Information Director (ID) includes Microsoft VB scripting as well as a wide assortment of built in routines that allow the quick setup of macro’s to support new software implementations, perform system maintenance, and set up special functions for users. It can access up to 6 databases both local and remote simultaneously and thus be used for database transfers and other special functions. 

ID Subroutines - a growing list of routines is available from VB scripts created in ID -- these include:

• MS Excel - A wide variety of routines are available to integrate ID with Excel both in reading and writing to Excel from up to 6 databases simultaneously.

• Document Control - Set of routines that allow the electronic control of documents.  A standard set of macros is included that client can use as a basis for their own system.

• Database  - set of routines to access any one of 6 databases linked to ID.

• Text files - routines that read / write to text files directly from script macros.

• Email - routines to send single emails from script or group emails from lists maintained in a database.

• Launch 3rd party applications using a built in "shell" command.

• MS Access, MS Project - access other Microsoft application "objects" from within ID scripts.

• Legacy Databases - ID includes routines that allow integrated access to 16 bit Pervasive databases used by old versions of Microsoft Solomon and Great Plains business systems. Saros will work with you to develop interfaces to other legacy databases you may need interactive access to.

ID Applications - ID is quite flexible and can be used for a wide variety of uses.  Some examples are:

• Data conversion - ID's ability to connect to a wide variety of data sources make it ideal for including "intelligence" in converting data from spreadsheets and old databases to be compatible with new Saros and 3rd party applications. For example we were able to create ID macros to read inventory information a client had stored in Excel in a number of formats into inventory master and material kit data for a new Saros Process Director system saving many hours of client entry time.   ID macros are also useful for setting up new numbering schemes for things like customer and inventory identifiers.

• Electronic Data Interchange - We have used ID macros to interpret incoming electronic data and upload information to create needed order information.

• Create labels - Label formats can be setup in Excel and then populated by ID macros which map data (text and barcodes) to the templates.

• Automated emailing - Emails can be triggered from ID macros automatically.  For example when ship input is completed a confirming email is automatically sent to the client.

• Electronic approval - ID for document control includes standard routines that can be used to set up distribution lists and organize approvals for key personnel electronically reducing both time and paper consumption.

• Document Control system - integrated with electronic approval this provides a comprehensive system that reduces clerical time, improves security and assures that every one is working to the latest revision.

• Tailorable special functions - ID is designed in components that can be included and accessed from other Saros and 3rd party applications.  This allows adding special functions without expensive revisions to production code and simplifies the creation of custom code based systems.

• Database utilities - ID Macros can be organized and secured within ID for archiving, backup, and other ongoing maintenance functions.