Bookshelf v7.5: Configuring User Properties for Closing Inventory Periods

Configuring User Properties for Closing Inventory Periods

The recommended process for closing an inventory period is:

Synchronize the handheld device with Siebel server immediately before closing the period.

Close the inventory period.

Synchronize the handheld device with Siebel server a second time, immediately after closing the inventory period.

End users must synchronize the handheld with Siebel server before closing the inventory period because there may be calls on the handheld that have not yet been synchronized with Siebel server. Only the current active period is downloaded to the handheld device. Therefore, after the current inventory period is closed, they must synchronize a second time in order to bring down the next active period.

To enforce this procedure, the inventory period closure logic has been added. When it is enabled, this logic goes into effect during the inventory period reconciliation. It ensures that the end user synchronizes his handheld with Siebel server before closing the inventory period, and it requires the end user to submit all outstanding calls (that is, when an electronic signature has been captured, but the call has not been submitted).

The following user properties have been created on the Pharma Inventory Period business component to support the inventory period closure logic:

Inventory Closure Validation. The default value is N (No), and the Inventory Period Closure logic is not triggered. To activate the Inventory Period Closure logic, set this parameter to Y (Yes). Setting the parameter to Y forces the end user to synchronize the handheld with Siebel server prior to closing the inventory period.

Acceptable Period to Complete Synchronization. The default value is 30 (minutes). When Inventory Closure Validation is set to Y, the Acceptable Period to Complete Synchronization user property determines a grace period during which the end user must synchronize the handheld before closing the inventory period. If the end user does not synchronize within the time period, he will not be permitted to close the inventory period.

If Inventory Closure Validation is enabled and the Acceptable Period to Complete Synchronization user property is not created, the default value of 30 minutes is used.

After the end user successfully closes the inventory period, he sees a message that prompts him to synchronize the handheld device with Siebel server. Note, however, this step is not enforced. However, if the end user fails to synchronize a second time, the handheld device will not receive the current period, and this can potentially cause synchronization errors the next time the end user synchronizes.

NOTE: The same logic is enforced during inventory reconciliation.