Getting Started

Most likely your dealer has done all the background work for you and you can skip this information.

Install POSitive™

You will be running an installation program which will create the needed directories, sub-directories, program files and support files. It will create a shortcut on the computer desktop for launching POSitive™. The whole process is automated; follow the directions on screen.

The installation file will determine if you need to install an SQL Server, a Native Client, as well as install or merely upgrade the POSitive™ program files. NOTE: Windows 8 and above requires a special installation procedure. Please contact your dealer or POSitive support for more information.

Create Your Own Company

A special database for your company needs to be created. It will eventually contain a listing of all of your customers, employees, inventory, and vendors. It will also track all sales transactions, purchases from your vendors, and generate useful reports. You have two options:

•	Starting From Scratch - A new company wizard will guide you through each step of the process. At the outset, there are some things you will need to know, but you may make corrections to these initial selections at any time in the future. (see Creating Your Company)

•

Migrating POSitive™ data - If you are already a user of POSitive For Windows you do not need to start from scratch. There is a process to convert all of your current data to POSitive™ (SQL). This conversion may take many hours to complete, but you will save much time and retain the historical information for generating useful reports. Contract your dealer for information

Registration

Run POSitive™ and select your company name. Your new company data will be in Demo Mode with some limitations. To gain full functionality, you should choose the Register On-Line button when it appears. Your computer will need internet access. If you get an Invalid Code message, please contact your dealer or POSitive™ Software Company.

Activate System and Station Settings

If you converted your PFW to POSitive™ SQL the settings are still intact. However, there are new options in System Setup. And if you are new to POSitive™, this is an important area for management to review because it reflects your business style and practices. These settings will control how POSitive is to be used for making sales and purchases and granting employee access to features of POSitive.

Station Setting options are hardware related to assure that printers, scanners, and cash drawers are performing properly from each computer workstation. Preferences for operations at the station are also defined.

Using POSitive

Now what? Initially there are no customers, or inventory, or vendors, or anything else in this new installation of POSitive. We suggest that you take time to experiment using some sample company data, or follow these suggestions to get a better feel for the POSitive program. If you have questions, ask your dealer. Consider joining some on-line classes.

Create Some Inventory

Most importantly and by far the biggest project is the creation of your inventory list. This should done right away; as systematically as possible. In this manual you will learn how to create a few inventory items to teach you the concepts. Some tips and tricks for speeding up the work will also be introduced.

Make A Sale

What the clerk sees on screen, how items are added to the invoice, and what to do to meet special needs of invoicing are important setup and training issues. This is an adjunct to Station Setting options discussed earlier.

Learn How To Process Purchase Orders

Placing and receiving purchase orders automatically updates your stock counts. There is a smooth flow from determining what to order, contacting the vendor, and receiving products as they arrive.