The Doc 1 Records

Note: Alternate print / routing methods. This section describes the format of letter extract records that are constructed by base-package algorithms that are passed to the Doc 1 software (which actually produces the letters). If you require different print formats, you must create new letter extract algorithms and plug them in on your letter templates.
Note: Alternate letter print flat file format. The algorithms responsible for creating the letter extract records can produce the output in either Doc1 format (described below) or in Word format (see The Word Records). The Doc1 flat file is created with multiple records of various record types for every customer contact record processed. The Word flat file is created with one record for every customer contact record processed. These algorithms extract the same fields for both formats. However, the Word flat file has all fields for a letter compressed into one record; where each field is delimited by a tilde ("~"). You control which format is used by the parameters you supply to the respective background processes that call these algorithms. For Doc 1 format, set FIELD-DELIM-SW=N and CNTL-REC-SW=Y. For Word format, set FIELD-DELIM-SW=Y and CNTL-REC-SW=N.

Numerous types of records are interfaced to the Doc 1 letter print software. However, they all share a common structure:

  • The first 4 bytes are called the Printer Key. This field is a record type used by the Doc 1 letter template.
  • The next 26 bytes are called the Sort Key. This field is used to ensure the various records used to construct a printed letter appear in the correct order in the interface file.
  • The next 12 bytes are called the Mailing Key.
  • The next 3 bytes are a filler that is available for future use.
  • The remaining bytes contain the Letter Information that appears on the printed letter. The type of information differs for each type of record.

The topics in this section describe each component.

Related Topics:

Parent Topic: Printing Letters