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KeyesPunch(tm) - Details
KeyesPunch by Computer Keyes was designed to provide an efficient and highly accurate method of performing full speed heads-down data entry and two-pass verification.
The System i will create files directly on its main disk drives. After keying and verifying files, the data can be further processed on the local system or transmitted to a host system for processing. Links to IBM's RJE software, a popular method used to transfer data entry files to a host, is provided in the software.
Files may be keyed on PC floppy diskettes, hard disks, or on a network server drive. The data can be processed on the PC, or any link may be used to transfer the files to a host system. Files can also be saved to tape.
The PC version of KeyesPunch is in it's final version (Version 9). There will be no further enhancements to this product. KeyesPunch 9 is not compatible with Windows Vista.
Screen formats for any application can be generated by an operator in minutes. Each screen is painted to look like the input document. After painting the screens, the operator further describes the format by filling out attributes for each data entry field. This would include such things as: where each field goes in the record, what type of data is to be keyed (alpha/numeric), field checking, field totaling, auto duplication, auto skipping, prefilling, etc.
Screen Shot of Format Generator (12K)
A complete edit language is also available to perform specialized edits on the fields, if desired. You can easily add master file lookups or zip code file substitutions.
Record lengths from 1 to 1024 on a System i or 1 to 16,000 on a PC may be defined and used by the data entry system. Data entry files can be keyed with up to 100,000 records per batch on a System i or 1 billion records on PC's, then combined into larger files when they are finished.
As an operator keys data, the program checks each field as specified in the format. Field checking may include: alpha/numeric checking, modulus 10 or 11 self-check digits, range checks, table lookups, date checks, mandatory enter or fill. Up to 9 fields may be accumulated to compare against batch totals. Fields can be automatically duplicated, skipped, prefilled with constants, dates, field totals, or auto incremented.
Right justification with zero or blank fill is supported as well as signed numeric fields that are overpunched in the right most column.
Screen Shot of Data Entry program (14K)
During data entry, the previous record is shown to the operator on the top of the screen for reference. The data entry file can be easily updated at any time. Records may be added, deleted, or inserted. You can find records in the file by browsing or searching by content or by record number.
Fields do not have to be keyed in the same sequence as they appear in the file. You may place the fields on the screen in the most convenient order for keying.
After files are keyed the data can be further processed with a reformat language. Records may be broken up or combined and data may be removed or rearranged.
After keying data into a file, the same or a different operator may then verify the data. Verify bypass fields are automatically placed on the screen for you. As the verify operator keys the data, each character is checked and compared to the original data. Characters that do not match the original data will cause the program to sound an alarm and lock the keyboard. This checking is done on a character by character basis on PC's, but on a record by record basis on the System i, for efficiency. After a mismatch is found on the System i, the cursor is placed at the beginning of the field, allowing the operator to correct the mismatch.
A verify correction is made when the operator keys the same mismatch twice in a row. The original mismatched fields are then shown to you for visual comparison. The verify operator may add, change, insert, or delete records at any time during the process.
Any of the standard terminals may be used with KeyesPunch to perform data entry. The most popular terminals are the ones that offer an optional Data Entry Style keyboard, which includes a reverse numeric keypad imbedded in the alpha characters.
Each operator will have a choice of keyboard styles while using the KeyesPunch programs. They may choose a standard PC style layout or an 029 Data Entry Style layout on their keyboard. The data entry style layout features a reverse numeric keypad imbedded in the alpha characters. When you choose the DE style keyboard, the keys will be automatically remapped to the new functions. A keyboard template and a set of keytop labels are included with the system to clearly show the new definitions of the keys.
DE style keyboard layout (21K)
A complete tutorial is included with the system. The tutorial will take from 2 to 4 hours to complete for each operator. It will teach them the concepts and terminology of data entry. They will learn how to key, verify, and process data entry files. And they will learn how to build formats to be used by the system. No previous experience is required to use the tutorial, yet it was written so that an experienced operator can speed through the tutorial to learn valuable tips and techniques for more efficient data entry.
The System i system has a built in security system to prevent unauthorized tampering with or viewing of data entry files. It can be used to protect confidential data and it can narrow the scope of activities that are allowed to be performed by each operator.
Data entry can be performed from a series of images using the Data Entry Image Viewer. You program the image views to change as you move from field to field and to each record.
The system will automatically keep track of the status of each batch as it is being worked on. When you select batches for keying, verifying, or processing, the status of the batches are always shown. The status includes whether or not the batch has been completely keyed, verified, balanced, or processed.
The system uses this status to help you select the proper batches for each function being performed. For example, the system can select all batches for a particular job that are completely keyed, verified, balanced, but not already processed.
You may set up some of the jobs so that balancing and/or verification of a batch is required before it can be processed. When a batch is selected to be processed, the system will make sure that it has the correct status.
A complete edit language can be used to validate your data, access master files, change the normal sequence of entry, or to modify the data entry records. The edit language is simple to learn yet powerful enough to completely control the data entry process.
The system keeps a complete log of operator statistics including the total keystrokes per hour for each batch for the keypuncher and the verifier. It also tracks the number of verify corrections made in each batch. The statistics can be viewed or sorted and printed in several formats for any time period.
Since 1978 Computer Keyes has offered a 30 day free trial period on all software. This allows you to try out the complete package without obligation.
If you find that the current version of KeyesPunch does not perform a function as intended, Computer Keyes will correct the problem at no charge.
Computer Keyes provides free hot-line technical support to assist you in the use of KeyesPunch. There are no annual maintenance fees. However, new releases may be obtained by registered owners for a small upgrade charge.
