Contents - Index

Getting Started / Main Menu

Initial Set Up
When you first install the program, all of the databases (files) are empty. You will need to define entries in a number of files before you will be able to print your first bill.

Main Menu
The main menu is your gateway to all of the maintenance functions of the Lading Manager.

Buttons
Save. Use this to save your changes when editing bill data.

Add. Use this to add a new bill.

Bill Manager (Open). Use this to bring up a list of existing bills.

Origins. Use this to specify the names and addresses of all of the origins that you are shipping from.

Carriers. Use this to specify the names and addresses of all of the carriers that you use to ship your products.

Consignees. Use this to specify the names and addresses of all of the consignees that you are shipping to.

Predefined Carrier Information. Use this to predefine carrier information lines for quick input into your bills.

Reports. Gateway to the reports available in the system.

Defaults. Use this to set the overall system defaults and the defaults to use when adding new bills.

Inventory. Use this to receive and track inventory used on bills.

Import. Use this to import data from outside sources.

Import Orders. Use this to create BOLs from orders received.

Help.

Other Menu Entries
File Menu
Refresh Files. Use this to refresh the data in the lookup tables. (You would use this in a multi-user environment. This makes the entries made into lookup tables by another user usable by you immediately.)

Printer Setup will allow you to set the default printer for this Lading Manager session only.

The last 10 bills accessed will be listed under "Exit." Simply click on the bill to re-open it. Bills are listed with their BOL number and the consignee's name.

Import/Export Menu
Import Misc. Files will import miscellaneous data into Lading Manager. 

Import Orders from CSV will import orders and create bills of lading from a comma seperated value file.

Import Order from External Database will import an order and create a bill of lading from an external database.

Export Freight for Accrual. See Export Freight for Accrual.

External Database Setup for Importing Orders sets up the database information required in order to import an order from an external database.

Tools Menu
Change Password will change your sign-on password. You must have security turned on for this to work.

Look Up Maintenance provides a menu for updating lookup information.

Security is used to assign logons and passwords. (Security is optional.)

Help Menu
About will show you the current version that you are running. It will also allow you to perform the registration unlock.

Check For Updates will allow you to see if there are updates to the software.

Register Now will only appear when the software needs to be registered. 

Individual Screen Buttons
Generally, the buttons used to perform routine maintenance are shown below. If you cannot remember what a specific button does, simply hover the mouse cursor over the button and a helpful hint will display.

Here is what the different buttons look like and do:

Add (a carrier, a new bill, etc.)

Delete the indicated entry. This button will appear as red. Please do not confuse it for the exit button, which is a simple, black "X".

Open This will display the list of existing bills from the bill screen.

Save (post) your changes.

Copy (clone) the indicated entry to a new entry.

Most Helpful Hint in the System
Use the Tab key to move between data fields.

How to Set Up the System
  • Set up the program defaults by pressing the button. Click here for that help topic.
  • Input your origin information by pressing the button. Click here for that help topic.
  • Input the names and addresses of your carriers by pressing the button. Click here for that help topic.
  • Input the names and addresses of your consignees by pressing the button. Click here for that help topic.
  • If you want to secure the system with user I.D.s and passwords, then press the button. Click here for that help topic.
  • Establish your user preferences by selecting Tools - Preferences from the main menu. Click here for that help topic.
  • If you plan on using the inventory module, you will need to set up your items and inventory before using them on bills. See the Inventory help topic for more setup instructions.

    You are now ready to start your first bill. Press the button to add a new BOL to the system.

    Recommended Reading
    It is highly recommended to visit the VICS website and get a copy of the "VICS Voluntary Guidelines for the Bill of Lading." The Lading Manager software follows these guidelines and you may find it helpful.