TABS III / TIMESLIP INTERFACE PROGRAM
Version 1.3

OVERVIEW

The TABS III/Timeslip interface program (CONVTS7.EXE) is used to convert time and expense transactions from a TIMESLIPS file to be compatible with the TABS III Import Data from Data Capture Devices program.

Prior to converting the Timeslip file using CONVTS7, you must first define the TABS III timekeepers, clients and transaction codes in your Timeslips data files (referred to as users, accounts and activities by Timeslips). The corresponding TABS III code numbers must be right-justified and preceded with a "/" character in the Timeslips data files. Note that this process only needs to be done one time and not each time that you convert the timeslip data to TABS III. Refer to the attached sheet (DEFINING TABS III NAMES IN TIMESLIPS) for more detailed information.

The Timeslip data must be exported to a file named TIMESLIP.DTA. Refer to the attached sheet (EXPORTING TIMESLIP DATA) for more detailed information on creating and exporting to the TIMESLIP.DTA file. The TIMESLIP.DTA file must be copied to the directory where the TABS III programs and data files reside.

INSTALLATION

The TABS III/Timeslips interface program (CONVTS7.EXE) must be transferred to the directory on your hard disk where the TABS III programs and data files reside. This is done by using the INSTALL program.

To install the Timeslips Interface program on your hard disk:

1) Insert the Timeslips Interface program disk into floppy disk drive "A" and enter the following commands:

        A:
        INSTALL

2) Follow the on-screen instructions to install the software onto your hard disk. The Install program will locate your TABS III software on your hard disk so that the interface program can be transferred to the same directory as TABS III. After the installation process, the message "Installation Complete" will be displayed.

EXECUTING THE TIMESLIPS INTERFACE PROGRAM

First, the Timeslip data must be exported to a file named TIMESLIP.DTA.  Refer to the attached sheet (EXPORTING TIMESLIP DATA) for more detailed information on creating and exporting to the TIMESLIP.DTA file. Then the TIMESLIP.DTA file must be copied to the directory where the TABS III programs and data files reside.

After transferring TIMESLIP.DTA file to the directory where the TABS III programs and data files reside, enter the command "CONVTS7" to prepare the Timeslip data in the TIMESLIP.DTA file to be merged with TABS III.  You will be asked "Is it OK to continue? (Y/N)". If you enter "N" the program will be aborted. If you enter "Y" the program will look for the TIMESLIP.DTA file containing Timeslip data. If the TIMESLIP.DTA file is found to contain data, the program will display the message "Converting Transactions" followed by a "." for each transaction read from the file.  As the transactions are being read, they will be converted so they will be compatible with the TABS III Import Data from Data Capture Devices program.

When the CONVTS7 program is done, the following files will exist:  T3FEEKEY.REM, T3FEE.REM, T3FDESC1.REM, T3EXPKEY.REM, T3EDESC1.REM and T3EXP.REM. You must then startup TABS III and run the Import Data from Data Capture Devices program. This program will merge the REMote data files created by the CONVTS7 program with your main TABS III data files.

NOTE: If you are not using a demo version of the program, the TIMESLIP.DTA file will automatically be deleted when the CONVTS7 program is done to avoid double-posting of the data.

DEFINING TABS III NAMES IN TIMESLIPS

Prior to converting the Timeslip file using CONVTS7, you must first define the TABS III timekeepers, clients and transaction codes in your Timeslips data files (referred to as users, accounts and activities by Timeslips). The corresponding TABS III code numbers must be right-justified and preceded with a "/" character in the Timeslips name file. This only needs to be done once prior to running the CONVTS7 program for the first time.

See the sample user, account, and activity name files defined below:

USER

From the TSTIMER Main Menu screen depress function key 4 (F4) to DEFINE NAMES. Then F4 again to DEFINE USERS (same as timekeeper in TABS III):

ACCOUNT

From the TSTIMER Main Menu screen depress function key 4 (F4) to DEFINE NAMES. Then F6 to DEFINE ACCOUNTS (same as client in TABS III):

ACTIVITY

From the TSTIMER Main Menu screen depress function key 4 (F4) to DEFINE NAMES. Then F8 to DEFINE ACTIVITIES (same as transaction code in TABS III):

EXPORTING TIMESLIP DATA

The Timeslip data must be exported to a file named TIMESLIP.DTA using the Timeslips TSREPORT module (described in Chapter 5 of the Timeslips manual).

Startup the TSREPORT module. On the left side of the TSREPORT Main Screen you will see a menu of reporting options (Report Generator Menu).  There are six steps required to produce the necessary export data file.  You must perform these steps in the order they appear on the Report Generator Menu:

1) Which file will the Timeslips come from?
2) Which timeslips will be included in the output?
3) Select & sort Timeslips (sorting is not necessary, only selecting)
4) In what format? - select user defined using the following format (in the order shown):

5) To what device? - select send to file in interchange format
6) Name of file - TIMESLIP.DTA
7) Mark as exported? - yes