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Captain Bly should've had this program for a first mate. It keeps track
of who is to do what and when, and prints out a daily work log for such
activities as swabbing the decks and polishing the brass.
SCHEDULER helps you supervise the daily activities of numerous
individuals and departments working on a variety of projects. The
program remembers activities that recur daily, weekly, monthly, and
quarterly. It takes into account up to 36 holidays and generates to-do
lists to start the day of each person and department.
Your calendar is never carved in stone. Change work days, alter holiday
schedules or revise anything, and the global or specific changes are
made automatically.
You can adjust work weeks from one to seven days and tell it to skip
days like the first of each month. One activity can be set to trigger
other activities. Just tell SCHEDULER to set activities a variable
number of days prior to or following some scheduled activity and watch
it take care of the details.
Its project planning ability helps prevent goofs. If the stockholder
meeting is set for the third of next month, tell SCHEDULER who has to do
what and when. First, it prints out a chronological checklist of all
the activities that need to be done. Then, day-by-day, it coughs up
to-do lists insuring that everything that needs to be done, gets done!
The fat on-disk user guide is crammed with useful information, but you
may never need to consult it due to the simple-to-understand menus used
to guide you along.
SCHEDULER will help keep your organization shipshape and that may just
lower the odds of employee mutiny!
++BEG-Copyright Software Configuration Co
This is the PC-SCHEDULER Help file.
++KEY-Activity Code
This is the "Key" to the Activity record.
It is comprised of a Letter and a two-digit
number. The Letter represents the activity
Group and the Number is the sequence within
the group. Examples: A01, C15, P25, etc.
PCS will wait until you enter correctly.
A special key with a number of "00" can be
entered as a Group Header record. This is
used to provide a description and/or a
frequency for the entire Group.
++SEQ-Schedule Priority Sequence
This Code controls the sequence in which
the activities are listed on the schedule.
All the activities within the same Group
are assigned the same Sequence Code. By
changing this code on the Group Header, you
can move the entire group of activities up
or down the Schedule Listing.
If this code is not specified PCS will
assign a default value of 50. The Sequence
Code can be sorted using CrossRef Command.
++DES-Activity Description
Provide a short description of up to twenty
five characters in length. Upper and lower
case can be used for readability. Try to be
succinct yet provide a meaningful description.
Remember that the Group Header record provides
for an additional description field which will
appear on the Schedule as activities are
listed and printed.
++NTE-Reminder Note
Provide a short note of up to thirty-four
characters in length. Upper and lower case
can be used for readability. The note field
will appear on the Schedule screen and the
printout. To view the notes while the File
Listing is on the screen, press F9 and notes
appear instead of the frequency information.
++REF-Activity Reference
Provide a "reference" which will indicate what is to be
used to perform the activity. For Data Center activities
this is usually a Job name or a Program name. For a
clerical activity this could refer to a Folder or File.
For projects this can be a name of the responsible
person, section or group.
The Reference field is limited to twelve characters
which can be letters or numbers as required. Examples:
A100-200, BlueBook, ABC04100P, File, #Member, Smith, DC.
++FRQ-Frequency Code
DA = Daily
WK = Weekly
BW = Bi-Weekly
MO = Monthly
BM = Bi-Monthly
QT or Q1 = Quarterly, 1st month
Q2 = Quarterly, 2nd month of Qtr
Q3 = Quarterly, 3rd month of Qtr
AN = Annually, on spec month/day
H= : Schedule with Header freq
H- : Schedule prior to Header
H+ : Schedule following Header
RQ : Requested
++WKL-Weekly Code
MON = Monday
TUE = Tuesday
WED = Wednesday
THU = Thursday
FRI = Friday
SAT = Saturday
SUN = Sunday
++MTH-Monthly Code
nn = nth of Month
nnP = nth Day or Prior day
nnF = nth Day or Following
nnD = nth Working Day
LWD = Last Working Day
FWD = First Working Day
nYYY = nth Weekday YYY or
LYYY = Last Weekday YYY
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
YYY = MON,TUE,WED, etc.
++ANL-Annual Occurrence
Enter a date in the format MM/DD for
the month and day of the occurrence.
Annual activities are not automatically
rescheduled on weekends so the annual
date may have to be reviewed each year.
++OEV-Odd/Even Code
O = Odd Week or Month
E = Even Week or Month
The activity is scheduled
every other Week or Month
based on this on/off code.
You can try one or the
other and Forecast until
the schedule dates are OK
++HMN-Prior to Group Header date
nnnD = nnn Days Prior
Enter the number of calendar
days prior to the Header Date
this activity is scheduled.
++HPL-Following Header activity
nnnD = nnn Days Following
Enter the number of calendar
days following the Header Date
this activity is scheduled.
++STR-Start Date
Enter a date in the format MM/DD/YY for
the month/day/year the scheduling of the
activity is to start. When scheduling or
forecasting the activity will not appear
prior to this date.
To remove the date type space bar over
month/day/year fields and the date will
be removed from the record.
++STP-Stop Date
Enter a date in the format MM/DD/YY for
the month/day/year the scheduling of the
activity is to stop. When scheduling or
forecasting the activity will not appear
after this date.
To remove the date type space bar over
month/day/year fields and the date will
be removed from the record.
++END
Disk No: 1244
Program Title: PRODUCTION CONTROL SCHEDULER
PC-SIG version: 1
Captain Bly should've had this program for a first mate. It keeps track
of who is to do what and when, and prints out a daily work log for such
activities as swabbing the decks and polishing the brass.
SCHEDULER helps you supervise the daily activities of numerous
individuals and departments working on a variety of projects. The
program remembers activities that recur daily, weekly, monthly, and
quarterly. It takes into account up to 36 holidays and generates to-do
lists to start the day of each person and department.
Your calendar is never set in concrete. Change work days, alter holiday
schedules or revise anything, and the global or specific changes are
made automatically.
You can adjust work weeks from one to seven days and tell it to skip
days like the first of each month. One activity can be set to trigger
other activities. Just tell SCHEDULER to set activities a variable
number of days prior to or following some scheduled activity and watch
it take care of the details.
Its project planning ability helps prevent goofs. If the stockholder
meeting is set for the third of next month, tell SCHEDULER who has to do
what and when. First, it prints out a chronological checklist of all
the activities that need to be done. Then, day-by-day, it coughs up
to-do lists insuring that everything that needs to be done, gets done!
The fat on-disk user guide is crammed with useful information, but you
may never need to consult it due to the simple to understand menus used
to guide you along.
SCHEDULER will help keep your organization shipshape and that may just
lower the odds of employee mutiny! The swabs!
Usage: Scheduler and planner.
Special Requirements: None.
How to Start: Type GO (press enter).
Suggested Registration: $55.00
File Descriptions:
PCS COM Command file.
PCS 000 Overlay file.
PCS 001 Overlay file.
_PCSHELP TXT Slate help screen text.
_PCSPARM DTA Data file contains parameter specifications.
_PCSSPEC DTA Data file contains dates specified as holidays.
_PCSDEFH DTA Data file contains holiday code definition.
EXAMPLE1 PCS Scheduling examples.
MANUAL TXT User guide.
LICENSE DOC License document.
README DOC Describes files.
README BAT Displays text of README.DOC
PC-SIG
1030D E Duane Avenue
Sunnyvale Ca. 94086
(408) 730-9291
(c) Copyright 1988,89 PC-SIG, Inc.
╔═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ <<<< Disk No 1244 PRODUCTION CONTROL SCHEDULER >>>> ║
╠═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ ║
║ To print the documentation, type: ║
║ ║
║ MANUAL (press manual) ║
║ ║
║ To run the program, type: ║
║ ║
║ PCS (press enter) ║
║ ║
╚═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
PC-SCHEDULER
Registration Form SG104
Enclosed please find fifty five dollars ($55.00) for my own registered,
serialized copy of PC-Scheduler. In addition, I will receive a complete
Reference Manual with Lessons, access to telephone support, and be
notified of future enhancements and upgrades to the software product.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Hardware configuration:
Disk: ( ) 5 1/4" Floppy ( ) 3 1/2" Floppy DOS Version: ______
Computer: ( ) IBM _____________ ( ) IBM Compatible ______________
Printer: ________________________________________________________
Monitor: ( ) Color ( ) Monochrome ( ) Amber ( ) Other ________
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Registration Address:
Company: _________________________________________________________
Name: _________________________________________________________
Title: _________________________________________________________
Address: _________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
City: _________________________________________________________
State: __________________________ Zip Code: _________-________
Date: ______________ Signature: _____________________________
Comments: _________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
- - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Please mail this Registration Form along with remittance to:
SOFTWARE CONFIGURATION
P.O. Box 42172
Washington D. C. 20015
LICENSE AGREEMENT
PC Scheduler is not public domain software and it is not and never
has been free software. Non-registered users are granted a limited
license to use PC Scheduler on a trial basis for the purposes of
evaluation only. Use of PC Scheduler except for this limited purpose
requires registration. Continued use of this product for any period
of time constitutes your assumed acceptance of this agreement and
requires registration.
Registration of PC Scheduler entitles you to the full, bound User's
Manual complete with lessons and examples. In addition, you receive
access to telephone support and notice of future product upgrades.
Each PC Scheduler Program is licensed by Software Configuration
to the original purchaser for use on a single machine. The
software is protected by the United States Copyright Law and may
be copied only for the sole purpose of providing an archival backup
copy. The license includes permission to use the software for both
personal and professional applications.
Disclaimer of Liability
Software Configuration shall not be liable for any special,
incidental or consequential damages whether resulting from defects
in the diskette, or from any defect in the software itself or
documentation thereof. The software itself is licensed "as is"
without any express or implied warranties whatsoever.
Required Configuration
o IBM PC, PCjr, XT, AT, PS/2 or 100% compatible computers
o at least 128K of memory and one disk drive
o standard 80 by 25 screen
o DOS 2.0 or above
PRODUCTION CONTROL SCHEDULER
(PC-SCHEDULER)
SHAREWARE USER MANUAL
Program and Manual written by:
Robert L. Flowers
Software Configuration
P.O. Box 42172
Washington D.C. 20015
All rights reserved
Copyr. 1987, 1988
INTRODUCTION
What does PCS Do?
PCS provides scheduling and calendaring functions for individuals or
departments. PCS has a built-in language that can be used to
generate a list of "to-do" activities which have recurring frequencies
such as Daily, Weekly, Monthly, or Quarterly.
You develop a list of activities which are grouped together in a way
most meaningful for you. Using the PCS scheduling language you can
then assign a frequency to each activity or to a group of activities.
If the AutoSchedule is specified then as you start each day PCS will
automatically generate a list of activities and, if requested, print a
hard copy that you can refer to all day.
Can you specify Holidays?
Up to 36 Holidays can be specified for each calendar year. PCS will
re-schedule activities either on the previous or the following work
day as indicated by you.
Can you adjust the Work-week?
The work-week can be adjusted from 1 to 7 days. The Work-week
starts on Monday and ends on the Tuesday thru Sunday as specifies by
you. Activities which fall on the week-end can be rescheduled the
previous or following work day.
Can you skip certain dates?
For Daily or Weekly activities you can specify one or two dates to
skip. For example, you may want to schedule it Daily "but not on"
the First day of the month when another activity is scheduled.
Can one activity "trigger" others?
With the PCS scheduling language, there is an easy way of having one
activity trigger other activities. You can schedule activities a variable
number of days prior to or following other scheduled activities.
What about Project planning?
If the major event is a specific date and activities are scheduled using
plus/minus days, then a "checklist" can be printed in chronological
date order. These are easy and simple "what, when, and who" listings
to be used for project planning or tickler files.
SYSTEM FILES ON DISTRIBUTION DISKETTE
PROGRAM FILES
PCS was written in Pascal using the Overlay function. The
following program files must all be present the same "logged" drive
when the program is started. If any one of these files is missing
you will get a run-time error F0, PC=nnn. To correct the problem
put all three files on the same logged drive:
PCS.COM command file
PCS.000 overlay file
PCS.001 overlay file
PARAMETER FILE
If this file is not present the first time PCS is run it will be
created automatically. This file contains information you specified
on the Global option screen as well as the last PCS file and
Directory accessed.
_PCSPARM.DTA contains your parameter specifications.
HELP FILE
The Data Entry Screen provides for a Help function. This file
contains the text for the Help boxes.
_PCSHELP.TXT contains the slate help screen text.
DEFINITION FILES
Holiday definitions and dates specified as Holiday are saved in this
file on disk. Any time Holidays are added or specified these files
will be created and updated automatically by PCS as needed.
_PCSDEFH.DTA contains the Holiday code definitions.
_PCSSPEC.DTA contains the dates specified as Holidays.
DATA FILES
The Files you build and save using PCS will be saved as with the
DOS extension of ".PCS". The first eight characters are specified
by you when the file is first saved. The distribution disk comes
with a sample file to be used in getting started:
EXAMPLE1.PCS contains scheduling examples.
BACKUP OF FILES
You should schedule an activity which will remind you to
periodically back up the working PCS files. PCS does not make
any backup copies. It is your responsibility to be sure you have
backup copies. If files are lost you can then recover.
Suggestions for backing up only the files which change. The only
files which change as you run PCS are the files with the following file
extensions:
(1) DTA these are the parameter and holiday data files
(2) PCS these are you PCS schedule files
To copy only these files to a backup disk, you can specify *.DTA and
*.PCS in the Copy statement.
FIXED DISK
If you have a fixed disk drive you may want a sub-directory for
your PCS system. To create a PCS sub-directory:
(1) Log on to drive C as follows: type C:
(2) Create a sub-directory as follows: MKDIR \PCS
(3) Change to the directory as follows: CHDIR \PCS
(4) Insert PCS diskette in drive A: and type
COPY A:*.*
Note: The first time you invoke PCS from this directory you should go
to the FILE command and change the active Directory. The distribution
diskette comes with the Directory set to A:. Therfore, you may get the
message "Drive not ready" until you change and save the C: directory.
INSTALLATION
There are no required Installation procedures for PCS, however,
there are a few "global" parameters which may need changing.
Printer If your printer has special features which require
setup codes, see "setup control string".
Colors The default colors can be changed on the "global" color
screen.
CONVENTIONS USED IN THIS MANUAL
The keyboard keys are referred to by the name of the key in
brackets. For example:
[key] is used to indicate that you should tap the specified
key named within the brackets.
[Ctrl] [key] is used to indicate that you should press Ctrl and
while it is pressed then tap the other key.
[Return] is used to refer to the Carriage Return key.
SECTION 1: GETTING STARTED
Once you have made a working diskette for PCS or have moved PCS to
the fixed disk then you are ready to start PCS and learn the basics. Log
on to the disk you are going to use DOS prompt will appear:
If you are using drive A: you should see: A>
At the DOS prompt type in then name of the program:
PCS (then press the [return] key)
The following copyright screen should appear with a message at the
bottom to press any key to continue. PCS will wait until you press the
space bar (or any key) to continue.
PCS
+-------------------------------+
| PRODUCTION CONTROL SCHEDULER |
|-------------------------------|
| Copyright of |
| |
| SOFTWARE CONFIGURATION |
| P.O. BOX 42172 |
| WASHINGTON D.C. 20015 |
| |
| All rights reserved |
| |
+-------------------------------+
[press any key to continue]
If you are not a registered owner of PCS you can order your copy from
the address shown in the box. PCS has been copyrighted and
unauthorized use is prohibited by law. See LICENSE.DOC file.
AUTO SCHEDULE
If you see the blinking "Auto Schedule" field this is a reminder that PCS
will be retrieving the last file you were using and will run Today's
schedule automatically. You can turn this feature ON and OFF using the
Global Commands. You can invoke Autoschedule at startup by specifying
PCS A. This feature is discussed further in Section 8.
For now, press any key, usually the space bar and the MAIN MENU
Screen will appear. The following pages explains how to use the menu.
MENUS AND COMMANDS
PCS Menus consist of two lines separated by the dividers. The top line
identifies the currently active menu in the top left corner. On the Main
Menu the system date appears in the top right corner. This is the date
specified when you "booted" DOS. The third line is referred to as the
PCS command line and contains various command words.
MENU COMMANDS
There are two levels of commands within PCS, Major Commands and Sub-
Commands. The Major Commands are listed on the Main Menu and
correspond to the major operations that PCS will perform. Sub-commands
appear either across the command line or in a "pull down" box.
Specifying "Quit" as a sub-command will return to the previous menu.
The Quit command appears on all menus and command lines.
MAIN MENU MM/DD/YY
---------------------------------------
(F)ile Schedule Revise Global Quit <--+
=I===================================== I
I I
+-----> File (sub-menu) I
----------------------------------I-----
Retrieve (I)ndex Save Print (Q)uit <---------+
===========I============================ I
I I
+------> list current index and files ---+
(Press ANY key to continue)
The first way to invoke a command is simply by entering the first letter
of the Command word. Then, by pressing the first letter of the Sub-
Command the desired operation would be performed, such as listing the
current DOS index. After the desired operation is complete PCS will
remain on the Sub-menu until "Quit" is specified.
When "Quit" is specified, PCS will return to the MAIN MENU. It is
convenient to stay on the sub-menu for operations such as Revise/Add in
order to repeat the same commands. Quit appears on all command lines.
COMMAND POINTER
The second way to invoke a command is by using a "command pointer,"
i.e., the active command is "highlighted." By pressing the [Right Arrow]
key you can move the command pointer to the desired command word.
Pressing the [Return] key you will select the command as if you had
typed the first letter of the word. By pressing [Left Arrow] and [Right
Arrow] keys you can move back and forth across the command line.
MAIN MENU MM/DD/YY
--------------------------------------------------
Right Arrow] ---> XXXXXXXX Quit
==================================================
When the [Left Arrow] key is pressed while the first command word is
highlighted, the command pointer method is "de-activated". When the
[Right Arrow] key is pressed while "Quit" is highlighted the command
pointer will wrap around to the first command word.
PULL DOWN MENU
The "pull down box" menu is another way toinvoke PCS commands. The
active sub-command will be highlighted in the box.
MAIN MENU MM/DD/YY
----------------------+==========+----------------
[Right Arrow] --> I XXXXXXXX I Quit
======================I----------I================
I | I
[Down Arrow] I V I
I I
I XXXXXXXX I [Return]
I I
+----------+
First, press the [Right Arrow] key on the numeric pad to activate
command pointer method. Continue to tap the [Right Arrow] key if
necessary until the desired command word is highlighted.
Pessing the [Down Arrow] key while a Major Command word is
highlighted. The Sub-commands will appear in a pull down box beneath
the active Command word. As you tap the [Down Arrow] key the active
sub-command word is highlighted. These are the same sub-command
words that appear in the sub-menu method above except that they are
"stacked" in the box rather than across the command line.
Press the [Return] key at the desired sub-command and the Major
Command/Sub-Command combination is invoked. PCS will return to the
Main Menu after the desired operation is completed successfully.
ACTIVITY POINTER
Once a PCS file has been retrieved, all the activities are listed on the
screen. The first activity in the file is highlighted in reverse video or in
color if you have a color monitor. The arrows, PgUp and PgDn keys on
the numeric pad can be used to move this "activity pointer" line. The
purpose of this pointer is to allow you to move through the file and
facilitate the Revise operation. See "Browse keys" below.
To revise an activity simply position the cursor pointer to a valid activity
line and press F2, or use the pull down Revise/Edit menu. The cursor
pointer is active on every screen where the PCS file listing is displayed.
CONFIRMATION
When you have entered a request that should be "confirmed" a (Y/N)
prompt will appear. PCS will not continue until you press the "Y" key
for yes, the "N" key for no, or the ESC key to terminate the request.
Any other keys will be ignored except the ESC key to ignore request.
ERROR MESSAGES
When you have entered a field incorrectly or PCS has determined there is
an error, an error message appears on the bottom of the screen. These
messages may be self-explanatory, but for further explanation see detail
description at end of the manual. Press any key to continue.
SECTION 2: LEARNING THE BASICS
MAJOR COMMANDS
From the MAIN MENU the PCS functions are requested in one of several
ways described in Section 1. When a Major Command is requested,
control is then transferred to that Command processor. Each Command
processor has its own set of Sub-commands to invoke a specific
operation. Refer to the following Sections for Sub-command descriptions.
REVISE Command
The REVISE commands are used to add, edit, delete, move and copy
the activity records. The Data Entry Screen is used for entering
data about each activity. Help screens are available by use of the
Help key. The Help screen explains the entry in each field.
FILE Command
The FILE commands are used to create, print, retrieve, save
and erase PCS files on the disk. Files can reside in the root
directory or another DOS directory.
SCHEDULE Command
The SCHEDULE commands are used to invoke the PCS
scheduler. The schedule can begin on any date in the past or
future and can include or exclude all or a selected number of
activities. The schedules and checklists can be printed offline
for hard copy.
CROSSREF Command
It is useful to be able to sort all or part of the PCS Master
File by Schedule Sequence Code, by Description, by Frequency
Code, by Occurrence Code or by Reference Code. The sorted
file can also be printed offline.
HOLIDAY Command
Holidays can be defined, specified and listed for a given year.
The PCS scheduler will re-schedule any activities falling on
those dates to the previous or following working day as
specified.
GLOBAL Command
The GLOBAL commands are used to change the System
Parameters. The Parameters specify such things as length of
the Work Week, special control charcters for the Printer, and
whether or not to pause between print pages. The
AutoSchedule feature can be turned from the Global menu. If
the default colors are not to your liking, you can change the
colors from the Global menu.
QUIT Command
The Quit command on the Main Menu will require a confirmation
before returning to DOS. If you specified Quit by mistake you can
abort with a "no" response to the confirmation.
If you have updated the current file while PCS was running, a
confirmation is required to Save the file before exiting. If you do
not wish to save your changes a "no" response will bypass the file
save operation.
PCS will remember the last file you were using and save its name in
the Parameter file. If you turn the "AutoSchedule" feature on PCS
will retrieve this file and run Today's schedule automatically the
next time you start the program.
HOW TO EXIT PCS
First, you should learn how to exit PCS so that all the files are
saved and closed properly. You must be on the Main Menu to exit
to DOS.
Main Menu
--------------------------------------------------
File Schedule Revise Global Quit
==================================================
Press the letter "q", or move the command pointer to Quit and
press [Return]. PCS will prompt for a confirmation.
Main Menu
--------------------------------------------------
OK to quit (Y/N)? Y <--respond Yes
==================================================
If you have specified Quit by mistake, respond "n" and PCS will
continue, otherwise specify "y" and PCS will return to DOS. If you
have modified a file that should be saved, then PCS will ask for a
"confirmation" to save the file. You must respond to this also
before PCS will exit. Answer the confirmations carefully.
[ESC]
The ESCAPE key is another way of specifying "Quit".
Certain terminations require a confirmation (Y/N).
FUNCTION KEYS
The Function Key line appears at the bottom of the screen with the
active Function Keys. These keys can be used as "short cuts" for
invoking certain operations without passing through the intervening
Menu/Command lines.
[F2] F2-Revise
Transfer control to the Revise commands. If the
cursor pointer is pointing to a valid activity, PCS
will retrieve the record and go directly to the Data
Entry Screen. See the Revise section for further
description.
[F3] F3-Add
PCS will prompt for a new Activity Code, verify that
it is not already on file, and then transfer to the
Data Entry Screen. Adding a new activity is
described in the Revise Command Section.
[F4] F4-Schedule
Pressing F4 will invoke the Schedule Command and
retrieve the activities scheduled for today (or the
Schedule Begin Date if modified). PCS will blink
"WAIT" on the screen while retrieving the scheduled
activities.
[F5] F5-GOTO
This function key is the PCS search facility. In
order to easily find the activity you want to change,
Press F5 and PCS will prompt for a search string or
an activity code. See SEARCH FACILITY description
below.
[F6] F6-Xref
Invoke the CrossReference by Frequency code. PCS
will blink "SORT" on the screen while sorting. If
you have a color monitor the sorted column is
highlighted. Once on the CrossReference screen you
can sort on any other field. See the Section on
CrossReference.
[F8] F8-Holiday
List the Holidays for current (or Schedule Begin
Year). Holidays can be added, changed and deleted.
See the Section on Holiday Commands.
[F9] F9-Notes
Display the Notes field. Normally, the Master File
listing shows the schedule frequency fields and notes
only appear when the Schedule is run. To display
the notes while viewing the master file press the F9
Function Key.
This function is a "toggle" key in that one state
remains active until F9 is pressed again.
[F10] F10-Hdrs
List only the Group Header records. This is a quick
way of seeing how the activities have been grouped.
See GROUPING ACTIVITIES below.
F10 is a "toggle" key so that when you press F10
again the detail activities will be displayed.
SEARCH FACILITY
Press F5 for the PCS search facility. PCS will
prompt:
Enter search string: __________ or Code: ___
Enter a search string for a list of activities with the
search string. PCS will list up to a page of
activities whose Description or Reference contains
the search string. Simply position the cursor to the
Activity line and press F2 to edit the fields.
If you know the Activity code, [Tab] to the Code
field and enter the Activity Code. PCS will then go
directly to the Activity line and position the listing
with this activity at the top of the screen.
Hint: If the activity is a Header Record, all you need to enter
in the Code field is the Letter code, PCS will add the "00".
BROWSE KEYS
The special keys found on the 10-key numeric pad are very useful for
"browsing" the PCS file. The browse keys are very useful for paging
forward, backward, and positioning the file to the top or bottom of the
listing. The [NumLock] key must not be active.
[PgDn]
Pages forward one entire page. PCS will display (...More) in
the lower right of screen if there are more pages to display.
No paging is done if the File is already in the (...End) position.
[Ctrl] [PgDn]
Positions the listing with the next Group Header record as the
first activity on the page. This is a convenient way of paging
through the file group by group.
[PgUp]
Pages backward one entire page. If the first activity is at top
of the screen then no paging takes place.
[Ctrl] [PgUp]
Positions the listing with the previous Group Header record as
the first activity on the page. This is a convenient way of
paging back one entire group.
[DownArrow]
Moves the cursor pointer down one activity. If the cursor
pointer is at the bottom, the screen is scrolled up, the activity
listed at the top of the current page is dropped and one new
activity appears at the bottom of the screen. No positioning is
done if listing is already at the (...End) position.
[UpArrow]
Moves the cursor pointer up one activity. If the cursor
pointer is at the top, the screen is scrolled, the activity listed
at the bottom of the screen drops off, and one new activity
appears at the top of the listing.
[Home]
Positions the listing at the first activity in the file. If the
listing is at the top already no positioning is done.
[End]
Positions the listing with the last activity at top of the
screen. If the listing is at the bottom of the file already then
no positioning is done.
GROUPING ACTIVITIES
Before you attempt to build your own file of activities you should first
understand how the PCS file is structured. Each activity in the PCS file
must have a unique identifer made up of a Letter and a two-digit numeric
number, e.g., C15. This is the Activity Code.
Group Header Record
Activities are "grouped" together if their code begins
with the same letter. A numeric code of "00" is
used to refer to the entire group or series of
activities. These are called "Group Headers" and
they are very useful in segmenting the file and in
triggering activities.
As you build a PCS of activities you group the items together in much
the same way you organize you normal day-to-day activities. This can be
by type of of business activity, by frequency of the activity, by business
function or any other way that is convenient and most appropriate for
your situation, for example:
Act Description
A00 Accounting
M00 Manufacturing
P00 Purchasing
Within each grouping you create detail activities:
Act Description
A00 Accounting
A01 General Ledger
A02 Annual Statement
M00 Manufacturing
M01 Inventory Report
M02 Bill of Material
P00 Purchasing
P01 Overdue Orders
P02 Vendor Report
After grouping your activities in a manner most meaningful for your
business, you can assign Frequencies to each activity or to entire groups
of activities. PCS has a whole array of Frequency codes which should
handle most of the common scheduling occurrences.
PRIORITY SEQUENCE
There is a separate "Sequence Code" which will determine the way in
which activities are listed on the Schedule. The Sequence Code is
specified on the Group Header Record and by changing this Sequence
Code you can move entire groups of activities up or down, thereby
"prioritizing" the Schedule. See Data Entry Fields section.
The CrossReference command can be used to sort the file by sequence
code to determine whether or not they are set properly. The default
sequence is "50" is none is specified.
ASSIGNING FREQUENCIES
The Frequency Code specifies the recurring cycle that the activity falls
on such as Daily, Weekly, Monthly, etc. For example:
Act Description Frequency
A00 Accounting
A01 General Ledger Monthly
A02 Annual Statement Annually
M00 Manufacturing
M01 Inventory Report Daily
M02 Bill of Material Bi-Weekly
P00 Purchasing
P01 Overdue Orders Weekly
P02 Vendor Report Quarterly
OCCURRENCE CODE
Once the frequency has been established, you must specify a specific
"occurrence" for the activity such as Monday, Wednesday, 10th of the
month, etc. Daily activities are done every work day and do not require
an Occurrence Code, but for the other Frequencies, the combination of
Frequency and Occurrence determine when it is to be scheduled.
For example:
Act Description Frequency Occurrence
A00 Accounting
A01 General Ledger Monthly 10th of the month
A02 Annual Statement Annually February 15
M00 Manufacturing
M01 Inventory Report Daily (every work day)
M02 Bill of Material Bi-Weekly Every other Monday
P00 Purchasing
P01 Overdue Orders Weekly Friday
P02 Vendor Report Quarterly First Work Day
NOT-ON FREQUENCIES
In many situations, such as the beginning or ending of a week or month
you may not want an activity to be scheduled (such as a File Merge).
Instead, you may want to schedule another activity (create New File) to
be run in its place. For Weekly and Monthly Frequencies you can specify
one or two "not-on" frequencies.
Examples:
Schedule Daily but "not-on" First Working Day of Month.
Schedule Weekly on Monday but "not-on" First Monday of Month.
GROUP SCHEDULING
Suppose you have a group of activities which are always done together
whenever scheduled. Rather than put the Frequency on each activity you
can put the Frequency on the Group Header and then use the "H=" to
refer back to the Frequency on the Group Header. For example, suppose
the following activities are always done together:
Act Description Frequency Occurrence
A00 Accounting
A01 Backup Ledger File Monthly Last Work Day
A02 Post Memo Credits Monthly Last Work Day
A03 Print Trial Balance Monthly Last Work Day
A04 Prepare Income Stmt Monthly Last Work Day
A05 Cash Flow Analysis Monthly Last Work Day
Another way of specifying Frequencies for the entire group of activities
would be to put the Frequency on the Group Header and the have the
detail activities refer back to its Frequency. Thus, if a Frequency
changes then you only have to change it in one place. For example:
Act Description Frequency Occurrence
A00 Accounting Monthly Last Work Day
A01 Backup Ledger File H=
A02 Post Memo Credits H=
A03 Print Trial Balance H=
A04 Prepare Income Stmt H=
A05 Cash Flow Analysis H=
Now whenever the Group Header A00 is scheduled then all the detail
activities with "H=" as a Frequency will also be schedule. Not every
activitiy in the sequence needs to refer back to the Header, only the
ones which are "triggered" by the Header Frequency.
SCHEDULING "PRIOR TO" OR "FOLLOWING"
Many times an activity is to be scheduled so many days before or after
another activity, e.g., two days before or two days after. This can be
accomplished by use of the "H-" (before Header schedule) and the "H+"
(after Header schedule). In the example above, suppose activity A02 is to
be done one day before the Last Working Day and A05 is to be done
three days after. This could be set up as follows:
Act Description Frequency Occurrence
A00 Accounting Monthly Last Work Day
A01 Backup Ledger File H=
A02 Post Memo Credits H- 001D
A03 Print Trial Balance H=
A04 Prepare Income Stmt H=
A05 Cash Flow Analysis H+ 003D
CHECKLIST
The Checklist schedule function makes use of the "Header Reference"
Frequency Codes. A Checklist can be generated for a Group of activities
whose Group Header specifies a deadline date. The detail activities can
be scheduled either before, on or after this deadline date using the H-,
H= and the H+ Frequency Codes.
Suppose you have a User meeting coming up and you have several
activities that must be done before, during and after the meeting:
Act Description Frequency Occurrence
U00 User Meeting Annual Sept 30
U01 Mail invitations H- 060D
U02 Prepare adgenda H- 035D
U03 Xerox material H- 007D
U04 Order lunch menu H- 001D
U05 Minutes of meeting H=
U05 Followup summary H+ 005D
U10 Questionnaire H+ 014D
When the Checklist is generated (using Schedule command) the
Frequencies are converted to dates and a list is produced in date
sequence. Checklists can be used over and over by just changing the
date on the Group Header record. The Note field can be used as a status
field and the Reference field can be used for Person assigned, etc.
The Checklist report:
<PCS> Checklist Date: xx/xx/xx
---------------------------------------------------------
Act Description Date Reference Note
XXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX MM/DD/YY XXXXXXXXXX ....
etc.
SECTION 3: FILE Commands
The File Commands are used to save and retrieve your PCS
Files. All user files have the same ".PCS" extension but the
first eight characters can be and valid DOS filename.
The free space on disk is shown on the bottom of the screen.
Retrieve
Clears the "active" PCS File and loads a previously
Saved PCS file from the disk. A confirmation is
required to clear the file is currently in use.
Index
Display a list of the PCS files on disk for the
Current DOS directory. All PCS files have the PCS
extension which does not have to be specified. The
DOS extension is not shown.
Directory
The default Current Directory can be changed to any
valid DOS directory. PCS displays the Current
Directory on the command line and prompts for a
new pathname or Directory. If one is entered this
becomes the new Current Directory (path).
Save
Saves all the activity records in a PCS file on the
disk. If the file already exists on that disk PCS will
prompt for a confirmation to replace the file.
Erase
To erase a file from the disk. PCS will prompt you
for the filename and a confirmation that you want to
destroy the file. Once a file is erased PCS cannot
recover the file. Be careful!
Print
Lists the File of Activities on the line printer. The
Filename and System date are printed on the Report.
NewFile
Erase the current PCS listing from the screen and
initialize all the file variables to the default values.
A confirmation is required if there is a current File
in memory. Be sure to Save any File that you do
not want permanently erased from memory. There is
no "un-erase" facility. Be careful.
Quit [ESC]
Exit the File Commands and return to PCS Menu. If
the active File has not been saved, PCS will prompt
for a (Y/N) Confirmation to Save the File.
SECTION 4: SCHEDULE Commands
This section describes the Commands you can use to affect the PCS
Scheduler. Normally, PCS generates a schedule for one day at a time
beginning on the System Date or another specified date. The entire file
will be included in the schedule unless restricted by the Select command.
The Forecast command can be used for forecasting the scheduled dates of
one activity at a time. This is useful for the Odd/Even scheduling.
Checklist provides for a listing in date sequence of activities scheduled
using the 'plus' and 'minus' options.
Run
Invokes the Schedule function, beginning on Begin
date. A list of the scheduled activities for that day
is presented on the screen. The following sub-
commands are active.
Back
Backup to previous schedule day and list
the scheduled activities for that day.
Next
Go to the next calendar day and list the
activities.
Print
Print the Scheduled activities on the
printer for the number of Days specified.
[F1]
Display the Frequency fields and internal
PCS variables for the scheduled date. The
display of the frequencies and variables
helps you get activities scheduled properly.
Days
This field is used in conjunction with the Print
request. If Print is specified then PCS will print the
scheduled activities for that number of calendar days.
For example, to print the schedule for the week:
1. Set the Begin date to beginning of week.
2. Specify Days of 007.
3. Specify Print.
Select
Enter a range of Activity Codes to be selected for
scheduling. The default is A00 through Z99. If a
range is entered, for example, B00..C99, then only
those activities will be selected. The selection range
prints on the listings and is shown at bottom of Help
window.
Begin
Enter a beginning date for the Schedule. If no
Begin date is specified, PCS will default to the
System Date, or 1/1/80 if no dates at all are
specified. The System date is specified when you
"boot" the system. AutoSchedule begins with System
date.
Forecast
PCS will prompt you for an Activity Code. Using
the frequency and occurrence of the Activity, PCS
will forecast the dates on which the Activity will be
scheduled.
Note: To stop the forecasting procedure,
press any key to stop it, then ESC key to
terminate.
Checklist
PCS will prompt for an Activity Code. The activity
must have an Annual frequency. This command will
list the events that have been scheduled using the
"H+" , "H-" and "H=" options.
Note: Only Group Headers with an Annual
date can be used for the Checklist
function.
Print
Print the Checklist on the line printer.
Quit(ESC) Return to the PCS Menu.
SECTION 5: REVISE Commands
The REVISE commands are used to make additions or changes
to a PCS file of activities. The Data Entry Screen (see below)
is used for entering data about the activity.
Data Entry Screen
-----------------------------------------------------
(Header Record)
=====================================================
Sequence:
Activity:
Description: +---------+
Reference: I HELP I
I WINDOW I
Frequency: Odd/Even: I SCREEM I
Occurrence: +---------+
But Not On: or:
Start:
Stop:
Note:
Press F1 Help or ESC to terminate
-----------------------------------------------------
Add
Add an activity to the PCS file. PCS prompts for
the Activity code to be assigned. The Data Entry
Screen is used to input various fields. Pressinq the
ESC key while on the Data Entry Screen will
terminate Add.
Press [Return] while at the Note field to add record.
Edit
Change the fields for an Activity. The Data Entry
Screen is displayed with current values of each field.
After changes are made PCS positions the file listing
at the edited activity. Pressing ESC terminates Edit.
Delete
PCS reads the Activity code at the pointer line and
displays the Data Entry Screen and requests a
confirmation of the Delete. After deleting the
activity PCS positions returns to the file listing.
Pressing ESC terminates the delete command.
Repeat
Copy an activity from one Code to another Code.
PCS retrieves the "from" Activity Code from the
pointer line and prompts for the "to" Activity Code.
Enter the new Activity Code to be assigned and all
the data fields are copied. PCS copies the activity.
Move
Move an Activity from one Code to another Code.
PCS retrieves the "from" Activity Code from the
pointer line and prompts for the "to" Activity Code.
Enter the new Activity Code to be assigned and all
the fields are moved. PCS positions the file listing at
the new Code. Pressing the ESC key terminates the
Move function.
Quit [ESC]
Return to the MAIN MENU or previous Menu screen.
CURSOR CONTROL KEYS
The following Cursor Control Keys are active while on the
Data Entry Screen. The ESC key will terminate Data Entry
with a confirmation and return to previous menu screen.
[ESC]
Terminate the maintenance function. Do not add,
delete or change the activity data fields for the
activity shown. A confirmation of "N" will continue
the function otherwise PCS returns to the Command
line.
[UpArrow]
Moves the cursor to the previous field on the screen
up from the current line. The content in the field
on the current line is saved.
[DownArrow]
Moves the cursor to the field on the next line of
the screen. The content of the current field is
saved. If cursor is at the last field on the screen
the cursor is moved to the first field on the screen.
[LeftArrow]
Moves the cursor to the next character to the left
in the field. If the cursor is on the first character
no change is made.
[RightArrow]
Moves the cursor to the next character to the right
in the field. PCS will "beep" if you attempt to go
beyond the end of the field.
[BackSpace]
Backspace one character in the field. If the cursor
is on the last character in the field it will blank out
the character as it back spaces. If the cursor is in
the middle of the field it will act as the left arrow
key.
[Tab]
Tab the cursor to the next input field. If the cursor
is on the last field on the screen the cursor will be
positioned to the first field.
[Home]
Position the cursor to the beginning of the field.
[End]
Position the cursor to the end of the data field.
[Ins]
Pressing this key sets the insert mode on/off as
indicated on the top line of the screen. If insert
mode is on the characters entered are inserted and
characters to the right of the cursor are shifted
right. PCS will "beep" if you attempt to insert too
many characters.
[Del]
Pressing this key will delete the character at the
cursor and characters to the right of the cursor are
shifted left one position.
ERRORS
There are many "relational" errors as well as just Data Entry
errors when entering an activity. For example, if you enter a
frequency code and then try to specify an invalid occurrence
code, PCS will issue an error. By pressing any key you can
correct the error and continue. Each error has a unique Error
Number and can be looked up in Appendix for further
explanation.
Data Entry Fields
After specifying Add, Delete, or Edit and an Activity Code,
PCS displays the Data Entry Screen. If the Letter Sequence of
activities has a Group Header record it is listed on the
Command line for review. The fields on the screen and their
interpretation are described below.
Sequence:
The Sequence code is a two digit numeric code which
controls the sequence in which the activities are
listed on the PCS schedule. It can be specified only
on a Group Header record and applies to the entire
group.
The default Sequence value is "50". Activities with a
Sequence less than 50 sort first, and activities with
a Sequence higher than 50 sort last. The
CrossReference Commands can be used to sort the
File by Sequence for purposes of testing.
Activity:
This field is the Activity Code. The Code is made up
of a Letter and two numerics. A Code with a Letter
and the "00" number is a special "Group Header"
record. The Group Header record is useful for group
scheduling and giving an additional description to the
entire series of activities.
Desription:
A short Description of the Activity. This can be
upper/lower case as desired. On the Header record
this is the Description of the entire Letter sequence
of activities. The Header description will
automatically be printed when any activity within the
group is scheduled. (See the Cross-Reference
discussion of Description).
Reference:
A separate field which may refer to a Job, Program,
Procedure, Document, File, Folder, Section or any
other source of data about the activity. Many
activities can have the same Reference. This field is
printed on Schedule.
Frequency:
A two-character field indicating the Frequency with
which the Activity is to be scheduled. A help
window will display the possible values from which
to select. Frequency codes are also described below.
Odd/Even:
If the Frequency is every-other Week or Month the
Odd/Even code is used to specify which odd or even
week. PCS sets this code internally. Use of the
code is by trial and error until it is scheduled
beginning on the appropriate week.
Occurrence:
A four-character code to specify which "occurrence"
of the frequency on which to schedule the activity.
The Occurrence code depends on the Frequency
code. Weekly frequencies specify a Day-of-Week
code, Monthly has several Occurrence codes, etc.
Some frequencies such as Daily do not have
Occurrences. Press F1 for Help or see below.
Not On:
This is the same codes as the Occurrences. An
entry here will specify which "occurrence" of a day
or date this Activty will NOT be scheduled on. For
example an Activity may be scheduled Daily, but not
on the First Working Day. Frequency: DA; Not On:
FWD.
Start:
Do not schedule the Activity before this date. Until
the Scheduler reaches this date it will bypass
scheduling this activity. Once this date is reached it
will begin adding it to the schedule when the
frequency hits.
If the Start date is on the Group Header then it
applies to the entire group of activities. This is one
convenient way to "turn off" an entire group of
activities until some future date.
Stop:
Do not schedule the Activity after this date. When
the Scheduler goes beyond this date the activity will
no longer be scheduled.
If the Stop date is on the Group Header then it
applies to the entire group of activities.
Note:
Attach a note to the activity which will print on the
schedule.
Hint: Function Key F9 will show Notes while viewing the
Master File Listing on the screen.
FUNCTION KEY [F2]
The Revise facilities can be easily invoked by use of the [F2]
Function Key. When you need to Edit an activity, position the
cursor pointer to the activity line on the screen. Press [F2]
and PCS will transfer directly to the Data Entry Screen.
FREQUENCIES AND OCCURRENCES
DA (Daily)
Activities scheduled Daily will appear every "work day". There is no
Occurrence code for Daily, however, two "not on" Occurrences can
be specified in the Weekly or Monthly Occurrence format.
WK (Weekly)
Activities scheduled Weekly will be scheduled once a week on the
day specified in the Occurrence field. Two "not on" Occurrences
can be specified in the Monthly format.
OCCURRENCE: MON = Monday, day 1 of the week.
TUE = Tuesday, day 2 of the week.
WED = Wednesday, day 3 of the week.
THU = Thursday, day 4 of the week.
FRI = Friday, day 5 of the week.
SAT = Saturday, day 6 of the week.
SUN = Sunday, day 7 of the week.
BW (Bi-Weekly)
These activities are scheduled every two weeks. A convenient
"odd/even" code is provided for alternating the weeks. This code is
controlled internally by PCS and the Forecast command can be used
to establish its cycle. Two "not on" Occurrences can be specified in
the Monthly format.
ODD/EVEN CODE: O = every other week on Odd weeks
E = every other week on Even weeks
OCCURRENCE: Same as Weekly above.
MO (Monthly)
The activity is to be scheduled each calendar month.
OCCURRENCE: nn = the nth calendar day of the month.
nnP = nth day of the month or prior working day
nnF = the nth day of the month or the following
nnD = the nth working day of the month.
LWD = the Last Working Day of the month
FWD = the First Working Day of the month
nYYY= the nth occurrence of day YYY, where YYY is
one of the Day codes MON through SUN.
LYYY= the last occurrence of day YYY, where YYY
is one of the Day codes MON through SUN.
BM (Bi-Monthly)
These activities are scheduled every two months. An "odd/even"
code is provided for alternating the Months. This code is controlled
internally by PCS. Valid Occurrences are the same for Monthly.
ODD/EVEN CODE
Odd/Even = O for every other week on Odd months
Odd/Even = E for every other week on Even months
QT (Quarterly) and Q1,Q2,Q3
Activity is scheduled every three months on the Quarterly
months. The QT and Q1 months are January, April, July and
October. The Q1 months are February, May, August, November.
The Q3 months are March, June, September and December.
OCCURRENCES Same as Monthly Occurrences.
AN (Annually)
Activity is scheduled once a year on the specified Month and Day
regardless if its a weekend or not. Annual frequencies may have to
be reviewed once a year.
OCCURRENCE in MM/DD format
RQ (Requested)
Use this Frequency for activities that are "on Request" or the
specific date is not yet known. This Frequency is a convenient
way of "turning off" the schedule for a given activity. Another way
of de-activating an activity is by use of the Start/Stop date.
H= (same as Header frequency)
This frequency code is used to "refer back" to the Group Header
record for the frequency. Whenever the Group Header is scheduled
this activity is also scheduled. This is a way of having one activity
"trigger" another activity. There are no Occurrence codes for this
frequency.
H- (prior Header)
This frequecy indicates that the activity is to be scheduled so many
days prior to the Group Header. Valid Occurrence codes for this
frequency are:
OCCURRENCE
nnD = nth Day prior to Group Header
H+ (following Header)
This frequency indicates that the activity is to be scheduled
following the date of the Group Header.
nnD = nth Day following Group Header
SECTION 6: CROSS-REFERENCE Commands
The CrossReference Commands are used for sorting the file by
the different data fields. After sorting the file you can browse
using the standard Function Keys or the sorted file can be
listed on the line printer. On color monitors the sorted fields
are highlighted in yellow or white.
Act-Select
Specify a "range of activities" to be selected for the
sort. To restrict the activities specify a "from" and
"to" activity code. The default is "A00..Z99".
Sequence
Sort and display the current file listing in Scheduling
Sequence. This is useful to browse the file in the
sequence in which the activities will be listed on the
schedule which helps in setting up the priority of
the scheduled activities.
Description
Sort and display the current file listing in
Description sequence. A blank line is skipped when
the first word of the Description field changes. The
first word of the description (including commas, etc.)
should be a "key" word so that similar descriptions
can be sorted together.
Frequency
Sort and display the current file listing in Frequency (primary)
and Occurrence (secondary) sequence. A line is skipped when
a change in frequency occurs. If "H=" is specified the activity
will be sorted with its Header Record. Blank frequencies,
On-Request and Header plus/minus are sorted last.
Occurrence
Sort and display the current file by the Occurrence
of the frequency. Those activities with the same
occurrence will sort together. Frequencies with no
Occurrence are sorted last.
Reference
Sort and display the current file listing in Reference
sequence. A line is skipped when the contents of
the Reference field changes. Blank references are
sorted last.
Print
Print the current file in the sequence it was last
sorted. The name of the file and the field sorted on
is printed in the heading of the report. The
Activities command can be used to restrict the print
to a range of activities.
Quit(ESC) Return to the MAIN MENU.
SECTION 7: HOLIDAY Commands
It is convenient for you to be able to specify certain dates as a
Holiday or non-working day and that any activities which fall on
these days should be "re-scheduled" either the previous or next
working day.
You define the Holiday by assigning a unique three-character code,
such as NEW for New Years Day, 4JL for Fourth of July, THK for
Thanksgiving, etc. Up to 36 different Holidays can be defined.
Once Holidays have been defined, you can specify what date they
fall on and whether or not you want to re-schedule activities. Daily
activities are not re-scheduled on Holidays.
Define
Define a new Holiday Code and its description. Up to 36
definitions can be made. The definitions are listed when
Holiday Command is entered. The List command can be used to
list the dates which have been specified for the Holidays.
Pressing the ESC key terminates the Define function.
Specify
To specify a particular calendar date for a defined Holiday. The
Holiday Code must have been defined before a date can be
specified. Dates are specified year by year.
PCS will prompt for the year involved, the Holiday Code, the
month and day and a "re-schedule" code shown in the window.
If you wish to "repeat" the Holiday for multiple years enter a
Thru year and PCS will propogate the Holiday for you. The
ESC key terminates this function.
Eliminate
To "un-specify" a Holiday. PCS prompts for the Year and the
Holiday Code to be eliminated. If you wish to eliminate the
Holiday for all years answer 'Y' to the confirmation message.
List
List the Holidays specified for a given Year. PCS will prompt
you for the Year to be listed. The dates specified will appear
next to each holiday and whether or not the activities are to
be re-scheduled prior to or following the Holiday.
Remove
Remove a Holdiay definition. PCS will prompt you for a
confirmation if you want to Remove the Holiday from all years.
Quit(ESC) Return to the PCS Menu. Holidays are saved.
RE-SCHEDULED ACTIVITIES
A **Holiday** message will appear on the schedule when a date has
been specified as a Holiday. On the previous or following work day any
activities which have been re-scheduled because of the Holiday will have
an '*' to the left of the Activity key field.
SECTION 8: GLOBAL Commands
These commands are referred to as Global because the values
apply to all PCS functions. These values are saved in a
Parameter file and retrieved each time PCS is entered.
AutoSchedule
Specify Yes(Y) or No(N) if you want PCS to automatically run
a schedule for the current date when you start the program.
PCS will retrieve the last file you used and run a schedule for
the date specified as the system date. You can then page
through the scheduled activities or print them offline.
Workdays
Enter a numeric code in the range of 1 to 7 for the number of
working days in the week. Most often this is 5 for Monday
thru Friday. The week starts on a Monday (day 1) and ends
on Sunday (day 7). This parameter is shown in the schedule
Help window and affects activities scheduled by use of
"working day" occurrences.
Color
Change the default colors used by PCS. A "mockup" of the
screen is provided. You can use the arrow keys to force the
colors to change. After you are satisfied with the new color
combination PCS will save the colors you specified in the
Parameter file.
PrinterSetup
These commands are used to enter information about your
printer. When a Print request has been specified, these
parameters will help PCS determine how to format the listings.
PageLength
Enter the length of the form you are using. Most often this
will be "66" for standard 8.5 X 11.
Pause
If you do not have continuous-feed paper in your printer this
parameter will force a halt between pages. This is used for
single sheet printing.
ControlString
This is the printer "setup control string" which will be sent
directly to the printer each time "print" is specified. These
special characters tell your printer (which varys from printer
to printer) which features to use.
ASCHII codes are specified as backslash '\' followed by a
3-digit numeric. For example, ASCII 27 21 combination would
be specified as follows: "\027\021". Consult your printer's
manual for a list of control codes.
Quit(ESC) Return to the MAIN MENU screen.
ERROR MESSAGES
The following messages are PCS error messages. These messages
appear at the bottom of the screen and a "beep" is heard. Press
any key after the message to continue.
E001 File Empty! - Copyright of Software Configuration'
In order to Save or Run a schedule there has to be at least one
activity. Either Retrieve an existing File or use the Revise
command to build a new File.
E002 Work days must be from 1 to 7
PCS assumes the work week is from one to seven days long.
E003 invalid Month entry
The month code must be a Gregorian Month: 01 to 12.
E004 invalid Day entry
The Day must be a valid Gregorian Day for the month: 01 to 31.
E005 invalid Year entry
The Year code must be a valid numeric in range 00 to 99.
E006 Activity has no Frequency
An attempt is being made to Forecast the schedule for an activity
which has no Frequency code. Use Revise to enter a Frequency.
E007 File Name not specified
A File Name must be specified before retrieving or saving.
E008 Help file not available
The _PCSHELP.TXT file which came on the Installation diskette is
not on the logged drive or cannot be found in logged directory.
E009 Printer page length invalid
The page length must be from 9 to 99 lines.
E010 Schedule Days must be from 1 to 366
Only one year can be specified using the Days command.
E100 too many scheduled activities!
The maximum number of activities has been reached. You will need
to split the activities into two separate files.
E101 only Group Header allowed
You are attempting to do a function which can only be done on a
'00' Group Header Record.
E102 only Annual freqency allowed
Your are attempting to do a function which can only be done on an
activity which has an Annual frequency.
E103 Group Header not found
The '00' record you have specified cannot be found.
E200 invalid Activity code
The Activity code specified can not be found in the current PCS
File. Correct the activity code and continue.
E201 invalid Odd/Even Code
The odd/even code must specify an 'O' or an 'E'.
E202 Group Header has no Frequency
The "H=" frequency code is being specified for a detail activity but
the Group Header Record ("00" record) has no frequency. Specify a
Frequency for the Header record before using this code.
E203 invalid Frequency Code
The frequency code specified is not valid. Position the cursor at
the Frequency field and press F1 for the Help Window display of
valid Frequency Codes. Select a valid Frequency Code and continue.
E204 invalid Occurrence Code
The code specified in the Occurrence field is not valid for this
Frequency. Position the cursor at the Occurrence field and Press
F1 for the Help Window. Some frequencies have no Occurrence
code.
E205 invalid -Not On- Code
The code specified in the 'Not on' field is not valid. Press F1 for
the help screen of valid codes. Not On codes are allowed only on
Daily and Weekly frequencies.
E206 date less than Header start date
The date specified as the Start date is before the Header Start date.
E207 date greater than Header stop date
The date specified as the Stop date is after the Header Stop date.
E208 duplicate activity code
Another activity has already been assigned this code.
E209 cannot move Group Header
Only detail reocrds can be moved. The new header record must be
entered using the Add function.
E210 File is full!
The maximum number of PCS activities has been reached for one
File. The maximum number of activities is 400.
E211 _PCSPARM Re-initialized! Reset Global Options.
PCS has found it necessary to re-initialize the Parameter file either
because of a new release or the file has been erased. Respecify the
Global specifications and PCS will create a new parameter file.
E212 Foreground and Background same color!
If the foreground (text) color and the background color are the
same the field will be un-readable. PCS does not allow same colors.
E213 Input color must be different than Screen Body.
The Input color field is used also for the "cursor pointer" box. You
must specify a different color combination for Input than that which
is specified for the Screen Body or the cursor pointer will disappear.
E301 Holdiay Limit has been reached
No more Holidays can be defined. If any Holidays are no longer
used then delete the name from the list to allow for more room.
E302 Holiday Code not Defined
The 3-character code must be defined before it can be specified.
Use the Define Command and name the Holiday before specifying the
date.
E303 Invalid Re-schedule code
Re-schedule code must be one of codes that appears in the box.
E304 Maximum Specified has been reached
No more Holidays can be specified. Go back to prior years and
delete some holiday specifications and then re-specify current
holidays.
E305 Holiday not Specified
Attempting to clear a Holiday that is not specified for this year.
E402 Unexpected End of File
This is a catastrophic error. The file has probably been lost.
Attempt to list the file then Erase and re-do the entire file.
E403 This is not a PCS file
PCS only recognizes files in a specific format. Some other file with
an extension of "PCS" has been created and you are attempting to
access it or the PCS file has been corrupted. Re-create any
corrupted files from a backup copy.
E404 No PCS files in Directory
The directory does not contain any files with the "PCS" extension.
FILE ERRORS
The following error messages are related to File I/O problems. The
messages should be familiar DOS error messages. After you press Enter
to clear the message PCS will pause and display the full name of the File
in error on the bottom of the screen.
F001 File does not exist
F002 File not open for input
F003 File not open for output
F004 File not open
F010 Error in Numeric format
F020 Operation not allowed on logical device
F021 Not allowed in direct mode
F022 Assign to standard files not allowed
F090 Record length mismatch
F091 Seek beyond end of file
F099 Unexpected end of file
F150 Disk is full
F151 Directory is full
F152 File size overflow
F153 Too many open files
F155 File disappeared
F186 Disk space not available
F999 Unknown I/O error
<<PC-SCHEDULER>>
FILES on disk...
README.DOC - Contains this file
LICENSE.DOC - Contains Regristration Order form and License agreement
MANUAL.TXT - Contains ASCII text of Shareware manual
PCS.COM - Main program file
PCS.000 - Overlay file
PCS.001 - Additional overlay file
_PCSPARM.DTA - Contains parameters to be saved between runs
_PCSHELP.TXT - Contains text displayed in Help Windows
_PCSDEFH.DTA - Contains Holiday names defined by user
_PCSSPEC.DTA - Contains dates specified by user as Holidays
EXAMPLE1.PCS - File containing sample activity records
To print manual... To your screen, enter: type manual.txt
... To your printer, enter: type manual.txt > prn:
To print Order Form... enter: type license.doc > prn
To run PC-SCHEDULER ... place diskette in drive A, type 'PCS'
(specify File/Retrieve of EXAMPLE1 and press F4 to run schedule)
Volume in drive A has no label
Directory of A:\
EXAMPLE1 PCS 6016 11-09-88 12:49a
FILE1244 TXT 2505 1-31-89 2:38p
GO BAT 38 10-19-87 3:56p
GO TXT 1002 12-13-88 3:47p
LICENSE DOC 3534 11-09-88 2:37a
MANUAL BAT 168 12-13-88 3:47p
MANUAL TXT 67860 11-06-88 3:19a
PCS 000 88576 11-09-88 1:56a
PCS 001 12032 11-09-88 1:52a
PCS COM 39148 11-09-88 1:56a
README BAT 18 11-09-88 2:28a
README DOC 994 11-09-88 12:48a
_PCSDEFH DTA 26 10-30-88 12:39a
_PCSHELP TXT 4327 10-30-88 12:28a
_PCSPARM DTA 203 11-09-88 12:51a
_PCSSPEC DTA 18 10-30-88 12:39a
16 file(s) 226465 bytes
86016 bytes free