Matrix Software User Manuel

Contents – MatriX General Operations Guide
Introduction ............................................................................................................. 3
Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 4
About This Document .................................................................................................. 4
About MatriX ............................................................................................................... 4
Structure of Information ............................................................................................... 4
Logging In / Password Changes ................................................................................. 4
Main Menu Options ..................................................................................................... 5
Shortcut Keys .............................................................................................................. 5
Menu Options .......................................................................................................... 7
File Menu ................................................................................................................................. 8

About the File Menu .................................................................................................... 8
New ............................................................................................................................. 8
New Copy .................................................................................................................... 8
Delete .......................................................................................................................... 9
Save ............................................................................................................................ 9
Save As Excel ............................................................................................................. 9
Save As ..................................................................................................................... 10
Workflow ................................................................................................................... 11
Refresh / Cancel........................................................................................................ 11
Print ........................................................................................................................... 11
Print Preview ............................................................................................................. 11
Page Setup ............................................................................................................... 12
Exit Application .......................................................................................................... 12
Edit Menu ............................................................................................................................... 13
About the Edit Menu .................................................................................................. 13
Cut............................................................................................................................. 13
Copy .......................................................................................................................... 13
Paste ......................................................................................................................... 13
Find ........................................................................................................................... 18
Replace ..................................................................................................................... 19
Change Window Title ................................................................................................ 19
Row Highlighting ....................................................................................................... 20
Repeat Value ............................................................................................................ 20
View Menu ............................................................................................................................. 21
About the View Menu ................................................................................................ 21
Filter .......................................................................................................................... 21
Sort............................................................................................................................ 24
First, Next, Prior, Last................................................................................................ 25
Query Mode .............................................................................................................. 26
Refresh All Drop Downs ............................................................................................ 28
Use Custom Lists ...................................................................................................... 28
Use Pop-Up Calendar ............................................................................................... 29
Zoom ......................................................................................................................... 29
Window Menu ........................................................................................................................ 30
MatriX – General Features Guide
About the Window Menu ........................................................................................... 30

Open Full Screen ...................................................................................................... 30
Remember Window Layout ....................................................................................... 30
Show Toolbar Text .................................................................................................... 30
Minimise All Windows ................................................................................................ 30
Close All .................................................................................................................... 31
Help........................................................................................................................................ 32
Help Menu ................................................................................................................. 32
Helpdesk ................................................................................................................... 32
Window Types ....................................................................................................... 34
Window Types........................................................................................................................ 35
About Window Types ................................................................................................ 35
Edit windows / Tabbed Lists ...................................................................................... 35
Selection Window ...................................................................................................... 36
List Window ............................................................................................................... 37
Editable List – Multi- Select ....................................................................................... 39
Labels, Terminology & Languages ............................................................................ 39
Controls (menus, keys & icons) – Mouse Right-Click & Workflow ............................. 41
Queries .................................................................................................................. 42
Queries .................................................................................................................................. 43
Queries...................................................................................................................... 43
Running Queries ....................................................................................................... 43
2
Introduction
3
Introduction
About This Document

This document is a system guide covering general functionality provided
throughout the MatriX suite of systems produced by Pinnacle Business Solutions
Ltd using PowerBuilder application development software. Many of the general
features are described but there may be others where the actions required are
self-evident and do not need further explanations.
About MatriX
The suite of systems covers a wide range of functionality mostly provided using
software developed using PowerBuilder, an integrated development environment
owned by Sybase, a division of SAP. This is a toolset for system developers and
it delivers a significant number of inherent productivity features in the developed
software. A considerable amount of programming and development by Pinnacle
Business Solutions has created some very sophisticated core programs that
vastly extend the range of functionality features. Each of the detailed screens
seen in the developed systems has automatically inherited the functionality of the
core programs. The net result is a suite of systems with an extensive range of
standard features designed to allow particularly efficient operation.
Structure of Information
This document provides details according to the standard menu options and then
covers the detailed functionality available when windows have been opened,
some of which then also refers back to menu options.
All the systems are designed to operate in the Microsoft Windows environment
and there are a number of areas where normal Windows functionality is called
into operation. Systems also conform to guidelines for operation within Windows
and references should be made to Microsoft documentation for details. This
document also assumes that the reader has some familiarity with Windows or
undertaken basic computer training based on Windows.
Logging In / Password Changes
For most installations the default, Window Authentication, will apply so just click
OK (or <Enter>) to log onto the system.
Note that ‘Windows Authentication’ uses your Windows login and the database
(Microsoft SQL Server) works in conjunction with the relevant network domain
controller to verify your details. Password changes for Windows logins are NOT
changeable via any of the MatriX modules.
4
There may be some systems that can be installed to allow the use of SQL
Authentication; this is a login with password that is managed within the database
(Microsoft SQL Server). To login, select the option for ‘connect using’ to choose
‘SQL Authentication’ and then enter your login and password then click OK (or
<Enter>).
To change the password for your SQL Authentication login, apply the button,
‘More’, to expand the screen so you can then enter your login, password (current)
and new password (and again to confirm). Note that if you use any other
systems that work with the same SQL Server database and use the same login
then a new password will apply to the other systems as well.
Main Menu Options

There are a number of menu options that normally appear regardless of the
system. This illustration is typical of the main menus presented in a MatriX
system:
The menu options from ‘Reference’ through to ‘Reports’ are specific to the
system and are ignored in this document. The document does, however, use
examples from within these to illustrate some of the typical types of screens that
are accessed with notes on how to use them.
Thus, all systems will have the menu options listed below and the options
contained in each of these main menus are generally consistent.
Icons shown below the main menus (illustrated here with “Show Text” no ticked)
are linked to menu options found mainly under File or Edit where notes on usage
are described. Hover the mouse pointer over an icon to see a short description
for the functionality beside the mouse pointer as well as a description displayed in
the status bar at the bottom left of the system’s main window; also right-click in
this toolbar to toggle the display, “Show Text”.
Shortcut Keys
Following are shortcut keys commonly available in MatriX:
• Ctrl + A - Select All
• Ctrl + C - Copy
• Ctrl + D - Delete
5
• Ctrl + F – Find
• Ctrl + H – Save window to HTML file
• Ctrl + N - New (i.e. Insert)
• Ctrl + P - Print
• Ctrl + R - Refresh / Cancel Changes
• Ctrl + S - Save
• Ctrl + V - Paste
• Ctrl + W - Workflow
• Ctrl + X – Cut
• Ctrl + Z – Undo
• Ctrl + Shift + R – Repeat Values (in multi-row select mode)
6
Menu Options
7
File Menu
About the File Menu
This is obtained by clicking on “File” using the mouse. The same list can be
obtained by applying the “Alt” key followed by use of the Arrow keys:
Note that the shortcut key letters are underlined.
The use of menus follows the usual Microsoft Windows methods of operation.
New
Add / Insert a new record
The shortcut key combination is Ctrl-N
New Copy
Add / Insert a new copy record
This is available on some screens where a new record can be added that shows
initial data copied from the current record.
8
Delete
Delete
The current record will be deleted when this is applied. Note that it is most often
the case that records may not be deleted and, sometimes, special security
permissions are needed to allow deletions. It will be “greyed” when unavailable.
Rather than having the ability to Delete, records MatriX tables often have a field
that may be labelled as “is deleted?”, “deleted” or “inactive” and when ticked, it
normally stops the record being utilised again so it has the same effect as a
deletion but historical records are retained and any references can still show
details of the reference.
Save
Save
Save can be applied via the Save icon or the option in the File menu or the
shortcut key combination, Ctrl-S.
The system often allows entry of several records (rows) within Lists as well as
screens with just one individual record edit capability. For general operation,
nothing is written to the database until you apply the Save. Exceptions can apply
if there are special buttons or menu options that may instigate database updates.
When the access to a list or a report is via a data selection window, the normal
operation is to enter “selection criteria” and then applying “Save” will progress the
display to the relevant display while also saving criteria to be seen next time you
access the same screen.
Save As Excel
Save As Excel
When a window is opened that shows data as a list (it may also work with some
windows presented as a report) then Save As Excel can be used. This then
produces a screen to select the folder and file name, as illustrated below.
9
Notes:
– The folder is chosen from the entry for ‘save as excel’ in Personnel Profile
Folders (in the Admin module) for your login. If your login does not have a
special entry then the system default folder is used (System -> System
Default Folders, in the Admin module).
– The file name has a default name that includes your user code (this is
entered when your login is added in the Admin module – system
administrators frequently use a person’s initials for the user code).
– If you want to save to specific place and file name, the details can be edited.
– Clicking Save will start the creation of the Excel spreadsheet.
– An existing file will be over-written.
– The next display is a message to ask “Do you want to open the file now”?
– If you just want to open the spreadsheet and not concerned about having a
saved file, just select Save (or <Enter>) then select YES (or <Enter>).
Save As
This option is relevant when you have a Window open. You will then be
presented with a display like the example illustrated below.
This is called from Windows applying Microsoft methods of operation and

presentation may vary according to the version of Windows being used.
There are a variety of file types that may be selected. This is a standard
automated facility that saves information taken from the underlying data that
screen presentations are built from. Column headings will therefore be shown
according to the field name used in the database. It is normally quite evident how
the information relates to the data seen on screen even if you have customised
the presentation and terminology.
10
Workflow
Workflow
Excel
Workflow (shortcut, Ctrl-W) is relevant when there is a particular sequence of

operations that should be followed through a series of screens to process an
operation. It can then be applied when a window is opened and data entries are
made so that Ctrl-W will move you onto the next logical window. It may also be
applied to drill-down through a hierarchical set of screens. The sequences
associated with workflow are always specific to each situation so will normally be
described within systems guides for particular modules.
Refresh / Cancel
Refresh
The information currently displayed is re-loaded from the database to refresh the
display and any alterations you have entered but not saved will be cancelled.
Print
Print
The Printing facilities (shortcut key combination = Ctrl-P) are the same as applied
in other Windows systems and Microsoft Windows utilities are called so may vary
according to the version of Windows you are using.
The Print menu option opens the printer selection window and, in this instance,
the icon gives an immediate shortcut to print directly to your currently selected
printer. Printing applies to the currently open window (e.g. a list or a report
preview window).
Print Preview
Print Preview
The print preview is most relevant with a list displayed (it can be re-applied to
toggle back to the normal display).
11
Page Setup
Page configuration for printing may be defined through this option.
Exit Application
Exit Application
All windows are closed and the system is closed down. Some systems
incorporate a number of modules (these have a main menu item named “Options”
that allows more than one module to be opened); this Exit facility closes all the
open modules.
12
Edit Menu
About the Edit Menu
Cut
Normally applied as a standard Windows “Cut”, alternatively applied via Ctrl-X.
Copy
Normally applied as a standard Windows “Copy”, alternatively applied via Ctrl-C.
Paste
Normally applied as a standard Windows “Paste”, alternatively applied via Ctrl-V.
In addition, copy-paste can be applied to data in cells from Excel into a grid layout
within MatriX. Following is an illustration showing 2 rows of data pasted after
copying a block of cells in Excel:
13
In this example, a block of cells in Excel were highlighted, covering 3 rows with 3
columns, and Copy (Ctrl-C) applied. Then on the list display in MatriX, the insert
icon was applied three times to create 3 new rows and then Paste was applied.
This type of copy-paste can also be used without inserting new rows when the
fields are editable so that an update can be applied. The following screenshot
shows a sample drawing list in Controlmax.
Here are the details saved to an Excel Spreadsheet:
14
The next display shows the same list with some of the details changed to include
data under Test Pack, Activity and Target Date. Because the Activity is a
dropdown field in Matrix, either the code or the description can be entered, as a
user can type in either of these. Row 26 illustrates an error with an invalid test
pack number. The error will be detected by the Matrix paste and copying will be
stopped at this column. The validation operates exactly as if the operator had
typed in the value.
Matrix will not update details where input is not allowed. To illustrate this, the
details in the delivery date in the first row are changed. This change will be
ignored by the copy as the field is protected in Matrix. This means that data can
be copied without worrying about changing protected fields in Matrix. It also
means that the data being copied matches the Matrix display and is clearer for
the user.
15
Select and copy this block of data in the spreadsheet and move to Matrix to
highlight the field where the copy is to start.
16
The drawing number matches with the first drawing number selected in the
spreadsheet. To paste the details, select Edit->Paste or just type CTRL+V.
Important Notes about usage:
Matrix cannot do any checking to confirm that data is being pasted into the
correct position or that the sequence of the fields being copied matches the fields
in Matrix. The user should take care that this option is used responsibly.
If a mistake is made, the Refresh Option (CTRL->R) can be used to cancel out
any changes provided details have not been saved.
Some of the Matrix displays may display a pop up window for the user to make a
selection from. The paste may stop when this occurs as it can only copy details
into a single grid window. The paste works fine with the date entry popup as the
details can be typed into the date field on the grid window.
Following the copy, the following message box appears because of the invalid
test pack number.
Copying stops at this point and focus is set to the test pack number where an
attempt was made to paste the invalid value.
17
The details from the spreadsheet have been copied until an incorrect value was
detected and the copy has then stopped so the row with the error and
subsequent rows show no change. The changed value for delivery date from the
spreadsheet was ignored because this field is protected.
The target date for the first 2 rows has been updated even though this value was
not copied. This is because the copy operates exactly as if the data had been
typed in by the user, and the dates are obtained from the activity details when an
activity is entered.
This functionality can be helpful to speed up entry of data into any Matrix grid
style window. It does not apply to other types of displays. This option should be
used responsibly and care taken that the copied details match with the Matrix
display.
Importing new lists

The facility to paste from Excel can often be used to import data lists. Most grid
screens allow the insert of a new row by using the key combination, Ctrl-N, and
holding down the keys continues to insert blank rows. As rows are inserted, the
row counter is incremented so it is quite easy to ensure that the number of blanks
rows is more than you are wanting import. The cells in a spreadsheet can be
highlighted and copied (Ctrl-C) while columns are arranged in the same
sequence as the grid (or the grid columns re-sequenced to suit the spreadsheet);
then past while clicked in the grid’s top-left cell.
Find
Find
18
Find (also via Ctrl-F) is relevant when you are in a list window to present a find
facility:
The field to be used for the “Find Where” can be selected and the value that you
enter in the “Find What” will apply to being located anywhere within the data for
the specified field (column), using the Search direction selected (Down or Up).
Replace
The replace (shortcut key combination = Ctrl-H) can be used to operate on

currently focussed text.
Change Window Title

This can be selected when a Window is open:
Enter the new name and select Save so the new Title is seen:
19
Note that the Window title change applies across the system, for all users.
Row Highlighting
The options apply to windows with a multi-row select option (that is ticked) so that
rows can be highlighted. Options available are:
- Select All Rows

- Deselect All Rows
Repeat Value
When using the multi-select option on a list, several rows can be highlighted and
a value can be altered in a field then using “Repeat Value” (or Ctrl-Shift-R) while
the cursor is in the field with the new data, it will cause this value to be set in all
the relevant column for all highlighted rows.
20
View Menu
About the View Menu
Filter
Filter
The filter option, via the icon or Ctrl-Shift-L, is available when a list is displayed
and, when applied, a drop-down arrow icon appears in all the column headings:
21
Clicking on the arrow icon shows the conditions that can be applied to the
column:
Sorting can also be applied using the first two options when the filter display is
shown.
The normal filtering facility is based on marking the options required against the
distinct list of available values.
The “Search” (seen below “Text Filter” allows entry of any string that will be
matched with data in any position within the string of values in the set of unique
entries, e.g.:
22
Similar “Search” facilities apply for columns with numeric and date data.
Further facilities are available via the ‘Text Filters’ option:
Choosing one of the options provides the relevant window where the required
filter condition can be applied.
This feature then caters for a comprehensive set of filter conditions that can be
applied to text fields.
When a filter has been applied the icon in the column heading changes to
indicate that a filter is set.
Filters on Date columns will provide other features with dates presented in a tree
structure.
23
As illustrated, the year and month can be expanded. Alternatively, the “Expand
Tree” will show a complete, unique list of the dates that are contained on the
columns data. When the “Expand Tree” option is applied, it then toggles to
provide a “Collapse Tree” facility to return to the minimised tree layout.
Sort
Applicable for list windows, a compound column Sort may be applied when
double-clicking on a column heading is not sufficient.
This example is from the ProcuremaX system:
With the list open, select the Sort option:
24
This initially shows the order currently applied. Drag columns using the mouse
pointer and holding the left mouse button to give the sort you wish to apply:
This is actually a standard utility program that uses the field names as defined in
the database but it is usually very easy to identify which columns you need.
In this example, the following shows the results when you click OK:
First, Next, Prior, Last
25
These may be applied to position the record pointer in a list. In a number of

situations you may be able to double-click on a list record to access a detailed
window associated with the single record and this facility can be applied to
change the record displayed on the detail window without needing to close it,
change position on the list and then go back to the record detail window.
Query Mode
Toggle Query Mode
SQL query mode (shortcut key = F7) is relevant when you have a list window
open and you wish to filter the data shown in the list according to any criteria you
wish to apply for the columns that are presented in the list. It is available on most
list windows, particularly when there may an extensive number of records
presented.
The set of illustrations below show how to use this feature (these are based on
one of the modules in QuantimaX, the Material Take-off and estimating system
although the facilities are generic and available in all systems).
Open a list window:
This is a special type of list window (a “tabbed” list – the information in the
“tabbed” sections on the right refer to the position on the list).
First, apply the “Toggle List” check box to present the information as a normal list:
26
Now apply the SQL icon (Query Information menu option or use the F7 key):
Here, the selection criteria can be entered. In this example, where the column
“Main Size” – “2 IN” and “Main Schedule” = “SCH80”. The behaviour of the fields
used to enter your selection criteria mirrors the properties of the field in the
normal list display. If it is a field requiring selection from a drop-down list then it
will be the same here and if it is free format entry field, it will be the same here.
The selection criteria is based on exact matching to the values entered (you may
not enter just “2” as criteria in “Main Size” in this example, you must enter “2 IN”).
When you re-apply the SQL icon (or the Query Information option or F7 key) you
will see the results.
27
To revert to the complete list, repeat the SQL query process and clear the criteria
field entries or close the list and re-open it.
Refresh All Drop Downs

When any new records have been added or any updates have been undertaken
on any reference tables then this option can be applied.
The programs will read information from the database to store all the valid options
for the fields used in a window that have a drop-down selection list. The arrays
holding these valid options are built when a window is opened for the first time.
In a many instances, windows may have fields that use the same drop-down list
as other windows but only one list of drop-down options is maintained per field.
Thus these validation lists are extended as windows are opened but they are not
re-loaded each time. You may then see that windows open faster as you use the
system because the associated validation lists have already been populated.
Using the “Refresh All Drop Downs” option will re-load all of the validation lists
currently held in the memory on your workstation.
Use Custom Lists

Facilities are available in most systems to allow the use of Custom Lists. The
menu option can be applied at any time and then the menu list will display a tick
(√) beside the menu option to signify that you are using “custom lists”.
When you then open any list the presentation will be according to your own
profile. You may:
• Drag columns into different positions (put the mouse pointer into a
column heading, hold down the left button and drag to the position you
want then release the mouse button)
• Re-size column widths (position the mouse pointer onto a column divider
line and see the split arrows appear, then hold down the left mouse
button and drag the width and release the button at the required width)
• Alter the sort sequence (double-click in the column heading or double-

click in the same column heading again to reverse the order)
• Apply complex sort conditions (see “Sort”)
• Apply complex filter conditions (see “Filter”)
28
Use Pop-Up Calendar

With a tick (√) beside it, this will cause the system to present a pop-up calendar
when clicking into a date field so that a date can be selected. This setting is
applicable to the current user and the setting is retained from one session to the
next.
When not ticked, dates must be keyed in (note that dates follow the format
according to the date format defined in the local Windows set-up).
Zoom
This is relevant when a Report is displayed.
29
Window Menu
About the Window Menu
The options for positioning (Cascade, Tile Horizontal, Tile Vertical, Layer)
available in the Windows menu are standard choices available in any Windows
application.
The windows menu will be extended to show the identification of each open
window and just like other applications operating in Windows, it allows switching
focus from one window to another.
Open Full Screen

A tick against this means that when a new list display is opened it will open full
screen otherwise a smaller display will be provided.
Setting of this indicator is retained with your login and will be retained and applied
at each login.
The default for a new system user is to open full screen.
Remember Window Layout

When ticked (and “open full screen” is not ticked), a list screen will be opened in
the same position and with the same size as when you last opened the same list.
Show Toolbar Text

This can be applied to toggle the display of text with the toolbar icons, This may
also be set via the right-click menu when cursor is in the toolbar.
Minimise All Windows

This allows all the open windows to be minimised.
30
Close All
Close All
All windows can be closed with this option. Note that the toolbar also includes
“Close” that can be applied to close the currently focussed window.
31
Help
Help Menu
This documentation is accessed via Help Topics. Note that the screen provided
initially has links to view help on-line or to open an Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) version
(the .pdf version is formatted for printing).
The About menu option provides information mainly relating to the version
number for the system.
Helpdesk
If a problem cannot be resolved by reference to the on-line help, the helpdesk
service is available.
Sending an email to matrix@pinsol.com results in the problem being logged in a

helpdesk management system and all members of the support team are notified
immediately. Note that the screens via Help menu options show this contact
email address (this applies when selecting either ‘Help Topics’ or ‘About’).
Each problem is logged with a ticket number that will be shown in relevant
messages. Further email related to the topic will use the helpdesk ticket number
to link all the communications about the problem. The matrix support team enter
response information into the helpdesk system and the response details are
notified automatically by email to the address of the sender of the original email
and copying to the same people that were copied on the original email. The
helpdesk system can be configured to add any other email address to be copied
on all helpdesk calls from a particular company (the company’s user
representative should contact the helpdesk to arrange appropriate configuration).
When an email is sent to matrix@pinsol.com the sender’s email address is used

to create a login account in the helpdesk system that can then be accessed by
clicking on the ticket number shown in the email response provided from the
system. Alternatively, the system can be accessed using a web browser and
entering the address: https://pinsol.zendesk.com. The login screen is illustrated
below:
32
Note that the screen provides information about getting a password etc.
If connected to the helpdesk system, details of your helpdesk tickets can be seen.
A feature available in the helpdesk system that is worth mentioning is the ability
to record a “screencast” that will be associated with a new or existing helpdesk
ticket. Note that the screencast recording facility within the “Zendesk” system
requires appropriate web browser capabilities, including Java availability.
Screencast recording of actions if a problem is encountered could be useful
although attaching screen captures is normally sufficient.
33
Window Types
34
Window Types
About Window Types

Most operations are quite self-evident and the various options available via menu
options are already described above. This section describes some additional
features that may be less obvious.
Edit windows / Tabbed Lists

When you are able to edit data in a window, there will be one or more fields that
are shown white rather than grey. Data may only be entered / edited in the white
fields, the ‘greyed’ fields are protected.
Labels or column headings that are underlined identify that entry of data in the
associated field is mandatory.
In addition to edits via a single record data window, information may sometimes
be maintained via a List window (these types of window may sometimes be
referred to as a “grid”). When editing using a list, you can normally change data
on several different records or you may insert several records and it is important
to note that all of the changes will only be applied to the database when you
select “Save”. Normally, you will, however, find that you will be asked if you want
to “save” in the event that there are any pending updates at the time when you
close an edit window.
The “Tabbed List” is a combined edit window and editable grid. It provides a list
on the left side with a pane on the right presenting data for the record indicated
by the row pointer. This style often has different “tabs” that can be selected to
give different sets of fields in the right-side pane. A check box is also available,
marked “Toggle” and this allows a change to the list (grid) display or toggle back
to the tabbed list style. Note that the columns in the list (grid) do not always
include all the fields presented in the Tabbed style presentation. Following is an
example of a tabbed list format:
35
Selection Window
Windows with facility to apply selection of data are used in various places across
the different applications. A selection window is often used in conjunction with a
list window or a report and it will then apply to identify the records that are
selected from the database to be presented on the list or report.
To use the selection window, enter relevant data and then apply Save (or
Ctrl-S). This will then progress the display to show the next window (e.g. list or
report). It will also Save the selection criteria to your own profile so that the same
selection data will be seen next time you open the selection window.
In some situations, the menu option may indicate a List or Report and the
selection window may always appear before the list or report is presented. In
other situations, the menu may present a separate option to open the Selection
criteria and another menu option to access the list or report – in this case, the
selection criteria will still apply, using your own last saved selection data (the
ability to get to the list without having to go through a selection window makes the
operation quick but new system users may need to understand what may be
causing only selected data to be presented).
Defining criteria in a selection window means that data is retrieved from the
database based on the selection criteria which makes operation much more
efficient (sometime significantly quicker) than retrieving a full list of data and then
applying filters on what is being displayed.
Note that a further option to select data is using the “SQL” (F7) toggle (see View
Menu -> Query Information).
Filtering can also be applied using the filter icon (or Ctrl-Shift-L) (see View Menu -
> Filter).
36
List Window
A number of features concerning list windows have already been mentioned,
such as the ability to double-click a column heading to sort data within the
column.
Find
You will note that there is an entry field in a list window’s heading section. To use
this, first click the mouse pointer into a field showing some data in the column that
you want a find applied to. Then, start entering your find criteria in the space
provided in the window header area. The information shown in the header area
will indicate which column the find applies to. As soon as you type each
character of your find condition, you will see the list pointer move to the first
occurrence.
In this simple example, the Module Name was first sequenced using a double-
click in the column heading (although the “find” still operates without first pre-
sorting the data).
When the first letter “S” was entered, the pointer moved immediately to
“SKIDBASE/TANKS” and then moved to the position shown when the “U” was
added.
37
Column Locking (for left – right panning)
Move the mouse pointer over the darker area and drag to the right side of the
column to be locked when panning left-right:
The above example illustrates the columns on the left having been locked so that
columns on the right can be scrolled (panned) to the right.
38
Editable List – Multi- Select
Several rows can be updated at the same time on editable lists when the
MultiSelect checkbox (top-right) is available. When Multi-select is set, click on
the rows to be edited so that all required rows are highlighted, next apply a value
in a cell in any of the highlighted rows then apply a mouse right-click and select
Repeat Value (or Ctrl-Shift-R) to set the new value to all the highlighted rows.
Labels, Terminology & Languages

Most of the systems include an option when adding / maintaining user information
that shows the language that the person will be using.
To alter the terminology or language presentation for a particular label, a user

with relevant security permission can hold down the shift key and then apply a
mouse left-click on the label you want to edit. This may be applied to menu
option, list window column headings and labels shown on single record detail
windows. After editing details just click on Save to apply them. Following is an
example (this one from the StockmaX system):
39
Hold down the shift key and apply a mouse left-click with the pointer on “Part ID”.
Enter the required label (applicable to a detailed record when the label is shown
beside the field) and the Column heading lines (as relevant to a list presentation,
as seen in this example).
40
Control is returned to the normal window and the new name is displayed as soon
as you “Save” the label details.
The labels will apply wherever the field is used in any of the systems that refer to
it. The Notes field may be used and this allows you to enter any notes you wish
and then, using this shift-click facility, you can access the notes; these may then
be applied as a field specific help utility to define exactly what the field is to be
used for.
A similar window is presented for changing menu options.
The changes then apply to all users that have a profile linked to the language
shown when altering labels, column headings and menu options (each user’s
language is set in the Admin module).
These techniques can then be applied to adjust to your industry specific

terminology, to cater for completely different languages or to apply separate
languages for American English and for European English.
Controls (menus, keys & icons) – Mouse Right-Click & Workflow

Most operations are controllable through the menus presented at the top of the
screen as already described. Options available may vary according to the data
available being greyed when unavailable. A typical situation may exist when there
is a menu option to access a list and another to open a detailed record; in this
situation the detailed record option will only become available when the list is
open so that the necessary record key data is available that will be required to
identify a specific record for the detailed window. You may also find that a similar
detail record menu option becomes available even though the associated list is
not open; this is because one of the windows that you have open, does in fact
include unique reference to the key information needed to open the detail
window.
Most systems will also incorporate a list of salient options for the window you are
working with. This list of options is available by using a mouse right-click and the
pop-up menu can then be used as an efficient way to access relevant options. A
further efficiency feature available in most systems is “Workflow” (see File menu).
41
Queries
42
Queries
Queries
Various MatriX modules include a general query facility. The operation is
explained below. There is further information in the system guide covering
Administration since that is the section where queries can be defined and
managed.
The Admin section provides facilities to add new queries that can be produced by
staff with the relevant technical skills and understanding of the database. The
setup for each query uses a simple definition for selection and sort of the query
data. Also, queries are assigned to groups and each query group is included as
part of the system security configuration so that users will only see query groups
that are linked with their user profile.
Running Queries
When the window is opened, there will be a list of the query groups that have
been assigned to your user profile.
The tree style presentation can be expanded for a group by click on the “+”
beside the group or collapsed by clicking on “-“.
The expansion of a group then shows each query and a click on the query starts
the process.
Queries can be defined without any selection criteria and then the list display
opens in “SQL” mode, so any criteria can be shown and the SQL icon (or F7) can
be applied (refer to the section earlier, “Query Mode”). Usually the query will
have selection criteria defined and then a selection window is seen:
43
In common with normal operations, underlined elements indicate a mandatory

entry otherwise entry of a criterion is optional. Note that it will be normal to copy /
paste values from elsewhere to establish relevant selection conditions. Apply
Save to show the query result:
Note that this is a generic facility and fields displayed will depend on the query
but the style shown will always be the same. Also, note that normal system
functions useable elsewhere with the style of display can be used; column
filtering and ‘save as Excel’ may be particularly useful options.
44
Document issue: 12.0023
April 2017
Copyright © Pinnacle Business Solutions Ltd. 2017
Pinnacle Business Solutions endeavours to ensure that the information in this document is correct but
does not accept any liability for errors or omissions.
The software described in this document is supplied under licence and may be used or copied only in
accordance with the terms of such a licence. Issue of this document does not entitle the recipient to
access or use the software described.
The development of the MatriX suite of software is continuous and the published information may not
be up to date. Any particular issue of the software may not contain all of the facilities described or
may contain facilities not described.
All registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States of America and/or other
countries are hereby acknowledged.
MatriX is developed and maintained by Pinnacle Business Solutions Ltd.
Pinnacle Business Solutions Ltd

Balmakeith Estate
Inverness
IV12 5QW
Email: matrix@pinsol.com
http://www.matrix-eps.com
45

Matrix Software User Manuel

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Matrix Software User Manuel

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Contents – MatriX General Operations Guide

File Menu ................................................................................................................................. 8

About the Window Menu ........................................................................................... 30

About This Document

Logging In / Password Changes

Main Menu Options

• Ctrl + A - Select All

• Ctrl + H – Save window to HTML file

• Ctrl + N - New (i.e. Insert)

• Ctrl + R - Refresh / Cancel Changes

• Ctrl + Shift + R – Repeat Values (in multi-row select mode)

About the File Menu

Note that the shortcut key letters are underlined.

Add / Insert a new record

The shortcut key combination is Ctrl-N

Add / Insert a new copy record

This is called from Windows applying Microsoft methods of operation and

Workflow (shortcut, Ctrl-W) is relevant when there is a particular sequence of

Page configuration for printing may be defined through this option.

About the Edit Menu

Here are the details saved to an Excel Spreadsheet:

Important Notes about usage:

Importing new lists

The replace (shortcut key combination = Ctrl-H) can be used to operate on

Change Window Title

- Select All Rows

About the View Menu

Further facilities are available via the ‘Text Filters’ option:

This example is from the ProcuremaX system:

With the list open, select the Sort option:

First, Next, Prior, Last

These may be applied to position the record pointer in a list. In a number of

Toggle Query Mode

Open a list window:

Refresh All Drop Downs

Use Custom Lists

• Alter the sort sequence (double-click in the column heading or double-

• Apply complex sort conditions (see “Sort”)

• Apply complex filter conditions (see “Filter”)

Use Pop-Up Calendar

This is relevant when a Report is displayed.

About the Window Menu

Open Full Screen

The default for a new system user is to open full screen.

Remember Window Layout

Show Toolbar Text

Minimise All Windows

Sending an email to matrix@pinsol.com results in the problem being logged in a

When an email is sent to matrix@pinsol.com the sender’s email address is used

About Window Types

Edit windows / Tabbed Lists

Column Locking (for left – right panning)

Editable List – Multi- Select

Labels, Terminology & Languages

To alter the terminology or language presentation for a particular label, a user

A similar window is presented for changing menu options.

These techniques can then be applied to adjust to your industry specific

Controls (menus, keys & icons) – Mouse Right-Click & Workflow

In common with normal operations, underlined elements indicate a mandatory

Document issue: 12.0023

Copyright © Pinnacle Business Solutions Ltd. 2017

MatriX is developed and maintained by Pinnacle Business Solutions Ltd.

Pinnacle Business Solutions Ltd