See also: Frequently Asked Questions for this module.
A detailed knowledge of the fields that make up the stock record is indispensable to getting the most from your system. The best way to understand the information coming out of any system is to have a clear idea of the information that has gone in.
The main fields of the stock record are set up via the Stock file maintenance option. Subsidiary fields of information can be added to the stock record through other options in Stock Management. All the fields may be viewed via the Display stock card option. When referring to these fields, we use the phrase Memorandum only. A field thus described may contain indispensable data, but it does not form the basis for window searches, nor does it pass information to other parts of the system. Each and every field within the stock record can be used for searches in the Report Generator sub-system and the Ad-Hoc Enquiries option on the SM REPORTS AND ENQUIRIES menu. If the cursor is positioned at a field with an Ellipsis button ![[...]](Ellipsis.gif){kind=small}
, a search can be made to show all the valid values that the
field will accept. One of the valid options can be selected to complete the field. This is a useful help feature.
The system contains default information for many fields of the record. Default information is information that the system supplies from the data already available to populate a field, which may be an ordinary data field, a code field, or a parameter field. The fields of the stock record are filled with default values set up via the Default stock record option on the SM SYSTEM MAINTENANCE menu. If you make an entry into a field with an associated default value, the default value is ignored. If no entry is made to the field, the system completes the field with the default value.
The STOCK MANAGEMENT Menu is displayed when you select the Stock management option from the Autoline Master Menu. From the STOCK MANAGEMENT Menu, you can enter, report and control, parts information associated with almost all aspects of a parts department within the Motor trade.
Note: Access to the module and associated stock companies within the module is controlled by permissions and priorities assigned to your User ID. The options presented are dependent upon the priorities assigned to your User ID. The following options represent what is seen if you have access to Stock Management at the maximum user priority and all switchable facilities are enabled:
Display stock card: Allows you to view a stock record
Stock file maintenance: Allows you to create, and maintain, stock records
Amend batch of records: Allows you to amend a field, or fields, on the stock record, a range of part numbers, or the entire stock file
Display audit files: This option can be used by Management to view the output generated by the daily update program known as SM/EOP. This program runs overnight, and is set to execute various programs every night, or only at the weekend, or at month-end.
Supersede stock line: Allows you to supersede one part number to another
Imprest Stock: Allows you to produce reports on the imprest stock file, and to display, and maintain, records on the imprest stock file
Assemblies and kits: Allows you to create, and maintain, assemblies and kits
Reports and Enquiries: The facilities of the Report Generator sub-system are common to all Revision 8 Autoline programs. These facilities allow you to create your own reports from any combination of the fields on your records, and formulate enquiries using field and verb references.
Miscellaneous options: Allows you to perform routine maintenance functions. Many of these options will only concern the Systems Supervisor.
System maintenance: Allows you to carry out system management. Many of these options are only available to high-priority users, and will only be used by the System Manager or other authorised person with appropriate access priority.
ADP utilities: This option is only displayed to Priority 9 users. It is normally only used by Autoline Support personnel and consultants.
