One of the most time-consuming tasks in faxing is loading the job onto the fax card, dialing the fax number, waiting for an answer, and then the negotiation between the sending and receiving fax equipment. When you send more than one fax job in a single phone call, all those steps are eliminated for the additional jobs being transmitted with the first fax. This means that a far greater number of faxes can be sent in less time. This provides much higher job through-put, and since the most expensive part of every long-distance phone is the first minute, you’ll save $$$ as well!

In this tech tip I’ll show you what’s involved. First, your FastFax Profile must allow you to have install/configuration authority. With that in place, you can access the batch faxing feature through either IBM i (iSeries) or PC/WindowFax screens.

Using the IBM i Interface (See Figure 1)
1. From an IBM i command line, type FFXMAIN and [Enter].
2. Chose Option #5 for the FastFax Configuration Menu.
3. Choose Option #1 for System/Environment Defaults.
4. Place a 2 (change) on General System Defaults.

At the bottom of the first page of General System Defaults, you’ll see four lines devoted to batch faxing.

Using the PC Client/WindowFax (See Figure 2)
1. Just open the FaxBar
2. Select FastFax Administration.
3. Select System Defaults
4. Navigate to the Retries/Batch tab.

When a fax job is in ‘position one’ in the send queue, FastFax automatically scans the entire queue for the same telephone number. If any other fax jobs are found going to the same number, and if it’s appropriate to do so, FastFax will automatically batch-fax. “Appropriate” means that [1] the jobs are in ready (RDY) status, [2] that they’re ready to go out at that time, and [3] they are types of jobs that you have indicated are appropriate to be batched.

Using “Batch send type of faxes to include” value, you can choose to batch all faxes going to the same number, or you can check off ‘Select’ to customize your batch faxing process (e.g., only batch fax types of jobs coming from an automated procedure like invoices, purchase orders, etc).

The “Batch send maximum number of pages” value specifies the maximum of pages that will be batched together. Twenty-five pages is the standard and I would not recommend setting this value much higher than that.

Since FastFax batches faxes by phone number (and not by sender or recipient) you could have faxes going from multiple senders to multiple recipients at the same fax number. This sounds like one, long continuous fax coming through to the person sitting next to the receiving fax machine. If there’s more than one sender and/or more than one recipient, FastFax is also capable of including a batch cover sheet. This is accomplished through the “Use summary cover sheet on batch” setting. You can use one of your own custom cover sheet designs for this.

Once you start using the batch faxing feature you’ll find significantly improved fax throughput, better utilization of your send fax lines, and cost savings.

Best Regards,

Deb & Deb

Figure 1:

 
Figure 2:

Easy-to-use Document Output Management Solutions enable the fast creation, management, delivery and automation of mission-critical documentation during holiday crunch time

MANSFIELD, MA (November 30, 2011) – Quadrant Software, LLC the leader in Document Output Management (DOM), today announced continued momentum within the retail sector as numerous retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers and distributors are benefiting from and leveraging Quadrant Software’s document output management solutions to create, manage and distribute mission-critical documents electronically this holiday season.

 According to the National Retail Federation, sales during the 2011 holiday season are expected to increase 2.8 percent to $465.6 billion – and early returns suggest that number may be conservative. With holiday sales starting earlier and earlier, it’s important that retailers can manage the increase in customer orders coming from not only brick and mortar stores but especially online. Each order requires the creation and distribution of shipping documents, invoices and purchase orders. Also, adding to retailers’ document management challenges is the fact that many major department stores are now requiring invoices and packing lists to be co-branded with the department store’s name.

“Major department stores like JCPenney and Kohl’s require customized invoices for all products being ordered from their online site. We used Quadrant Software’s document management solutions to address these requests and help us meet their tight deadline,” said Bobby Sy, systems and technology manager, Citizen Watch Company. “We were able to make changes in real-time and create and print the documents needed to fulfill the order easily and two weeks before the busy holiday season started.”

Additional leading retailers who are deploying Quadrant Software solutions across their organizations to ensure the quality and consistency of their mission-critical documentation, include Aerosoles, Helzberg Diamonds, Lionel Trains, Newbury Comics and New England Art.

“We rely on Quadrant Software to ensure timely and efficient delivery of our electronic documents. During the busy holiday season, their fax and email solutions are especially critical for streamlining our document delivery process and ensures our business operations run smoothly,” said Tom Scott, director of MIS, Newbury Comics.

“Retailers are constantly under pressure to deliver, whether it’s ensuring quality product, inventory availability or superior customer service,” said Steve Woodard, president and CEO, Quadrant Software. “It is also a market that thrives on seasonality and deals with many peaks and valleys to its business cycles. That is why it is so important that document output management solutions are in place – whether fax, forms, payment solutions and more – must be delivered and distributed consistently with speed and reliability.”

About Quadrant Software

Founded in 1990, Quadrant Software is a leading provider of Document Output Management (DOM) software and solutions for the enterprise. Through its award-winning FastFax and Formtastic product lines, companies can electronically create and manage mission critical documents that are delivered via print, fax or email to reduce expenses, increase productivity and improve communication in a more secure and compliant manner. Quadrant Software works with customers and partners around the world in key markets including finance, manufacturing, transportation, retail and healthcare. For more information on Quadrant Software and its DOM solutions visit us online, www.quadrantsoftware.com or call 800-258-3399/508-594-2700 or email quadrant@quadrantsoftware.com .

From your friends at Quadrant Software, best wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving!   

MANSFIELD, Mass.–(November 14, 2011)–Quadrant Software, the leader in Document Output Management (DOM), today announced a partnership with Real Vision Software (RVI), the Louisiana-based provider of document imaging solutions, to launch its Mobile Signature Capture System. Now, companies in the transportation and distribution industries can use document imaging and report capture capabilities to reduce the time from product delivery to invoicing.

“We’re pleased to partner with RVI to provide the ability to quickly create, execute, route and subsequently find documents, making a huge impact on our customers’ bottom line.”

.The Mobile Signature Capture System is an integrated solution that provides the ability to create top-quality forms directly from IBM i® based applications. It securely routes them throughout an organization or to customers, archives those documents electronically and makes them available for both remote and tethered digital signature capture on the iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch.

“RVI is excited about the partnership with Quadrant Software and the customer-oriented philosophy both companies share,” said David Woodring, vice president, Real Vision Software. “Real-time mobile signature capture has been truly revolutionary for our customers. In fact, one long haul trucking customer had an extra million dollars in the bank because they were able to cut an average of one week off of invoicing time.”

Companies of all sizes realize huge operational savings associated with the management of documents, including storage and overhead costs associated with the manual handling, entering and assimilation of those paper assets. Previously, these tasks were time-intensive and led to delays, costing valuable time and dollars. However, the Quadrant/RVI solution allows customers to send out invoices for products and services the instant those products are delivered and signed for, thereby speeding time-to-cash and allowing faster invoicing.

“Quadrant Software’s immediate invoicing solution for transportation companies revolutionizes the way they go about their business, realizing huge savings in cost and manpower while drastically reducing time-to-value,” said Bill Dowell, vice president, Channels and Strategic Relationships, Quadrant Software. “We’re pleased to partner with RVI to provide the ability to quickly create, execute, route and subsequently find documents, making a huge impact on our customers’ bottom line.”

For more information about the Quadrant Software and RVI solution, please contact us at (508) 594-2700, email sales@quadrantsoftware.com, or visit http://www.quadrantsoftware.com/transportation-solutions/.

About Real Vision Software, Inc.

RVI can electronically capture, index, archive, secure, manage and deliver stored documents to users based on predefined security for viewing, printing, faxing, e-mailing, burning to CD’s or workflow. For more information visit our website at www.realvisionsoftware.com.

About Quadrant Software

Founded in 1990, Quadrant Software is a leading provider of Document Output Management (DOM) software and solutions for the enterprise. Through its award-winning FastFax and Formtastic product lines, companies can electronically create and manage mission critical documents that are delivered via print, fax or email to reduce expenses, increase productivity and improve communication in a more secure and compliant manner. Quadrant Software works with customers and partners around the world in key markets including finance, manufacturing, transportation, retail and healthcare. For more information on Quadrant Software and its DOM solutions visit us online, www.quadrantsoftware.com or call 800-258-3399/508-594-2700 or email quadrant@quadrantsoftware.com.

I setup a box for donations in the office a few weeks prior and my co-workers stepped up with their donation. They donated bags of dog and cat food, canned food and treats, and a ton of cleaning supplies. It’s obvious that people here care. The team at Quadrant Software works together in so many ways. If they see you care about something, they will back you up at work or play. It is great to see so many come together to help give to the animals.

The staff at the Animal Shelter is small but amazing. In my eyes this was not a job or a career for them, I saw it was their life. They had made a choice to give their lives to help the animals and it is inspiring. Everyday these men clean, wash and feed the animals. It’s clear they have a special bond.

I spent the day washing bowls, blankets and kennels. I was able to see how much work is needed on a daily basis to keep up the shelter. I know that being there for the short time made an impact on my life. This was my first time there but, definitely not the last. These dogs will see me again!

Mansfield, MA (October 31, 2011) — Quadrant Software, LLC the leader in Document Output Management (DOM), announced today the availability of its 2011 Tax FormsPack, a pre-designed suite of digital mission-critical tax documents for immediate tax forms production. Used in conjunction with Quadrant Software’s Formtastic solution, which streamlines the implementation of electronic forms, the Tax FormsPack helps companies cut costs and save time associated with the processing of tax forms.

“Quadrant Software’s Tax FormsPack makes the tax season easier for us. It provides a much simpler process for handling our tax forms, saves us time, and creates a better looking finished product,” comments Mike Barber, Controller, Maynard Steel Casting Company.

To help companies streamline their individual filing processes, the Quadrant Software Tax FormsPack comes equipped with pre-designed W2’s, 1099’s and 1096’s to allow immediate creation of finished digital tax forms that also meet IRS requirements. It gives companies the ability to pre-fill forms with corporate logos and other company details necessary in the customization of tax documentation.

“Everyone knows tax season is an intensely busy, stressful time for financial executives, CFOs, tax accountants and more,” said Stephen Woodard, CEO of Quadrant Software. “We’ve created a pre-configured package of tax forms to make filings easier and to reduce the time and risk associated with costly misfilings or missing tax documentation.”

About Quadrant Software

Founded in 1990, Quadrant Software is a leading provider of Document Output Management (DOM) software and solutions for the enterprise. Through its award-winning FastFax and Formtastic product lines, companies can electronically create and manage mission critical documents that are delivered via print, fax or email to reduce expenses, increase productivity and improve communication in a more secure and compliant manner. Quadrant Software works with customers and partners around the world in key markets including finance, manufacturing, transportation, retail and healthcare. For more information on Quadrant Software and its EDD solutions visit us online, www.quadrantsoftware.com or call 800-258-3399/508-594-2700 or email quadrant@quadrantsoftware.com.

Monday mornings can be tough for anyone but for IT and help desk staff it can really be blue. Typically our call volume is highest on Monday where systems have gone offline over the weekend or perhaps error messages were sent that need to be investigated. 

Maybe some of these tips will help you…..

Common reasons why your system is not active or sent an error notification:

1. Verify your FastFax subsystem is running  – WRKACTJOB SBS (FASTFAX)
2. Verify iSeries NetServer is started (See below).
3. Verify iSeries ODBC & Additional TCPIP jobs are running (See below) 

Viewing iSeries NetServer status –  

The iSeries™ NetServer™ Status dialog box contains important statistical information that can help you to effectively administer iSeries NetServer.

You can refresh the current statistics for the system, reset all values to 0, or set the time between refresh requests from the iSeries NetServer Status dialog box.

When you set the time, in minutes, between refresh requests to the host for iSeries NetServer status, the timed refresh values are saved so that you do not have to refresh each time the iSeries NetServer Statusdialog box is opened. Timed refresh values are saved for each system, not for each user.

To display iSeries NetServer status, follow these steps:

1. Open iSeries Navigator and connect to the system you want to work with.
2. Expand Network > Servers.
3. Click TCP/IP to display a list of TCP/IP servers available.
4. Right-click iSeries NetServer and select Status.

The iSeries Navigator online help provides more details about each field on the iSeries NetServer Status dialog.

http://publib.boulder.ibm.com/infocenter/iseries/v5r4/index.jsp?topic=%2Frzaii%2Frzaiiodbc25.htm

Additional TCP/IP considerations

Use NETSTAT, STRTCP, and STRHOSTSVR to verify and start TCP/IP functions when troubleshooting an iSeries connection.

Verify that TCP/IP is started with the following command:

   NETSTAT *CNN

Use the command STRTCP to start the desired protocol if it is not running.

Verify the necessary daemons are running by browsing the information returned from the NETSTAT *CNN command:
  
Remote           Remote     Local

Address        Port              Port                 Idle Time                    State

  *                       *               as-cent >           000:09:31                Listen

  *                       *               as-signon          000:09:41                Listen

  *                       *               as-svrmap         002:57:45               Listen

  *                       *               as-data >            002:57:45               Listen

Use the command STRHOSTSVR SERVER(*ALL) to start them if necessary.

• Verify QZDASRVSD, the ODBC socket daemon, is running in the QSERVER subsystem.
  • as-database should be in theListenState
  • WRKJOB QZDASRVSD should be used to check the job log of the daemon for any error messages.
• Verify that socket daemon QZSOSMAPD is running in QSYSWRK subsystem.
  • as-svrmap should be in theListenStateas shown by NETSTAT *CNN.
  • WRKJOB QZSOSMAPD should be used to check the job log of the daemon for any error messages.

The PC locates the socket used by the database server by connecting to the server mapper socket. It retrieves the socket used by as-database. It then connects to the proper socket which is being monitored by the database server daemon, QZDASRVSD. The server daemon will attach the client’s connection to a QZDASOINIT prestart job in QUSRWRK. If this is the first connection made to the server from this PC, then two other servers are used: Central server for licensing and signon server for userid/password validation.

For more information about verifying that TCP/IP is started, see General TCP/IP problems.

http://publib.boulder.ibm.com/infocenter/iseries/v5r4/index.jsp?topic=%2Frzaii%2Frzaiiodbc25.htm

Mansfield, MA – (October 3, 2011) – Quadrant Software, LLC the leader in Document Output Management (DOM) announced today the expansion of its partner program with the signing of five new strategic partners – GEMKO, High Plains Technology, NSI, Synthasys and Tranztec – to better serve enterprise customers within its key markets of focus.

Quadrant Software is in the business of packaging innovative solutions to business problems ranging from simple document creation and routing to fully integrated ERP systems with complete document management and remote signature capture. Whether in finance, manufacturing, transportation, retail or healthcare, Quadrant Software has proven underlying technology that when combined with partner expertise creates a complete solution addressing critical business issues.

“GEMKO has committed as a Quadrant Software business partner to align ourselves with an organization who shares the same passion and focus to implement solutions that solve business problems and improve performance to achieve bottom-line results,” said Michael Budzich, director of Operations, GEMKO Information Group, Inc. “Quadrant Software’s solid portfolio of products and dedication to customer support combined with our expertise make this partnership a sound strategic decision for us.”

The Quadrant Software Partner Program provides revenue growth opportunities paired with award winning products and industry renowned support. Developed initially for established IBM Business Partners, the program has expanded to accommodate many of today’s leading enterprise solutions and provides partner tools and resources to create value for that will lead to immediate ROI for their customers.

“We partner with Quadrant Software because they offer a suite of products that brings outstanding value to our customers along with offering technical support that is second to none,” noted Mike Steiner, president, High Plains Technology.

“Our alliance partners are a key component to our overall business strategy in ensuring we’re delivering the best to our customers every day,” said Bill Dowell, vice president, Channels and Strategic Relationships. “We chose to focus on expanding our partner program, to work with those organizations that are like minded and offer 4 unique value points – reach, relationships, domain experience and complimentary offerings that, in combination with our tools, address many critical business needs.”

For more information about Quadrant Software, LLC or to learn how to join the partner program please contact (508) 594-2700, email partners@quadrantsoftware.com, or visit www.quadrantsoftware.com.

About Quadrant Software
Founded in 1990, Quadrant Software is a leading provider of Document Output Management (DOM) software and solutions for the enterprise. Through its award-winning FastFax and Formtastic product lines, companies can electronically create and manage mission critical documents that are delivered via print, fax or email to reduce expenses, increase productivity and improve communication in a more secure and compliant manner. Quadrant Software works with customers and partners around the world in key markets including finance, manufacturing, transportation, retail and healthcare. For more information on Quadrant Software and its EDD solutions visit us online, www.quadrantsoftware.com or call 800-258-3399/508-594-2700 or email quadrant@quadrantsoftware.com.