Generating and Deleting Coupons (MCPN)

Purpose: You can quickly generate and print a batch of coupons to insert in customers' mailings by using the Generate Coupons function. Coupons that you generate in this manner are not associated with any existing order, but may be applied to an order as a payment method.

The system assigns a number to each coupon that is generated. This number is validated when the coupon is used as a form of payment in Order Entry. The Create Random Gift Certificate/Coupon Numbers (H09) system control value controls whether the system assigns gift certificate and coupon numbers in sequential or “random” (non-sequential) order. You might want to assign numbers non-sequentially to reduce the possibility of fraud; for example, if a customer redeems gift certificate # 2234, it does not necessarily mean that 2235 is also a valid gift certificate number.

Note: If you assign coupon numbers non-sequentially, it will not be practical to use the Delete Coupons Screen (MDCP), because each this screen requires that you enter the beginning and ending coupon number to reprint or delete.

See Purging Coupon Redemption Records (MPCP) for information on purging redeemed and expired coupon records from the Coupon Redemption table.

For more information: See the Delete Coupons Screen (MDCP).

Coupon Generation Screen

Purpose: Use this screen to define the number, value, and time frame for a batch of coupons you want to send to customers, and to record a special message on these coupons.

How to display this screen: Enter MCPN in the Fast Path field on any menu or select this option from a menu.

Field	Description
Number of coupons	The quantity of coupons you want to generate in this batch. You can produce up to 9,999,999 coupons in a batch. Numeric, 7 positions; required.
Value of coupon	The dollar value that the coupons from this batch represent. Numeric, 9 positions with a 2-place decimal; required.
Print amount on coupons	A flag that directs the system to print the coupon's dollar value on each coupon produced in this batch. Values are: • Selected = Print the amount on the coupons. • Unselected (default) = Do not print the amount on the coupons.
Issue date of coupons	The month, day, and year the coupon was issued. Issue dates may be prior to, after, or the same day you generate the coupons. You may also leave this field blank. Numeric, 6 positions (MMDDYY format); optional.
Expiration date	The month, day, and year the coupon will expire. The expiration date must be equal to or greater than today's date. You may also leave this field blank if you do not want to specify an expiration date. Numeric, 6 positions (MMDDYY format); optional.
Coupon message	Three open lines that you can use to enter a message that will print on the coupons in this batch. Alphanumeric, 90 positions; optional.

If you accept your entries at this screen, the system submits the COUPONGEN job. Coupons that you generate here will appear on the Work with Coupon Redemption Screen.