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Datatel (Ellucian)Colleague system Messages in this topic - RSS

Nancy
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Posts: 765


9/25/2013
Nancy
Administrator
Posts: 765
We have never tested Easy Spooler and would need to do so to see if it works. If you are interested in pursuing custom work, please contact us at support@wellspringsoftware.com and provide the details of your project and any files that may be available.
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ann.doughty
Posts: 1


9/25/2013
ann.doughty
Posts: 1
We are currently using a very old version of Source4 with RocSoftware's EasySpooler in Colleague. We use this to print checks, invoices, POs, transcripts and a few other things. We use check stock with DIMM chips for the check signatures.

We would like to continue using EasySpooler. Will PrintBoss work with that?
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paula
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Posts: 208


11/9/2012
paula
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Posts: 208
From: Paula Manker [mailto:paula@wellspringsoftware.com]
Sent: Thursday, November 08, 2012 12:40 PM
Subject: Request for information
- Sorry for the confusion. I was referring to Datatel as being highly customizable.
It only takes minutes to setup PrintBoss, but there is no interface with Datatel 'out of the box' so to speak. We do not have standard forms for Datatel as each college customizes Datatel to meet their needs.
There are 2 ways PrintBoss can be used with Datatel. The first is using the PrintBoss printer driver. We have 2 clients using this method. Their output is formatted consistently (always the same maximum number of lines) and the check is sent to Preview. There are specific settings that need to be selected in Preview before printing to the PrintBoss 50 printer driver. PrintBoss then adds formatting (grids, signatures, bank information) and prints to a physical printer. This method could be tested 'out of the box', but the PrintBoss form will not contain any formatting. It will pass the data to the printer exactly as it is printed from Datatel.
The second method is to use an ASCII file or flat text file. Most of our clients use this method. The ASCII file is saved to a folder on either a network or local computer. PrintBoss is set to 'monitor' the location and process the file once it is saved. Formatting is added during the processing and the result is printed. This method is difficult to test before purchase as we actually need to create the Text Input File Spec to map the data in the text file before PrintBoss can process the file.
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Nancy
Administrator
Posts: 765


11/8/2012
Nancy
Administrator
Posts: 765
On the most basic level, PrintBoss is a printer driver. It does not access the tables from an accounting system like a report writer. It only receives data printed from an application. And it can literally be any application. We only package forms for the accounting systems we work with on a frequent basis and can standardize the interface.

Beyond the printer driver are tables and forms. Once PrintBoss receives data from the driver, the data is saved in a work file table and the selected form and bank information are applied to the data to create the desired output - a check, an invoice, any document. Each work file is form (and usually user) specific. These work files can be Archived to a separate table or deleted to reduce traffic in the Work File table.

In addition to the work file database tables, there is a database table to save the bank information. PrintBoss stores all bank information in this table and automatically creates the MICR line from the information entered in the Routing and Account Number fields combined with the check number assigned in the Form. In the those cases when the check number is not printed by the Accounting software, PrintBoss has the ability to increment check numbers. The user is prompted to verify the beginning check number and batch is incremented from that number.

PrintBoss also has the ability to assign fields from the data printed to the work file. The assigned data is usually based on fixed coordinates and can be moved in a range or blanked out and printed elsewhere on the form using a Text command. There are approximately 50 commands available within PrintBoss, 30 conditional commands, and 24 substitution functions that allow PrintBoss to manipulate data.

The forms and tables must all be stored in a central location and shared by all users for a single license. There is 1 installation of the primary software with unlimited client installs for users of the same company and location, unless they are accessing the one license remotely. The client, or work station, install is simply the printer driver and a shortcut to the PrintBoss Home Directory containing all the forms and tables.

Though the PB50 driver is 64 bit compatible and works with all current Windows operating systems, it requires a Spool folder and a Transfer folder to receive, rename, and send the data file to the PrintBoss application. Users must have Full Control of the PrintBoss Home Directory as well as the spool and transfer folder locations.
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email submissions
Administrator
Posts: 173


11/8/2012
email submissions
Administrator
Posts: 173
Sent: Thursday, November 08, 2012 11:07 AM
To: PrintBoss Support
Subject: RE: Request for information

Thank you for the information.

When you mention “Datatel is always a custom installation as it is highly customizable…”, you are referring to Datatel as being highly customizable, correct?

I noticed there is a Free Trial available on the site. How large of an effort is it to install and configure PrintBoss to work with Datatel Colleague? (Minutes, hours, days?)

You also mention that PrintBoss is self-contained. How does PrintBoss actually work? Does it take a HOLD file (an ascii file) and re-format it and then send it to the printer, or does it capture a data stream?

Thank you very much for your assistance!
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Nancy
Administrator
Posts: 765


11/8/2012
Nancy
Administrator
Posts: 765
Thank you for your email. While an interface with Datatel is not part of our standard distribution, we do have several clients that have purchased a custom interface. Datatel itself is highly customizable and no two colleges seem to use the same setup so it is hard for us to standardize an interface. We are happy to work with you to determine your needs and provide a quote.

In answer to your questions:

· PrintBoss can be setup to work with any of the Datatel modules. We have one college that uses it to print their invoices, though most just use PrintBoss to print AP checks.

· We recommend PrintBoss be installed on a server to share data (primarily bank records) and forms across all users. The physical requirements are minimal as PrintBoss is self-contained. It does NOT use SQL or other database software.

· Any HP compatible printer (though it does not need to be an HP printer) will work with PrintBoss. You will want to verify whether your bank requires MICR toner to be used on your checks. We mention this as MICR toner is not made for all printer models.

· There are 2 editions of PrintBoss that work with Datatel. The edition you choose will depend on the features you need. Our Annual Service Contract is only $100 annually for either edition and includes technical support during our normal business hours as well as updates:

o Standard - $495
o Enterprise - $795

The following is a link to review the differences between Standard and Enterprise: Software Product Information

Please contact us with any further questions or if you would like to schedule a call to discuss your needs.
edited by Nancy on 11/8/2012
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email submissions
Administrator
Posts: 173


11/8/2012
email submissions
Administrator
Posts: 173
Sent: Tuesday, November 06, 2012 10:21 AM
To: Sales@wellspringsoftware.com
Subject: Request for information

Greetings,
... We are a Community College in California and we use the Datatel (Ellucian)Colleague system (HP UX and Unidata).

We need to migrate away from our current pen/impact printer for printing our AP and Payroll checks, to a laser printer. I have read that other colleges are using Print Boss to handle printing to blank check stock from Datatel.

Does your product work with Datatel Colleague (AP and Payroll)?
What are the software requirements (dedicated server, resources, etc.)?
Are there recommended/required printers for your product?
What is the cost of the software, maintenance, support?
Is there someone on your staff that is familiar with the Datatel (Ellucian) products?

We appreciate you assistance during our investigation into alternatives.
edited by email submissions on 11/8/2012
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