elements that will be associated to each record. They are; 1) salesperson, 2) Credit Limit, 3) Status, and 4) Customer since date. Where appropriate, the program will use drop down selection menus to choose a valid entry.
The format of the text file is as follows with each data field separated with a semi-colon.
Customer code
Customer Name
Customer Address Line 1
Customer Address Line 2
City
State
Zip
Phone Number
E-mail Address
Contact Name
Orders
Contract Prices
Contract prices may be imported into TPSquared. The import format consists of only the Item code and the contract price separated by a semi-colon.
During the import process the program will ask for which customer they are to be applied and the dates thru which they are applicable. This technique allows the externally created file to be used for multiple customers, with or without minor variations.
When using the program first retrieve the customer code, ensure the customer is marked as "Contract Price Eligible" then open the contract price tab. Select the Import Contract button.
The user must supply a name for this contract, Useful names could be Spring 07, Chicago Park District, etc. The user must also supply a valid thru date. After making these entries the user is allowed to browse for the source file. The selected file will be analyzed for validity and processed.
The format is as follows with each field separated by a semi-colon.
Item Code
Contract price
Exporting Inventory and Pricing Data
To access the export feature go to the main menu item "Inventory", then to the sub-menu item "Pricing", then to "Data Export". The user must specify a range of items to be exported. This is based on item code. Drop down windows are available for item selection.
When executed two files are created automatically. The have system generated names and can be found in the top-level TPSquared directory. The first is TP2InvenData and the other is TP2PriceData. The TP2InvenData file contains current stock on hand positions per item, per stocking location. The second contains current pricing information per item. Each item contains all 10 price levels that can be specified, If all prices are not used then the record will contain a comma separated empty price.
Data file formats are the same as the import format shown above.
