Distributing ExpressRequest

Distributing ExpressRequest

What is ExpressRequest
If you have purchased a copy of ExpressRequest, you can provide users with a short cut to ExpressRequest.exe. This program allows non-maintenance users to enter maintenance requests in a simple easy to use screen or via an internet web page. Users do not necessarily have to know the unit name or proper service to provide. They can simply enter a description of the equipment and service needed or problem. A separate help file system is included with ExpressMaintenance.

ExpressRequest Defaults
There are a few defaults settings for ExpressRequest which are located in ExpressMaintenance. You can access these settings under Administration / Defaults / ExpressRequest Defaults. See that section of the help for more details.

Distributing ExpressRequest
Like ExpressMaintenance, you do not actually distribute ExpressRequest. You create shortcuts to the application. However, ExpressRequest is handled slightly different from ExpressMaintenance. ExpressRequest uses an ini file for its settings including the Server and Database names. The ini file is stored on the client workstation in the Windows folder. However, the first time the program is executed, the ini file does not exist. Therefore, the program looks in the folder of the executable program for the ini file and copies it to the client workstation. It is not necessary to pass parameters in the shortcut with ExpressRequest. Instead, follow the steps outlined below:

1. Server Setup

1.	Install and make sure ExpressMaintenance runs properly.

2.	Install and make sure ExpressMaintenance runs properly.

3.	Click on the Setup button and set the values as desired.

4.	Leave the Requester Name blank.

5.	Save the setup savings for ExpressRequest.

6.	Exit ExpressRequest.

7.	Look in your Windows folder on the server for the "ExpressRequest.ini" file.

8.	Copy the "ExpressRequest.ini" file to the \ExpressTech folder.

9.	Make sure the \ExpressTech folder contains the following three files:

ExpressRequest.exe

ExpressRequest.hlp

ExpressRequest.ini

2. Client Workstation Setup

1.	Go to the client workstation

2.	Use the windows explorer to locate the server drive and the \ExpressTech folder.

3.	Right click on the ExpressRequest.exe file and click copy.

4.	Right click on the client workstation desktop and click Past Shortcut.

5.	Run ExpressRequest from the shortcut.

Using A Web Interface
Because ExpressMaintenance and ExpressRequest are based on Microsoft SQL Server as the database engine, you can also allow users to input requests via a web page. This can be setup on your own WAN or via the internet. The SQL Server computer must be on the network. Sample files are included in the installation for your reference (eRequests.asp, eRequestsOk.asp, eRequestsErr.asp).

ExpressRequest Help File
As mentioned above in step 9, make sure the ExpressRequest.hlp file is located in the same folder with ExpressRequest.exe. This will insure users can run the help file from within the ExpressRequest application. The ExpressRequest uses the standard windows help system rather than the HTML help system (used by ExpressMaintenance). The standard windows help is more likely to be available on every computer. The HTML help system is more powerful and more compact. However, it is not necessary with this small application.

For the most current information, check the Technical Bulletins (FAQ) at our web site at: http://www.expresstechnology.com/TechBulletins/BulletinIndex.htm.