106 - PLU Import: The Cashier Operation
Importation of the PLU Information Import File can occur one of three ways. BreakPoint may be set up so that the PLU Information Import File can be imported manually by pressing the PLU IMPORT key. This method of PLU Information Import is called the Manual Cashier PLU Import.
The PLU Information Import File may also be imported automatically without requiring the cashier to press the PLU IMPORT key. In this method of PLU Information Import, System Flag #161 - Automatic PLU Loader, must be set to YES so that the PLU Import file will automatically import the moment that it becomes available under the correct directory path and filename as specified in the "Import File" field. This method of PLU Import is called the Automatic Cashier PLU Import.
The third method of PLU Information Import is by use of the PSPLUIE utility. The PSPLUIE utilty is documented in detail in the Technical Newsletter 105 entitled PSPLUIE: The PLU Import / Export Utility.
The Manual PLU Import method is used mostly for remote store sites where BreakPoint is operating on a standalone DOS system. In this configuration, there is no backroom computer from which PSPLUIE may be used, so the import operation is left up to the cashier. This approach for PLU Import can be established by first setting System Flag #161 to NO and then positioning the key function PLU IMPORT on your keyboard. Once a PLU Import File is available under the correct directory path and filename designation, the PLU Import may be effected by simply pressing the PLU IMPORT key at any time.
The Automatic Cashier PLU Import method is less popular than the Manual method as it provides no cashier control over the time that the PLU Import takes place. This feature is designed primarily for 24-hour operations that wish to control PLU importing from a remote site, such that a PLU Import File may be downloaded from a remote site for immediate importation into BreakPoint without cashier intervention. To establish the AUTO LOAD method of PLU Import, set the System Flag #161 to YES.
The Manual Cashier PLU Import method is clearly more popular, since it offers the cashier the ability to control when the import will take place. In many multi-store sites, a Clerk Message will be sent along with the PLU Import file, so that the cashier can be notified that a PLU Import file has downloaded and is now waiting to be imported. This permits the cashier to effect the import operation at an appropriate time when there are fewer customers in the store.
In both cases, the PLU Import operation can be used the moment the PLU Import file has arrived in the correct path and filename designation. Once the PLU Import operation has completed successfully, the PLU Import file is immediately deleted. For more information about the format of the PLU Import File, please refer to the Technical Newsletter 104 entitled PLU Information File: PLUDATA.REG.