New File Command in Formtastic Fusion5 Makes PDFs Easy

Hi Rich,

This isn't the first time we've heard this request. That's why a new file command for generating PCL, PDF, TIF, TIF3, or TIF4 has been built into our latest Formtastic version 5.1.3 upgrade. And we do play nice with archiving packages, but more on that at the end of this tip.

So, you have a document spool file (purchase order, invoice, etc.) and a form definition, but instead of just sending it to a printer you also want to create a PDF file. Easy as pie. Just upload the form definition and follow these steps using iSeries 400 interface:

Step 1
Open the form definition and add the FILE command using the parameter *NONE (unless you have our full PDF Module...see below).

Step 2
Within that file command, you'll be asked to provide an UNC path. This is where your new PDFs will be created.

That's pretty much it. When you run a form merge, Formtastic will automatically recognize the FILE command embedded in the form definition. At that point, Formtastic will send a copy of the document to your printer as a PCL file, and it will simultaneously send to the UNC path in PDF format.

This new FILE command is included in the latest Formtastic upgrade (free to current Formtastic customers). Now, on to your archiving system questions.

Archiving / Imaging Integration
While our programmers were putting together the PDF file command, we decided to create customized integrations for all of the major packages like Gauss' VIP DocManager, RealVision Software's RVI, and Vanguard Systems' IMS/21, as well as any other archiving system. The result is our full Formtastic PDF module. Using this module, documents generated from Formtastic are automatically indexed for later retrieval using your image/archival systems.

For example, invoices can be automatically indexed by customer name, customer number, and invoice date, allowing those documents to be located and retrieved using the same criteria. It cuts a lot of manual steps out of the process and reduces the chance for human error.

The full PDF Module for Formtastic is priced at $2,495. Just email our sales department at sales@quadrantsoftware.com if you're interested or upgrade online.

Take care,
Stephen Flaherty

Quadrant Software Professional Services