As an option, Tabs3 Billing allows a "/T" startup parameter. This allows you to start certain Tabs3 Billing tasks at a specified time. This option is used only in conjunction with the /DFIC, /AFIC or Network Test startup options.

When the software is started with the "/T" option, Tabs3 Billing is started and a Start Time Countdown window will be displayed. This window includes the time remaining until the task will be started, the current date and time, the specified start time and the tasks selected to be performed (Data File Integrity Check, Archive Integrity Check, or Network Test).

An example of the startup option is as follows:

"C:\Program Files\Tabs3\TABS.EXE"  /DFIC  /AFIC  /T  11:30p

In this example, the software would automatically start the Archive Integrity Check at 11:30 p.m. followed by the Data File Integrity Check.

Note: The normal "sign in" routine is used when Tabs3 Billing is started with the "/T" option. If you have not specified a User ID on the command line, you will be required to enter the User ID. If password security has been defined, you will also be required to enter the password before the integrity check will proceed. If any other users are using the software at the specified start time, the integrity check will not begin and a message will be displayed indicating the user who is accessing the software.

Tip: If you are the office administrator, you may want to set up a separate Tabs3 icon on your desktop that starts a batch file to run the Tabs3 Data File Integrity check, Archive Integrity Check and an external backup. You can then simply double-click this icon before you leave each evening so that the integrity checks begin later in the evening after everyone has left the office.

To make this process even easier for firms with password security, consider setting up a new access profile via System Configuration that has access to only the Data File Integrity Check and Archive Integrity Check programs. Then, create a new User ID with no password and assign this user to the new access profile. Finally, specify this User ID on the command line as part of the batch file. When you double-click the icon, you will not be required to enter a User ID or password before the integrity checks begin.

See also:   Adding a Startup Option
  Startup Options