Data Entry Guidelines
The operations described below are universal within the software module.
Navigating Fields:
Mouse |
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[TAB] |
To move from one field to the next, press the [TAB] key. The active field's title is highlighted in bright green. Tip: You can change the highlight color, by changing the Style in the System Parameters. |
Arrow Keys |
To move to a different position within a field, press the left or right arrow key. |
You can use the shortcut menus to cut, copy, and delete the field contents. You can also display help for a field or window.
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Updating Data:
Tip: You can change the whole field or just part of it (even a single character).
Alphanumeric Data |
To insure predictable sorting of data, NDS strongly recommends that you use all capital letters when entering data into alphanumeric fields (also called STRING fields). Tip: To easily enter all characters in upper case when working in the module, press the [CAPS LOCK] key so the Caps Lock light appears on your keyboard. |
[BACKSPACE] |
To delete a single character that appears before the pointer, press [BACKSPACE]. Note: If you highlight the whole field value, [BACKSPACE] erases the entire contents of the field. |
[DELETE] |
To delete a single character that appears after the pointer, press [DELETE]. Note: If you highlight the whole field value, [DELETE] erases the entire contents of the field. |
[ENTER] |
You usually click [ENTER] when ready to perform a function, such as saving a record. Tip: If a button appears focused, outlined like the first Save button below, you can automatically click the button simply by pressing [ENTER]. Focused Not focused |
Save |
Always save your work! |
Date Validation |
In many places, the programs automatically confirm whether date entries are valid. Invalid dates trigger a message on the Status Bar, which displays the proper date format. Example: If you enter 02/31/2002, the following message appears because February has only 28 or 29 days: Tips:
Example: Valid entry Result
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Numeric Entry |
Improperly formatted data for a numeric field triggers a message on the Status Bar, which displays the proper numeric format. Format Rules:
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Required Field |
Any mandatory field that is left blank appears with a red checkmark next to it and triggers the following error message on the Status Bar: Example: Note: You must enter valid data in a required field before saving the record. |
Invalid field data triggers a message on the Status Bar, which displays the proper format for the field. Example: If you incorrectly enter a zip code as 04084a, the following message appears: Note: You must correct the data before saving. Tip: If you experience trouble formatting the data, you can view the field properties by clicking the right mouse button to see the shortcut menu. |