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PC-SIG Diskette Library (Disk #1085)
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Information about “TLC TRUCK DATA SYSTEM”
Proper management of business vehicle fleets requires good record-
keeping. This is an area where TLC FOR TRUCKS (TLC) really shines for
small to medium-sized fleets (999 vehicles or less).
TLC makes a database that allows 19 different fields of data for each
vehicle. A reporting function prints this data in various formats,
making cost analysis easier.
TLC is very complete and easy to use. The documentation provided is
both ample and understandable. Source code is available separately so
you can customize the program to suit your needs.
FILE1085.TXT
Disk No: 1085
Disk Title: TLC Truck Data System
PC-SIG Version: S1.3
Program Title: TLC Truck Data System
Author Version: 2.1.2
Author Registration: $25.00
Special Requirements: 512K RAM and a printer.
Proper management of business vehicle fleets requires good record-
keeping. This is an area where TLC FOR TRUCKS (TLC) really shines for
small to medium-sized fleets (999 vehicles or less).
TLC makes a database that allows 19 different fields of data
for each vehicle. A reporting function prints this
data in various formats, making cost analysis easier.
TLC is very complete and easy to use. The documentation provided is
both ample and understandable. Source code is available separately so
you can customize to suit your needs.
PC-SIG
1030D East Duane Avenue
Sunnyvale Ca. 94086
(408) 730-9291
(c) Copyright 1989 PC-SIG, Inc.
GO.TXT
╔═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ <<<< Disk No 1085 TLC TRUCK DATA SYSTEM >>>> ║
╠═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ To copy the documentation to your printer, type MANUAL (press enter) ║
║ ║
║ To run the program, type: TRUCKS (press enter) ║
╚═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
README.TXT
TLC TRUCK DATA SYSTEM
Tender Lovin' Care for your Cars and Trucks
You should find a DEMO subdirectory that has a few records.
Use these files for a quick look at the operation of TLC.
Just copy the DEMO files to a records diskette. Then, copy the
.NDX index files from the /FILES subdirectory to that records
diskette. Run the TLC TRUCK program; REINDEX the files and they
are ready to use. Look at the records for unit number 865 and
865R.
HAVE TROUBLE WITH THE MODIFICATIONS OF OLDER FILES
If your files for older versions do not work with TLC, there is
a text file UPDATING.TXT included with step-by-step
instructions for data file changes.
If you are unable to convert your files, as a special
service to REGISTERED users of TLC, we will do this conversion
for $10.U.S. per diskette to cover shipping and handling costs.
J. H. Wilson
TLC SOFTWARE
Rt 2, Box 165-D
Ashville, Alabama 35953-9647
(205) 594-5711
February 1989
REGISTER.DOC
Date:________________
To: TLC SOFTWARE
Rt 2 Box 165-D
Ashville, Alabama 35953-9647
Yes, I want to support the Shareware effort to keep software
prices down. Here is my registration as a user of the TLC TRUCK
DATA SYSTEM. The version I am using is: 2.1.2
(The version number is shown on the screen where you designate
the drive that contains your records.)
Enclosed is $25.00. Send me the printed booklet and a new copy
of version 2.1.2 with any updates
Enclosed is $65.00. Send me Version 3 with all those
expanded records and reports and the
new, larger instruction booklet.
Name: ________________________________________________________
Title: _______________________________________________________
Company Name _________________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________________
City: _____________________ State/Province: _______
Zip or mail code_________ Country: ________________
Telephone: ( )____________ Diskette size: 3 1/2___5 1/4___
Approximate number of vehicles in the fleet: ____________
Send your check or money order for the $25.00 US funds
registration fee. You will be sent a copy of the printed
instructions along with a diskette of any bug fixes made for
version 2.1.2.
Your payment of $65.00 US funds will get the latest much larger
version by return mail. TLC is constantly being improved,
your support makes the effort worthwhile.
International payments must be in U.S. Dollars and payable through
a U.S. bank. Outside U.S., Canada and U.S. possessions, add $3.50
for cost of International Air Mail shipment anywhere.
James H. Wilson (Jim)
(205) 594-5711
UPDATING.TXT
TO UPDATE RECORDS USED IN TLC PRIOR TO VERSION 2.1.1
Using older records created with TLC will require modifications
to the files. The changes may be made with any program that
will allow changes to dBASE III type files...FOXBASE and WAMPUM
are just two that will work. Instructions are for dBASE but
the other commands are similar. For safety, operate from a
backup of your older record files,
STEP 1.
Using DOS commands, make a backup of your TLC data
files. Use the backup for these modifications.
STEP 2.
Place your file backup in drive B:. (NOTE: these
instructions are for a diskette in the B: drive but apply also
to larger files on other drives...a special subdirectory on your
hard disk, drive C:, for example.) Operating with dBASE, at the
"." (DOT PROMPT) issue these commands:
SET DEFAULT TO B: (or C: and SET PATH TO C:\SPECIAL)
USE SCHEDULE (and put you old files in C:\SPECIAL)
MODIFY STRUCTURE
Change the size of these fields:
Change NUMBER from 4 to 5 Characters
Change the five Numeric fields from 6 digits to 7
ADD a field named BRAKES of type Date
ADD a field named EXHAUST of type Date
Continue to the last field and at the prompt "Should data
be COPIED", answer Y. or press <ENTER> to confirm.
STEP 3.
Type:
USE DESCRIP
MODIFY STRUCTURE
Change the type and size of field:
Change FINAL from Character to Numeric
and from 6 Digits to 7
Continue to the last field and at the prompt "Should data
be COPIED", answer Y. or press <ENTER> to confirm.
STEP 4.
Type:
USE REPAIRS
MODIFY STRUCTURE
Change the type of field:
Change MILEAGE from Character to Numeric
Continue to the last field and at the prompt "Should data
be COPIED", answer Y. or press <ENTER> to confirm.
PAGE 2.
STEP 5.
After you have set up the new TLC system according to the
TLC instructions, use the DOS COPY command to copy your newly
modified old .DBF files into the new TLC record, thereby
replacing the blank files with your newly modified existing TLC
records. Use the HOUSKEEPING menu selections to reindex your
files with the new .NDX type indexes.
TO FLEETFAX VEHICLE RECORD SYSTEM USERS
FLEETFAX was withdrawn from the SHAREWARE in mid 1987 field and
is no longer supported. TLC has many improvements and corrects
a few errors that were discovered in the older program.
Although the files used by the two programs are similar, they
cannot be interchanged without modifications. If you have just a
few vehicles entered in FLEETFAX it may be easiest for you to
just start over and re-enter your data in TLC. The many
features of TLC will make it well worth the effort.
If you have a larger number of entries, your FLEETFAX data files
can be converted to TLC by using any program that will allow
modification of dBASE III files.
MODIFICATIONS TO FLEETFAX FILES TO USE WITH TLC
Several changes in the file structure of TLC make FLEETFAX files
not directly compatible. The file names are more descriptive, a
few field names are changed for clarity and some field sizes are
changed for better data entry. Changes to the data files can be
made with any program that will allow modifications of dBASE III
type database files. These instructions are for dBASE III Plus
but will guide you with other programs.
STEP 1.
Using DOS commands, make a backup of your FLEETFAX data
files. Use the backup for these modifications.
STEP 2.
Using DOS commands, rename these files:
from: to:
CARDESC.DBF DESCRIP.DBF
CARFILE.DBF REPAIRS.DBF
CARFUEL.DBF FUELS.DBF
PREVENT.DBF SCHEDULE.DBF
FILESPOT.DBF is replaced in TLC with DRIVE.DBF
Page 3.
STEP 3.
Place your file backup in drive B:. (NOTE: these
instructions are for a diskette in the B: drive but apply also
to larger files on other drives...a special subdirectory on your
hard disk, drive C:, for example.) Operating with dBASE, at the
"." (DOT PROMPT) issue these commands:
SET DEFAULT TO B: (or C: and SET PATH TO C:\SPECIAL)
USE REPAIRS (copy your FLEETFAX records to )
MODIFY STRUCTURE (C:\SPECIAL)
Place the highlight on the field MAINFILE and type CTRL U
to delete the field.
Place the highlight on the field CO_HOURS and type CTRL U
to delete the field.
Press <ENTER> to confirm
Then type:
MODIFY STRUCTURE
Change these field names:
from: to:
DISTRICT DIVIS
CO_NUMBER NUMBER
REP_CODE CODE
TOT_COST TOTAL
SHOP WHO
Change the type of this field
MILEAGE from Character to Numeric
Continue to the last field and at the prompt "Should data
be COPIED", answer Y. or press <ENTER> to confirm
STEP 4.
USE DESCRIP
MODIFY STRUCTURE
Change the size of these fields:
from: to:
DESCRIPT 25 33
FR 10 12
RR 10 12
COLOR 6 8
EQPMT 50 59
LASTMILE 6 7
Press <ENTER> to confirm
Page 4.
Then type:
MODIFY STRUCTURE
Change these field names:
from: to:
CO_NUMBER NUMBER
LASTMILE FINAL
DISTRICT DIVIS
DESCRIPT DESCRIP
TAG LICENSE
NEW_DATE NEW
AUTH_NUMB PURCHASE
DRIVER OPERATOR
FUEL_TYPE FUEL
Continue to the last field and at the prompt "Should data
be COPIED", answer Y. or press <ENTER> to confirm
STEP 6.
USE FUELS
MODIFY STRUCTURE
Change these field names:
from: to:
CO_NUMBER NUMBER
FUEL_TYPE FUELTYPE
STATION SUPPLIER
Change the size of this field:
NUMBER from 4 to 5
Continue to the last field and at the prompt "Should data
be COPIED", answer Y. or press <ENTER> to confirm
STEP 7.
USE SCHEDULE
MODIFY STRUCTURE
Change these field names:
from: to:
DISTRICT DIVIS
CO_NUMBER NUMBER
Change all mileage field sizes from 6 to 7
Continue to the last field and at the prompt "Should data
be COPIED", answer Y. or press <ENTER> to confirm
Add a field BRAKES of type Date
Add a field EXHAUSE of type Date
STEP 8.
To quit dBASE, type:
USE
QUIT
STEP 9.
To delete the backup files dBASE created, at the
DOS prompt, type
ERASE B:*.BAK
Page 6.
STEP 10.
After you have set up the new TLC system according to the
TLC instructions, use the DOS COPY command to copy your newly
modified old FLEETFAX .DBF files into the new TLC record, thereby
replacing the blank files with your newly modified existing
FLEETFAX records. Use the HOUSKEEPING menu selections to
reindex your files with the new .NDX type indexes.
HAVE TROUBLE WITH THE MODIFICATIONS
If your files do not work with TLC, go back to the original
diskette and make another backup and try again. Follow these
instructions and the system will work properly. Still have
trouble? Contact your computer dealer or someone locally that
knows dBASE. If you are unable to convert your files, as a
service to registered users of TLC, we will do this conversion
for $10. per diskette to cover shipping and handling costs.
J. H. Wilson
TLC SOFTWARE
Rt 2, Box 165-D
Ashville, Alabama 35953-9647
(205) 594-5711
USETLC.TXT
---+---TL1----+-T--2----T----3--T-+----4T---+---T5----+-T--6----T----7-R-T-+--
(USETLC.TXT)
TLC TRUCK DATA SYSTEM
Tender Lovin' Care for your Cars and Trucks
Version 2.1.2
February 1989 (Rev. 02/13/90)
An essential part of good vehicle management is maintenance
records. TLC will help you keep track of your expenses and
maintenance schedules. If you have just received your copy of
TLC, this text file will tell you what the program will do and
how you set it up on your computer and use it.
You should find the following files on your TLC diskette:
AUTOEXEC.BAT To auto start your floppy TLC program
CONFIG.SYS Needed information for your system
DEMO <DIR> A subdirectory of sample files
DINSTALL.BAT To install TLC on hard drive C:
DRIVE.DBF To store default drive and CRT data
FINSTALL.BAT To install a floppy system
FILES <DIR> A subdirectory of blank files
README.TXT How to get rolling
TLC.BAT To start TLC on a hard disc system
TRUCKS.EXE The TLC program
UPDATING.TXT Update older TLC files
USETLC.TXT The instruction text for the program
A subdirectory is included with TLC TRUCK which contains a few
records of vehicle descriptions, repairs and fuel entries.
TLC uses six data files and nine indexes to quickly locate
your records.
TLC software, including the documentation and user interface is
Copyright (c) 1988, 1989 by James H. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.
ALTHOUGH WE BELEIVE TLC CAN BE VERY USEFUL TO MANAGERS OF SMALL
TO MEDIUM-SIZED FLEETS, IT IS OFFERED WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY OF
MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS OF PARTICULAR PURPOSE, PERFORMANCE, OR
OTHERWISE; ALL WARRANTIES ARE DISCLAIMED. BY USING THE TLC
PRODUCT, YOU AGREE THAT THE AUTHOR ALONG WITH THE PERSON OR FIRM
THAT PROVIDED YOU WITH TLC, OR ANY RELATED PARTIES WILL NOT BE
LIABLE TO YOU OR ANY THIRD PARTY FOR ANY USE OF (OR INABILITY TO
USE) THIS SOFTWARE, OR FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER...EVEN IF WE
ARE APPRISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES OCCURING.
MAKING A PRINTED COPY OF THESE INSTRUCTIONS
You can print a copy of these instructions. The name of this
file is USETLC.TXT. It is a plain ASCII file and can be viewed
on your CRT screen with the TYPE command or printed with the
PRINT command. With this file in your drive A: and your printer
ready, issue the command "PRINT A:USETLC.TXT" and press <ENTER>.
Direct the output to the printer (usually with an <ENTER> ).
Page 2
HOW TO USE THE TLC TRUCK DATA SYSTEM
TLC is an easy to use, menu driven program built around dBASE-
like routines that were compiled with the CLIPPER compiler.
System requirements for a minimum configuration are:
An IBM type PC, XT or compatible with 512K and one floppy
diskette drive.
The TLC program TRUCKS.EXE
The six data files with the .DBF extension and nine index
files with the .NDX extension.
An EPSON compatible printer to do the printed reports. A
wide carriage printer or one that will print condensed
print will be needed for the wider reports.
For maximum storage, features and speed of operation, a
recommended system will include:
640K of memory
A CGA type color monitor (TLC displays are white leters on
a blue background with entry items highlighted in yellow.)
Monochrome settings are also selectable.
A hard disk (drive C:) or mass storage device such as a
Kodak or Bernoulli cartridge storage drive (as drive D:).
USING THE DEMONSTRATION FILES
The TLC distribution diskette includes a subdirectory of DEMO
files. If you are anxious to see the operation of the program,
place the TLC program diskette (use a BACKUP) in drive A:.
You should find a DEMO subdirectory that has a few records. You
can use these files for a quick look at the operation of TLC.
Just copy the DEMO files to a records diskette. Then, copy the
.NDX index files from the /FILES subdirectory to that records
diskette in drive B:. Run the TLC TRUCK program; REINDEX the
files and they are ready to use.
Use the demo files just as described for using the floppy
diskette system.
There are these vheicles in the file:
146, 146R, 482, 482R, 865 and 865R
From the menu, locate them by number. Make a note of the names,
tag number, and VIN's for them. Then search for a driver's
name, tag number, etc. Look at some of the repair entries.
Print some reports.
When you are through looking, just remove the DEMO diskette
and go through the install routine to set up your working
system.
Page 3
SETTING UP YOUR FLOPPY DISKETTE SYSTEM
The size of your stored records is limited by the storage device
where the records are stored. You can get about 1500 records on
a single floppy diskette. If you are limited to a floppy system
and you have a good many vehicles, you may want to keep your
records for each year or each division on separate diskettes.
First, using the DOS command DISKCOPY, make a backup copy of
the TLC diskette that was supplied to you. Put the original
away in a safe place and set up your system from the backup.
Using your regular DOS commands, format a new system diskette
for your program. Place a new diskette in drive B: and issue
the command:
"FORMAT B:/S"
Again, using the DOS commands, FORMAT a new diskette that will
contain your records. Although TLC can be operated from a
single floppy system, let's assume that you have two floppy
drives, drive A: and B:. Place your TLC backup in drive A: and
the newly formatted records diskette in drive B: and, from the A:_
prompt, issue the following command:
"FINSTALL" (Don't type the quotes and, following the
command, press the <ENTER> or <RETURN> key.)
Five .DBF files and nine .NDX indixes will be copied to the B:
diskette. This will be your record diskette.
When the diskette is completed, follow the on-screen
instructions with your TLC backup still in drive A: and the new
SYSTEM diskette in drive B:, the files:
AUTOEXEC.BAT CONFIG.SYS DRIVE.DBF
and TRUCKS.EXE will be copied.
This will be your program diskette.
NOTE: If you have other things in your CONFIG.SYS or your
AUTOEXEC.BAT Files (such as clock routines, for example) you may
want to add them. If you do not understand this, seek the
assistance of your computer dealer or someone familiar with your
computer.
SETTING UP YOUR SYSTEM ON A HARD DISK SYSTEM
Both your TLC program and records can be stored on your hard
disk. Operation is MUCH faster and the size of your stored
records is limited only by the space available on your hard
disk.
Page 4
First, make a backup copy of the TLC diskette that was supplied
to you. Put the original away in a safe place and set up your
system from the backup.
Using your regular DOS commands, at your A>_ prompt,
issue the command:
"DINSTALL" (Again, don't type the quotes and press the
<ENTER> or <RETURN> key)
The six .DBF files, nine .NDX index files and the TLC
programs will be copied to a VEHICLES subdirectory on your C:
drive. (Version 3 allows installation on drives C thru J.)
The CONFIG.SYS and TLC.BAT files will be copied to the
root directory of your hard disk, drive C:.
NOTE: Your hard disk may already have a CONFIG.SYS file.
If it does, just be sure that it contains the information that
is needed for TLC. It must include these lines:
"FILES=20"
"BUFFERS=15"
If you do not understand this, again, seek the assistance of
your computer dealer or local "guru".
BERNOULLI DRIVE INSTALLATION
Installation on a Bernoulli is similar to that on a hard drive.
After you have run DINSTALL, the files in your VEHICLES
subdirectory on drive C should be copied to the Bernoulli as
drive D: then, delete those files on drive C:. Use the
commands:
"COPY C:\VEHICLES\*.DBF D:"
"COPY C:\VEHICLES\*.NDX D:"
"DELETE C:\VEHICLES\*.DBF"
"DELETE C:\VEHICLES\*.NDX"
"COPY D:DRIVE.DBF C:\VEHICLES"
From the C:_ prompt, run TLC and specify D as the drive for your
records.
GETTING STARTED - FIRST USE OF YOUR TLC PROGRAM
Diskette system users only, with your program diskette in drive
A: and your record diskette in drive B:...with either system,
restart your computer (reboot so it can read the new CONFIG.SYS
file. Hold down the Alt key and the Ctrl key while you press the Del
key.) Your PC will read the CONFIG.SYS information and execute
the commands in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file which starts the TLC
program. Hard disk users, at the C>_ prompt, just type TLC to
start the program.
Page 5
As the program begins, the screen tells you that your files are
expected to be in your drive A,B,C OR D:. You can change the
drive designation here. To use drive B: for your records, type
"B" or if it is "B" already, just press <ENTER>. Again, hard
disk users type "C".
There is a selection also for Color or Monochrome screen. If
you change the type screen, you must quit and restart TLC for it
to recognise the new setting.
Now you will see the main menu. This is the "HOME" screen.
Most of your work will be done from this screen. The two other
menu screens will return here on completion. To choose a
selection from any menu, enter the first character or, using,
the up or down arrow keys, move the cursor to the selection and
press <ENTER>. As the cursor is moved down the menu selections,
the selection is highlighted and a description of the function
is displayed at the bottom of your screen.
Setting up a new system involves:
Installing the program and files,
Entering the descriptions of your vehicles
Telling TLC to generate your initial maintenance files
From the main menu, choose the selection
"HOUSKEEPING" to EDIT AND MODIFY YOUR FILES
Then, you will see a new menu with selections for working with
your files. DO NOT SELECT THE FIRST ONE UNTIL AFTER you have
entered the descriptions of your vehicles.
MAKING DESCRIPTION ENTRIES FOR YOUR VEHICLES
The next thing you must do is enter the information about your
vehicles. Before you begin, there are several things you
should know about your fleet. TLC expects your vehicles to have
a number from 001 to 999. You will need a description, the
license tag number, VIN number and other things. You can add it
later but it is simple if you have all of the information at
hand now.
To begin your entries, from the main menu, choose the selection
for HOUSEEEPING to work with your files.
At the HOUSEKEEPING menu, choose the selection to ADD a NEW UNIT
description.
You will be presented a screen with blanks to be filled with the
information for your vehicle. Here is the information that is
expected to be entered:
Page 6
Unit No............ A 3 digit number such as 006,101,865 or 938
Mfgr............... A letter; G=Gen Motors, F=Ford, etc.
Current Mileage ... Used in several printed reports.
Division........... A 2 character designator. If you only
have a single location, enter AA or XX for this.
Operator........... Show the driver's name. Be consistent,
use SMITH, J for example. Last name, comma, space, first
initial. Remember, you will be looking for these names
later; keep it simple, don't add confusion with periods
on some names and not on others, etc.
Model year......... Enter 86, 87, 88, 89, or whatever
Description........ A short description, for example
1988 CHEV. CELEBRITY 4DR
Color.............. WHT, BLU, DK RED, etc.
VIN ............... This is the Vehicle ID number. On recent
vehicles, it is the 17 digit number at the lower edge of
the windshield in front of the driver.
Tires, FR, RR ..... Enter the tire size. If the rear are the
same as the front, just enter "SAME" at the RR position.
License tag ....... Enter the tag number. Don't put any dashes,
spaces or commas in the number, just run it all together
like "65A29355", for example.
New Date .......... Is for when you acquired the vehicle. Dates
are entered as six digits. For July 4, 1986, you enter
"070486". The program will handle the "/'s" and move to the
next blank.
Dealer ............ Is the selling dealer's name.
P.O.Number......... The purchase order number if you need it.
Cost .............. This is a handy place to keep this data
Class ............. For trucks, this is 1,2,3,6,7, etc for
the classes (A Chev. C7DO42 or C70 is a class 7, for example)
For cars, you may want your own designation for the cars
you use. Perhaps S for sales, E for executives, or
whatever is useful for you.
GVW .............. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating; this usually
only applies to trucks.
Type of Fuel ..... Enter a single letter, G for gasoline, D
for diesel, P for propane, etc.
Eqpmt: ........... List the equipment. Keep it short. For
example "V8,5SP,PS,PB,AC,CRU,TILT,PWIND,FM,CASS" should
be pretty clear.
After the last entry, you may add other units with the same
sequence of selections. Continue until you have added all of
your vehicles. Don't be concerned if you do not have all of the
information now. It can be added later with just a little
trouble.
Now, when all of your descriptions are entered, from the main
menu, select HOUSEKEEPING again and at that menu, choose the
FIRST item; then (C)ontinue to generate your initial MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULE files for the vehicles you entered into your record.
At the DOS prompt, you may erase the file TEMP.DBF that was used
in generating your preventive maintenance schedule files.
Page 7
Your system is now ready for you to use in keeping the details
for your fleet.
TO END THE PROGRAM
From the main menu, choose the QUIT selection. You will be
asked it you are sure; select "Y" if you really want to quit
...an "N" will take you back to the main menu without having
to restart TLC.
When you get back to the DOS prompt, A>_ type DIR B: and look at
the directory entries on your records diskette. You should see
five .DBF files and (C:\vehicles - six)
Nine .NDX indexes.
Hard drive users at the C:\ prompt, type:
DIR C:\VEHICLES
These files and indexes are compatible with programs that will
read dBASE III files.
ADDING REPAIR INFORMATION
The ADD repairs selection on the main menu brings up a repair
information screen. To enter the information, just fill in the
blanks. Press enter after an entry to move to the next field.
An up arrow key will move you to most previous ACTIVE fields if
you need to make a correction. Control U (hold down the Ctrl
key while you press the U key) will move the cursor to the last
field of the current record. PgDn will take you to the end of
the present entry screen. This is true throughout the TLC
program.
Your first entry is for the repair code. A selection list will
appear on the screen. Although these codes are not actually
used by TLC, they may be extremely useful later. If, for
example, you need all of the transmission repairs (TR) for say,
1988, this information can be collected from your file with
database programs that handle dBASE III type records and
indexes. Entering the codes as the work is recorded assures
that such reports could be made from your files if needed.
Next, you add the cost of parts for the repair followed by the
labor cost. TLC will add these entries and place the total in
the field for the total cost. If costs are zero, just press the
<ENTER> key.
The mileage entry can be up to 999999. You don't need to enter
a comma and do not enter tenths of miles.
Page 8
At the "Work done:" field, make the description of the work
short and descriptive. When you display the repair history
later on the screen or on a printed report, the short, direct
descriptions will be a blessing. Here are a few suggestions for
typical repairs:
CHG OIL AND FILT
CHASSIS LUBE
OVERHAUL TRANSM
REPL BRK PADS
4 P195/75R14 AMERIWAY XT TIRES
REPR ALTERNATOR
GETTING MAINTENANCE HISTORY ON THE CRT
The SHOW repair HISTORY selection presents you with a request for
a vehicle number. TLC will present you with the repairs from
your record for that vehicle number. If there are more than will
fit on the CRT screen, you will see about 15 entries and the
scrolling of the entries will stop. Press a key to get the next
screenfull.
SEARCHES FOR A VEHICLE DESCRIPTION
The third through sixth selections are for finding a vehicle by its
assigned number, license number, operator's name or the VIN number.
When doing a search, you must enter the search basis EXACTLY as
it appears in your vehicle description record. TLC will quickly
find the description from any of these selections.
ADDING FUEL INFORMATION
The FUEL DATA selection is for entering information about fuel
added to a vehicle. When entering fuel data, you may enter any
two of the items, Gallons, Price or Total. TLC will calculate
the third one. If you enter all three, however, TLC will accept
your numbers...even if they don't add up. A printed report may
be produced that uses these entries. The report will show each
entry and calculate MPG for that fillup. At the end of the
report, there will be a summary of fuel used, cost, average MPG
and average fuel cost per mile. These figures can only be
accurate if ALL of the fuel is entered for a vehicle. Accurate
individual consecutive entries will accurately show the MPG
between fillups.
OTHER MENUS
The selections for PRINT REPORTS and HOUSEKEEPING will take you
to other menus, one for creating several printed documents and
doing several housekeeping chores on your files.
Page 9
REVISE YOUR PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
This is the final selection on the menu (other than QUIT). You
will be presented a screen showing the present schedule for the
vehicle you specify. These schedules are based on mileage or
date. Since there is no provision for entering daily or weekly
mileage into the maintenance records, these schedules are
updated manually.
Updates should be made when the routine work is done. The
record includes changes of oil, oil filter, transmission oil and
filter, chassis lube and coolant replacement. These are the
regular, on-going things that are needed...usually on a mileage
basis. When you change oil on an vehicle, you simply add the
oil change interval to the mileage at the time of the change.
Entries are available for brake and exhaust system inspections.
These are particularly useful for vehicles used in such duty as
police and taxi service. Suggested intervals are shown. You
can, or course, use any schedule that fits your need. If the
brake and exhaust inspections are not to be used, leave the date
field blank for that vehicle (fill it with spacees[spacebar]).
This schedule will be included in your printed report for this
vehicle's maintenance work. You may also use this selection to
view the schedule for a vehicle on the CRT at any time.
ENDING THE PROGRAM
Choose QUIT to end TLC and return your computer to the regular
DOS prompt. Before the program exits, you will be asked to
confirm that you do, indeed, want to quit. An "N" will
return you to the main menu without having to restart TLC. To
restart, see GETTING STARTED.
THE PRINTED REPORTS
There are several useful printed reports that you may prepare
from this alternate menu.
The first selection provides a wide-paper report for the selected
vehicle. It shows the vehicle description, followed by a
detailed listing of the repair records and ends with a listing
of the mileages when regular maintenance work is due. It is
designed for a 15 inch printer using 10 characters per inch.
The reports can also be printed on some printers that will
accept 12 inch wide paper if you print in condensed print of 12
or 15 characters per inch. (135 character lines)
When you run the printed report routines for REPAIR HISTORY or
FUEL USE, you will be prompted to indicate whether you want a
(F)ull report or a short report based on a beginning (M)ileage
or (D)ate. The full report prints all of the information in
your file for a particular vehicle. Either short choice will
prompt you for the mileage or date where you want the report to
Page 10
begin. Just type in your selections. The report will show only
the repair or fuel information for the following period. It
includes cost figures for the shorter period. The short reports
avoid printing a long report when you only want to review the
record for a vehicle for the last two or three thousand miles;
of for the last month or quarter.
The next one prints your fuel report and is also designed for a
15 inch wide printer but may be printed on regular letter-size
paper (9 1/2" fan-fold) if printed at 15 characters per inch.
The third selection prints a handy list of your vehicles and
drivers. If you have several divisions and use the two character
designator for the division, the report will be for vehicles in
that division. If you have only one and use AA for all of them,
your report will include all of your vehicles that are in the
file.
The fourth selection produces a list of vehicles suitable for a
sale of your used vehicles. Before you sell a vehicle, you must
edit the description file for that vehicle to enter it's ending
mileage. Do that BEFORE you produce the sale listing. You will
be presented with several options, generally, you just follow
the screen prompts. The ready-to-mail report is printed on
regular 9 1/2 x 11 or 9 1/2 x 14 paper at 10 characters per inch.
You can print the listing directly from keyboard entries. For a
short list, this works very well but if you make a mistake and
enter the wrong vehicle number, you have to begin again. The
best way is to generate a file list of the vehicles you want to
sell and let the computer produce the report from that file.
The fifth selection produces a BILL OF SALE. Notice that all
of the names, addresses, etc will be printed in upper case.
Only the "date of the sale" is case sensitive. Type this in to
match the text of the bill....June 15, 1988...for example.
Check this out with your attorney. It has been used in some
locations. Whether it is adequate for your operation must be
determined by you. It is included for whatever good it may be
in your own circumstance. No assurance is made for the
legality of it but we do feel that it includes the necessary
information.
The sixth selection will produce a listing of the maintenance
schedule for vehicles by division. It is a handy way for your
fleet supervisor to review the schedule particularly when the
vehicle odometer readings are at hand....say when monthly mileage
reports are made for personal use or whatever.
Finally, selection seven prints an EXCEPTION REPORT for vehicles
by district. I will list those units that are overdue for the
regularly scheduled work. For this to work, you must have valid
entries in the maintenence schedule and you must update the file
with the vehicles's current mileage. (Don't include a comma in
the mileage entry...just run it together [27000 not 27,000]).
Those units that are not overdue are not included in the report.
Page 11
MAIN MENU HOUSEKEEPING SELECTION - WORKING WITH YOUR FILES
The operations that you select from this menu are rather
sensitive. An inexperienced operator can cause damage to your
files with these utilities. Be careful. Caution your operator
to be sure of the operation before using these selections.
The first selection was used when you initially set up
your files. Unless you need to start new or additional sets of
records, you probably will not need the selection after you
initially start using TLC. The purpose is described above in
getting started.
The next three selections will rework the indexes (or indices,
for you purists) for your files. Sometimes, indexes can become
corrupted. This can happen in a power failure or when you use
dBASE to delete a record or PACK your files. When you look for
a description for a vehicle, say number 155, and you know it is
in the file but it is not found, the probable cause is a bad
index file. The second selection will rework all of the indexes
that are needed for the search commands on your main menu. You
can use these selections any time....there is no danger to your
files and it only takes a short time (depends on how many
vehicles you have. 500 will take a couple of minutes on a hard
disk XT computer running at 8 MHz.)
The EDIT selection allows you to modify a description record.
Use this to change a license tag number for a new tag or change
the operator's name if the vehicle is reassigned. You can also
correct errors in entries you have already made. The index
files are automatically updated for any changes you make.
The ADD selection was used to initially enter the information for
your vehicles into the TLC records. It is also used when you
make a new addition to your existing fleet. It is NOT used when
you get a replacement for an existing vehicle.
The next selection is used for replacement vehicles. For this
to work for you, there are several assumptions made about your
fleet.
Your vehicles are numbered from 001 thru 999
A replacement vehicle will carry the same number as the
vehicle it replaces but with an "R" added at the end of
the number.
For example, let's say you have a vehicle number 500; a
replacement has been purchased for it. The new replacement
will be number 500 and the old 500 is now to be retired and
later will be sold. For now, it will be renumbered to 500R
to indicate its new retired status. In TLC, 500R is a
completely different number from 500.
Page 12
The Change Status selection will present you with selections
that will make the needed changes in your description file and
bring up the screen for entry of the information for the new
vehicle.
The Purge repairs selection does a similar operation on your
repair records. It deletes any repairs for an OLD 500R;
changes your now retired 500 records to 500R; and makes way
for your forthcoming entries for repairs to the newly
purchased 500.
When using the two previous selections, you will be asked to
choose whether you want to "(P)ack your file". Packing
actually removes any deleted records from your file. There will
be no harm if you pack your file after each retirement of a
vecicle. Time can be saved, however, when you have a number of
vehicles to retire at the same time if you select the (P)ack
option after you process the last one in the series...packing
the file for all of them at the same time.
The Begin Maintenance Schedule selection is used to add a
vehicle to your maintenance schedule file. When you set up
your original records, you used the first HOUSKEEPING selection
after you entered all of your descriptions of your vehicles.
That selection used the information you entered to generate the
files for your maintenance schedules. If you use that selection
again, it will indeed generate a file with all of your vehicles
included but the schedules will not show the schedule updates
you have made. When you add an ADDITIONAL vehicle to your
fleet, use this selection to ADD THAT VEHICLE NUMBER to your
EXISTING file.
The Files to Division selection will write a file to a diskette
in drive B: for your other locations. If you used the Division
entry in your description and repair files to designate your
other locations, this routine will copy the records for a
specified division to a file named COPYOUT.DBF in drive B: That
file can be used to set up another TLC system at that location.
The Join selection, working in conjunction with the previous
selection, will handle the combining of repair records from
those other locations into your central record system
PROGRAM HUNG IN A LOOP
You can get most PC's and compatibles can get out of a hang-up
by pressing ALT-C or Alt-Ctrl-C. Hold down the Alt key and the
Ctrl key while you press the "C" key.
DOS ERROR - OPEN ERROR - INDEX FILES NOT FOUND
You must have your database and index files in the correct drive
and subdirectory. Be sure your records are in the proper place.
Do not rename the subdirectory. TLC expects it to be VEHICLES.
Page 13
PROBLEMS FINDING RECORDS
Be sure you use the correct numbers. Do not confuse zero and the
letter O. Also watch for interchange of a one "1" with lower case
"l" (that's an L) or upper case "I".
BACKING UP YOUR FILES
Back up copies of your data records are good insurance. You
will invest a considerable amount of time in generating these
useful records. Accidents and equipment failures do happen. I
cannot stress too strongly the need for frequent backups of these
data files.
If you operate with your data records on diskettes, I suggest
that you operate with three copies. This is much safer than
just two, the original and a backup. When you first get your
data record diskette in service, make two backup copies of it.
Label them TLC DATA RECORDS 1, 2 AND 3.
Begin using diskette #1 with TLC and when you have entered records
for a while, use your DOS diskcopy command and copy diskette 1
to diskette 2.
Now use diskette 2 to continue entering your data. Again, after
a while, backup #2 to #3 and use #3 for entries. Later, backup
#3 to #1 etc.
If you have trouble with a diskette, you can go back to the
previous copy and only lose the data you entered since you made
the backup. You will find the three copy procedure is MANY
times safer that working with only two.
If your data is stored on your hard disc you should seriously
consider the use of a good backup program. PC-Tools Plus by
Central Point Software is only one with a good hard disc backup
program that seems to work with any system.
ADDING ENTRIES WITHOUT VEHICLE NUMBERS
Entries for repairs and fuel demend upon a valid vehicle number.
If you fail to enter the vehicle number, the record will not be
entered and you will be prompted to redo the entry with a valid
vehicle number. The entry of a three digit number is mandatory.
If a vehicle number is 22, for example, enter it as 022 (that's
zero two two, not oh two two) Always use the correct number for
any entry, inquiry or printout.
EDITING YOUR RECORDS
Changes in vehicle dexcriptions and maintenance schedules are
made in the EDIT and REVISE SCHEDULES selections on the menus.
Changes in repair and fuel entries can not be made within TLC
TRUCK. This is by design to maintain the security of the
records. These files can be changed with any program that will
edit dBASE III, or IV type files. (dBASE, Foxbase and Wampum
just to name a few.) We also offer TLC TOOLSET as an easy to
use utility for editing, deleting and sorting your maintenance
record files It is $25.00 U.S. funds direct from TLC SOFTWARE.
Page 14
UPDATING TLC FILES EARLIER THAN VERSION 2.1.0
TLC now uses a DRIVE.DBF and an index file SCHEDIV.NDX that were
not used in earlier versions. Fields have been changed in
FUELS.DBF, SCHEDULE.DBF and DESCRIP.DBF.
Instructions for modifying older TLC files are included in a
file "UPDATING.TXT", also included on your TLC diskette.
****************************************************************
TLC TRUCK DATA SYSTEM is copyright (c) 1988, 1989 by:
James H. Wilson
TLC SOFTWARE
Route 2 Box 165-D
Ashville, Alabama 35953-9647
Telephone (205) 594-5711
If, after evaluation of TLC, you continue to use the program,
please send your name and address along with a user registration
fee of $25.00. for each application of TLC to the author at the
above address. Be sure to state the version of TLC you are
using. TLC is constantly being improved and its features
expanded. Your registering does several things...
It compensates me for the time and expense of
bringing you TLC and...
I will send you the printed instruction booklet
along with a new diskette including any
update to version 2.1.2
Your name is added to the registration list of
supported users.
It assures they you are kept aprised of new updates
and features.
This version 2.1.2 was distributed as a commercial product
advertised in several national magazines. It is now distributed
as SHAREWARE for users who may want to try it. If it works for
you now, you may be interested in the latest commercial version.
It offers a number of new features not included in version 2.1.2
Printed instruction booklet with new features
Short repair and fuel reports with a beginning AND ENDING
date. Good for quarterly reports.
Page 15
Expanded descriptions for vehicles such as heavy trucks with
multiple axles, more equipment.
Reports mileage traveled by state for interstate haulers
Fuel tax decal and license tag expirations
Parts room inventory control
Additional user defined scheduled maintenance operations
Vehicle numbers enlarged to six digits
Larger cost fields for more costly vehicles and repairs
Hourly labor rate for in-house shop calculation
Registration fee for the latest version (as of Nov., 1989)
is $65.00 US Funds. Call for later revision information.
Please indicate if you want 3 1/2" 720K diskette...
otherwise shipped on 5 1/4 by FIRST CLASS MAIL.
Shipments outside U.S., Canada or U.S. possessions add
$3.45 U.S. for International Air Mail.
We would be most interested in knowing approximately how many
vehicles are in your record system. For fleet users with
multiple locations within the same company, please register each
location. For a large number of locations in the same company,
call for special fee structure. For registered users, I will
send you notification of major updates and try to help you with
any problems or questions you have.
We are very interested in your comments and suggestions for
corrections or improvements to TLC.
You are hereby granted permission to freely copy and distribute
the TLC TRUCK version 2.1.2 program diskette to anyone who is
interested provided the program is distributed in unmodified
form and is complete with this text file. You may not sell TLC
but clubs, user groups and commercial SHAREWARE distributors
may charge a nominal fee (not to exceed $9.00) to cover
distribution cost.
SUPPORT THE FREEWARE/SHAREWARE CONCEPT
For TLC users with special needs, the program and files can be
customised for your use. Please contact us for information and
the charges for this work.
*****************************
INDEX
AUTOEXEC.BAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 3
Backups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3, 4, 13
CONFIG.SYS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Description entries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
DOS ERROR - File not found . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Edit descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11, 13
End the program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7, 9
Equipment needed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Exception report (overdue maintenance) . . . . . 10
File houskeeping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Files included . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
First use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Floppy disc system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Fuel records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Hard disc systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
How to startup TLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Hung in a loop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Maintenance history . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8, 9
Maintenance review report . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Maintenance overdue report . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Menu selections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Mileage updating (in exception reporting) . . . . 10
Other locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Preventive maintenance schedules . . . . . 9, 11, 12
Printed copy of instructions . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Printed reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Reindexing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Replacement vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Searches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Directory of PC-SIG Library Disk #1085
Volume in drive A has no label
Directory of A:\
AUTOEXEC BAT 6 3-25-88 9:53a
CONFIG SYS 20 3-25-88 9:52a
DINSTALL BAT 551 11-20-88 10:38a
DRIVE DBF 101 2-19-89 6:39p
README TXT 1223 3-13-90 5:54p
FINSTALL BAT 605 11-20-88 10:37a
GO BAT 38 10-19-87 3:56p
GO TXT 540 3-13-90 5:48p
FILE1085 TXT 1910 3-13-90 6:24p
REGISTER DOC 2083 12-04-89 7:36p
TLC BAT 29 3-25-88 9:54a
TRUCKS EXE 208768 2-19-89 12:19p
UPDATING TXT 9831 10-23-88 5:55p
USETLC TXT 44362 2-13-90 10:00a
DEMO <DIR>
FILES <DIR>
16 file(s) 270067 bytes
Directory of A:\DEMO
. <DIR>
.. <DIR>
BIDLIST DBF 90 3-26-88 12:59p
DESCRIP DBF 2018 2-19-89 6:41p
FUELS DBF 16124 7-12-88 7:29a
REPAIRS DBF 27469 8-13-88 7:42p
SCHEDULE DBF 640 8-14-88 2:49p
7 file(s) 46341 bytes
Directory of A:\FILES
. <DIR>
.. <DIR>
BIDLIST DBF 90 3-26-88 12:59p
CREW NDX 1024 8-14-88 4:50p
DESCRIP DBF 1024 8-11-88 6:28p
FUELNO NDX 1024 8-14-88 4:50p
FUELS DBF 512 8-11-88 6:27p
LICENSE NDX 1024 8-14-88 4:50p
NUMBER NDX 1024 8-14-88 4:50p
OPERATOR NDX 1024 8-14-88 4:50p
REPAIRS DBF 512 8-11-88 6:28p
REPAIRS NDX 1024 8-14-88 4:50p
SCHEDIV NDX 1024 8-14-88 4:50p
SCHEDULE DBF 322 8-14-88 4:45p
SCHEDULE NDX 1024 8-14-88 4:50p
VIN NDX 1024 8-14-88 4:50p
16 file(s) 11676 bytes
Total files listed:
39 file(s) 328084 bytes
18432 bytes free