Information Systems:Unitech handheld devices for Web Orders

Overview

Some shareholder stores use handheld devices provisioned by uniPHARM to help build web orders. Essentially, staff at the store can scan UPC barcodes of front-store items to build a list. This list of items is uploaded as a file to Web Orders, and is transferred into their cart. To date, there has been no development in this area, as the devices have proven to be fairly stable, while the task they perform is very basic (but offers a lot of value (convenience/ease of ordering) to the stores that use them).

To date, the device used is the Unitec HT-580. However, natural wear and tear has led to depleting stock. At the time of writing, new HT-630 devices will be purchased in small batches as necessary, reprogrammed, and provisioned as replacement units for those that have fallen into disrepair.

This page outlines the technical details of the operation and configuration of the HT-630.

Programming and Configuration

IMPORTANT: This information applies to the HT-630. See Deploying a device for store use for information on the legacy HT-580.

The order-building program that runs on the Unitech is a simple application developed with the included Windows utility, JobGen Plus (can be downloaded from the Unitech US website). This utility allows you to develop programs via GUI (i.e. without having to code). The source can be found here (must be opened with JobGen). The most recent program is called autoexec.jgp. The program logic is intuitive and can be followed fairly easily. Consult the JobGen and HT-630 manuals here for more information.

Serial communication parameters

To configure dock and/or supplied cable communicates with the computer via serial connection. Therefore, when configuring the program to communicate with the device (either EasyJob or JobGen Plus), go to Device Manager and find the COM port e.g. COM4, COM5 etc.

In the program, go to the Communication section and configure as follows for the correct COM:

Setting the program to run automatically

The program must be called autoexec for it to auto-run on the handheld devices. Otherwise, the program will have to be manually launched, a process to which users are not accustomed.

Changing the power-off timeout

The HT-630 powers off automatically after a certain period of time. To change this:

1. Turn off the device.
2. Hold CMD + left arrow + PWR.
3. Press 1 to enter Supervisor mode. Password is '630'.
4. Press 5 to enter PWR settings.
5. Press 2 to enter AUTO OFF settings.
6. Use the right arrow to select the desired time, or to disable auto power-off.
7. Enter to save changes.
8. Press ESC multiple times to exit.

Deploying a device for store use

HT-580

These devices are all pre-programmed with order.ejp. This program requires the older EasyJob program and cannot be opened with JobGen Plus. If a device needs to be re-flashed with order.ejp, obtain EasyJob here, open order.ejp, and click on 'Run Program' with the device connected (counterintuitively, this effectively installs the program to the device).

The following comprises a complete kit for a store: unit, battery, AC adapter, dock, and USB-to-dock cable.

HT-630

Note: These are the newer devices, which are much larger in size. Also note that these devices do not come with a dock, and thus can be deployed to the store with the USB-to-device cable and power adapter only.

• Files required are located in the Tech/common/Unitech Handheld/Deploy HT-630 folder on superserver.
• With the device connected via USB, open JobGen Plus (install this program first if needed). Open the autoexec.jgp program and execute Build->Make Job. This compiles the program and loads it to the device.
• Stores require a program called uTransfer to download the order files to their computer for uploading into Web Orders. The executable will need to be transferred and installed on their computer. Once installed, configure the program to download the order files to the desired folder and filename (usually ORDER.TXT).

• for new deployment make sure that the comm port is set so that the device will plug and play* check the comm port in the device manager

Deployment Tracking

HT-630

• Regency #2 - 1 unit
• Delta Prescription - 2 units
• Glover's - 1 unit
• Balkwill 1 unit
• IT cage - 1 units

Events

• Aug. 2018: Purchased 2 additional units. Total of 6.
• Sept. 5, 2018: Exchanged 1 unit with Delta Rx.
• Sept. 19, 2018: Require batteries and extra charging cable for reserve.
• 2019: Purchased 2 more devices.

HT-580 (old devices)

• Cates - 1 unit
• Pender Island - 1 unit

To-dos for this topic

• Document Web Orders Upload instructions (uTransfer)
• Document standard protocol for provisioning devices to a shareholder store - done
• Maintain a list of stores actively using these devices
• More detailed instructions for provisioning to the store
• Compare order.ejp and autoexec.jgp