Once you have defined a new file to store the response for a custom order entry prompt, you need to format the field display using a dictionary item. A dictionary item defines the field characteristics, such as the field size and type of response needed.
Before using the formatted dictionary item as an order entry prompt, you also need to specify when and how it displays.
To define a prompt's dictionary item:
From the System > System Files menu, select File Definition Maintenance.
Note: If prompted, log on to the character-based system. This feature is not available in a Solar Eclipse interface.
In the File Name field on the File Definition Maintenance screen, enter the name of the file you defined. The screen fills with the information about this file.
Use the Dict Maint hot key, which opens the Eclipse Dictionary Maintenance screen.
In the Dict ID field, enter a concise yet useful identifier for the field.
When creating a new dictionary item, the system displays another screen indicating that the item is new. Press Enter to confirm.
In the Attr# field, enter which number this attribute is. For example, enter 1 for the first field in a file, 2 for the second, and so on. Do not use the same attribute number more than once in a file.
Edit the Description field by entering a useful explanation for the field. Provide a description that helps everyone identify its purpose.
In the Prompt field, enter the text for the order entry prompt. For example: Ship overnight or ground?
In the Justify field, specify whether to align (justify) the text to the left or right. Typically, text is left justified and numbers are right justified. Always right justify dates.
Verify that the field's Maximum Width setting allows enough character space for the prompt.
In the Required (Y/N) field, enter a Y if a response to the prompt is required.
Enter an asterisk (*) to specify the type of prompt, from the choices below:
Field | Description |
Date | Specifies a date. Then specify the number of digits (0, 2, or 4) for the Year. |
Numeric | Specifies a number field. Also specify how many decimal places, and whether to accept a negative amount. |
Y/N Only | Specifies a Yes or No field. |
'*' Only | Specifies any entry displays as an asterisk. An asterisk entry is active; a blank entry is inactive. |
Time | Specifies a time, displayed in military format. |
Press Esc to save the dictionary item.
If desired, repeat steps 3–12 to create additional dictionary items for the defined file.
Press Esc to close the Eclipse Dictionary Maintenance screen.
See Also: