Quadrant Software Announces Formtastic 5.4.2 With Improved Spool File Processing Capabilities

Tampa, FL (July 2008) - Quadrant Software, the leading software developer for Paperless Process Management solutions, has released version 5.4.2 of its award-winning electronic forms, barcode labels, and MICR check printing solution, Formtastic.

Formtastic is equipped with advanced design tools and features which allow users to easily design polished documents, laser MICR checks, and barcode or thermal labels and populate them with data from their System i business application, without ever having to leave their desktop.

Among the many innovative updates of Formtastic, this latest version, 5.4.2, brings the following enhancements:

Qualified Spooled File Processing on Merge Commands

Formtastic can now be configured to process a specific spool file instead of all spool files in an output queue, giving the user better control over which spool file to merge with a given form. The user can specify the complete qualified spooled file information; job name, job number, job user and spooled file number on the Merge commands for forms and checks. Additionally, *LAST can be specified as the spooled file number to automatically process the last spooled file produced by the current job.

Image Capture Now Supports Low Resolution Images

Formtastic’s Image Capture Module allows users to capture images such as electronic signatures from portable devices, signatures from signature pads, and miscellaneous images such as collision pictures for insurance claims or product shots for pick lists. While in previous versions those images had to be high resolution (300x300 dpi or 600x600 dpi), the new version 5.4.2 allows for importing low resolution images at 81x81 dpi. Low resolution images are commonplace in applications where wireless devices are being used to collect electronic signatures for POD’s (proof of delivery) that have later to be merged with a form that is automatically emailed or faxed to a customer and also archived electronically into an imaging database like IntelliChief.

Improved Error Status and Warning Reporting

Formtastic’s unique Job/Document Tracking features lets users track the status of their jobs and take immediate action on any errors or warnings encountered. The screen showing error status/warning has been improved to include more detailed information about errors encountered when processing jobs, allowing users to pinpoint the exact problem and take corrective action. Information provided includes the error/warning type, status, filename, location, and recovery steps.

Dynamic Naming for Auto-Merges

With the new release, users setting up auto-merges for multiple output queues can now use *FORMTYP parameter to simplify configuration steps necessary to merge multiple forms with spool files from a specific output queue. Formtastic will process the output queues looking for spool files matching the form type defined in the auto-merge definitions, bypassing those that don’t meet the requirements. A typical scenario is a company with 20 or so different forms or checks (purchase orders, invoices, statements, payroll checks, etc.) that need to be merged with spool files each with a different input queue and a different output queue. With the new dynamic naming feature, auto-merges need to be setup only once for each output/input queue regardless of the quantity of forms involved.

Support for IBM i5 V6R1

Formtastic 5.4.2 has been converted and tested against IBM’s newest operating system for the System i platform, V6R1, and can be used by customers running this version without problems.

Formtastic integrates with all major application vendors including Oracle (JD Edwards), Infor (XA, A+, BPCS, PRMS, Infinium, and others), Lawson, and many more. No application programming or source code changes are required because Formtastic extracts and remaps data already available in spooled files. Combined with Formatter, users can reduce page counts up to 75% and include information not available in spool files directly to their forms. Finally, Formtastic integrates seamlessly with IntelliChief, Quadrant Software’s document management and workflow solution allowing users to electronically archive their merged forms and checks for later retrieval directly from ERP screens.

Over the years, Formtastic has helped companies significantly reduce expenses and increase productivity. Companies are able to either eliminate costly pre-printed forms, and print to inexpensive laser printers, or automatically deliver documents by email or fax.

Formtastic 5.4.2 is available immediately. Formtastic customers on previous releases will gain significant advantages when upgrading to the latest 5.4.2 release. The upgrade is free for customers enrolled in the maintenance program. For more information, please contact us at (508)594-2700, or visit www.quadrantsoftware.com.

Learn more about Formtastic software features

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About Quadrant Software
Quadrant Software, an IBM Business Partner, has over a decade of experience providing Paperless Process Management (PPM) solutions. Started as a pioneer in fax server technology, today Quadrant Software provides enterprise-class PPM applications to Global 2000 companies world-wide and in a variety of industries. This includes document management, electronic forms, fax servers, MICR checks, barcode labels, imaging and workflow products. Over the years, they have helped companies reduce expenses, increase productivity, and improve communication. Quadrant Software has offices in Massachusetts, Florida, and the U.K.