Synchronization
The synchronization function regularly verifies that data stored on branch offices is complete.
The system checks that the branch office's database contains all the required companies, persons etc. and whether data needs to be deleted or requested. Synchronization takes place automatically at fixed intervals (Sync.Cycle ( Days) field in the Station info area) within the scope of "normal" communication.
Independent info areas are synchronized if output conditions are applied to the info area in the communication format, see Configuring Synchronization. (Info areas used to manage stocks are subject to additional requirements, see Synchronization and Stocks).
The Stock Control info area (OTC) requires all stock-related data to be present on branch offices to correctly track the inventory. For this reason, records (e.g. companies) linked to stock-relevant data are not deleted when synchronizing.
Synchronization is required:
- if field contents are edited on the main office, and these fields are used as the basis for conditions defined in communication formats or distribution logic records
- if communication formats or distribution logic records are edited
Field changes
If the communication format contains the condition "Company, Rep = Smith", companies are only output to stations using the communication format where "Smith" is entered in the Rep field.
If the entry in the Rep field is changed from "Smith" to another rep, changes to these records are no longer communicated to branch offices.
Synchronization ensures that these records are nonetheless updated. Otherwise you would need to completely delete the database on the branch office and input a new data stock download to update the records.
Edited communication format
A communication format could be extended so as to communicate additional records to a station, e.g. the condition "Company, Rep = Jones" is added to the format and combined with the condition "Company, Rep = Smith" using a logical OR.
Company records that fulfill the condition "Rep = Jones" added before the communication format is changed can only be communicated to branch offices using the synchronization function.
Without synchronization, only newly added records and field changes would be output in the next communication session.