Simple Tips to Help You Become More Efficient Using Escape
9/27/2005
I know from talking to so many of you that entering orders can be a time consuming and tedious task -- whether you are hand writing them on a paper order form or using an automated system such as Escape.
In this month’s article, I would like to share a few simple tips to help you become more efficient in the use of Escape. Wouldn’t you like to spend more time doing the things you like doing rather than sitting in front of the computer entering orders?
Escape Tip # 1 -- Finding Your Customer Quickly
I know many of you search your customer list by scrolling through the entire list until you find the customer you are seeking. If this sounds like you, Escape can save you time! Escape has a number of basic filters which, if used correctly, will make your customer searches much easier and faster.
First off, organize your customer list. For example, if you know you are going to write several orders for customers in Denver CO, you can sort your customer list by clicking on the gray header columns above the customer list. Sort your list so you can easily locate all of your customers in Denver. All columns within Escape can be sorted this way!
Another powerful tool in your search for a customer is to use the “Find” filter located in the upper right hand corner of the Order Summary Screen. To search for your customer, simply type the name or the first few letters of the customer name. If your customer does not come up the first time, click “Find” again. It may be that there is more than one instance of the same letter sequence you are searching.
“Find” will also allow you to search by account numbers or order numbers. By typing a “#”sign and the supplier’s account number in the “Find” field, the system will take you directly to the customer you are seeking. This is also a good way to verify that the customer you have selected is the correct customer for the supplier for whom you are entering the order. A “/” sign works the same way when you are searching for a specific order number.
For those of you who use Escape with more then one supplier, making sure you set your “Supplier” filter to match the supplier for whom you are creating the order will eliminate all customers who do not have a current account with that supplier.
Tip # 2 – Streamlining the Order Writing Experience
On the Order Entry screen, there are several features to make your order writing experience easier. The first is to take advantage of the “Find” features. You have two options: “Find in Catalog” will search the Product Tree. For instance, if you wish to order a Classic Polo Top, simply type Classic Polo in the “Find in Catalog” field. If it appears on the list, it will take you to the first instance of that item. To find the next instance, click it again. To search the entire catalog including the tables, enter a “*” asterisk in front of your entry. To search only the Order Entry table, enter your item in the “Find in Table” field.
Tip #3 – Submit All of Your Orders at Once
I have noticed that many people write orders but submit them one at a time. This is a huge waste a lot of time, especially if you have a multitude of orders to write! Once you have entered the order and filled out the header information, it is much more efficient to click the “Order Ready” button and leave it on the submit list until you have finished writing all of your orders for the day.
Once all your orders have been completed and you are ready to send them to your suppliers, you should go to the submit list and click the “Select All” button. You will notice a check box will appear next to each order.
Now when you submit your orders, they will all be sent in one easy step!
As an Escape user, I hope you find the information in “Jason’s Corner” helpful. As always, please contact me if I can assist you in any way.
