Yes. Atrex provides a utility to import stock codes, customers, and vendors from dBASE, comma or tab delimited text, Excel, as well as most ODBC data sources.
+ I have historical data from another program that I would like to have converted over to Atrex. Can this be done?
Yes. If you can provide us with a small representative sample of the data, we can provide you with a quote for the data conversion.
+ Can more than one person access the Atrex data at the same time?
Yes. Atrex is compatible with any network that is directly supported by Windows, and is designed specifically to allow access by more than one user at a time. Remember that you will need to license a copy of Atrex for each concurrent user.
+ Do I need to install a copy of Atrex on each PC that I will be using it on, or can I install one copy on a network drive?
Atrex must be installed on each system.
+ Do I need to install Atrex on the server if it's not going to be used as a workstation?
While it is not required, having Atrex installed on the server can be handy when running the program maintenance for performance reasons.
+ Can I use a cloud server to host the Atrex database server?
While it is possible to use a cloud server, having the database server on a system that is not part of your local area network will negatively impact the performance of Atrex. Product lookups, transaction processing, and reporting will all be slower compared to a local server. How much slower depends upon the speed of your internet connection and the latency between your location and the server.
One other downside to using a cloud server is that if your internet goes down, ALL of your Atrex workstations will stop working. With a local server, any function within Atrex that does not require an internet connection will continue to work even if your lose your internet connection.
Registration and Licensing
+ Will the data I entered in the evaluation version work with the licensed version?
Absolutely. If the licensed version is the same generation as the evaluation version (16.00 and 16.01) all you have to do is install the licensed version over top of the evaluation version. If the licensed version is a different generation (15.03 and 16.00) there will either be a conversion routine or a import routine for the data.
+ Why should I purchase Atrex licenses if the evaluation copy is fully functional?
Atrex is marketed on a "try before you buy" basis. It is not free or public domain, and as such a subscription license is required for legal use beyond the evaluation period.
As Atrex is a rather large program with a large number of features and functions, we allow full use of the program so that you can properly review the product before purchasing. While the evaluation version is fully functional, it will not allow the entry of new data (stock codes, customer, transactions, etc) after the evaluation period has expired.
+ How much are updates and upgrades?
Atrex is licensed on a subscription basis, so both updates and upgrades are included as part of your active subscription.
Using Atrex
+ Do I have to enter ALL of my customers and stock codes before I can start using the program?
No. Atrex allows you to enter everything that you need to complete a transaction while creating the transaction.
+ Is there a way around having to enter a customer for every invoice?
Yes. Use the 'Rapid Invoice' function. With this function, there is no specific customer associated with the invoice.
+ My customer is a business not a person. How do I handle this?
Only use the Last Name/Company Name field. If the First Name field is blank the comma will not print.
+ How can I select my stock codes, customers etc. from a list?
At the information entry screen type a ? and press Enter or click the Search button. This will allow you to select the information from a list.
If you want to always search from a list, there are options available in the company settings that allow you to skip the first entry window.
+ When I try to receive or invoice a serialized item Atrex asks me for the serial number range. How do I receive or invoice a single serial number?
Enter the serial number in the Beginning field only and press Enter.
+ When I try to delete an old stock code or customer that I no longer use, Atrex tells me that the item I’m trying to delete is in use and that I can't delete it. Why?
Atrex is designed to ensure that the integrity of all historical items is maintained. This ensures that when you attempt to reprint an invoice from 6 months ago, all of the items on the invoice, such as the customer and all of the stock codes, are still in the system. If you were able to delete the stock codes, you would not be able to reprint the invoice.
One solution to this is to merge unwanted stock codes into one specific stock code which will act as a garbage collector.
+ Is there any regular data maintenance required?
There is a "Batch Processing" function ( "Options - Batch Processing" from the main Atrex menu ), that should be run periodically with the default options selected. These functions ensure that the data indexes are synchronized with the data tables and that the tables are as small and efficient as possible. In general, we recommend running the batch processing once a month.
Technical Questions
+ How many stock codes that I can enter?
Using the standard Atrex field sizes, Atrex can store up to 40 million stock codes and almost 42 million customers.
+ Sometimes Atrex starts up as a window and sometimes it starts up full screen. What causes this?
Atrex remembers if the program was full screen or not when it is closed. If it was full screen the last time the program was closed, it will start up again full screen. If it was not full screen, it allows Windows to determine where and how big it will be when it starts up.
+ Can I customize any of the printouts created by Atrex?
Yes. Atrex includes a full report designer which will allow you to customize any report, including invoices, that are produced by Atrex. Or if your would prefer, Millennium Software can provide customization services for you on an fee for service basis.
+ In what format does Atrex store its information?
Atrex uses the ElevateDB database for all data storage. While this is a proprietary format, an ODBC and a .NET driver is available to allow access to the Atrex data for external reporting.
+ Where does Atrex store the data and backups? Does Millennium Software have a copy I can retrieve if my hard drive fails?
Atrex is not a cloud based program. The data and backups are always stored on your hard drives. You have control over which system acts as the server and stores the data as well as where your backups are saved. Millennium Software never sees or stores your data and backups. It is your responsibility to safeguard your data in the event of loss.
General
+ Is the evaluation copy really fully functional?
Yes. The evaluation copy is a 100% fully functional.
+ Will Atrex work with a bar code reader?
Yes. All you need is a bar code reader that reads into the keyboard interface. This type of bar code reader is called a keyboard wedge. Most USB bar code readers will work as well.
+ What is a stock code?
A stock code is a unique item number (e.g. AB101) that you assign to each item in your inventory. It is through the stock code that you can identify each different item that you sell. It is also commonly referred to as a SKU.
+ What is a serial number?
A serial number is a unique number assigned to a product that allows you to differentiate between each unit of that product.. The simplest way to describe it is vehicle ID number. Each automobile has its own unique serial number. Other items, such as computer parts and machinery, have serial numbers. The serial number feature in Atrex requires the entry of a serial number to receive or invoice a serialized stock code instead of just entering a quantity.
