Combined Segment Barcode Formatting Enhancements:  Lot attribute information can now be extracted from combined bar codes. Support for this feature has also been expanded to include inquiries and the XREF transaction.

Allow Up Arrow for Log Off: This option has been added to the Systems Manager Settings tab. Unless this is enabled, handheld users will not be able to get back to the login screen by pressing the up arrow.

Case Sensitivity Issues: All InTouch transactions have been reviewed and modified where necessary to properly convert to upper case where required based on Great Plains field definitions.

Assign Bin: This transaction can now be used in multi-bin environments to assign default Sales Order Fulfillment bins to Great Plains item/site records from the handheld.

New Verify Invoice Transaction: This option can now be added to the handheld menu, and will utilize the settings configured on the Order Verify tab. Requires an updated Menu Master application.

Return to SOP Notes: If the Show Order # Notes option is used to display sales order notes from the handheld, InTouch will return to the order notes from the item screen when a letter 'N' is typed.

Prompt for Manufactured Date: There is a new option on the Advanced Transaction Settings tab that will trigger InTouch to prompt users for the Manufactured Date for lot tracked items. This setting applies to Receiving, Miscellaneous Receipt, and Manufacturing Order Receipt transactions. Requires script 3_11_0.sql.

MO Picking - Allow Unlimited Over-Picking: If over-picking is enabled on the MFG Picking tab, InTouch will now allow users to over-pick against an open MO multiple times. A warning message will still be displayed whenever over-picking.

Enhanced Multi-Bin - Replenish by Zone: This new option has been added to the Bin Management Settings tab. If enabled, handheld users will be prompted for Zone during the Bin Replenishment transaction.

Automatic Lot Number Generation: InTouch can now be configured to allow automatic lot number generation from the Receiving and Miscellaneous Receipt handheld transactions. A prefix and the numbering scheme can be defined based on user preference. The prefix can consist of either a specific string of characters or a variety of date formats. Once this option is enabled, the F2 key can be used at the Scan Lot prompt to automatically generate the next lot number from handheld transactions. From the Setup menu, the configuration options for this new feature can be defined under Auto-Generated Lot Setup.

Cancel Tolerance for Sales Orders: This new feature on the SOP Advanced Picking tab will cause a warning message to display on the handheld if a user attempts to cancel items with an available quantity that exceeds a specified tolerance value. To continue after this warning, a password must be entered.  This allows for supervisor intervention so users cannot easily cancel items which may not appear readily available, but are actually in stock.  Applicable to multi-bin environments only.

New Lot Attribute Prompt Options: If InTouch is configured to prompt for a lot attribute during Receiving, this feature can also be added to the Miscellaneous Receipt and MO Receipt transactions. New options have been added to the Advanced Inventory Transactions tab and the GP Manufacturing - MO Receipt tab to accommodate this.

MO Picking Added to Distributed Process: The posting of MO Picking transactions can now be offloaded to another dedicated PC running the InTouch Distributed Process (GDDP) module. Previously, MO Receipt transaction posting was handled via the Distributed Process, but now posting for both of these transactions can be configured within the application. Requires script 3_10_0.sql to create new tables to handle the MO Picking option and updated GDDP.exe (v1.0.24).

New Security for Great Plains v9.0+: InTouch has been modified to properly recognize and adhere to this new form of security handling. Requires a new file called GPConn.DLL, which must be put into the the System32 directory and registered. Any InTouch software application requiring a Great Plains login ID will be affected, and must be updated. These include Menu Master (v1.0.3), Label Manager (v1.4.47), Wave Editor (v1.0.123), InTouch Distributed Process/GDDP (v1.0.23) and InTouch Control (v1.0.3) - contact Maximum Data for assistance if necessary. Also Required is script 3_9_1.sql.

New Barcode Formatting - HIB LIC Standard: InTouch can now handle this new barcode standard, which has been incorporated into the Combined Segment Barcode Format Setup options. Within each data element, or segment, individual characters can be skipped or stripped from the scan.

Integration to Trinity Inter-Site Transfer: There is a new option on the Advanced Transaction Settings tab to enable InTouch to integrate with Trinity. This affects POP and SOP transactions, applying the same logic/rules as those used with Trinity's Inter-Site Transfer (IST) processes.

Ability to Restict Put Away: Menu option security now handles the Put Away transaction. The logic uses the Bin Transfer security option in Great Plains to determine if a user has access to this function.

Over-Receipt Tolerance: The ability to specify a percentage with regard to over-receipts has been added to the Standard Receiving tab. This can be used in conjunction with the Allow Over-Receipt option. If the default of '0' is used, no limit will be enforced. Otherwise, the percentage value used will be appplied to each line item's PO quantity vs. the amount that is entered on the receipt. For example, if a line item's order quantity is 10, and a 20% over-receipt tolerance is setup, the user would be allowed to over-receive up to a quantity of 12 for that item.

Receiving Without a Purchase Order: This capability is now optional from InTouch. By pressing Enter at the PO prompt, InTouch previously assumed that the user was creating a receipt without a PO. Now, this funtionality can be disabled by ensuring that the Allow No PO Receipts option on the Adavanced Receiving tab is not checked.

Support for Miscellaneous Charges/Flat Fees: From Order Fulfillment, InTouch's SOP module will now recognize these items types if flagged to do so. The original option on the Advanced SOP Picking Settings tab which allowed Service Items to be shown on the handheld during SOP picking has been expanded to include these other item types.

Picked By Field - Only Update if Blank: There is a new sub-option under the Write Picker To feature on the SOP Picking Settings tab called Over-Write Previous Picker. Unless this is enabled, InTouch will only write to the desired Great Plains user-defined field if it is blank. This will prevent existing values from being overwritten in the event that the field is being used for other purposes/processes.

Display On Hand Quantity: During Misc. Receipt and Misc. Issue transactions, the on hand quantity available will now be displayed on the handheld. This quantity will be dynamically updated to reflect the effect of transactions in progress.

Quantity On Hand Display in FROM Bin: During the Bin Transfer transaction, the quantity on hand will now be displayed for the item prior to the transfer.

New Options for SOP Returns: New settings are available on the SOP Returns tab to control how InTouch will handle the Sales Return transaction:

1. Allow Create New Return: If enabled, users can create returns via the F1 key
2. Allow Enter Empty Return: If enabled, users can process returns that have no line items
3. Allow Re-Scan Return: If enabled, users can modify previously scanned returns/add new items
4. Allow Return of Diff. Serial #: If enabled, users can scan serials that are different than the values on the return

Order Entry - Kit Items: InTouch will now handle writing kit and component items to sales orders created from the handheld.

MO Picking - Password Protection for Driving Bin/Site Negative: The MO Picking transaction will now recognize the applicable password protection options under Setup - Security.

Manufacturing Disassembly - Bin Lookup: A Bin Qty Lookup option has been added to this transaction at the prompt for the component bin location.

Great Plains Beta Version 9.0 Compatibility: Beginning with version 3.8.0 of InTouch Systems Manager, version 9.0 of Great Plains will be supported. Other modules requiring updates for compatibility include Label Manager (v1.4.45), Wave Editor (v1.0.121), and InTouch Distributed Process/GDDP (v1.0.20) - contact Maximum Data for assistance if necessary. Requires script 3_7_8.sql.

Restrict Multiple Batch IDs in Order Fulfillment: This new version of InTouch allows an unlimited number of Great Plains Batch IDs to be specified for restriction during picking. This expands upon the original functionality provided by the 'Lock Out of Orders Shipped' option. To configure this new feature, click on the 'Select Batches to Restrict' button on the SOP Picking Settings tab.

Display Customer Name and Required Ship Date: This information will now be shown on the scrolling list of available orders to fulfill.

New Options to Restrict MO Over-Receipt: Now the ability to over-receive against a Manufacturing Order can be disabled or allowed with a warning if desired. The choices, or "rules" can be selected on the GP Manufacturing - MFG Receipt tab under Setup - Additional Modules.  

MORP Re-Process Utility: If using Distributed MO Receipt Processing, there is now a new utility to review transaction errors/records which failed to post from the MDS_MORP table. This allows users to interactively mark records for re-processing. The MO Receipt posting process will be temporarily stopped while problem records are reviewed. It can then be started again on-demand.

Editing of Movable Unit User Defined Fields: Functionality has been added to allow modification of user defined fields in the MDS_CONTAINER table with the Movable Unit Utilities module from the InTouch Dashboard interface.

New Horizons Serial/Lot Apply Transaction: The ability to link component serial/lot values to finished goods from the handheld in the Horizons Manufacturing application is now available. Requires new Menu Master.

Skip Duplicate Item Distinction in Receiving: This new option has been added to the Receiving tab. When enabled, Purchase Orders with duplicate line items will display a consolidated total, and the quantity entered will automatically be properly distributed against the multiple lines. Item totals are based on the combination of identical Item/Site/Unit of Measure values.

Movable Unit Module Enhancements: For inbound transactions, the creation of movable units can be automated if a prefix is used in the naming convention. The options to configure this capability reside on the Bin Management Settings tab. The option to Automate Movable Unit Creation must be enabled, and a value for must be specified for the Movable Unit Prefix. Based on the prefix value, InTouch will automatically recognize it as a movable unit and eliminate as many additional prompts as possible.  This will save a great deal of time in environments needing to create movable units frequently on the fly.

Additional Logic for Enhanced Posting Problems: If a transaction fails to post in Great Plains when using the Enhanced Posting mode, a new informational screen will be presented to the user instead of a timeout error. The document number associated with the transaction will be displayed, along with the options F1 to Retry or F4 to Save and Exit. If the transaction posts successfully after using F1 to Retry, the user will receive notification. If the Retry continues to fail, the user can press F4 to save the transaction, and it can be further investigated in Great Plains.

Invalid Item Display: When InTouch issues an 'Invalid Item' error, the value scanned will now be displayed on the handheld. This is helpful in troubleshooting faulty barcodes, or determining if a new item needs to be added via the XREF transaction.

New MO Picking Option: There is now an option for Allow Enter to Accept Default Items on the GP Manufacturing tab. If enabled, users can press Enter to select the item dispalyed on the screen. If unchecked, users will be forced to either scan or type in the item number.

Control Scanning of Unit of Measure during Physical Inventory: There is now a separate Scan UOM option on the Physical Inventory tab. If checked, users will be prompted for each item's unit of measure during Physical Inventory. If this option is not used, InTouch will use the item's base unit of measure. Previously, the Scan Unit of Measure option on the Transaction Settings tab was used for Physical Inventory, but it can now be controlled separately.

New Option to Print Comments on Pack Slips: On the Advanced SOP Packing Settings tab, there is an option to Print Pack Slip Line Comment. If enabled, comments will print when applicable.

Refresh Option for Replenishment (Enhanced Multi-Bin Configurations Only): During the Bin Replenish transaction, there is now an option to refresh the scrolling list of bins displayed. Because the calculations for this directed bin transfer are based on dynamic values/bin quantities, it is useful to refresh the display if the handheld has been idle for a period of time, since the results might be affected by recent transactions. This is especially useful if multiple users are running the option concurrently. Applies only to environments using the Enhanced Multi-Bin module. Requires 3_7_0_ebin.sql script.

New Movable Units Module for Multi-Bin Environments: A movable unit is a container tracked with a unique ID. This could be a pallet, a tote, or any other mobile unit of storage. Multiple items of different quantities and types, including serial and lot tracked items, can be placed into a movable unit. During InTouch transactions, all these items can be selected/moved at once simply by scanning the movable unit’s ID.  Requires script 3_6_1.sql and purchase of the new module. Contact Sales if interested.

New InTouch Control Module: This new application allows the scheduling of unattended shutdown and startup of the InTouch and Great Plains on the Host PC.  This is useful for routine daily maintenance procedures that might require all Great Plains users to be logged off. The new module and setup instructions can be obtained from the InTouch_Control folder on the Maximum Data FTP site.

Handheld Messaging: The former Handheld Maintenance option under InTouch Utilities has been expanded to include handheld messaging. From the Host PC, it is possible to send a message to an individual handheld user, or to "broadcast" a message to all handheld users. This option is ideal in environments where handheld users are scattered physically without easy phone access, and it is especially useful if the InTouch application needs to be shutdown temporarily - all users can be informed at once.

Merit Integration: New functionality has been added to interface with Merit Advanced Lot Management. Logic has been incorporated in Manufacturing Picking and Order Fulfillment to prevent picking lot numbers with expired dates or QA status not set to Approved.  Authorized users can update Lot QA Status and Expiration Date from the handheld. Requires a new MenuMaster.exe file.

Productivity Archive Option: There is now an option to archive the Productivity table data under Setup - Systems Manager Settings - Advanced. If used, records that are older than what is specified in the Productivity Purge Days will be written to a new MDS_PRODUCTIVITY_ARCHIVE table. This table can also be assigned a value for Purge Days, or if left at '0' - there will be no limit, and records will accumulate indefinitely. Requires script 3_5_0.sql to create the new archive table.

Refresh Bins After Entering the Wave ID: This a new option on the Consolidated Batch Settings tab. Preferred bin values are presently calculated at the time a wave is created via the Wave Editor. This feature will recalculate these bins when a user enters into wave via on the handheld. Bin quantities may have changed since wave was created earlier.

Custom Sort/Order By Clause Functionality Improvements: The ability to build a custom sort order sequence for the appearance of items on the handheld has been added to both Consolidated Batch Settings and GP Manufacturing Picking options. The user can choose fields to sort by from a drop-down list to build the Order By SQL statement. Alternately, a user-defined function can be specified for use in the Order By clause.

Physical Inventory Rewrite: Users can now review/edit their own scans for a count. They will only see what they counted, not the total counted quantity from within Great Plains. Note that InTouch should NOT be allowing duplicate logins (Setup - System Manager Settings - Allow Same Login ID's should be disabled).

All scan detail will be recorded to a new table called MDS_STOCK_ITEM_MASTER. If a count is cleared from within Great Plains, all the records for that count in this table will be removed. Editing should be done from the handhelds. If someone manually edits from within Great Plains, the MDS table is not updated. If there is a discrepancy between counted quantities, InTouch may give errors indicating such. Requires script 3_4_4.sql to create the MDS_STOCK_ITEM_MASTER table.

New Options for Automatic Posting: For Receiving and Inventory Transaction modules, there are now new automatic posting methods which can be configured to reduce the processing load required on the Host PC. The default mode is Classic, which simply uses the traditional InTouch automatic posting method. Enhanced mode is a new choice, and is recommended over the Classic mode because the improved performance that can be realized. The most advanced new option is to use Enhanced with DPS mode, which is used in conjunction with the Great Plains Distributed Process Server (DPS) option. With that option, posting will appear virtually instantaneous from the handheld, as the whole process is offloaded to another system. If using one of the new modes, posting reports options can be configured directly from InTouch instead of relying on the Great Plains posting setup. These settings reside on the new Setup -Posting Options Setup screen.

Enhanced SOP Document Printing: Now even during peak hours or especially busy times of the year, InTouch will be able to handle high volume sales document printing with ease. The printing requests are now submitted using a more efficient approach, which results in improved response time. No configuration changes are required — this new and improved process simply replaces the old method.

Serial Number Range Entry: In Receiving, Order Fulfillment and Physical Inventory modules, you can now specify a range of serial numbers during transactions, so scanning time and effort is minimized. InTouch provides validation of data entered to ensure that only a valid range of serials will be accepted.

Lot Expiration Date Handling for Great Plains Version 8.0: If using the new lot expiration date field available with Great Plains version 8.0, InTouch can now be configured on the Advanced Receiving tab to recognize and prompt for this value. Likewise, if using the Force Lot Item FEFO Picking feature during Order Fulfillment, there is a new option on the Advanced SOP Picking tab to inidicate the use of this field instead of Lot Attribute.

1. Batch ID to switch to after verify is successful
2. Pack Slip Print
3. Force lot UOM to match order; otherwise lot entry will follow Great Plains logic and default to base.

Real Time Pick Bin: This is a new option on the Bin Management Settings tab. It provides a mechanism to trigger InTouch to override the typical logic used to display the default picking bin during order fulfillment. Normally SOP displays the item/site default SOP bin and uses that to sort. With this new option the bin is dynamically calculated real-time versus available quantities. It is useful in environments where no default bins are defined due to the nature of the inventory size and movement, but handheld users need to see where the bin quantities are readily available to pick from.

Force Lot Item FEFO Picking: This option on the SOP Advance Picking tab will allow picking of lot items to be controlled by a First Expired First Out (FEFO) rule. The expiration date field must correspond to the Lot Attribute value specified on the Advacned Receiving Settings tab. If a lot value entered doesn’t comply with the FEFO logic, a warning message will be displayed.