Deacom 17.03 Release Notes

Please reference the DEACOM suggested update path prior to installing DEACOM updates.

Accounting

  • 3 Delta Credit Card Processor Removed - Beginning in version 17.03.004, the 3 Delta Credit Card Processer is removed as an option in the Deacom application. This is a result of the 3 Delta company no longer processing cards after 2023.
  • Commerce Suite AP Integration - We have successfully integrated the Nuvei Commerce Suite with Deacom, enabling seamless synchronization of vendors, invoices, and payments. This integration includes enhancements such as monitoring relevant tables and adding new fields to various grids to support the Commerce Suite functionality. A new 'Send to Commerce Suite' checkbox has been introduced in the Cash3Add form, which becomes active when Commerce Suite is enabled. Additionally, we've updated the external sync code to allow for on-demand actions, providing flexibility in retrieving information without full synchronization. A new external system sync feature has been developed to synchronize vendors, vendor groups, invoices, and payments, and it also supports on-demand functions for invoice and payment status retrieval. This update ensures that all relevant data syncs efficiently with the Commerce Suite, enhancing operational workflows. Additional information is available via Commerce Suite AP Setup.
  • Additional Commerce Suite Enhancements and Fixes
    • Enhanced the way Commerce Suite credentials are handled when saving an API profile. Now, whenever you add credentials for the Commerce Suite, the system will automatically check their validity. If the credentials are correct, the process will complete silently without any notifications. However, if there is an issue with authentication, a prompt will alert you to the problem, allowing you to address it immediately.
    • Enhanced the integration between the Commerce Suite and Deacom by adding the Vendor's Default Payment Method as optional columns in several grids, including Vendor, Vendor Group, Check Run, and Manual Checks. This allows users to view and update payment methods directly from the Commerce Suite, ensuring accurate and synchronized information across both platforms. Additionally, a prior issue with Vendor Groups has been addressed, improving the reliability of data synchronization.
    • Improved the synchronization process between Deacom and Commerce Suite when handling payments. Now, when a payment is created in Deacom, it is immediately synced with Commerce Suite, bypassing the usual sync process. If a payment fails to transmit correctly, a prompt will notify users and ask if they wish to proceed. Successful payments will continue as expected, with their status visible in Deacom where applicable.
    • Improved the payment creation process in the Commerce Suite to address issues with payment dates. Previously, when users set a payment date for today or earlier, the system would automatically schedule the payout date for the following day. Now, when creating a payment, users will receive a prompt informing them that the payout date will be set for tomorrow if the payment date is backdated or set for today. This allows users to either proceed with the scheduled payout or cancel the transaction.
    • The process for the Commerce Suite external program has been enhanced. Previously, each customer or project needed to independently build and install the external sync program, leading to increased overhead and delays. Now, these external sync programs are automatically included in the Deacom system update. The Deacom Updater checks for FTP access and copies the necessary files to the addins folder, ensuring seamless integration.

eCommerce

  • Adding BOGO items to cart- BOGO promotions will not be duplicated in the cart if the cart page is refreshed. BOGO promotions always reflect their appropriate quantity whenever the user visits their cart.

Inventory

  • Inventory Adjustments - Posting Reference Visibility - A new column, 'Postref' has been added to the Inventory Adjustments report. This change ensures that users can view the 'Postref' value for each transaction enhancing the report's utility and accuracy.
  • Part History Report - Reserved Inventory Now Visible - The part history report previously only displayed inventory-related transactions excluding those marked as 'sal-reserv'. This exclusion was not intentional and has been corrected to ensure that all relevant transaction types including 'sal-reserv' are now included in the part history report.
  • Time-Phased MRP - Custom User Grids - Improved custom user grids options in Time-Phased MRP. Previously buttons such as 'Edit Part' 'View Blankets' 'View Requirements' 'View Vendors' and 'Availability' did not open their respective forms. These buttons are now visible across both default and custom grid layouts.

Production

  • Linked Sales Orders Enhancements - The process of job creation and management linked to Sales Orders has been enhanced to prevent unnecessary job duplication. Previously modifying a Sales Order could inadvertently trigger the creation of a new job even when production was complete and the job was closed. The updated system now considers all jobs associated with a Sales Order including closed ones and adjusts its behavior based on the status of these jobs. If there is only one open job it will proceed normally while a prompt will inform users of any closed jobs. If all jobs are closed the system will list them without creating a new job. Additionally when a job is canceled the 'Create Line Job' flag is reset to prevent automatic job creation ensuring that a new job is only generated if the flag is manually rechecked.

Purchasing

  • Un-Invoice/Un-Receive Purchase Orders in One Step - The "Un-Invoice/Un-Receive" button, available on the Receiving Pre-Filter and Invoicing Pre-Filter, allows users with the appropriate security to perform both actions in one step.

Quality Events

  • The Quality Events feature was added to enable customers to track and document product non-conformances, and any corrective or preventative actions related to them, including:
    • Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA)
    • Customer complaints
    • Supplier issues
    • Safety incidents.

With configurable forms, linked records (for example, linking to sales orders or vendors), and reporting tools, Quality Events provide end-to-end traceability to improve compliance, accountability, and continuous improvement.

See Using Quality Events Reporting for additional details.

Note: A license for the Deacom Essentials Quality Control module is required to use this feature.

Sales

  • Templates - Email and Templates - Letter - These transactions have been removed from the Sales > Maintenance menu as they are the same forms in the CRM > Maintenance area.
  • API Profiles (FedEx, UPS, EasyPost) - The API Profiles form consolidates the previous API fields and function for FedEx, UPS, and EasyPost available in Sales > Options and Inventory > Maintenance > Facilities. The form also allows the addition of API profiles besides just these three, including QuickBooks Online and the USPS. The corresponding FedEx, EasyPost, and UPS fields (FedEx Account, FedEx Password, FedEx Auth Key, FedEx Meter Num, FedEx Ship Acct, UPS Username, Transact In FedEx Test Mode, UPS Password, UPS Access Key, UPS Ship Number, Transact In UPS Test Mode, EasyPost API Key, Use Facility FedEx Credentials, Use Facility UPS Credentials) fields are removed from these areas since they now reside on the API Profiles form. A dxpop program (update program) is included in the 17.03 update process and will automatically add API Profiles in cases where companies have existing values in these fields.
  • Facilities - Validate Address Button - In this update, we've enhanced the address validation process for facilities. A new 'Validate Address' button has been added to the facility address form, functioning similarly to the existing buttons on billing and shipping address forms. When automatic address validation is enabled, saving a facility will now trigger address validation if it hasn't been validated yet. Additionally, a date field labeled 'Address Validated' has been included to indicate when the address was last validated, which will clear if the address is modified. These changes ensure consistency and reliability across different address forms.
  • Un-Invoice/Un-Ship Sales Orders in One Step - The "Un-Invoice/Un-Ship" button, available on the Shipping Pre-Filter and Invoicing Pre-Filter, allows users with the appropriate security to perform both actions in one step.
  • Lot Notes - Retain On Inter-Company Transfer - The system has been updated to ensure that lot notes are retained during the shipping and receiving process of inter-company transfers. This enhancement allows users to maintain the notes associated with lots, providing better traceability and information continuity.
  • Sales Order Engineering - EHX Files - The Sales Order Importing Feature can now process EHX files. To support this, the import function has been modified to search for and utilize a 'Grandfather' element which is a label found up to five levels higher in the hierarchy.
  • Sales Order - Icon Visibility - The issue with the visibility and consistency of icons in the sales order interface has been improved. Previously the close minimize-maximize and pin icons were difficult to see as they appeared gray and turned white upon hovering unlike other icons that were white and turned orange. To enhance user experience and maintain uniformity across the interface these icons have been updated. They will now appear white by default change to orange when hovered over and turn light gray when pressed. This update applies specifically to the default theme ensuring that the icons are easily visible and consistent with the rest of the interface.

System

  • Deacom Setup Wizard - Version 17.03 introduces a new setup interface, the Deacom Setup Wizard. This will install, or modify, base Deacom, and the appropriate services (Web service, IIS adapter, and Automation service). Multiple system updates are also now possible if they reside under the same root directory.
  • Deacom Default User - The installation process has been changed to still add the Startup user but deactivated. Deacom Default User is prompted to change password on first login and is created with the same securities as Startup. This will act as a failsafe to still allow entry into the system in case the following user credentials are lost. Extracting the installer first before running the command with parameters is no longer needed. Multiple system updates are now possible if they reside under the same root directory. Going into the database to approve a whitelist is no longer necessary.
  • Printing Lists - Issue with printers not appearing when attempting to print in Deacom has been improved. Initially all printers would display correctly but subsequent attempts would show no available printers requiring multiple attempts to select the correct printer. This issue was resolved by improving how long printer lists are handled. The web server now correctly reassembles printer lists split across multiple network packets and if a connection is closed it will automatically reopen during the next attempt. Additionally the system's connection methods were updated to modern standards enhancing error-handling and ensuring a more reliable printing experience.
  • Cloud Local Port INI Entry - A new line, "CLOUDLOCALPORT", has been added to the Deacom INI file. The default value is 1091. This is used to connect Deacom Cloud Local Service with the Web Service/Console and Automation Service. Automatically added to the .INI file during install/upgrade.
  • Commerce Suite AP - API Profile Save - We have improved the way Commerce Suite credentials are handled when saving an API profile. Now, whenever you add credentials for the Commerce Suite, the system will automatically check their validity. If the credentials are correct, the process will complete silently without any notifications. However, if there is an issue with authentication, a prompt will alert you to the problem, allowing you to address it immediately. This enhancement ensures that any errors in credential entry are caught early, providing a smoother and more reliable setup process.
  • OAuth2 Authentication Changes - Wwe've streamlined the email sending process by enhancing the system's handling of authentication types. For users who select OAuth2 as their Outlook authentication method, the system now automatically disables the email username and password fields (via File > Email Settings on the main screen), as these are no longer necessary. The email address specified in the settings will be used for sending emails instead of a username. This change simplifies the setup and reduces potential confusion, ensuring a smoother experience when configuring email settings. These improvements are part of our ongoing efforts to make email management more intuitive and efficient.
  • DEACOMAPISERVERLOCATION INI Entry - The integration of the Deacom API Server into the main application installer has been completed. This update ensures that when the main application is updated, the API Server will also be updated seamlessly. The API Server installation location is now recorded in the configuration file, allowing for better management of updates. Additionally, the installation process has been streamlined by removing the separate installer for the API Server, making it easier for users to install and update the service. Testing has confirmed that the values entered during installation are retained during subsequent updates. See Deacom ini file for additional information.
  • Email Passwords with OAuth2 Authentication - We've streamlined the email sending process by enhancing the system's handling of authentication types. For users who select OAuth2 as their Outlook authentication method, the system now automatically disables the email username and password fields, as these are no longer necessary. The email address specified in the settings will be used for sending emails instead of a username. This change simplifies the setup and reduces potential confusion, ensuring a smoother experience when configuring email settings. These improvements are part of our ongoing efforts to make email management more intuitive and efficient.
  • Limit the size of the doc database - Changes made to the "Archive" field on the Printing Defaults form include "None" being set as the default, and the option "All" is now licensed for Enterprise. Created a "Doc Retain Days" field in System Options and added functionality to remove old records from non-enterprise users based on this field.
  • Logging Deacom Cloud Connections - The system will add logging to the cloud local connection management in the Deacom Web Service. Every hour, each active cloud local connection's client IP, client port, and available printers will be written to the Windows Event Log under the source "Deacom Web Service"
  • Tax API Credentials Moved to API Profiles - The Tax API Credentials, previously located in Sales > Options and Inventory > Maintenance > Facilities, have been moved to the API Profiles form via System > Maintenance.
  • Pendo Resource Center - A new icon, "Pendo resource Center", represented by a "I" has been added on the top right menu next to the Zoom Control Button.
  • Enhanced Encrypted Connections - A new method was added to support encrypted SQL connections, enhancing the system's overall functionality. Additionally, we upgraded a key component to the latest version, ensuring optimal performance and compatibility. These changes are part of our ongoing efforts to provide secure and reliable updates to our systems.
  • Report Types - Improved Stability - In previous updates custom Report Types in the system were inadvertently reverting to default settings causing user-defined report types to change back to base Deacom types after an update. Now when users modify a report type such as changing it to Other" it will remain unchanged through subsequent updates maintaining the user's settings consistently."
  • Sync Report - Externals - A new “Sync” report, has been added to the “History/Performance” form. This report allows the user to view all logged information from externals which perform external sync behaviors. Other History/Performance reports no longer display these external sync records in the results.
  • Deacom Public API Endpoints
    • A new API endpoint has been introduced to enhance the CRM system's functionality by allowing users to search and filter contact information more effectively. This endpoint, named "crm/contact/search," provides a comprehensive view of contacts, including detailed foreign key data when using the verbose option. Users can now easily search for specific contacts based on various criteria such as company name, contact person's name, address, and phone number. This development improves the accessibility and management of contact information within the system, facilitating streamlined operations for users.
    • New API endpoints have been developed to manage Vendor Items and their associated Vendor Prices. These endpoints allow users to create, update, and search for Vendor Items efficiently. Enhancements include improved error handling and clearer error messages when required parameters are missing. The system now returns a 400 error for invalid inputs instead of a 200 success response, ensuring better data validation. Additionally, the Swagger documentation has been updated to clearly mark required parameters, aiding users in making accurate API requests. The update also allows Vendor Items to be reassigned to different Vendors while maintaining restrictions on changing the associated Item Master.
  • Save and Close Forms Simultaneously - The "Save Button" field has been added to the Company tab in System > Options as well as the Edit Element form in the Scripting area. The field controls how the "Save" button works when clicked on forms throughout the system. A save can be initiated via a mouse click, keyboard shortcut, or script execution. Options are:
    • Save - default. Information entered on the form is saved in the system.
    • Save and Close - Information entered on the form is saved and form will be closed. Note that all securities related to the fields/form are validated. If a security or prompt prevents the save, the form will not be closed.
  • Evolution X API Profile - A new API Provider (eCommerce) and API Type (Evolution X) have been added to API Profiles.
  • Access Deacom Restart - A new field, "Access Deacom Restart", was added to the Edit User form. If checked, the user will have access to restart the Deacom Web Services.
  • API Profile Form Changes - The "API Profiles" form via System > Maintenance > API Profiles has been changed to allow for more generic use of API Profiles and the addition on new profiles for Deacom. The form was original added in version 17.03, but was further refined in version 17.03.006.
    • The biggest changes were the renaming of the "API Type" field to "API Category" and the "Provider" field to "API Type". These fields were also changed to searchboxes with predefined values. A dxpop program will be run when updating to version 17.03.006 to automatically handle these changes and migrate API Profile date from the old text fields to the new searchbox fields.
    • On the External System Monitoring tab, the "Sync Schedule" field may now be edited if the "Action" field on the same form is checked. This field can be used even if the "System" field on the General tab is checked and will enable customers to modify their own schedule times, rather than relying on Pop calls / Queries.

Tools

  • Upload Files for use with External Programs - A new button, "Upload File", has been added to the Externals form via Tools > Externals. The option allows users to select and import a file (such as dlls) to the "Addins" folder within the main Deacom application folder. This means that files will not have to be copied manually which may require additional copy privilege's for users.
  • Exception List Display and Export for Import Data - Users will now be prompted with an option to show any exceptions (if applicable) and if desired, export the list to Excel and save locally when using Tools > Import Data. The user prompt is "Do you want to see Exceptions now?"
  • Validate Data Profiles - A new button, "Validate Profile", had been added via Tools > Import Data. If checked, this will perform a check on the data import profile to ensure that for any field on the profile, if it's related to another database field, that a valid record exists. For example: validate that to_biid exists as dmbill.bi_id in the Bill To table.
  • Map Profile - Import Data - A new button, "Map Profile", has been added via Tools > Import Data. When this button is clicked, Sources are loaded and if any column names match Deacom table names the Profile is built automatically using those Fields. Mapping also occurs automatically when a new profile is created using the Source Type of Excel Upload and no Destination has been chosen yet.
  • Import Data - Database Field Length - The length of the Database field on the Edit Source form via Tools > Import Data has been increased from 30 to 60 characters.