FlexCount 1.1

The FlexCount suite consists of 3 parts. FlexCount Desktop, FlexCount Conduit and FlexCount for the PDA. It is meant to be used in conjunction with an existing inventory system and is intended as a mechanism to eliminate the printing and entry of count sheets or count tickets. It does this by accepting count files from the inventory system, transferring them to the Palm OS PDA(s). The PDA is used to record the actual count and then transfer the count information back to the desktop and then back to the inventory system.
In addition to saving time and money by not re-keying count sheet information, the PDA has an optional check that will prompt the counter if the entered count is not the same (or close to) the expected count.
It is called FlexCount because of the systems flexibility. The import and export file formats are configurable, the number and names of the identifier fields are configurable, the sort order is configurable, the decision on prompting the counter is configurable as are the prompt and button names.
Only the PDA program is subject to licensing. FlexCount desktop and FlexCount Conduit are free with the purchase of a FlexCount (for PDA) license(s).
FlexCount Desktop
This PC based program is used to import and export your count information from/to the Inventory system. The inventory system must be capable of receiving count update from a file. On the desktop you can manage the flow of information as well as configure the number and names of fields etc. The program will manage as many different PDA devices as required and will split the inventory information sent to each PDA according to your configuration. The desktop program is free with the purchase of a FlexCount PDA license.
FlexCount Conduit
This is the program that actually transfers information to and from the PDA when the device is being Hot Synched. It is automatically invoked and does not interact with the user. It verifies that the device is known and licensed and then picks up all records from the PDA (if present) before sending any new ones. Record ranges are specified in the FlexCount Desktop. The counts for these records are recorded in the Synch Log on both the PDA and the desktop.
FlexCount (PDA)
This is the program that runs on the PDA. After a Hot Synch download, the counter can go start entering the count information. The count records will appear in a short list at top of screen. The normal action is to select a record, enter the count and then select the next record on the list. The list is scrollable and there is a find screen to search for a specific record. Records that have been counted are marked with a check mark in the list. For Graffiti challenged users there is a numeric key pad always present at the bottom of the entry screen. Optionally if the user enters a count that differs more than a (configurable) amount from the expected count he/she will be prompted to confirm or re-enter the count. Tolerances, prompts and buttons are configurable.
When the user has completed the count, the PDA is Hot Synched again to upload the count information back to the PC.
Main features:
- Flexibility - You name the fields and specify the import and export format (from and to your existing inventory system)
- Multiple PDAs controlled from a single PC
- On screen Numeric keypad for Graffiti challenged warehouse staff
- Optional comparison of expected count vs. actual count with prompt for re-count
- Costs less than $20