Information Systems:Unitech handheld devices for Web Orders

Overview

Some shareholder stores use handheld devices provisioned by uniPHARM to build a list of items to order by scanning item barcodes. 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 and perform a very basic task (but one that offers a lot of value (convenience/ease of ordering) to the stores that use them). However, natural wear and tear has led to depleting stock of the now discontinued Unitech HT-580. 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 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.

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 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

These are the newer devices, which are much larger in size. JobGen Plus can be used to install the autoexec.jgp program by executing Build->Make Job with the device connected.

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.

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