Using the ODBC Driver

The ODBC interface allows the use of outside programs such as Microsoft Excel to import data from the accounting system. This imported data may then be used outside of the program. Exported Data may not be returned to the accounting program, protecting the accounting data's integrity and preserving the audit trail.

To begin, it will be necessary to install the ODBC Driver. For more information on installation, see Installing the ODBC Driver. Once the ODBC Driver is installed, it may be used from external programs such as Microsoft Excel.

Instructions for using Microsoft Excel are outside the scope of the software developer's training and technical support. The ODBC driver is included for those who consider themselves experts in Excel or other reporting programs and want access to the raw data contained in the program .

In Microsoft Excel, click DATA on the tool bar at the top of the screen. Then select Get External Data, followed by Create New Query. Rerunning an existing Query is handled by Run Database Query. Note: MSQuery must be installed or the Get External Data option will not be available. MsQuery is a part of the Excel program.

This will grant access to all data files in the system (*.tps files). Each file has its own unique set of fields. As with all relational databases, files are linked to each other by common fields. This can be quite confusing when first getting started. Once a Query is created, it can be updated quickly and simply.

To view a dictionary of data files with their associated fields, select Data Dictionary from the Help menu on the main screen.