Contract Auto Generation

Program #:   1790

Module:    System Administration

Overview

Use Contract Auto Generation (program #1790) to define how SBN generates contract numbers when you choose Auto Generate Contract No to automatically complete the Contract field in the New Contract dialog box of Contract Master.

Note: For information on entering a new contract, see Contract Master.

In Contract Auto Generation, you can define ranges by any of the following parameters or combination of parameters:

• Branch

• Dealer

• Contract Type

The mask allows you to define number ranges with specific prefixes and/or suffixes. If you do not want to attach a suffix or prefix, you can use the underscore for each position in the number.

To access this program, select Contract Auto Generation (program #1790) from the main menu of SBN.

The Contract Auto Generation Window

The following graphic shows Contract Auto Generation as the program opens. The columns display previously defined masks. Use the fields in the lower pane of the window to add or edit masks when the program is in Change mode.

Field/Column Descriptions

The following table describes the fields and columns used in Contract Auto Generation.

Using Common Functions

See the reference document Common Functions in SBN for more information.

Using Interval IDs

You can set up blocks of numbers by grouping them by interval number. For example, you might set up a range of numbers from 100-200 as interval 0, a range of numbers from 300-500 as interval 1, and a range of numbers from 600-800 as interval 2. When SBN has generated the last number in interval 0 (200 in this example), it deletes this interval, renames interval 1 to interval 0 and begins using numbers from this range (300 in this example). It also moves the other interval ranges up. When SBN runs out of numbers, it provides a warning message that it cannot issue a contract number for this branch/dealer/contract type combination.

Generating Contracts to Test a New Mask

Use Generate to create a set of numbers for the selected mask, which then makes them available for use in Contract Master (program #0548). Please keep in mind that pre-generating a large group of numbers prevents the reuse of numbers until all of the pre-generated numbers have been issued.

Use the following steps to pre-generate CIDs:

1.    In Contract Auto Generation, double-click the mask you want to use.

2.    Choose Generate.

‰    SBN creates the contract numbers and makes them available for assignment.

Resetting (Stopping) the Generate Process

Occasionally, if you accidentally generate an extremely large batch of numbers, or if the computer malfunctions, the generate process may stop. If this occurs, SBN displays repeated messages informing you that the contract generator is not available because it is in use. If you see these messages over an extended period of time, you may stop the generate process to unlock and reset the program.

Warning: Because the reset option stops the generate process, make sure this is necessary before using it.

Use the following steps to reset the generate process:

1.    In Contract Auto Generation, confirm that you want to stop the generate process.

2.    Choose Reset.

‰    The process stops.

Button Functions

The following table displays the buttons, describes the shortcut keys, actions, and functionality.

Modifications and Updates to Contract Auto Generation

The following table lists modifications and updates to the Contract Auto Generation document.