Stephanie,

Certain data records within Sage are identified as "ODBC Createable" (Job record, for instance is ODBC Createable while the Contract record is not) with specific data fields being tagged as  "ODBC Changeable."   Microsoft Access can be used to attach to the data table to "Append" new records.

Because Sage 300 CRE is an integrated accounting system, with data validation features when populating a new job setup or contract, there are data fields to be populated that must already exist in a related application. Hence the limitation on ODBC Creatable or replaceable records. 

Your resource for the details on data records and data field within each record regarding the ODBC Createable or Replaceable status is found in the Report Designer module with Sage 300 CRE.  From the Report Designer menu select Tools > Available Fields then select the relevant data records.  Check the box "Include information for ODBC Reporting" to include information regarding Createable/Replaceable status.

Art Minds
Senior Independent Consultant
Pasadena, California

Stephanie,

Also don't overlook the "Duplicate Job" feature in Job Cost.  Many clients use that feature to setup multiple "template" jobs where each template can be configured with the settings unique for the type of job, and then duplicated with the actual job number and description entered for the new job.

Contracts has a similar feature called "Standard Contracts" that allows template contracts to be created, and then new actual contracts can be based on the template and the customized with the contract number and description and any other details changed as needed without having to setup each contract from scratch.

I assisted one of my clients to implement a process using the "Convert Jobs" feature to create contracts and contract items as well as customers by setting up each new job as a "Quick Bill" type job, and then after the importing or entering the estimate and schedule of values runs the Convert Job to Contract from the JC Tools menu. A "Standard Contract" can be identified as the template to be used, and the options are provided for the source of the Contract ID.

In your search for automation, you may be overlooking the automation features already built into the software. This often results from lack of training or failure to creatively approach the available features in the software to accomplish your efficient goals.

Hope this helps.

Art Minds
Senior Independent Consultant
Pasadena, California

Appreciate your insight, Art.

I'll dig into what you've recommended.