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Data Management
Users Guide
Version 6.2
Copyright
Copyright 2005, Radiant Systems, Inc. The information contained in this
publication is confidential and proprietary. No part of this document may be
reproduced, disclosed to others, transmitted, stored in a retrieval system, or
translated into any language, in any form, by any means, without written per-
mission of Radiant Systems, Inc.
Radiant Systems, Inc. is not responsible for any technical inaccuracies or
typographical errors contained in this publication. Changes are periodically
made to the information herein; these changes will be incorporated in new
editions of this publication. Any reference to gender in this document is not
meant to be discriminatory. The software described in this document is pro-
vided under a license agreement. The software may be used or copied only in
accordance with the terms of that agreement.
Radiant Systems, Inc., 2005. All Rights Reserved. ALOHA
is a U.S. Reg-
istered Trademark of Radiant Systems, Inc. Microsoft
, and Windows
are
registered trademarks of Microsoft, Inc. IBM
is a registered trademark of
International Business Machines Corporation. Other products mentioned are
trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
v6.2
Table of Contents
Introduction
Getting Started...................................................................... 1-1
Installation Requirements ................................................................. 1-4
Central Site System Requirements................................................ 1-4
Store System Requirements.......................................................... 1-5
General CDM Requirements ......................................................... 1-6
CDM Installation ............................................................................... 1-7
CDM Components .......................................................................... 1-11
Centralsite File............................................................................. 1-11
CDM Directories .......................................................................... 1-13
CDM Utilities ................................................................................ 1-15
Aloha.ini Variables....................................................................... 1-16
Aloha DBUP Utility....................................................................... 1-16
Data Updates.................................................................................. 1-18
Life of a Data Update................................................................... 1-18
Data Ownership........................................................................... 1-19
Record Update Files .................................................................... 1-19
Data Transfer Flow and Store Processing................................... 1-22
Store Lockout File (Slo.cfg) ............................................................ 1-29
Create Store Lockout File............................................................ 1-30
Store Lockout File Format ........................................................... 1-30
Test the Store Lockout File.......................................................... 1-31
Define Stores.................................................................................. 1-33
Define Store Groups....................................................................... 1-35
Summary ........................................................................................ 1-37
ii Table of Contents Aloha CDM Users Guide v6.2
Data Management..................................................................2-1
Master Database Compliancy .......................................................... 2-4
Dedicated Number Ranges ........................................................... 2-4
ID Marker Files .............................................................................. 2-7
Separators..................................................................................... 2-8
Table of Contents .......................................................................... 2-8
Item Maintenance............................................................................. 2-9
Store Lockout of Items .................................................................. 2-9
Store Specific Items .................................................................... 2-10
Price Maintenance.......................................................................... 2-23
Configuring Price Changes ......................................................... 2-23
Promotion Maintenance ................................................................. 2-32
Store Lockout of Promotions ....................................................... 2-32
Promotions .................................................................................. 2-33
Tax Maintenance............................................................................ 2-42
Event Maintenance......................................................................... 2-46
Configure Corporate Events........................................................ 2-48
Summary........................................................................................ 2-53
Distribution Wizard................................................................3-1
Common Buttons Used in the Distribution Wizard ........................... 3-4
Launch Distribution Wizard .............................................................. 3-4
Distribution Wizard Welcome ........................................................... 3-8
Create a New Update....................................................................... 3-9
Send a Corporate Event .............................................................. 3-19
Work with a Pending Update.......................................................... 3-21
Finalize Updates.......................................................................... 3-23
Change Update Name................................................................. 3-25
Modify the Effective Date ............................................................ 3-27
Delete Updates............................................................................ 3-30
Change the Effective Date of Finalized Updates............................ 3-32
Send Store File............................................................................... 3-35
Send Store Events ...................................................................... 3-36
Send Store Lockout File.............................................................. 3-40
View Reports.................................................................................. 3-43
Summary........................................................................................ 3-45
Aloha CDM Users Guide v6.2 Table of Contents iii
CDM Database Compliancy .................................................A-1
Globally Owned File Recommendations...........................................A-2
Access Levels (Acc.dbf) ................................................................A-2
Automenu (Amnu.dbf) - TS Only ...................................................A-2
Category (Cat/Cit.dbf)....................................................................A-3
Comp (Cmp.dbf) ............................................................................A-3
Composite Tracking Items (Ctk.dbf) - QS Only .............................A-4
Exception Modifier (Exc.dbf) - TS Only..........................................A-4
Fixed Pricing (Fixpr.dbf) - TS Only ................................................A-5
Flex Tax (Flextax.dbf) ....................................................................A-5
Foreign Currency (Multcurr.dbf).....................................................A-5
Item (Itm.dbf) .................................................................................A-5
Job Code (Job.dbf) ........................................................................A-6
Job Code by Revenue Center (Jrv.dbf) .........................................A-6
Labor Groups (Lab.dbf) .................................................................A-6
Menu (Mnu.dbf) - TS Only .............................................................A-7
Modifier (Mod.dbf)..........................................................................A-7
No Sale Reasons (Nosalersn.dbf) .................................................A-8
Order Modes (Odr.dbf) ..................................................................A-8
Performance Measures (Prf.dbf) ...................................................A-8
Periods/Day Parts (Prd.dbf)...........................................................A-8
Price Changes (Pc.dbf)..................................................................A-8
Price Level (Prl.dbf) .......................................................................A-9
Promotion (Pro.dbf) .....................................................................A-10
Quantity Item Price (Qtypr.dbf) ....................................................A-11
QuickService Menu (Pnl.dbf, Btn.dbf, Scr.dbf) - QS Only ...........A-11
Recipe (Rcp.dbf)..........................................................................A-12
Regions (Reg.dbf)........................................................................A-12
Revenue Centers (Rev.dbf) .........................................................A-12
Security Level (Seclvl.dbf, Seclvldt.dbf) v5.0+ Only ....................A-12
Submenu (Sub.dbf) TS Only........................................................A-12
Surcharge (Sur.dbf) .....................................................................A-13
Survey (Survey.dbf) .....................................................................A-13
Tare Weights (Tare.dbf)...............................................................A-13
Tax (Tax.dbf) ...............................................................................A-13
Tender (Tdr.dbf)...........................................................................A-14
Termination Reasons (Zap.dbf) ...................................................A-14
Tracking Items (Trk.dbf) - QS only...............................................A-14
iv Table of Contents Aloha CDM Users Guide v6.2
Void Reason (Rsn.dbf) ................................................................ A-15
Volume Levels (Vol.dbf) - QS Only ............................................. A-15
Aloha POS Database Files............................................................. A-16
Distribute Datasets............................................................... B-1
Back Office Security Dataset......................................................... B-1
Comps Dataset.............................................................................. B-2
Item Prices Dataset ....................................................................... B-3
Items Dataset ................................................................................ B-4
Jobs Dataset ................................................................................. B-5
POS Security Dataset ................................................................... B-5
Promotions Dataset ....................................................................... B-6
QuickService Menus Dataset ........................................................ B-7
Revenue Dataset........................................................................... B-7
System Dataset ............................................................................. B-8
TableService Menus Dataset ........................................................ B-8
Taxes Dataset ............................................................................... B-9
Tenders Dataset ............................................................................ B-9
Troubleshooting ................................................................... C-1
Corporate CDM Workstation Troubleshooting .................................C-1
Enterprise menu option is missing. ...............................................C-1
Cannot access event groups. ........................................................C-1
Cannot find Distribute.exe. ............................................................C-1
Not Authorized for Distribute Error ................................................C-2
Store Lockout (Slo.cfg) is not working. ..........................................C-2
Cannot locate the record update. ..................................................C-2
Cannot locate the event update. ...................................................C-3
Distribute does not accept the record name..................................C-3
The update cannot finalize. ...........................................................C-3
Cannot find Slo.cfg. .......................................................................C-4
Store Troubleshooting......................................................................C-5
Record update did not process. ....................................................C-5
This record is controlled by Corporate Error .................................C-6
Update did not process on the Effective Date...............................C-6
Aloha CDM Users Guide v6.2 Table of Contents v
Updates are implemented sooner than scheduled. ...................... C-7
End-of-Day is taking longer than five minutes to process............. C-7
Glossary
Index
vi Table of Contents Aloha CDM Users Guide v6.2
Introduction
Centralized Data Management (CDM) provides the ability to manage data
from a central location, thus significantly simplifying operational elements,
such as system backup, data redundancy and system security. CDM also pro-
vides the ability to determine elements that are corporate-owned and store-
owned. For example, employee data, such as adding and terminating, is con-
sidered store-owned, but sales items, such as menu changes and price
changes, are Corporate-owned. The CDM environment enables Corporate to
control all aspects of a master database from a central location, and distribute
updates to the store.
To understand CDM, a working knowledge of the Aloha POS database files
(.dbf) is helpful. Aloha .dbf files are standalone, flat binary files that contain
configuration and historical data, and provide no relational referential integ-
rity. Each .dbf file contains records with fields that have a unique name and
data type. CDM compares each field in two .dbf files of the same name and
produces a change record (.rec file) to record differences that are found.
For example, Itm.dbf contains records for all defined items, with fields for
such things as record ID number, short name, and price, as shown in the fol-
lowing example:
Item ID Short Name Price
02125 Nachos Supreme $2.39
09185 Dr Pepper $0.99
20100 Ketchup $0.00
viii Introduction Aloha CDM Users Guide v6.2
The CDM environment employs a master database that is managed from a
central location where a data administrator maintains information and distrib-
utes to stores within the organization. The master database should be set up to
include aspects of all concepts using a master menu. Items sold only at select
stores, (store-specific items) are added to the master Itm.dbf file for generic
use. These item records can be activated, named, and priced by the local store.
This is accomplished using dedicated numbering ranges, as explained in
Chapter 2, Data Management.
Some database files have dependencies with other database files. For exam-
ple, records within the promotion file, Pro.dbf, have fields that are dependent
on other files, such as Cat.dbf (contains the category to which the promotion
can be applied). It is also dependent on Itm.dbf (contains the item to which the
promotion can be applied), as shown in the following example:
CDM handles all .dbf dependencies through datasets, as discussed in Chapter
3, Distribution Wizard.
CDM provides the ability to send events to selected stores or store groups, and
activate data on a specified effective date. Events are created in the Aloha
POS system to activate certain store specific menu options and features.
Pro.dbf Description Eligible Items
Record 007 $0.99 Nachos Cat.dbf record 005
Cat.dbf Description Include in Category
Record 005 Food Itm.dbf record 2125
Itm.dbf Short Name Price
Record 2125 Nachos Supreme $2.39
Note the price for the item Nachos Supreme is still set at
$2.39. When the promotion is applied, $0.99 is charged.
Aloha CDM Users Guide v6.2 Introduction ix
CDM and Aloha Enterprise.com
CDM is a tool offered with the Aloha Enterprise.com product. Aloha Enter-
prise.com is a web-based tool for polling, data warehousing, data retrieval,
reporting, and back office features, offering complete 'synergy' between the
information stored at the master database and the corresponding stores. Once
a data update is created with the Distribute Wizard, Aloha Enterprise.com
customers use the FTP web site to send and receive updates through the
World Wide Web.
CDM can be purchased as a standalone product, meaning it is not dependent
on the Aloha Enterprise.com product. CDM standalone users, however, are
responsible for the data distribution to stores using such methods as PCAny-
where
or Remoteware
.
CDM Benefits to Corporate Users
Central distribution of data changes Provides a mechanism to add,
modify, or delete record and field level information that exists within the
Aloha .dbf files. The updates are imported to the store's database without
affecting store-owned data, such as store-specific printer or terminal settings.
Refer to Chapter 1, Getting Started, for more information.
Store Lockout (Slo.cfg) File Provides a mechanism to lock stores out of
data files and record level information. When utilized, the Aloha POS system
reads the Store Lockout file to determine the data records the store can access.
For example, stores could be allowed access only to an item range of 1000-
10000, if desired. Refer to Chapter 1, Getting Started, for more information.
Store Groups Provides the ability to group stores together for event
updates. Store groups are used in conjunction with corporate events to acti-
vate data at selected stores. Refer to Chapter 1, Getting Started, for more
information.
Corporate Events Provides the ability to create centrally-managed store
events and distribute standard submenus, menus, items, and more, to all
stores, but enable only specific menus in specific stores or store groups. This
x Introduction Aloha CDM Users Guide v6.2
feature provides flexibility in multi-store environments which support
regional menus with varying item prices, and promotions that might be avail-
able at some stores. Refer to Chapter 1, Let's Get Started, for more informa-
tion.
Store Specific Items Provides the ability to manage 'store specific items',
which vary from store to store either in naming and/or price. The data admin-
istrator handles key item attributes for store specific items, such as default
pricing, categories, panel or submenu location, taxes, and more. The store has
the ability to name and activate the item. This feature greatly simplifies the
process for a store user to set up manager specials, items managed by franchi-
sees, or local specific items, but delivers the ultimate tracking control required
by most multi-level store organizations. Refer to Chapter 2, Data Manage-
ment, for more information.
QuickService Promotion Lookup Button Provides the ability to imple-
ment promotions in specific stores with the Aloha QuickService product. The
Promotion Lookup button enables the data administrator to easily activate
multiple promotions that can be accessed using a single button on the FOH.
Refer to Chapter 2, Data Management, for more information.
TableService First Button Available Provides the ability to implement
promotions, tenders, and comps in specific stores with the Aloha TableSer-
vice product without having to define specific button positions. Refer to
Chapter 2, Data Management, for more information.
Data Updates Provides the ability, through the Distribution wizard, to
package data changes made from the central site and distribute them to the
stores, using an update file (.rec). Refer to Chapter 3, Distribution Wizard, for
more information.
Aloha CDM Users Guide v6.2 Introduction xi
Whats New?
We added the following enhancements to the Centralized Data Management
Users Guide. If you are viewing this manual in PDF format, each reference
contains a hyperlink. Click this hyperlink to move to the page containing the
information.
Running the DBUP Utility from Distribute.exe
After you upgrade your Aloha system you can now run the DBUP utility from
Distribute.exe. This prevents you from deleting files in the Corpdata direc-
tory. Refer to \Corpdata Directory on page 1-13 and Aloha DBUP Utility
on page 1-16 for more information.
Viewing the New Dataset Updates Report
You can view and/or print dataset updates. Select View Reports on the Dis-
tribution wizard Welcome screen to view the finalized update effective date,
update name, record file ID number, and a description. If you select Include
Pending Updates, you can view pending updates that have not been sent.
Refer to View Reports on page 3-43 for more information on viewing
dataset updates.
Including the Aloha Path in the Title Bar for Distribute.exe
Corporate locations that use TableService and QuickService create two desk-
top icons to run Distribute.exe on their desktop, one for TableService and one
for QuickService. You can now include a command line parameter in the
shortcut path to show the Aloha path in the title bar; therefore, you can deter-
mine the product for which you are currently creating a dataset update. Refer
to Launch Distribution Wizard on page 3-4 for more information on includ-
ing the Aloha path in the Distribute.exe title bar.
Viewing Help for the Dataset Files
When you create your dataset updates, you can view the files that the dataset
impacts by clicking Help. An online style help file appears. Refer to Create a
New Update on page 3-9 for more information on the Dataset Online Help.
xii Introduction Aloha CDM Users Guide v6.2
Updated Dataset Files
Updated the dataset information and the data dependencies in Appendix B.
Added TableService Menus Dataset on page B-8 and the data dependencies
that are included in a menu update in TableService. Additionally, updated the
Promotions Dataset on page B-6 to include all the promotions supported on
an update.
Locking Item Prices at the Store Location in Price Changes
Added two new options in Configuring Price Changes on page 2-23 that
enable the corporate location to control the items the store can manually price.
The corporate location can lock an item using the Locked check box and not
allow the store location to edit the price of the item. The corporate location
can also select the items to make active at the store using the Active check
box. These two options provide you additional ways to control your pricing at
the store level.
Aloha CDM Users Guide v6.2 Introduction xiii
How This Guide is Organized
This guide is designed to help you familiarize yourself quickly with Aloha
Centralized Data Management. It is organized as follows:
Chapter 1: Getting Started
This chapter discusses the setup requirements and additional directories to
enable CDM. Also discussed are creating the Store Lockout (Slo.cfg) file for
record level restrictions and performing store and store group maintenance.
Chapter 2: Data Management
This chapter discusses the recommended setup of a master database to operate
in the CDM environment. Also discussed are procedures to create store spe-
cific items, and corporate events, and other Aloha POS related functions to
ensure proper data management for stores.
Chapter 3: Distribution Wizard
This chapter discusses the Distribution wizard used to package POS changes
into a data update.
Appendix A: CDM Database Compliancy
Appendix B: Distribute Datasets
Appendix C: Troubleshooting
Glossary
Index
xiv Introduction Aloha CDM Users Guide v6.2
Conventions Used in This Guide
Numerous graphics and instructions appear throughout this guide. These con-
ventions make it easy to find and understand information.
Symbols and Alerts
The following graphic symbols alert you to important points throughout this
guide:
Highlights a special point of interest about the topic under
discussion.
Alerts you that the operation being described can cause
problems if you are not careful.
Directs you to a more complete discussion in another chap-
ter of the current guide, or other reference material.
Points to a useful hint that may save you time or trouble.
Chapter
1
Getting Started
This chapter discusses the setup requirements for a CDM environ-
ment, and the utilities involved in transporting data to store locations.
Also discussed are procedures for creating stores and store groups.
Installation Requirements ................................................................. 1-4
Central Site System Requirements................................................ 1-4
Store System Requirements.......................................................... 1-5
General CDM Requirements ......................................................... 1-6
CDM Installation ............................................................................... 1-7
CDM Components .......................................................................... 1-11
Centralsite File............................................................................. 1-11
CDM Directories .......................................................................... 1-13
CDM Utilities ................................................................................ 1-15
Aloha.ini Variables....................................................................... 1-16
Aloha DBUP Utility....................................................................... 1-16
Data Updates.................................................................................. 1-18
Life of a Data Update................................................................... 1-18
Data Ownership........................................................................... 1-19
Record Update Files .................................................................... 1-19
Data Transfer Flow and Store Processing................................... 1-22
Store Lockout File (Slo.cfg) ............................................................ 1-29
Create Store Lockout File............................................................ 1-30
Store Lockout File Format ........................................................... 1-30
Test the Store Lockout File.......................................................... 1-31
Define Stores.................................................................................. 1-33
Define Store Groups....................................................................... 1-35
Summary ........................................................................................ 1-37
1 2 Getting Started Aloha CDM Users Guide v6.2
Aloha CDM Users Guide v6.2 Getting Started 1 3
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This chapter discusses how to configure the central site as a centralized loca-
tion to operate in a Centralized Data Management (CDM) environment. Also
discussed is the process of transporting data changes to the store locations.
The central site must have security key access to CDM and the Aloha POS
system must be loaded to perform the procedures in this chapter.
You can use Centralized Data Management with either the Aloha POS
TableService or QuickService product. This chapter also discusses installation
for Aloha POS versions 5.0 or greater. CDM can operate with Aloha POS ver-
sion 4.4. Refer to the notes outside the text margin for information pertaining
to the Aloha POS version 4.4.
We discuss the following points in this chapter:
Installation requirements for the central site, as well as the directories,
files, the utilities installed at the central and store sites, and the utili-
ties installed by the Aloha system and used by CDM.
The life of a data update as it relates to CDM and the difference
between central site-owned and store-owned data. We also explain
how to process updates.
Store Lockout (Slo.cfg) file and how it restricts access to certain .dbf
files.
Store maintenance.
Store Group maintenance.
1 4 Getting Started Aloha CDM Users Guide v6.2
Installation Requirements
You must install the central location with an Aloha POS version of 4.4, 5.0, or
greater. The version must be equal to or higher than any version installed at a
store site. For example, if one or more store sites have Aloha version 5.0, and
other store sites have version 4.4, the central location must have version 5.0 or
greater. This is indicated in the chart shown in Figure 1-1:
Central Site System Requirements
The central site location is installed with the local utilities for a CDM environ-
ment, and distributes menu and data changes. Once you install CDM, com-
plete all data changes at the central site to maintain data uniformity. Test
updates in a simulated environment on a separate store lab and terminal prior
to implementing changes.
Figure 1-1 CDM Version Hierarchy
Aloha CDM Users Guide v6.2 Getting Started 1 5
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You need to meet the following requirements to install CDM on the central
site system:
Store System Requirements
Changes are updated during the End-of-Day process at the store. The updates
remain unprocessed until the effective date occurs. The store must be able to
make a connection to receive updates.
You need to meet the following requirements to install CDM at the store:
Hardware Requirements:
Dedicated workstation
Dedicated (preferred) modem
Dedicated or dial-up Internet connection
Aloha security key authorized for version 4.4, or greater, and CDM
4MB of free disk space
Software Requirements:
Windows 95, 98, NT Workstation/Server, or 2000
Internet Explorer connection 4.0 or greater
CDM compliant Aloha version
Master database containing corporate owned data
Hardware Requirements:
Minimum 1 GB hard drive
Minimum 32 MB RAM
Minimum Pentium 75 Mhz processor
Dedicated modem
Dedicated or dial-up Internet connection
Aloha security key authorized for version 4.4, or greater, and CDM
3 MB of free disk space
1 6 Getting Started Aloha CDM Users Guide v6.2
General CDM Requirements
To preserve data integrity, download the 'Master' database to all stores
prior to using CDM.
Aloha system store software equal to the minimum CDM compliant
Aloha version, otherwise, updates are not processed.
Software Requirements:
Windows 95, 98, NT Workstation/Server 2000
Internet Explorer 4.0 or greater
CDM compliant Aloha version, equal or less than the corporate site
Aloha CDM Users Guide v6.2 Getting Started 1 7
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CDM Installation
You can install Aloha on any disk drive and CDM utilizes either the TableSer-
vice or QuickService product. For example, QuickService installed on drive
D would read as D:\Alohaqs. In this manual, we refer to the Aloha directory
as %iberdir%. CDM also checks for local hard drive space and Aloha version
numbers. As noted, when installing at the store, the Aloha version cannot be
higher than the version installed at the central site.
Also provided during the installation is Aloha Connect which automatically
connects, downloads, and installs new updates to the Aloha system at the cen-
tral site. You must select an update method to transfer data. You must also
select the 'Download the latest CDM updates now' check box on the Installa-
tion Complete dialog box to receive new updates.
To load CDM from the CD-ROM drive:
1. Load the CD into the CD-ROM drive.
2. Click CDM CorpSetup.exe, if installing at the central site, or CDM
StoreSetup.exe for a store site. The Welcome dialog box shown in
Figure 1-2 displays:
Figure 1-2 Welcome Dialog Box
1 8 Getting Started Aloha CDM Users Guide v6.2
3. Click Next. A message displays asking you to view the CDM
ReadMe.txt file. This file contains the latest facts regarding the CDM
install and feature set. We recommend you click Yes, and read the
document carefully before installing CDM.
4. The CDM install detects the Aloha directory located on your system,
and displays it in the Choose Destination Location dialog box, as
shown in Figure 1-3:
If the destination is not found, or Aloha is installed on multiple
drives, click Browse to find the necessary directory, and click OK.
5. Click Next. The confirmation message displays.
6. Click Yes. The Start Installation dialog box displays.
Figure 1-3 Choose Destination Location Dialog Box
Aloha CDM Users Guide v6.2 Getting Started 1 9
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7. Click Next. CDM installs the necessary files and utilities. Upon com-
pletion, the Installation Complete dialog box shown in Figure 1-4 dis-
plays:
8. Clear the Download the latest CDM updates now check box only if
you do not want to check for the latest CDM executables, and proceed
to Step 10. Updates can be downloaded at a later date through the
Distribution wizard. When selected, the Intelligence Update Process
Welcome screen shown in Figure 1-5 displays:
Figure 1-4 Corporate Installation Complete Dialog Box
Figure 1-5 Intelligence Update Process Welcome Screen
1 10 Getting Started Aloha CDM Users Guide v6.2
9. Select a connection method from the Update Method drop-down list
to determine how the system connects to the Aloha Enterprise servers
via the Internet.
10. Click Next. The system downloads new files, if any, and updates your
CDM tools and utilities.
11. Click Finished.
Aloha CDM Users Guide v6.2 Getting Started 1 11
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CDM Components
After installation, the central site and store locations are installed with addi-
tional components, files, and directories to enable CDM features.
The following components are installed, which are explained in detail:
Centralsite file (central site or corporate location only)
CDM directories
CDM utilities
Aloha.ini variables
Centralsite File
The Centralsite file is added to the Aloha TableService or QuickService direc-
tory at the central site. The Centralsite file has no extension, and enables
access to additional CDM features within the Aloha system. Store sites must
not have the Centralsite file. If deleted or renamed, the additional features are
not available.
1 12 Getting Started Aloha CDM Users Guide v6.2
The existence of the file enables access to the Enterprise menu option, as
shown in Figure 1-6:
Figure 1-6 Enterprise Menu Option
For Aloha versions below 5.0, select MX/Enterprise from the
Maintenance program.
Aloha CDM Users Guide v6.2 Getting Started 1 13
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CDM Directories
Additional directories are created within the \Aloha or \AlohaQS directories,
as shown in Figure 1-7:
These are explained in the order of process:
\Corpdata Directory
The \Corpdata directory resides at both the central site and store. For the cen-
tral site, this directory contains the working .dbf files from the last menu
build. For the store site, this directory contains record update files that are dis-
tributed from the central site. When upgrading the Aloha version at the central
site, it is necessary to upgrade the database files in the Corpdata directory.
When a user upgrades their Aloha POS version at the store, Distribute.exe
detects the upgrade and requires the user to upgrade the Corpdata folder to
Figure 1-7 Directory Structure for CDM
1 14 Getting Started Aloha CDM Users Guide v6.2
accommodate the database changes that have occurred at the store. Distrib-
ute.exe compares the Cltsvr version to the software version logged in the Ver-
sion.ini file. CDM creates the Version.ini file during the install and logs the
version of Cltsvr at the time of the CDM installation.
Version.ini File
The version.ini file contains the Aloha version number and the DBUP genera-
tion number.
\Update Directory
The \Update directory resides at the central site and contains finalized records
(.rec files). Records located in this directory are marked for distribution.
\TMP Directory
The \TMP directory is an existing directory located at both the central site and
store. For the central site, it is used to find pending record updates for review
until they are finalized. For the store site, it is used to find store records that
have failed during processing. The Debout.ftp file, which reports processing
error messages, is also found in the \TMP directory.
\FTP Directory
The \FTP directory resides at the central site and contain utilities required to
transport information to and from the Aloha FTP server. For existing Aloha
Enterprise.com customers, the \FTP directory already exists.
\Store Directories
When stores are defined at the central site, a Strxxxxx directory, where xxxxx
is the store ID number, is created for each store. Each directory holds specific
information pertaining to the respective store.
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CDM Utilities
Updates created and distributed from the central site rely on the following
installed utilities located in the \Bin directory:
Distribute.exe
Resides only at the central site and provides a graphic interface wizard to
manage data updates. The wizard enables the data administrator to build menu
changes and assign an effective date for data updates. Updates are sent to the
store when finalized in the Distribution wizard, however, changes are only
implemented at the store when the effective date occurs.
Dbfdiff.exe
Resides at the central site and compares differences of .dbf files of the same
type between \Newdata and \Corpdata. When the utility is invoked by the Dis-
tribution wizard, a single text file is created, containing only the differences
between recently modified .DBF files in production, for an entire dataset.
Procrecs.exe
Resides at both the central site and store. The utility initially runs at the cen-
tral site to verify processing errors. When the store's End-of-Day occurs, Pro-
crecs.exe is launched and finds .rec files in the store's Corpdata directory. The
files are processed when the effective date occurs.
Procrecs.exe accelerates the processing of updates and event files as appropri-
ate. Each update is processed by the effective date and sequence number order
and sent to the DBUP utility for application to the database, if the effective
date is less than or equal to the current date of business (DOB). All updates
with an effective date greater than the current DOB, are checked for possible
acceleration. An update is accelerated if it contains the same type of change as
an update with a higher sequence number.
Procrecs.exe also accelerates event files (EVE###.rec) that have sequence
numbers identical to accelerated updates. Acceleration of event files is caused
by the presence of other event files based on the effective date and sequence
1 16 Getting Started Aloha CDM Users Guide v6.2
number. Event files are processed as a separate series (EVE). Any existing,
greater sequenced event file with a later effective date is unaffected until the
effective date. Procrecs.txt logs any accelerated update.
Aloha.ini Variables
The following variables are added to the Aloha.ini file:
CDMACTIVE=TRUE Enables CDM when set to true.
EODCTLWATTIME=# Determines the number of minutes to wait after
Procrecs.exe completes during the End-of-Day and the BOH starts.
EODFOHWAITTIME=# Determines the number of minutes for the sys-
tem to wait after Procrecs.exe completes during the End-of-Day and the FOH
starts.
Aloha DBUP Utility
The Aloha system installs the DBUPx utility in the %Iberdir%/Bin directory.
The DBUPx utility, where x is the version number of the utility, upgrades a
relational database (RDB) if one is present on the system. The utility upgrades
the master database to the highest version and makes it compatible to all cor-
responding stores. To avoid relational integrity errors, updates are sorted in
proper population order prior to passing the file to DBUP.
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Each time you launch the Distribution wizard at the central site it checks for a
new version of the Aloha software. If a new version of Aloha is installed, the
Distribution wizard prompts you to update your \Newdata and \Data files.
Running the DBUP utility from the Distribution wizard does not delete the
corporate files that CDM maintains in the \Corpdata directory.
The only time you upgrade your database is when you upgrade the Aloha sys-
tem.
If you run DBUP from within the Aloha system to upgrade
your database, DBUP deletes the following files:
Dataset.dbf, Datastdl.dbf, Datastue.dbf, Sysdata.dbf,
Sysdd.dbf, and Sysdepn.dbf.
1 18 Getting Started Aloha CDM Users Guide v6.2
Data Updates
An important aspect of CDM is that all data updates are controlled by the data
administrator at the central site, using standard Aloha POS functions. Updates
are then distributed to stores in a designed process.
Life of a Data Update
A flowchart of the life of a data update is shown in Figure 1-8:
1. From the central site, make data changes in the Aloha POS system.
2. Run Verify and test the changes in the Aloha POS system.
3. Run Distribution wizard to build the data update.
The Dbfdiff.exe utility compares the \Newdata directory against the
\Corpdata directory. Data changes are output to an update file for dis-
tribution.
Once finalized, the records are pushed to the Enterprise server. The
information is pushed to the store sites. When the End-of-Day occurs
at the store site, Procrecs.exe processes the record edits to the \New-
data directory at the store, per the effective date. The store site's data
files are updated at POS startup.
Figure 1-8 Life of a Data Update
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Data Ownership
Data ownership of .dbf files should be determined beforehand for proper dis-
tribution processing. It is important to decide the data that is owned at the cen-
tral location and the data owned at the store level. The data administrator must
become a data operations expert to be able to manage data changes and
updates within the CDM environment.
Central site-owned Data Dedicated .dbf files designed to be managed at
the central location. The data administrator creates, makes changes, and sends
updates to override store-owned data.
Store-owned Data Dedicated .dbf files designed to be managed at the
store. The Distribute.exe utility does not build differences from store-owned
data. The central site can permit adding and editing privileges so store manag-
ers can modify only certain data records. This control is managed using the
Slo.cfg file discussed later in this chapter.
Record Update Files
The record update (.Rec) files are text files containing the result of the data
differences generated by the Dbfdiff.exe utility. The text file can be opened
with MSNotepad