Navigating Solar Eclipse
Release 8.7.2
Legal Notices
© 2011 Epicor Software Corporation. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction is a violation of
applicable laws. Epicor and the Epicor logo are registered trademarks and/or registered service marks of
Epicor Software Corporation in the United States and other countries. Epicor Eclipse is a trademark
and/or service mark of Epicor Software Corporation. All other trademarks or service marks are the
property of their respective owners and should be treated as such.
Epicor ® Eclipse™ 8.7.2 Online Help System
This online help system, as well as the software described in it, is provided under license and may be used
only in accordance with the terms of the license. The content provided is for informational use only and is
subject to change without notice. Epicor Software Corporation assumes no responsibility or liability for
any errors or inaccuracies that may be included in this documentation.
Publication Date: September 16, 2011
Table Of Contents
Solar Navigation Overview........................................................................................................................... 1
Network Connectivity............................................................................................................................... 1
Accessing Solar Eclipse Help ....................................................................................................................... 2
What the Help System Includes................................................................................................................ 2
Using the Help System ............................................................................................................................. 2
Logging in to Solar Eclipse........................................................................................................................... 3
Viewing and Logging Out of Multiple Solar Eclipse Sessions..................................................................... 5
Displaying the Solar Eclipse Main Menu Bar .............................................................................................. 6
Setting Solar Eclipse to Always Display On Top ......................................................................................... 7
Solar Eclipse Function Guidelines ................................................................................................................ 8
Comparing Windows and Screens ............................................................................................................ 8
Keyboard and Mouse Functions ............................................................................................................... 8
About Solar's Added Features .................................................................................................................. 9
Tasks Not Available in Solar ...................................................................................................................... 10
Window Details .......................................................................................................................................... 11
Saving Changes and Closing Windows ...................................................................................................... 12
Saving Changes ...................................................................................................................................... 12
Saving Changes in Secondary Windows ............................................................................................ 12
Closing Windows ................................................................................................................................... 12
Opening Windows ...................................................................................................................................... 14
Searching for Menus ................................................................................................................................... 15
Using New Wizards .................................................................................................................................... 17
Customizing Font Styles and Sizes ............................................................................................................. 18
Providing Information About Error Messages ............................................................................................ 19
Working with Toolbar Templates ............................................................................................................... 20
Customizing Toolbars ................................................................................................................................. 24
Keyboard Navigation Details ...................................................................................................................... 27
Keyboard Data Entry Details ...................................................................................................................... 28
Keyboard Window Display Details ............................................................................................................ 30
Data Entry Overview .................................................................................................................................. 31
Entering Required Data .......................................................................................................................... 31
Entering Validated Data ......................................................................................................................... 31
Entering Data Using Field-Specific Buttons .......................................................................................... 31
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Navigating Solar Eclipse
Entering Data in a Calculator Field ........................................................................................................ 31
Typing Data ............................................................................................................................................ 32
Field Rules and Details ............................................................................................................................... 33
Quick Filters ........................................................................................................................................... 33
Copying Text in View-Only Fields ........................................................................................................ 33
Special Function Fields .......................................................................................................................... 34
Full Screen Editing ................................................................................................................................. 34
Branch and Territory Field Guidelines ....................................................................................................... 35
How Territories Work on Reports .......................................................................................................... 35
Accessing Recently Used Records .............................................................................................................. 36
Entering Branches or Territories ................................................................................................................. 37
Entering Dates ............................................................................................................................................. 38
Using Variable Dating ................................................................................................................................ 39
Field-Specific List Button Guidelines......................................................................................................... 41
Entering Multiple Values in Fields ............................................................................................................. 42
System Searches Overview ......................................................................................................................... 43
Searching with Words and Numbers ...................................................................................................... 43
Searching with Special Characters ..................................................................................................... 43
Additional Search Tips ........................................................................................................................... 44
Conducting Global System Searches .......................................................................................................... 45
Turning Off the Auto-Complete Function .............................................................................................. 45
Hiding the Global Search Field .............................................................................................................. 46
Searching for Customers or Vendors .......................................................................................................... 47
Searching for Products ................................................................................................................................ 48
Searching for Invoices in A/P Entry ........................................................................................................... 50
Searching for Transactions ......................................................................................................................... 51
Using Last Search and Document Recall .................................................................................................... 52
Last Search Function .............................................................................................................................. 52
Recall Document Function ..................................................................................................................... 52
Searching for Menus ................................................................................................................................... 53
Limiting Records Returned in Queues ........................................................................................................ 55
Tables Overview ......................................................................................................................................... 56
Formatting Tables ................................................................................................................................... 56
Working with Table Data ....................................................................................................................... 56
Table Color Guidelines ............................................................................................................................... 57
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Table Of Contents
System-Wide Uses of Color ................................................................................................................... 57
Using Colors to Group and Prioritize Items ........................................................................................... 57
Working with Table Columns ..................................................................................................................... 58
Enabling the Horizontal Scrollbar for Tables ............................................................................................. 60
Entering and Editing Table Data................................................................................................................. 61
About Table Cells ................................................................................................................................... 61
Navigating Within Tables ....................................................................................................................... 61
Searching for Data Within Tables .......................................................................................................... 61
Entering and Editing Data Within Tables ............................................................................................... 62
Exporting Table Data .................................................................................................................................. 63
Viewing the Clock and Calendar ................................................................................................................ 65
Index ........................................................................................................................................................... 67
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Solar Navigation Overview
Solar Eclipse is the graphical user interface (GUI) version of Eclipse. Both versions of the program offer
the same core functionality and access the same data from your database.
The topics in this area of the help system explain some of the basic features and functions of Solar
Eclipse, such as:
• Using Solar Eclipse in conjunction with the character-based Eclipse system.
• Working with windows, menus, and toolbars.
• Using your keyboard in Solar Eclipse.
• Entering data in fields.
• Searching the system for customers, vendors, products, and transactions.
• Working with tables.
Network Connectivity
When working with Solar Eclipse, the system behaves in the following manner when it encounters issues
with the network connection:
• If there is a networking problem, the system notifies users through the message bar.
• When a networking error occurs, the system retries the operation. If the network outage is
temporary, the operation will be successful upon retry.
• Check your message bar frequently and keep it visible to keep an eye on the health of the network
connection.
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Accessing Solar Eclipse Help
Online help is available for each system window. To access help from a specific screen, press F1.
You can also access help by pressing F11, as you do in the character-based system.
What the Help System Includes
The Solar Eclipse help system provides:
• Overviews that provide basic information about the different areas of the application.
• Step-by-step instructions for completing system tasks.
• Information for troubleshooting, tips, and maintenance requirements.
• Reference topics that discuss how the system works or calculates information.
• Visual flowcharts that show you certain processes. You can click on steps to get to more
information or detailed instructions.
Using the Help System
For complete information on using the help system, see the help homepage. From the Solar Eclipse main
menu bar, click the Help menu option and select Help Homepage.
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Navigating Solar Eclipse
Logging in to Solar Eclipse
Your system administrator sets up your user name and initial password. You are prompted to change your
password the first time you log in to the system, and you can later change your password at any time.
You can also log in at another user's terminal using your user name. This function is helpful when you are
far away from your own terminal and need to use the system.
Note: Your system password is associated with your user profile, which determines
which system screens you can access. Typically, this access only allows you to
access the screens you need to complete your job functions. Many other features
are controlled by the authorization assigned to your system password.
To log into the system:
1. Launch Solar Eclipse by double-clicking the desktop icon, or by selecting it from the Program
Files menu.
2. In the User Name field, enter your user name. This field is case-sensitive.
3. In the Password field, enter your password. This field is case-sensitive.
4. Click OK, or press Enter.
Note: Your password identifies you to the system, which then uses the information stored
in your User File to determine your access to menus and printers. It also
determines your security and authorization levels.
If you are logged in to other instances of Solar Eclipse, the My Logged In Sessions window
displays and lists the sessions you are currently logged in to. For information about logging out of
multiple Solar Eclipse sessions, see Viewing and Logging Out of Multiple Solar Eclipse Sessions.
5. The following prompts may display depending on your setup in User Maintenance:
Prompt
Description
Do you want to clock in?
Indicate if you want to clock in and track your time on the system.
Select a Location
If you are authorized to log in to different locations, select the location
from which you want to work for this session.
Select a Printer
If there is not a default printer identified for plain paper use, the
system prompts you to select an appropriate printer. A plain paper
printer must be selected for your session in order to print reports,
forms, and other documents.
To change your password:
1. From the System menu, select Change Password to display the Change Password window.
2. In the Current Password field, enter your current password.
3. In the New Password field, enter your new password.
4. In the Verify Password field, re-enter your password exactly as you entered it in the New
Password field.
5. Click OK to save your changes and close the window.
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Note: You can also see your System Administrator to change your password.
To sign on as a new user:
1. From the File menu, select New User.
2. At the clock-out prompt, enter one of the following:
• Y - Logs and clocks the current user out of the system.
• N - Logs the current user out of the system without clocking that user out.
3. If you have access to more than one account, select the account you want to log into in the Logon
Accounts screen and press Enter.
4. In the User Name field, enter your user name.
5. In the Password field, enter your password.
6. Click OK, or press Enter.
To log into Eterm from Solar:
1. From the File menu on the main menu bar, select Start Eterm. The Eterm Log-on window
displays.
2. The system populates the User Name field and the System Password field, based on your input
when you logged into Solar. If these fields are blank, log into Solar using the same information as
you would logging into Eclipse.
3. Click OK. The Eclipse screen displays.
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Navigating Solar Eclipse
Viewing and Logging Out of Multiple Solar Eclipse Sessions
Each user has the ability to log in to multiple instances of Solar Eclipse. For example, you might log in to
Solar Eclipse on two computers based on the tasks you are completing and your proximity to a computer
terminal in the warehouse. Logging in to multiple sessions can take up licenses that are required for other
users to log in. Also, if you leave an order open in one logged in session, another user cannot access the
order for editing.
You can only log in to multiple instances of Solar Eclipse on multiple computers, or using different user
name and password combinations on the same computer. If you attempt to log in multiple times to the
same IP address with the same user ID and password, the system automatically closes your previous
session.
To log out of your Solar Eclipse sessions:
1. From the File menu, select My Logged In Sessions to display the My Logged In Sessions
window.
This window lists all the sessions you are currently logged in to, including the log in time, the
computer name, IP address, and terminal ID of the computer that is running the session, and
whether that session contains any locked orders.
This window also displays when you log in to Solar Eclipse if you are already logged in on the
same computer, or another computer in your network.
2. Select the check box in the Log Out field next to the sessions from which you would like to log
out.
You cannot log out of the session from which you accessed the window.
3. Click Log Out Selection Sessions to log yourself out of the sessions you selected, or click Done
to close the window without logging out.
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Displaying the Solar Eclipse Main Menu Bar
The Solar Eclipse main menu bar displays when you log in to the application.
You can resize the main window, if needed, to fit your monitor viewing area based on your needs. For
example, if you have several widgets that automatically display, you may want to enlarge your main
window to view the widgets without scrolling. After you have resized the window, the system saves your
setting for the next time you login.
As you work in the application, the windows you have open can display on top of the menu bar, possibly
hiding it from view. However, you can return to the menu bar without having to close or move the
windows you have open.
To display the Solar Eclipse main menu bar:
1. Display any window in Solar Eclipse.
2. From the User Tools menu, select Solar Eclipse Main Window.
The menu bar displays in front of any other Solar Eclipse windows that you have open.
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Navigating Solar Eclipse
Setting Solar Eclipse to Always Display On Top
Setting the Solar Eclipse main menu bar to always be on top displays it in front of any other open
windows on your computer's desktop, including any other open Solar Eclipse windows. If you are using
the global Solar Eclipse search or the Quick Sales Order Entry widget, set the main menu bar to always
display on top so you can use the keyboard shortcuts to access those functions.
To set Solar Eclipse to always display on top:
1. From the File menu, select Preferences to display the Preferences window.
2. Click the Advanced tab.
3. Select the Make Solar Main Window Always On Top check box and click OK.
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Solar Eclipse Function Guidelines
Solar Eclipse is the graphical user interface (GUI) version of character-based Eclipse. Both versions of
the program offer the same core functionality and access the same data simultaneously. Some users can
access the system via Solar Eclipse, while others access the system via Eclipse.
Like the character-based Eclipse system, Solar Eclipse offers real-time processing and dynamically
generated search results. Solar Eclipse, however, offers the extra advantages of a Windows-based
interface.
Comparing Windows and Screens
In the character-based system, you select menu options by pressing a function key and then pressing the
highlighted letter for the desired menu option. The screen displays and remains active until you press Esc
to save and exit, or until you open a separate screen using another function key. You can only view one
screen at a time, and you must press Esc to back all the way out of any given screen.
In Solar Eclipse, you select menu options by clicking on the main menu option and then clicking on the
desired menu option. For each menu option, a new window opens. You close the window by clicking the
Close (X) button in the upper-right corner, or by selecting Exit from the File menu. Depending on the
resolution setting of your monitor, you can view more than one window at once. However, only one
window is active at a time.
Keyboard and Mouse Functions
This section describes the main keyboard and mouse differences between the two systems. For each task
listed, the most common method for each system is given. Both systems offer more than one way to
complete most tasks.
Note: Keystrokes that include the word "and" must be pressed at the same time.
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Task
How you do it in Eclipse
How you do it in Solar Eclipse
Open a menu.
Press a function key and then
press the hot key for the menu
option.
Click a main menu option, and then
click a menu item from the list that
displays.
Maximize the application to fullscreen size.
Press Alt and Enter.
Click the Maximize button in the
top-right corner of the Solar
window.
Save your changes and exit the
screen.
Press Esc.
From the File menu, select Save.
From the File menu, select Exit.
Move to the top of the field,
selection window, or paragraph
you are in.
Press Shift and Home.
Press Ctrl and Home.
Move to the end of the field,
selection window, or paragraph
you are in.
Press Shift and End.
Press Ctrl and End.
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Navigating Solar Eclipse
Task
How you do it in Eclipse
How you do it in Solar Eclipse
Recall the default value of the
field you are in, as long as you
have not advanced to another
field.
Press Ctrl and R.
Press Ctrl and Z.
About Solar's Added Features
In addition to the features that systems share, Solar Eclipse offers the following additional features:
• Full mouse navigation.
• Drag-and-drop capability with most Windows applications.
• Quick sorting capabilities for easy data analysis.
• Customizable toolbars and tables.
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Tasks Not Available in Solar
Some functions of the character-based Eclipse system are not yet available in Solar Eclipse. When you
access a non-Solar function, Eclipse comes to the foreground on your screen. If you are not currently
logged in, you might be prompted to log into Eclipse.
Once you have completed the task in Eclipse, press Esc to save your changes and exit character-based
Eclipse. Solar Eclipse again comes to the foreground.
Note: When you must complete a task in Eclipse, user help for that task is available in
the character-based Eclipse Help, as well as in Solar Eclipse help system.
If you are in Solar and you want to log into Eclipse, from the File menu on the main menu bar, select
Start Eterm. The User Name field and the System Password field should already be populated, based
on your input when you logged into Solar. If these fields are blank, log into Solar using the same
information as you would logging into Eclipse.
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Navigating Solar Eclipse
Window Details
Solar Eclipse is a Windows-based application. When you first log into the system, the Solar Eclipse menu
bar displays, showing the main menu options.
To select a menu option, you can use the mouse or the keyboard. For any menu option you select, the
system opens a new window in which you perform the task. After completing the task, you save your
changes and close the window.
Note these things about working with Solar Eclipse windows:
• You can usually have multiple windows open at the same time.
• You can still open and work in other windows when one window is running a process.
• You can usually move between open windows in any sequence. However, if your cursor changes to
a
symbol, that window is not currently accessible. You must complete the required information
in your last active window before working in a different window. Look for fields marked with a red
asterisk (*), which indicates required information.
• By default, if you have multiple Solar windows open but minimized to your Windows task bar,
when you close the window you have open, the next window you opened maximizes and your
cursor moves to that window. For example, you open a Sales Order Entry window, a Product
Maintenance window, and a Price Maintenance window, in that order. You have all but the Sales
Order Entry window minimized to the Windows task bar. When you close the Sales Order Entry
window, the Product Maintenance window maximizes. To leave all Solar windows minimized until
you select to maximize them, select File > Preferences from the Solar main menu bar, and deselect
the Upon window close, set focus to the next window check box on the Advanced tab.
Some Solar Eclipse windows open with a small window that requires information before you can
continue using the main window. This type of window is called a modal window or a modal dialog box
and contains *#* in the window title bar before the window name. The number indicates how many
modal windows are currently open. For example, if you have no other windows open and open the Sales
Order Entry window, it displays with a modal window titled (*1*) Initial Order Entry.
If you have more than one modal window open at a time, you receive an error message indicating that you
must close the other window that is blocking you from continuing. The error message contains a link to
display the "blocking" window.
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Saving Changes and Closing Windows
This section describes methods you use to save changes in main windows and secondary windows and
how to close windows throughout the system.
Saving Changes
The following are some common ways in which you save your data:
• Select File > Save within a window.
• Click OK or Yes at a prompt.
• Click Yes when prompted to save changes you made.
Click...
To...
Yes
close the window and save your changes.
No
close the window without saving your changes.
Cancel
return to the active window without saving your changes.
• Select File > Next Item or type Ctrl . (Ctrl Period) to save your changes and clear the information
from the window so you can enter a new item. This functionality is only available in select
windows within the system.
Saving Changes in Secondary Windows
When saving your changes, different rules apply for windows you access from a main menu and windows
you access from within other windows.
If you are saving changes in...
Then...
a window you accessed directly from a
main menu
you are prompted only once to save your changes.
a window you accessed from within
another window (such as the
Additional menu within Customer or
User Maintenance)
you may be prompted to save your changes in:
• the secondary window in which you made the change and
• the primary window from which you accessed the
secondary window.
Important: If you save your changes in the
secondary window, but do not save them in
the primary window when prompted, your
changes are not saved.
Closing Windows
The following are common ways in which you close system windows:
• Select File > Exit within a window.
• If you have changed data, the system prompts you to save your changes.
• If you have not changed data, the window closes without a prompt.
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Navigating Solar Eclipse
• Click the X in the upper-right corner of the window.
• Click OK or Yes to a prompt.
• Press F12.
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Opening Windows
When you first log into the system, the Solar Eclipse menu bar displays the main menu options. You can
access these options with the mouse or keyboard. Each menu option opens a new window in which you
complete the task. You can close these windows using the mouse or the keyboard.
To search for a menu, see Searching for Menus.
To access a menu using the mouse:
1. Click the main menu option, such as System or Orders. The options for that menu display below
it.
2. Move the mouse cursor down the menu. When the desired menu option is highlighted, click the
left mouse button.
Note: If an arrow appears next to a menu option, rest the mouse cursor over that menu
option to see more choices.
To access a menu using the keyboard:
Each main menu option includes one underlined letter in its name. These letters are used in conjunction
with other keys to select menu options using the keyboard.
1. Find the main menu option you want and locate its underlined letter.
2. Press and hold Alt while pressing the underlined letter for that menu option. The options for that
menu display below it.
Note: To select a different main menu, release both the Alt key and the underlined letter,
and then use the Left and Right Arrow keys to move to a different main menu
option.
3. To select an option displayed under a menu, do one of the following:
• Press and hold Alt while pressing the underlined letter in the option name.
• Use the Up or Down Arrow keys to highlight the option, and then press Enter to select it.
Note: If an arrow appears next to a menu option, use the Arrow keys to highlight the
desired menu option, and press Enter to select it.
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Navigating Solar Eclipse
Searching for Menus
Solar Eclipse is a large application with a large number of menus available. Use the global system search
to launch windows for menus to which you might not remember the exact path. The system search allows
you to access the windows that you need without having to remember the exact path, or without having to
navigate through the exact menu path.
When you search for a menu from the main Solar Eclipse menu bar, the system searches only those
menus available from the main menu bar, it does not search menus that are available on individual Solar
Eclipse windows, such as Customer Maintenance. To search through menus on individual windows, use
the Quick Menu Launcher available within each window.
Note: You can also use the Recent Screens to access the 10 most recent screens you have
viewed in the application.
To search for a main menu item:
1. With the main Solar Eclipse menu bar window selected, select Menus from the Search dropdown list located on right side of the main menu.
2. In the Global Search field, enter the keyword in the menu you are trying to find. For example,
type matrix to search for any menu item that contains the word "matrix" in it.
3. Press Enter or click the down arrow to display the list of menu items that contain the word you
entered in step 2.
4. Select the menu item you want to display and press Enter.
The system displays the window connected to the menu path.
To search for a menu item within a window:
1. With a Solar Eclipse window open and selected, press Ctrl + Spacebar or select User Tools >
Quick Menu Launcher to display the Quick Menu Launcher window.
2. In the Quick Menu Launcher field, enter the keyword in the menu you are trying to find. For
example, type lines to search for any menu item that contains the word "lines" in it.
3. Press Enter or click the down arrow to display the list of menu items available within the
window that contain the word you entered in step 2.
4. Select the menu item you want to display and press Enter.
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The system displays the window connected to the menu path.
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Navigating Solar Eclipse
Using New Wizards
When you enter a new product, customer, or vendor, you can use a "New Wizard," which takes you
through the process, step by step.
To use the New Wizard from the Product, Customer, or Vendor Maintenance window:
1. From the Maintenance menu option, select Product, Customer, or Vendor to open the
maintenance window you want.
2. From the File menu, select New Wizard.
3. Enter the appropriate information in the active window, and then click Next when you are ready
for the next step. If you need to return to a previous step, click Previous. The step number you
are on displays in the New Wizard window header.
Note: A field marked with a red asterisk (*) is required.
4. In the Sort By field, enter the most significant word of the name, using any combination of
numbers or letters (up to 15 characters).
5. In the Index field, add information that might be useful for a search. For example, when a new
customer is set up in the system, a customer name is entered, as well as index terms that are used
to locate the customer later. These index terms typically include all or part of the customer name,
phone number, and zip code, as well as other characters that your company wants to use.
6. Click Finish. The system displays the maintenance record for the new product, customer, or
vendor.
Note: If you need to make any changes, place your cursor in the field you want to edit
and re-enter the information.
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Customizing Font Styles and Sizes
You can change the font style and size of standard text in all of your windows. This can be useful if you
prefer a different type of font or size to read with. Keep in mind that research has shown that sans serif
font types are easier to read on screens.
A serif is a small decorative line added as embellishment to the basic form of a character. Typefaces are
often described as being serif, and have a decorative line, or sans serif, that is, they have no decorative
line.
For example, the standard font, Tahoma, looks like this. Tahoma is a sans serif font, and is the default
font for Solar Eclipse. It is similar to Ariel font, which is frequently used for the internet.
A different font, Goudy Old Style, is commonly found in fiction books. Goudy Old Style is a serif font.
To customize font style and size:
1. From the File menu, select Preferences to display the Preferences window.
2. Click Change Font to display the Font Chooser where you can change font styles and size.
Note: Below the Font Name and Font Size columns and above the OK and Cancel
buttons is the font line, which reflects your current choices.
3. In the Font Name column, scroll to the font type you want and select it.
4. In the Font Size column, scroll to the font size you want and select it.
5. In the Bold check box, do one of the following to determine whether or not to bold all of your
text:
• Select the check box - Bolds all text.
• Do not select the check box - Does not bold all text.
6. In the Italic check box, do one of the following to determine whether or not to italicize all of your
text:
• Select the check box - Italicizes all text.
• Do not select the check box - Does not italicize all text.
7. Click one of the following:
• OK - Saves your changes, then returns you to the Preferences window.
• Cancel - Does not save your changes, then returns you to the Preferences window.
8. To return your system to its default font settings, click Use Default Font.
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Navigating Solar Eclipse
Providing Information About Error Messages
From time to time, you may find that information you have entered into the system produces an error
message. When an error message displays, the information is captured and sent to an error event database
to assist with the investigation of errors reported at a particular client's site.
Information you enter on an error message can assist with solving the error and finding out what caused
it. You are not required to populate an error message with information, however. Use the following
procedure to populate error messages with additional information, which the system sends to the support
team.
To provide information about an error message:
1. In the first free-form field, enter information about what task you were trying to perform when
the error occurred. For example, you might describe:
• What you were doing when the error occurred.
• What keystrokes were you attempting.
• Whether you were trying to save or cancel the information.
Add any information you feel might be helpful.
2. The second, view-only field displays system-generated error details, including the severity of the
error and the date and time it occurred. Do one of the following:
• To hide this field from view, click Hide Details.
• To display the field, click Display Details.
3. When you are finished adding information, click Close. This saves the information and forwards
it to the database and the support team.
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Working with Toolbar Templates
Use the templates functionality to set up customized toolbars for multiple users. Customized toolbars are
useful when you have different users in your company who access the same functions frequently. For
example, if you have account representatives in different buildings, you can set up the same customized
toolbar for all of your representatives at the same time.
Templates are different from customized toolbars in that a customized toolbar is based on user
preferences. Templates are customized toolbars that you can assign to multiple users.
There is a default user toolbar, ECLIPSE_DFLT, for each window that we recommend using as your
starting point, especially if you are new to Solar Eclipse. Save a copy of the ECLIPSE_DFLT template
prior to making any changes.
When you work with templates, the Toolbar Customization title bar at the top of the window displays the
name of the template that you are working with. The status bar at the bottom left of the window also
displays the name of the template that you are working with.
If you are not currently editing a template, the Edit Template menu option is the only option available
from the Template menu.
Note: User settings override template settings.
This topic contains procedures for the following tasks:
• Creating a template – Create a customized toolbar as a template that you can assign to multiple
users.
• Editing a template – Edit a template for multiple users.
• Editing your customized toolbar – Allows you to edit your customized toolbar.
• Deleting user settings – Allows you to delete your customized toolbar.
• Copying a template – Copy current template settings to another template.
• Deleting a template – Delete the template from the system for all users.
• Assigning a template to a user – Assign a template to a single user or multiple users.
To create a template:
1. From any window in Solar Eclipse, select User Tools > Customize Toolbars to display the
Toolbar Customization window.
2. From the Template menu, select Edit Template to display the Toolbar Template window.
3. In the Template Name column, click **CREATE NEW TEMPLATE**.
4. At the Enter New Template ID prompt, type the name of the template you are creating and click
OK.
Note: The Toolbar Customization window's title bar now displays the name of the
template that you are creating, for example, Template - Accounts Payable. The
status bar at the bottom left of the window also displays the name of the template
that you are creating, in red type, for example, Template - Accounts Payable.
5. Use the Customizing Toolbars procedure to create your template.
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Navigating Solar Eclipse
To edit a template:
1. From any window in Solar Eclipse, select User Tools > Customize Toolbars to display the
Toolbar Customization window.
2. From the Template menu, select Edit Template to display the Toolbar Template window.
The Template Name column contains the names of the templates you have created, if there are
any.
Note: If the check box in the Configured column is selected, it indicates that this
template's attributed have been created.
3. Click the name of the template you want to edit.
Note: The Toolbar Customization window's title bar now displays the name of the
template that you are creating, for example, Template - Accounts Payable. The
status bar at the bottom left of the window also displays the name of the template
that you are creating, in red type.
4. Use the Customizing Toolbars procedure to create your template.
If you are customizing ECLIPSE_DFLT, save a copy of the template prior to making any
changes. If you customize ECLIPSE_DFLT directly, your changes will be overwritten the next
time you upgrade.
To edit your customized toolbar:
1. From any window in Solar Eclipse, select User Tools > Customize Toolbars to display the
Toolbar Customization window.
2. From the Template menu, select Edit Template to display the Toolbar Template Window, and
select the template.
3. From the Template menu, select Edit User.
The system displays your personal, customized toolbar.
4. Use the Customizing Toolbars procedure to edit your user template.
To delete user settings:
1. From any window in Solar Eclipse, select User Tools > Customize Toolbars to display the
Toolbar Customization window.
Note: The Toolbar Customization window's title bar now displays the name of the
template that you are creating, for example, Template - Accounts Payable. The
status bar at the bottom left of the window also displays the name of the template
that you are creating, in red type.
2. From the Template menu, select Delete User Settings.
3. At the prompt, click Yes.
4. Save your changes and exit the window.
The system returns to the default user settings.
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To make a copy of a template:
1. From any window in Solar Eclipse, select User Tools > Customize Toolbars to display the
Toolbar Customization window.
2. From the Template menu, select Edit Template to display the Toolbar Template.
3. At the prompt, enter the name of the template you want to copy of and click OK.
The Template Name column contains the names of the templates you have created, if there are
any.
4. Click the name of the template you want to copy.
Note: The Toolbar Customization window's title bar now displays the name of the
template that you are creating, for example, Template - Accounts Payable. The
status bar at the bottom left of the window also displays the name of the template
that you are creating, in red type.
5. From the Template menu, select Copy.
6. At the Enter the template name to copy to prompt, enter the name of the new template that you
are creating and click OK.
Note: The Toolbar Customization window's title bar now displays the name of the
template that you are creating, for example, Template - Accounts Payable. The
status bar at the bottom left of the window also displays the name of the template
that you are creating, in red type.
Note: You can copy the template to create a new template, or you can override an existing
template. If you override an existing template, the system prompts you to confirm the override.
Once you copy a template, you are editing the template that was copied to.
To delete a template:
1. From any window in Solar Eclipse, select User Tools > Customize Toolbars to display the
Toolbar Customization window.
2. From the Template menu, select Edit Template to display the Toolbar Template window.
The Template Name column contains the names of the templates you have created, if there are
any.
3. Click the name of the template you want to delete.
Note: The Toolbar Customization window's title bar now displays the name of the
template that you are creating, for example, Template - Accounts Payable. The
status bar at the bottom left of the window also displays the name of the template
that you are creating, in red type.
4. From the Template menu, select Delete and confirm the deletion,
The system deletes the template from the system, and returns your customized toolbar to its local
settings.
5. Exit the window.
The system returns you to the window from which you first accessed the Customized Toolbar
functionality.
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Navigating Solar Eclipse
To assign a template to a user:
1. From any window in Solar Eclipse, select User Tools > Customize Toolbars to display the
Toolbar Customization window.
2. From the Template menu, select Edit Template to display the Toolbar Template.
The Template Name column contains the names of the templates you have created, if there are
any.
3. Select the template to which you want to assign a user.
Note: The Toolbar Customization window's title bar now displays the name of the
template that you are creating, for example, Template - Accounts Payable. The
status bar at the bottom left of the window also displays the name of the template
that you are creating, in red type.
4. From the Template menu, select Assign To to display the Toolbar Customization - Assign
Template window.
5. In the User column, do one of the following to assign a template to a user:
• Enter the name of the user to whom you want to assign the template.
• Click the select button to display all users and select from the list.
Note: You can assign a template to a single user, a group of users, a message group, or
all users. The user or group you want to assign a template to must have a user
record in the system.
The Root Menu column displays the path that the system uses to access the user. This is a viewonly column.
6. Click OK to display the Toolbar customization window.
7. Save your changes and exit the window.
The system returns you to the window from which you first accessed the Customized Toolbar
functionality.
Important: Users must log out and back in to the system to see any new toolbars or changes to
existing toolbars.
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Customizing Toolbars
Many system windows feature customizable toolbars, to which you add, delete, or customize buttons as
shortcuts to functions you perform frequently. This can be useful to help you quickly access common
windows or complete common tasks. Each window offers different buttons that you can add to the
customized toolbar for that window, depending on the activities that normally take place there.
You can restore the system defaults for any window toolbar at any time.
There is a default user toolbar, ECLIPSE_DFLT, for each window that we recommend using as your
starting point, especially if you are new to Solar Eclipse. Save a copy of the ECLIPSE_DFLT template
prior to making any changes.
Before you can work with customized toolbars, you must have the SOLAR.EDIT.TOOLBAR
authorization key.
To customize a toolbar:
1. From the main menu bar, select a menu option to open any window for which you want to create
a customized toolbar.
2. From the User Tools menu, select Customize Toolbar to display the Toolbar Customization
window. The system displays the buttons you can customize for that window in the left pane.
Note: If no template has been assigned, the system displays the default user template. If a
template is assigned, a message displays indicating the name of the assigned
template.
3. From the list of buttons in the left pane, select the button you want to add to your toolbar and
double-click it or click Add. The system adds the button to the right pane, where you can change
the attributes for it.
4. To remove a button from your customized toolbar, in the right pane, select the button you want to
remove and click Remove.
5. Use the information in the following table to edit the details of each attribute:
Button
Attribute
Description
How You Change It
Display
String
The text that displays on the
button.
In the Display String column, select the button you
want to edit the text for. You can change it in any of the
following ways:
• You can edit the text to relate to your business.
• You can delete the text if you want to use an image
instead.
• You can edit the text and add an image.
Note: You can add up to 15 characters to this attribute.
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Navigating Solar Eclipse
Button
Attribute
Description
How You Change It
Mnemonic
Part of a keyboard shortcut
that is a quick way to
perform a task.
In the Mnemonic column, select the button you want
create a mnemonic for and select a number, 0 through 9,
from the list.
To use the mnemonic and perform the task, press Alt
and then the number. For example, you might add the
mnemonic number 1 to the Exit button, and then to exit
the window, you would press Alt-1.
Note: A window can only contain 10 mnemonic
buttons, and you cannot assign the same mnemonic
shortcut to more than one button.
Display
Image
The image that displays on
the button.
In the Display Image column, select the button you
want to add an image to and choose an image from the
list.
When you assign an image to a button, you can choose
from the list of standard images, or you can import your
own image.
To import your own image, select File > Import
Image. When prompted, locate the image you want,
select it, and click Import. The system adds this image
to the Display Image selection list.
Menu
Item
The window the button
opens or the task it performs.
This is a view-only attribute.
6. Repeat steps 3 and 5 for each button you want to add to your customized toolbar.
7. If you edit certain buttons more than others, you can arrange your buttons on the toolbar. Use the
information in the following table to do this:
To move a button...
Click...
up
Move Up.
down
Move Down
8. When you are finished customizing your toolbar, from the File menu, select Exit.
9. At the Toolbar Template Exit prompt, click one of the following:
• Yes - Saves the changes to the toolbar, closes the Toolbar Customization window, and returns
you to the previous window.
• No - Returns you to the previous window without saving your changes.
10. Assign the template to a user, user group, or message group.
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More Options on the Toolbar Customization Window
The Toolbar Customization window also offers these options:
To do this...
Select this option...
return the attributes of any buttons you have added to your
customized toolbar to their original system default.
File > Restore Defaults
edit an existing template
Template > Edit Template
edit users you have assigned to a template
Template > Edit User
remove all of the buttons you have added to your customized
toolbar.
Template > Default User Settings
copy a template to create a newer, similar one
Template > Copy
delete a template
Template > Delete
to assign a template to a user
Template > Assign To
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Navigating Solar Eclipse
Keyboard Navigation Details
Solar Eclipse offers many keyboard options for moving around in the system. The table below describes
these keyboard functions. Some keystrokes are also used when entering data. See Using the Keyboard to
Enter Data for more information.
Note: Keystrokes that include the word "and" must be pressed at the same time.
Keystroke
What it does
Enter
Moves the cursor to the next logical field, when multiple values must be entered.
Alt and an
underlined letter
Displays a menu, or selects a menu option, for the corresponding underlined
letter.
F12
Closes the active window. You are prompted to save changes.
Tab
Moves one field to the right, one field down, or to the next required field.
Shift and Tab
Moves one field to the left or one field up.
Right Arrow
Moves one character to the right, or to the next field, in some cases.
Left Arrow
Moves one character to the left, or to the previous field, in some cases.
Down Arrow
Moves down one line or field.
Up Arrow
Moves up one line or field.
Page Up
In a long list, displays the information above the information that is currently in
the viewable area.
Page Down
In a long list, displays the information below the information that is currently in
the viewable area.
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Keyboard Data Entry Details
Solar Eclipse offers many keyboard options for entering data in system fields. The table below describes
these keyboard functions. Some keystrokes are also used for navigation purposes. For more information,
see Using the Keyboard for Navigation.
Note: Keystrokes that include the word "and" must be pressed at the same time.
Keystroke
What it does
Enter
• Executes a search in a searchable field.
• Moves the cursor to the next line in a multi-line field.
Spacebar
•
•
•
•
Backspace
Deletes one character to the left of the cursor.
Delete
Deletes one character to the right of the cursor.
Insert
Toggles between Insert and Overwrite mode. This mode determines whether the
characters you type overwrite other characters or are inserted before them.
Home
Moves the cursor to the beginning of the current line.
End
Moves the cursor to the end of the current line.
Ctrl and Home
Moves to the beginning or top of the current field, selection window, or
paragraph.
Ctrl and End
Moves to the end or bottom of the current field, selection window, or paragraph.
Ctrl and Period
Saves the changes and clears the information from the window so you can enter a
new item. For example, a new sales order in Order Entry or a new procurement
group in Procurement Group Maintenance. Ctrl . (Ctrl Period) is the keyboard
shortcut for the File > Next Item functionality, and is only available in select
windows in the system.
Shift and Home
Selects all text from the cursor to the beginning of the current line.
Shift and End
Selects all text from the cursor to the end of the current line.
Ctrl and Z
Recalls the default value of the field you are in, but only before you advance to
another field.
Alt and Insert
Inserts a blank line below the current line.
Alt and Delete
Deletes the current line.
F10
Displays a list of options for a validated field.
Inserts a space when entering a line of data.
Clears a searchable field when no results are returned.
Selects or de-selects a checkbox.
Completes special functions, such as applying a payment, in specific areas of
the system.
Note: If a field contains information and you press F10, the system match the text
to the information already in the field. If you want to see all options, leave the
field blank.
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\
In a date field, clears the date currently in the field.
*
Calculator function for multiplication.
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Navigating Solar Eclipse
Keystroke
What it does
/
Calculator function for division.
-
Calculator function for subtraction.
+
Calculator function for addition.
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Keyboard Window Display Details
Depending on where you are in the system, some keyboard shortcuts allow you to jump into specific
windows related to your current task. This table describes these keyboard shortcuts.
Note: Keystrokes that include the word "and" must be pressed at the same time.
Keystroke
Function
Alt and ~
Displays G/L account postings from the body of a system transaction.
Shift and F1
Displays the most recent report you created.
Shift and F2
Displays all hold entries that have not printed.
Shift and F3
Displays your User Job Queue.
Shift and F4
Opens the Call Tracking Entry window, in which you create a job queue. An
Activity Log is also created for a vendor or customer.
Shift and F5
Displays the UET / ABC Selections window, which you use to pick either:
• The Unquality Event Tracking Log Viewing window.
• The ABC Log Viewing window.
Shift and F6
Displays the UET / ABC Selections entry window, which you use to pick either:
• The Unquality Event Tracking Log Entry window.
• The ABC Log Entry window.
Shift and F7
Displays the Image Indexing window, which you use to index documents to a
window.
Shift and F8
Displays an attached image.
Shift and F10
Displays the Tracker Stopwatch window.
Ctrl and Shift and
F9
Displays a Help Topics Maintenance window for the currently displayed window
in edit mode.
Shift and F11
Displays a Help Topics Maintenance screen for the currently displayed screen in
edit mode.
Note: You must have the Superuser authorization to use the Shift-F11 key.
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Shift and F12
Displays one of the following, depending on where you use this keystroke:
• The Image Indexing window from any window that has an attached image.
• The Print Barcode For window, used to print a simple barcode label for a
unique ID in an active window.
F1 or F11
Displays the topic help related to the current window.
© 2011 Epicor Software Corporation. All rights reserved.
Rel. 8.7.2
Navigating Solar Eclipse
Data Entry Overview
The system offers many ways to enter and edit data, depending on the type of data and where you are in
the system.
Entering Required Data
In any window or dialog box, fields marked with a red asterisk (*) are required. You cannot exit the
window or continue without entering this data. If you do exit without entering required data, the current
task does not complete, and you may not be able to complete a related task.
Entering Validated Data
In many fields, the data you enter is validated. This means the system only accepts specific entries. For
example, your company uses a set list of order statuses. When you enter an order status, the system
checks your entry against the list of acceptable statuses and only accepts a valid status.
To enter information in a validated field, do one of the following:
• Place the cursor in the field and press F10, or click the Field-Specific List
the field to display a list of acceptable entries.
button to the right of
• To reduce the selection list, place the cursor in the field, enter part of the field value, and press
Enter. The list now includes only items containing the search string.
Entering Data Using Field-Specific Buttons
Many system fields include a button to the right of the field that gives you options specific to that field.
The following four types of buttons exist throughout the system:
Button
Name
Description
Field-Specific List button
Use this button to select from a list of valid choices for the field
with which it is associated.
Branch/Territory Entry
button
Use this button to select valid branches or territories.
Multiple Values button
Use this button to enter multiple values in a single field.
Date button
Use this button to select a date from a pop-up calendar.
Note: When one of these buttons is available, pressing F10 opens the same selection list.
See Accessing Recently Used Records for related information.
Entering Data in a Calculator Field
Most numeric-only fields offer a calculator function. Use the numeric keypad on the keyboard to enter
numbers and operators (+, -, *, /), just like you would with a calculator. The system enters the result of
your calculation in the field. For example:
• Typing 10*5 in a numeric field displays 50.
• Typing *10 in a numeric field multiplies the currently displayed value by 10 and then displays the
product.
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Note: Use the Enter key as the = key, and use the Space Bar to clear the field.
Typing Data
The following are some key points about typing data in fields:
• You can use lower-case or upper-case letters to search; the system returns the same results.
• Use special characters for searches.
• Before moving into another field, you can reset a field to its default value by pressing Ctrl and Z.
• The system offers many keyboard shortcuts you can use when typing data in fields.
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Navigating Solar Eclipse
Field Rules and Details
When working in windows, you are either entering or viewing information. When entering information,
some fields are validated. This means that there are stored values associated with that field that you can
choose from, or that populate as you type, or .
To enter information in a validated field do one of the following:
• Place the cursor in the field and use the field specific list button to display a list of entries. For
more information, see Field-Specific List Button Guidelines.
• To reduce the selection list, place the cursor in the field and enter part of the field value. The list
displays with only items containing the search string.
Quick Filters
For prompts that have auto-filters, such as the Location dialog box when first logging in, you can filter
the list by typing a letter or letter combination. The system displays only those entries beginning with that
letter or letter combination. Example
Before the sort:
After the sort:
Copying Text in View-Only Fields
The system displays non-editable information throughout the system, such as difference amounts and
shipping numbers from third party carriers. View-only fields display as grayed out in windows in the
system. You can copy the text in these fields by right-clicking in the field and selecting Copy. Copy and
paste functions are available under the Edit menu on most Solar Eclipse windows. You can also add copy
and paste options to your custom toolbar.
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Special Function Fields
The system also has special function fields that you can use to enter and edit data. For example, two such
fields are calculator and date fields.
Special Field
Function
Calculator Field
Built into most numeric-only fields. Use the numeric keypad on the
keyboard to enter numbers and operators (+, -, *, /) like a calculator, and the
system produces the result and enters it into the field. For example:
• Typing 125*26 in a numeric field displays 3250.
• Typing *26 in a numeric field multiples the currently displayed value by
26 and then displays the result.
Use the Enter key as the = key on a calculator. Also, type C (clear) in a
numeric field to clear the data from a field.
In Solar, the minus (-) sign works two ways.
• If you have a negative number in a calculator field, and want to change the
negative number to a new negative number, enter the number.
• If you have a negative number in a calculator field, and want to perform a
subtraction calculation, enter the minus sign (--) twice.
Date Field
When entering dates:
• If the month and day are in the current year, enter month and day digits
only. It is not necessary to enter the digits for the year.
• To clear a date field, type a backslash (\) in the field.
• Press F10 to display the Eclipse pop-up calendar to select a date to enter.
Full Screen Editing
While still entering original information on a screen, you can edit entries in fields.
For example, while entering a sales order, if you change a product, the new description and price
automatically updates for that product in real time.
Note: You must still be in the entering the original information into a screen to use full
screen editing. If you are editing information on a screen that has already been
processed, you must be in edit mode.
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Navigating Solar Eclipse
Branch and Territory Field Guidelines
Throughout the system, branch and territory fields have a variety of purposes, depending on where you
are in the system. There are also different ways of populating these fields, based on the types of results
you would like to see.
Generally, a branch refers to a single place of activity for your business, such as a sales store or a
warehouse. Territories can contain multiple branches, other territories, or any combination depending on
how you need to group your business sites and areas. For most areas of the system (windows), you begin
by narrowing your selections by branch or territory. For example, when you a Suggested Purchase Order
request, the system places the cursor in the Branch field first. In addition, all reports in the system require
a branch or territory entry.
In any branch or territory field, you can do any of the following:
To search, query, or
report on...
Do the following...
only one branch
enter the name or number that represents that branch.
multiple branches
Do either of the following:
• enter the names or numbers that represent those branches, separated by
commas without spaces. For example, enter 1,2,3.
• Press F10 or click the Selection List button next to a branch field to
display the Branch and Territory Selection window. Select multiple
branches by holding down the Ctrl key as you click each branch or
territory, and then click OK.
only one territory
enter the name or number that represents that territory.
If you use territories on reports, see How Territories Work on Reports
below.
multiple territories
Press F10 or click the Selection List button next to a branch field to
display the Branch and Territory Selection window. Select multiple
territories by holding down the Ctrl key as you click each branch or
territory, and then click OK.
The branches included in the territory are selected accordingly.
all branches and
territories
enter All.
How Territories Work on Reports
You enter territories the same as entering branches. Reports extract data for only the specified branches or
territories. If you use Territory Maintenance to adjust what branches or territories are included in the
territory, the system adjusts to use the new parameters.
For example, your territory NETERR (North Eastern Territory) contains two branches and one territory.
During your second quarter of business, you acquire a branch which should be included in the NETERR.
You open Territory Maintenance and add the new branch to the territory. The system adjusts for reports to
include the new branch.
Important: If you scheduled reports prior to Release 8.7.2, you will need to cancel and
reschedule those reports for this functionality to work correctly.
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Accessing Recently Used Records
Many system fields offer a Quick Access List feature, which allows you to quickly access your most
recently used records. The current field determines which recently used records you can access. For
example, in Sales Order Entry, the Quick Access List can retrieve recent customers and recently entered
orders.
From various places in the system, you can access the following types of records:
• Sales orders
• Purchase orders
• Transfer orders
• Cash receipts
• Trackers
• Customers
• Vendors
• Products
To access the last record viewed in an area of the system, for example in Customer Maintenance to access
the last customer record you viewed, type two periods (..) and press Enter. The system displays the last
record you selected. This functionality works in all areas that also have a Quick Access List.
To use a Quick Access List:
1. Click the Quick Access List button to the right of the field, or press F10.
2. Press the Up and Down Arrow keys to select the item you want, and press Enter.
Note: The number of records that display in a Quick Access List can be set in the
Number of Records to Save in User Quick Access List control maintenance
record, and it can vary for each type of record.
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Rel. 8.7.2
Navigating Solar Eclipse
Entering Branches or Territories
Fields that require you to select a branch or territory offer a Branch/Territory Entry button, which
displays to the right of the field. This button generates a list of valid branches or territories for the field
with which it is associated. The button generates two kinds of lists, depending on where you are in the
system:
• If you are in a field where you can only select a branch, or branches, the Branch Input dialog box
displays.
• If you are in a field where you can select branches or territories, the Branch and Territory Selection
dialog box displays.
To enter branches using the Branch Input window:
1. In a branch selection field, click the Branch/Territory Entry
box displays a list of valid branches.
button. The Branch Input dialog
2. Select the branch you want, using your mouse cursor or the Up and Down Arrow keys.
3. Click OK or press Enter. The desired branch displays in the selection field.
To enter branches using the Branch and Territory Selection window:
1. In a branch or territory selection field, click the Selection List
Territory Selection window displays.
button. The Branch and
2. Select one or more branches or territories, as follows:
• To select one branch, click on the desired branch.
• To select more than one branch, hold down the Ctrl key and click on each branch you want to
select.
• To select one territory, click on the desired territory.
• To select more than one territory, hold down the Ctrl key and click on each territory you want
to select.
3. Click OK or press Enter. The desired branches or territories display in the selection field.
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Entering Dates
You can enter dates in the system manually, or you can use the Calendar
button.
To enter dates manually:
1. With the cursor in a date field, type the month, day, and year using typical date entry characters.
For example, the system recognizes any of the following entries as July 4 of the current year.
• 7/4
• 7-4
• 7.4
• 74
Note: To choose a year other than the current year, add the year at the end of your entry
using the same format. For example, to enter July 4, 2002, you might enter "7/4/2"
or "7.4.2".
2. Press Enter. The system populates the field with the selected date.
To enter dates using the Calendar button:
1. With the cursor in a date field, click the Calendar button to the right of the date field. The
system displays a calendar of the current month with the current day highlighted in red.
Note: You can also press F10 to display the calendar.
2. Using your mouse cursor, click on the desired date. To choose a date from a different month,
click on the desired month above, and then click on the desired day.
Note: You can also use the Up, Down, Left, and Right Arrow keys to move through the
days and months.
3. Click OK or press Enter to select the date.
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Navigating Solar Eclipse
Using Variable Dating
Variable dating is integrated into many of the system's date fields. Variable dating uses variables in a date
field so that the dates can change as needed, such as the last day of the moth, or the "current date." Use it
to substitute variables for normal month, day, and year numbers. With variable dating, the current date is
represented as MO/DA/YR.
By using variables in a date field, you can schedule static data applications, such as reports, to run on a
regular basis. For example, when scheduling a report to run monthly using a date range from the first of
the month to the end of the month, you would enter MO/01/YR for the starting date and MO/31/YR for
the ending date.
To use variable dating, select from the following options:
Month Segment
Day Segment
Year Segment
• MO for the current month.
• FB for the Fiscal (Year)
Beginning month.
• DA for the current day.
• FB for the Fiscal (Month)
Beginning day.
• YR for the current year.
This month is defined in
Control File Maintenance.
• FE for the Fiscal (Year)
Ending month.
This is the first calendar day
following the previous
month’s End of Month day.
• FE for the Fiscal (Month)
Ending day.
The system uses this is 12
months after the fiscal year
beginning month.
Each month's EOM day is set
up in a control record by your
installer.
Use these values...
•
•
•
•
-1 to -9 for one to nine months/days/years in the past.
-A to -Z for 10 to 36 months/days/years in the past.
+1 to +9 for one to nine months/days/years in the future.
+A to +Z for 10 to 36 months/days/years in the future.
You can use Variable Dating to substitute a fixed value for any portion of the MO/DA/YR variable, as
shown in the examples below.
To run a report...
Enter...
starting on the first day of the previous month
of the current year through the last day of the
current month of the current year
1.
-1/01/YR for the Start Date.
2.
MO/31/YR for the End Date.
for a ten-day period centered on today
1.
MO/-5/YR for the Start Date, which is the
current date minus five days.
2.
MO/+5/YR for the End Date, which is the
current date plus five days.
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To run a report...
for a fiscal year
Rel. 8.7.2
Enter...
1.
FB/FB/95 for the Start Date, if your
company's fiscal year beginning month is July
and June's EOM day is the 30th.
2.
FE/FE/96 for the End Date.
Note: To generate a report regularly, use the Phantom Scheduler.
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Navigating Solar Eclipse
Field-Specific List Button Guidelines
Many fields feature a Field-Specific List button, which appears to the right of the field. This button
generates a list of valid choices for the field with which it is associated. You can click the button, or press
F10 to access the same list of choices.
Field-Specific List buttons offer two types of lists, depending on where you are in the system:
• A list of valid choices for a given field, such as a list of order statuses.
• A list of recently accessed records, generated by the system's Quick Access List feature.
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Entering Multiple Values in Fields
In some places, you can use the Multiple Values button to enter multiple values in a single field. You
can enter the values for one-time use, or you can save the values to use later.
To enter multiple values in a single field:
1. With the cursor in a field that allows the entry of multiple values, click the Multiple button to
the right of the field. The Multiple Value Selection dialog box displays with the cursor positioned
on the first entry line.
2. Enter the first item you want to include and press Enter. The item is added to the list, and the
cursor advances to the next entry line.
3. Continue entering items in this fashion until your list is complete.
4. Do any of the following, as needed:
• To clear the list and start over, click Clear Selection.
• To save the list for future use, click Save List. The Save ID List dialog box displays. Enter a
unique list name, and click OK.
• To recall a previously saved list, click Recall List. The Recall List dialog box displays. In the
Select Work ID field, enter the name of the list you want to recall, and click OK.
• To close the Multiple Value Selection dialog box without entering a list, click Cancel.
5. Once you have entered all list items you want, click OK. The Multiple Value Selection dialog
box closes, and **Multiple** displays in the selection field to indicate that you have selected
multiple values for this field.
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Navigating Solar Eclipse
System Searches Overview
Searching the system is referred to as index searching, because the system searches for characters that are
assigned as index terms in the various system files. For example, when a new customer is set up in the
system, a customer name is entered, as well as index terms used to locate the customer later. These userentered index terms typically include all or part of the customer name, phone number, and zip code, as
well as other characters that your company wants to use.
Index searching is used to find products, customers, vendors, and transactions. When searching, enter as
much information as possible to get the best results. For example, if you enter exact criterion that only
exists in one file, that file opens upon executing the search. However, if you enter only one or two words
that appear in many places, the system can return a long list of possible matches.
You can search the system in two ways:
• Using words and numbers.
• Using special characters in conjunction with words and numbers.
• Using the Global System Search
Searching with Words and Numbers
Use any of the following ways to search with words and numbers:
• Use only alphanumeric characters (A-Z, 0-9) in your searches. The system ignores all special
characters, unless a non-alphanumeric character has a special search function. For example,
searching for 12 returns matches on 12 and on 1/2.
• Use either upper or lowercase letters. The system converts lowercase letters into uppercase letters
for search purposes. For example, you can enter microamp, MicroAmp, or MICROAMP to find
MicroAmprobe.
• Use a space between words in a search. The system looks for matches between the characters you
type, separated by spaces, and the first characters of the indexed search words.
Searching with Special Characters
Use the following special characters in all searches throughout the system:
If you enter...
Then the system...
a period (.) before numeric
search criteria
searches for the customer, vendor, or product ID.
For example, in Customer Maintenance, .1234 returns that
customer ID.
a period (.) after the search
criteria
searches for an exact word match.
For example, elec. would return ELEC, but not ELECTRIC.
a forward slash (/) after the
search criteria
searches for an exact match anywhere in the word.
For example, opp/ would return COPPER or STOPPER.
a # before the search criteria
searches for numbers, such as transaction numbers, invoice
numbers, customer PO numbers, or purchase order numbers.
Important: The window you are in determines what the system
returns when you search using a #. For example, if you use a # in a
search in A/P Entry, the system searches invoice numbers.
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Note: Other special characters are used in specific types of searches, as described in
Searching for Customers or Vendors, Searching for Products, and Searching for
Transactions.
Additional Search Tips
The following are some additional tips for system searches:
• If the system does not find a match, no search results are displayed. Re-enter your search with
different criteria.
• If the system finds one match based on your search criteria, it displays it in the field from which
you began the search. If the selected item is not the one you want, re-position the cursor in the
field, press the Spacebar to clear the field, and repeat your search with different criteria.
• If the system finds more than one match based on your search criteria, a list of matches displays.
Select the desired match. If none of the displayed items are the one you want, press F12 or click the
X to the right of the field to abort and start over.
• If the system displays a long list of matches, press F9 to display the Additional Search Criteria
screen. Append new words or characters to your search criteria and press Enter. The system
restarts the search from the beginning.
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Navigating Solar Eclipse
Conducting Global System Searches
The Solar Eclipse main menu bar contains a global search field that you can use to search the indexed
fields of orders, product records, customer records, vendor records, and contact records. Using this search
provides you one place to search on more than one type of entity in the system. For example, you can
search for a customer and quickly access their customer record, or any orders for that customer in a single
place.
You can also use the global search to search for menu items. For more information, see Searching for
Menus.
Conducting a global search:
1. With the main Solar Eclipse menu bar window selected, select what you would like to search for
from the Search drop-down list located on right side of the main menu.
The icon displayed indicates what the system searches:
Icon
The system searches...
All entity types and menus. Results are grouped by category, and indicated with the
icons described in this table. This is the default.
Menus accessed from the Solar Eclipse main menu. For more information, see
Searching for Menus.
Product records
Contact records.
Customer or vendor records
Sales orders, purchase orders, and transfers.
2. Click in the Global Search field in the Solar Eclipse main menu bar or press Ctrl+Alt+S to
move your cursor from any Solar Eclipse window to the field.
3. Type the keywords for which you want to search and press Enter if the auto-complete feature is
turned off. If the auto-complete feature is turned on, the system displays the matching results after
you enter the first 3 characters of the word for which you are searching.
If more than 100 items match the criteria you enter, the system prompts you to narrow your
search by typing additional characters or by selecting a category.
4. Select an item in the returned list and press Enter to open it.
For example, if you select a customer listing and press Enter, the system displays the record in
the Customer Maintenance window.
Turning Off the Auto-Complete Function
By default, the Search field auto-completes and searches as you type. As you continue to type in the
field, the system refines the search results to meet the additional information you type. You can also turn
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the auto-complete feature off and activate the system search by pressing Enter after you have typed the
search criteria in the field.
Turning off the auto-complete function:
1. From the File menu, select Preferences to display the Preferences window.
2. Click the Advanced tab.
3. Select the Disable Auto-Completion in Widget Search check box and click OK in the Message
box and OK in the Preferences window to save your changes.
Selecting this check box also disables the auto-complete feature in the Quick Sales Order Entry
widget.
4. Log out and back in to Solar Eclipse.
Hiding the Global Search Field
If you do not use the global search, or would like to turn it off to conserve menu space in the Solar
Eclipse main menu bar, you can hide the Search field.
Hiding the global Search field:
1. From the File menu, select Preferences to display the Preferences window.
2. Click the Advanced tab.
3. Select the Hide Global Search Field from Main Window check box and click OK in the
Message box and OK in the Preferences window to save your changes.
4. Log out and back in to Solar Eclipse to no longer show the Search field in the main menu bar.
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Navigating Solar Eclipse
Searching for Customers or Vendors
You can do customer and vendor searches in various places throughout the system, such as:
• Customer Maintenance
• Vendor Maintenance
• Sales Order Entry
• Purchase Order Entry
The system uses the same search method to find customers and vendors as it does to find products and
transactions.
Note: If your search results in multiple matches, and a customer in the results is a parent
customer, the customer list includes information about how many children the
parent customer has. Use this information to more accurately select the correct
customer. For more information about parent customers and their children, see
Defining Parent Companies and Dependents in the Entity Maintenance
documentation.
To search for customers or vendors:
1. Do one of the following:
• Enter keywords or special characters in the customer or vendor name.
• Enter telephone numbers or zip codes, as described in the table below.
If you enter...
The system displays the...
a 10-digit telephone number
customer or vendor matching the telephone number.
the last four digits of a telephone
number
customers or vendors whose telephone numbers end in those
four digits and whose zip code begins with those four digits.
a five-digit zip code
customers or vendors whose zip code matches the search
criteria.
2. Press Enter. The system compares your search criteria to the values in the Name and Index
fields in the Customer Maintenance or Vendor Maintenance records and returns matching
records.
If there is more than one matching record, a selection list displays where you can select the
correct entity.
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Searching for Products
You can do product searches in various places throughout the system, such as Sales Order Entry and
Purchase Order Entry. The system uses the same search criteria to find products as it does to find
customers, vendors, and transactions. However, product searches offer additional options that allow you
to get quicker, more narrowly defined search results.
The system returns product search results in a fixed amount rather than returning the entire list at one
time, which could potentially contain thousands of records. Configure the number of search results
brought back at a time in the Number Of Records In Validation control maintenance record.
To search for products:
1. In a product entry field, enter keywords or special characters and press Enter.
When searching for products, the system compares your search criteria to values in the Product
Description, Additional Key Words, and UPC fields on the Product Maintenance screen.
• Remember that you can enter a product by preceding the Product ID with a period. For
example, when you enter .1234, the system returns product ID 1234.
• You can also use the following special characters when searching for products:
If...
The system...
a single period (.)
searches using the previous search string after performing a
search that returned data.
a forward slash (/) precedes the
search criteria
searches for a product Family or Price Line.
For example, /delta returns a list of products in the DELTA
family or DELTA Price Line.
two forward slashes (//) precede the
search criteria
searches for a match on a Buy Line.
For example, //SYL returns a list of products in the
SYLVANIA Buy Line.
a forward slash (/) is entered as the
search criteria
displays a list of product Families and Price Lines.
a forward slash and a period (/.)
precede the search criteria
searches for a match on products purchased in the last year by
the selected ship-to customer.
a forward slash and a comma (/,)
precede the search criteria
searches for a match on products purchased in the last year by
all ship-to customers associated with the selected bill-to
customer.
a forward slash and a semicolon (/;)
precede the search criteria
searches for a match on products for which contract prices are
in effect for the selected customer.
2. Expand your search, if necessary, by clicking one of the tabs listed below. You can also press F10
to move through the tabs in order. The system searches for the following groups of products in
the order listed:
• Active Products - The system first searches for products in this category. These products have
been previously sold or purchased at your location, or they are physically on-hand. Your
company can set up how it wants to search for active products using the Display Active
Primary Index Products First In Product Search control maintenance record.
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Navigating Solar Eclipse
• Primary Index - Products are assigned this status by your company or branch. These products
are items you plan to routinely sell or search for.
• Catalog Index - Products are assigned this status by your company or branch. These products,
often non-stocks, are items you do not routinely sell or search for, but must be able to order.
• PDW Catalog Index - Products in this group include every item sold or manufactured by the
suppliers you specify. You must purchase the Product Data Warehouse (PDW) companion
product to search the PDW Catalog Index.
3. If your search returns more than one page of results, click More to display the next page of
products that match your search criteria.
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Searching for Invoices in A/P Entry
As you are reconciling invoices and posting payables, you can search for a specific invoice directly in A/P
Entry.
To search for an invoice in A/P Entry:
1. From the A/P menu, select A/P Entry to display the A/P Entry window.
2. Click Search to display the Invoice Search prompt.
3. Enter all or a portion of the invoice you are trying to find, using the following additional search
parameters:
If...
The system...
a pound sign (#) precedes the search
criteria
searches for invoice numbers that start with the number you
enter
a pound sign (#) precedes the search
criteria, and a forward slash (/)
follows the criteria
searches all invoices that have the number you enter anywhere
in the invoice number
a pound sign (#) precedes the
search criteria, and a period (.)
follows the criteria
searches for an exact match to the search criteria
4. Click OK to search for the invoices that match your search criteria.
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Navigating Solar Eclipse
Searching for Transactions
You can search for transactions throughout the system, for example, in Sales Order Entry or Purchase
Order Entry. The system uses the same search method to find transactions as it does to find customers,
vendors, and products.
To search for an existing transaction:
1. Enter the transaction number in an appropriate search field, such as the Ship To field of a blank
order.
2. If you do not know the transaction number, search for the customer first, and then search for the
transaction.
Note: Transactions have the following prefixes:
Transaction
Prefix
Example
Sales Orders
S
S1234567
Purchase Orders
P
P1234567
Transfer Orders
T
T1234567
Rental Orders
R
R1234567
Work Orders
W
W1234567
Adjustments
A
A1234567
Disbursements
D
D1234567
Payables
Y
Y1234567
Cash Receipts
C
C1234567
Journal Entries
J
J1234567
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Using Last Search and Document Recall
Last search and document recall are two ways that you can eliminate the need to start a search from the
beginning if you make a mistake and quickly open the last document you saved or closed.
Last Search Function
The system's last search function eliminates the need to start a search from the beginning if you select the
wrong option from a search list. The last search function is available in many system applications. Use it
in fields that require specific information such as customer or vendor names, product descriptions, and so
on. The last search function does not work with system reports.
For example, while entering a customer name in Customer Maintenance, you type part of the customer
name in the Customer/New field. The system displays a list of possible matches. After scrolling through
the list, you find the name but select the wrong one. To correct the error, press Esc to start over. Instead
of searching again, enter "." in the Customer/New field and press Enter. The system displays the search
list again, highlighting the last name you selected. This allows you to select the correct name without
having to search again from the beginning.
Recall Document Function
The recall document function allows you to quickly open the last system record that you saved or aborted.
The recall document function is available in many transaction documents and maintenance files, such as
sales orders, purchase orders, transfers, customer files, vendor files, and from the Quick Sales Order Entry
widget.
To recall a document:
1. Enter two periods (..) in the field and press Enter. The last document open on the screen displays.
For example, after entering a sales order, you realize that you did not charge freight. Instead of
having to search for the order number to open it again, enter the branch number in the PrcBr
field. Next, enter ".." in the Ship-to field and press Enter. The order displays on the screen,
allowing you to make the necessary corrections.
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Navigating Solar Eclipse
Searching for Menus
Solar Eclipse is a large application with a large number of menus available. Use the global system search
to launch windows for menus to which you might not remember the exact path. The system search allows
you to access the windows that you need without having to remember the exact path, or without having to
navigate through the exact menu path.
When you search for a menu from the main Solar Eclipse menu bar, the system searches only those
menus available from the main menu bar, it does not search menus that are available on individual Solar
Eclipse windows, such as Customer Maintenance. To search through menus on individual windows, use
the Quick Menu Launcher available within each window.
Note: You can also use the Recent Screens to access the 10 most recent screens you have
viewed in the application.
To search for a main menu item:
1. With the main Solar Eclipse menu bar window selected, select Menus from the Search dropdown list located on right side of the main menu.
2. In the Global Search field, enter the keyword in the menu you are trying to find. For example,
type matrix to search for any menu item that contains the word "matrix" in it.
3. Press Enter or click the down arrow to display the list of menu items that contain the word you
entered in step 2.
4. Select the menu item you want to display and press Enter.
The system displays the window connected to the menu path.
To search for a menu item within a window:
1. With a Solar Eclipse window open and selected, press Ctrl + Spacebar or select User Tools >
Quick Menu Launcher to display the Quick Menu Launcher window.
2. In the Quick Menu Launcher field, enter the keyword in the menu you are trying to find. For
example, type lines to search for any menu item that contains the word "lines" in it.
3. Press Enter or click the down arrow to display the list of menu items available within the
window that contain the word you entered in step 2.
4. Select the menu item you want to display and press Enter.
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The system displays the window connected to the menu path.
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Navigating Solar Eclipse
Limiting Records Returned in Queues
To increase the performance in a queue with a large amount of data, you can select how many items in the
queue you want to have returned at a time. The system searches and displays the first set of items that
match your criteria, and then continues to search for more after displaying the first set.
Use this option if you are experiencing slowness in a queue. Each queue is set with a system default that
is considered optimal for the queue.
To limit the number of records returned in a queue:
1. From most queues, select Options > Set Preferred Search Length.
2. In the Search Length window, enter the number of items you want to initially display in the
queue.
3. Click OK.
4. Populate the queue, as necessary.
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Tables Overview
Tables store and organize data throughout the system, usually appearing anywhere lines and columns of
data appear. Entering data in table cells is often like entering data in fields.
You can sort and format tables in many ways. For example, in the Customer Calling Queue, you might
sort items by ship date, or even assign row colors that quickly identify orders that are in trouble.
Formatting Tables
The system's extensive use of tables gives you many ways to easily scan and use information. For
example, you might use colors to distinguish priorities and dates, or change column sizes and their order
to view the data in your preferred layout. Common formatting features include:
• Alternating row colors.
• User-defined colors to identify priorities.
• Columns that can be resized, sorted, and rearranged.
• The ability to save your settings.
Working with Table Data
Tables offer many ways to enter, edit, and analyze information. You can easily find and organize table
data using searching and sorting tools. Some tables use auto-suggest and auto-sum features. Exporting
tables into other Windows applications, such as Microsoft Excel, or graphing table data helps you analyze
your information.
Some common features include:
• Searching
• Cutting and pasting
• Multiple-sorting
• Graphing
• Exporting data into most Windows applications
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Navigating Solar Eclipse
Table Color Guidelines
Some tables use colors to help you read, analyze, or enter data more easily. Depending on a table's
function, it may use color differently than other tables. This section describes the system's main uses of
color.
System-Wide Uses of Color
This table explains how colors are used in tables throughout the system. Depending on a table's function,
it may or may not use these colors.
When you see...
That looks like...
It means...
a bright green cell
the highlighted item is inprocess.
a cell change to pale yellow
after double-clicking on it
the field is editable.
a green bottom row
the row is showing totals for
that window.
a table with alternating row
colors
every other row is colored
differently for ease of reading.
Alternating row colors reflect
the system's default setting. To
change the setting and make
all the rows the same standard
white color, from the File
menu, select Preferences, and
then de-select the Alternate
Row Colors box.
Using Colors to Group and Prioritize Items
Some tables use customizable row colors to group and prioritize items. For example, when selecting
"trouble" items in the Customer Calling Queue, you can set up different colors to prioritize orders by the
number of days they are in trouble. Similarly, in Vendor File Maintenance you can assign a vendor a
color to indicate the vendor's procurement priority.
Row colors are grouped and prioritized in different ways throughout the system. When row colors can be
assigned, the window-specific instructions tell you how.
Note: When you assign custom row colors, your setting overrides the system's alternating
row colors for that window.
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Working with Table Columns
Table columns offer flexibility in how you view table data. You can adjust table columns in a window as
you work, and if desired, save your settings so that your changes appear the next time you access the
window.
You can adjust table columns in the following ways:
• Resizing
• Rearranging
• Sorting
To resize a column:
1. Do one of the following:
• To resize a column to the width of its widest cell, double-click the column heading.
• To resize a column to a specific size, move your mouse cursor over the line that separates the
table column. When the mouse cursor changes to a double-arrow, drag the column line left or
right, as needed.
2. To save your settings, right-click on any column heading, and select Save Settings.
Note: Do not save your settings if you want the table to display in its default
view the next time you open the window.
To rearrange columns:
1. Determine the order in which you want columns to display.
2. To move a column, click the column heading and hold down the left mouse button while you drag
the column left or right to the desired position.
3. Repeat step 2 for each column you want to move.
4. To save your settings, right-click on any column heading, and select Save Settings.
Note: Do not save your settings if you want the table to display in its default view the
next time you open the window.
To sort a column:
1. Determine which column you want to sort by. For example, you might want to sort by ship date,
or by branch.
2. Click the column heading to sort by that column in ascending or descending order, as follows:
• To sort in ascending order, click until the column heading displays an up-arrow.
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Navigating Solar Eclipse
• To sort in descending order, click until the column heading displays a down-arrow.
3. To save your settings, right-click on any column heading, and select Save Settings.
Note: Do not save your settings if you want the table to display in its default view the
next time you open the window.
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Navigating Solar Eclipse
Rel. 8.7.2
Enabling the Horizontal Scrollbar for Tables
If you re-size a window in the application, the columns in a table also re-size to fit a portion of all the
columns in the viewable area of the window. This adjustment can cause column headings to be
unreadable, and cut off data in the table cells.
Add a horizontal scrollbar to each window that has views to see all the data in the table by scrolling to the
right. If the scrollbar is enabled, you can re-size the window without the table re-sizing columns, and still
have access to all the data in a view.
To enable the horizontal scrollbar for a table:
1. Right-click any column heading in the table and select Enable Horizontal Scrollbar.
2. To save the scrollbar setting so the scrollbar is available the next time you enter this window,
right click any column heading and select Save Settings.
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Rel. 8.7.2
Navigating Solar Eclipse
Entering and Editing Table Data
You can enter and edit table data in various ways, depending on where you are in the system. Entering
data in table cells is often like entering data in fields. Tables are simply rows and columns of information
that you can view and edit.
About Table Cells
Table cells can be editable or view-only. You can change the cell contents of an editable cell, but you
cannot change the contents of a view-only cell.
As you move from cell to cell and enter data, cells can also take on the following characteristics:
This type of cell...
Looks like this...
And means...
Focus cell
this is the currently selected cell.
Active cell
the cursor is active in an editable cell.
Navigating Within Tables
The following table describes how to navigate from cell to cell within a table:
To move...
Press...
the cursor to the next editable cell
Enter or Tab.
the cursor into any cell, editable or not
the Arrow keys.
to the previous viewable page of information
Page Up.
to the next viewable page of information
Page Down.
the cursor to the left-most cell in a row
Home.
the cursor to the right-most cell in a row
End.
the cursor to the top cell in a column
Ctrl and Home.
the cursor to the bottom cell in a column
Ctrl and End.
backwards through the editable fields
Shift and Tab.
Searching for Data Within Tables
You can search a table column for data contained within that column, but you cannot search an entire
table.
To search a table column:
1. Right-click on the column and select Search from the list of options. The Search prompt
displays.
2. Enter the data you want to search for and click OK. The focus cell moves to the cell that contains
the matching data.
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Navigating Solar Eclipse
Rel. 8.7.2
Note: If the data you enter is contained in more than one cell, you are prompted to choose
from a list of matches.
Entering and Editing Data Within Tables
The following table describes how to enter and edit data in table cells:
To do this to a cell...
Do this...
enter data in a cell
position the cursor in the cell and begin typing.
change data in a cell
position the cursor in the cell and begin typing.
cut data from a cell
double-click the cell to make it active, and then press Ctrl and X.
copy data from a cell
double-click the cell to make it active, and then press Ctrl and C.
paste data into a cell
double-click the cell to make it active, and then press Ctrl and V.
delete a cell's contents
position the cursor in the cell and press Delete or the Space Bar.
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© 2011 Epicor Software Corporation. All rights reserved.
Rel. 8.7.2
Navigating Solar Eclipse
Exporting Table Data
You can export table data into many Windows applications, such as Microsoft Excel, Notepad, or Word.
You can export an entire table, or only selected cells.
You can export table data in the following ways:
• Save a table as a file.
• Drag-and-drop selected table cells into another application.
• Copy and paste selected table cells into another application.
• Print a table.
To save a table as a file:
1. Right-click anywhere in the table and select Save Table from the list of options. The Save dialog
box appears.
2. Specify the following three things:
• In the Save in field, browse to the folder in which you want to save the file.
• In the File name field, type a name for the file.
• In the Files of type field, select the type of file you want.
3. Click Save. Your file is saved to the specified location.
To drag-and-drop table data into another application:
1. Open the application into which you want to export your data.
2. Resize the application window so that it does not take up the entire screen.
3. Access the Solar Eclipse window from which you want to drag data.
4. Determine the group of cells you want to export. Locate the upper-left cell and the lower-right
cell of that group.
5. Click and hold the left mouse button on the upper-left cell. Holding down the mouse button, drag
down and to the right until the bottom right cell is selected.
6. Release the mouse button. The desired group of cells should be selected.
7. If necessary, resize the Solar Eclipse window so that you can see both Solar Eclipse and the target
application.
8. Click anywhere in the selected area and hold down the mouse button as you drag your selection
into the target application.
Note: In most applications, a small square with a plus (+) sign appears when the mouse
cursor is over the target application. The symbol means that you can now paste
into the target application.
9. Release the mouse button to drop your table data into the target application.
10. Reformat the data within the target application, as needed.
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63
Navigating Solar Eclipse
Rel. 8.7.2
To copy and paste table data into another application:
1. Access the Solar Eclipse window from which you want to drag data.
2. Determine the group of cells you want to export. Locate the upper-left cell and the lower-right
cell of that group.
3. Click and hold the left mouse button on the upper-left cell. Holding down the mouse button, drag
down and to the right until the bottom right cell is selected.
4. Release the mouse button. The desired group of cells should be selected.
5. Press Ctrl and C to copy the selected cells.
6. Open the application into which you want to export your data.
7. Press Ctrl and V to paste the selected cells into the target application.
8. Reformat the data within the target application, as needed.
To print a table:
1. Right-click anywhere in the table and select Print Table from the list of options. The Print
Table dialog box appears.
2. Specify the following two things:
• In the Report title field, enter a name for your print job.
• In the Orientation field, select Portrait or Landscape.
3. Click OK or press Enter to print the table.
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© 2011 Epicor Software Corporation. All rights reserved.
Rel. 8.7.2
Navigating Solar Eclipse
Viewing the Clock and Calendar
When you need to view the time and date from your terminal for general purposes, use the
Clock/Calendar window. This window displays the current month and next month, the current date, the
time, and your user ID port and terminal information.
To view the clock and calendar:
1. From the System menu, select Clock/Calendar to display the Clock/Calendar window.
2. View the following information:
Field
Description
Port
Port ID of the terminal to which you are connected.
User
User ID of the person currently connected to Eclipse.
Time
Next to the account is the current time in the time zone assigned to the displayed user
ID. The time counts as you view it, ensuring real-time accuracy.
Account
The Solar Eclipse account to which the terminal is connected, such as Production.
Term ID#
ID assigned to the terminal.
Version
Version of Solar Eclipse installed on the terminal.
Calendars
• Dates highlighted in red are the assigned days off for the displayed user ID.
• The date highlighted in yellow is the current date.
3. Use the Arrow buttons to move the window to previous or following months.
© 2011 Epicor Software Corporation. All rights reserved.
65
Index
A
table data ..................................................... 63
A/P entry
invoices, searching for ................................. 50
F
F1 Help .............................................................. 2
B
F10 lists ........................................................... 36
branches
F11 Help
accessing........................................................ 2
entering in fields .......................................... 37
buttons
field-specific list button ................................... 41
branch/territory entry ................................... 37
K
calendar........................................................ 38
keyboard
field-specific list .......................................... 41
displaying windows ..................................... 30
multiple values............................................. 42
entering data ................................................ 28
toolbar .......................................................... 24
for navigation .............................................. 27
C
shortcuts ...................................................... 30
calendar button, using ...................................... 38
keyboard shortcusts ......................................... 28
calendar/clock .................................................. 65
L
CHUI tasks, completing ................................... 10
list button, using .............................................. 41
clock/calendar .................................................. 65
locked orders
color in tables ................................................... 57
columns in tables.............................................. 58
logging out of sessions .................................. 5
logging in
common functions .............................................. 1
multiple sessions ........................................... 5
D
passwords ...................................................... 3
data
user IDs ......................................................... 3
entering ........................................................ 31
logging out
multiple sessions ........................................... 5
date fields, variable dating ............................... 39
dates, entering .................................................. 38
M
display on top ..................................................... 7
main window, displaying ................................... 6
documents
menus
recalling ....................................................... 52
launching ............................................... 15, 53
E
opening windows with .................... 14, 15, 53
effective dates
quick menu launcher ............................. 15, 53
searching................................................ 15, 53
selecting ....................................................... 38
exporting
multiple values in one field.............................. 42
© 2011 Epicor Software Corporation. All rights reserved.
67
Navigating Solar Eclipse
Rel. 8.7.2
N
with words ................................................... 43
T
navigation
about .............................................................. 1
tables
in tables ........................................................ 61
about ............................................................ 56
multiple windows ........................................ 11
color............................................................. 57
using your keyboard .................................... 27
columns ....................................................... 58
network connectivity .......................................... 1
editing .......................................................... 61
new user ............................................................. 3
entering data ................................................ 61
next item, keyboard shortcut ...................... 12, 28
exporting data .............................................. 63
O
navigating .................................................... 61
online Help ......................................................... 2
printing ........................................................ 63
P
saving .......................................................... 63
passwords
scrollbars ..................................................... 60
searching for data ........................................ 61
changing ........................................................ 3
system ............................................................ 3
territories
Q
entering in fields .......................................... 37
toolbars
queues
return limits ................................................. 55
customizing ................................................. 24
quick access lists .............................................. 36
templates ..................................................... 20
quick menu launcher .................................. 15, 53
U
S
user
saving changes ................................................. 12
IDs ................................................................. 3
scrollbars, tables with views ............................ 60
new user, logging in ...................................... 3
searching
quick access lists ......................................... 36
68
about ............................................................ 43
V
for customers ............................................... 47
variable dating ................................................. 39
for invoices in A/P Entry ............................. 50
W
for products .................................................. 48
windows
for transactions ............................................ 51
about ........................................................ 8, 11
for vendors ................................................... 47
closing ......................................................... 12
global ........................................................... 45
displaying using keystrokes ........................ 30
in tables ........................................................ 61
opening ........................................................ 14
with numbers ............................................... 43
saving changes............................................. 12
with special characters ................................. 43
wizards ............................................................. 17
© 2011 Epicor Software Corporation. All rights reserved.