SIM User Guide

Version 06/12/2018

This document describes SIM version 4.X from January 2018, but may also apply to previous or later versions. Simple
Inventory Manager is regularly updated. To learn more about our updates, please consult our website at [Link]-
[Link]

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Table of contents
1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................................4
1.1 – Efficient ..................................................................................................................................................4
1.2 - Robust.....................................................................................................................................................4
1.3 - Scalable ..................................................................................................................................................4
1.4 - International ...........................................................................................................................................4
2 Getting started .............................................................................................................................................................5
2.1 - Installation ..............................................................................................................................................5
2.2 Automatic Installation ..............................................................................................................................5
2.3 - ZIP Files ...................................................................................................................................................6
2.4 - User Interface .........................................................................................................................................6
2.5 - Screen sections .......................................................................................................................................6
2.6 - Record Selection .....................................................................................................................................6
2.7 - Right click................................................................................................................................................7
2.8 - Column width .........................................................................................................................................7
2.9 - Sorting Records ......................................................................................................................................8
2.10 - Searching Records ..................................................................................................................................8
3 Products tab .................................................................................................................................................................9
3.1 - Display ....................................................................................................................................................9
3.2 - Mouse click .............................................................................................................................................9
3.3 - Products tab buttons ..............................................................................................................................9
3.4 - Export ...................................................................................................................................................10
3.5 - Product definition.................................................................................................................................10
4 Barcode window ........................................................................................................................................................ 12
4.1 - Principle ................................................................................................................................................12
4.2 - Scan modes...........................................................................................................................................12
5 Suppliers .................................................................................................................................................................... 14
5.1 - Display ..................................................................................................................................................14
5.2 Suppliers tab buttons .............................................................................................................................14
5.3 Supplier definition ..................................................................................................................................15
6 Logs tab...................................................................................................................................................................... 16
6.1 - Display ..................................................................................................................................................16
6.2 Log tab buttons.......................................................................................................................................16

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 6.3 Log definition ..........................................................................................................................................17
7 Label printer tab ........................................................................................................................................................ 18
7.1 - Display ..................................................................................................................................................18
7.2 - Log tab buttons ....................................................................................................................................18
7.3 - Simple label settings .............................................................................................................................19
7.4 - Multiple label printing ..........................................................................................................................20
7.5 - Zebra printers .......................................................................................................................................20
7.6 - Code 128 labels ....................................................................................................................................21
8 Inventory tab ............................................................................................................................................................. 21
8.1 - Display ..................................................................................................................................................21
8.2 - Inventory definition ..............................................................................................................................22
8.3 - Inventory tab buttons...........................................................................................................................23
9 Tools tab .................................................................................................................................................................... 24
9.1 - Display ..................................................................................................................................................24
9.2 - Tools Configuration tab ........................................................................................................................24
9.3 - Configuration tab buttons ....................................................................................................................24
9.4 - Tools Data tab.......................................................................................................................................25
9.5 - Data tab buttons...................................................................................................................................25
10 SIM Options ........................................................................................................................................................... 27
10.1 - Using a list of products to remove .......................................................................................................27
11 How to do .............................................................................................................................................................. 28
11.1 - Switching from the free to licensed version.........................................................................................28
11.2 - Import data...........................................................................................................................................28
11.3 - Add an option to SIM ...........................................................................................................................28
11.4 - Networking ...........................................................................................................................................29
11.5 Intranet ...................................................................................................................................................29
11.6 - Remote base .........................................................................................................................................29
12 Advanced features................................................................................................................................................. 30
12.1 - Parameters ...........................................................................................................................................30

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1 Introduction

1.1 – Efficient
SIM was developed for fast and easy implementation for all types of organization or activity. Our main focus is to
provide our users with a simple but yet powerful inventory management solution that is user-friendly.

1.2 - Robust
Unlike many inventory management solutions, SIM is not simply an option or addition to accounting or business
management software suites. It is a tool for field employees working directly with inventory, who are interested in real
time availability, monitoring and supply. Easy use and ergonomics take precedence over administrative and financial
aspects.

1.3 - Scalable
Built using [Link] standard and SQL database, SIM is an open and scalable software. Many variants exist, and
all modifications and improvements that you probably need are already available or easily attainable. To ensure that
SIM remains simple, its architecture is customizable: you only pay and see what is useful to you.

1.4 - International
Since 2014, SIM is available in English, Spanish, and German, at no extra charge. You, yourself can translate the SIM
text file, and adapt it to your country, culture, or even your practice. Sometimes the original French name GSM
(Gestion de Stock Modulaire) may appear instead of SIM.

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2 Getting started

2.1 - Installation
The most outstanding attribute of SIM is that it is user-friendly. When installing SIM, it includes a directory that
contains the necessary files in order for SIM to run on your PC. We recommend downloading the files from
[Link]

Note: SIM is completely virus free and poses no threat to your PC!

SIM also allows you to install SIM in a number of directories and cloud networks. For further help, please feel free to
contact us for more information.

2.2 Automatic Installation

By installing this program, the files are copied from the SIM website into a directory of your choice on your PC, which
by default is Desktop/SIM.

The “Change directory” button allows you to install it anywhere on your PC.

The “Install” button will perform the actual install. The “Launch” button will run SIM. You only need to create a
shortcut on your desktop or taskbar.

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2.3 - ZIP Files
On our website, you will find a [Link] file to download. It is a compressed version of installation files for SIM. Step-
by-step instructions for installing SIM is available on our website both as a video and as a pdf file, which you can easily
download.

2.4 - User Interface

The user interface has 4 tabs. These tabs have the same functions similar to Microsoft Excel.

Each tab contains a table called a “DataGrid” containing data.

2.5 - Screen sections

In the upper left hand corner, the tab selection corresponds to the work to be done

▪ The search boxes (or scroll lists), according to the tab selected
▪ The data display area
▪ The button which gives you several actions that can be executed on the selected line.

2.6 - Record Selection

Each line of data is known as a ‘record’. Most actions are accessible by clicking on the button located to the left of
each relevant line.

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2.7 - Right click
Like most Windows applications, a right click on a line opens a user menu. This enables triggering only one action at a
time on the selected item. A list of possible actions is available on buttons to the right of the screen, which can be
performed on several items at once.

2.8 - Column width

Each table column (the DataGrid or the grid) can be widened or narrowed by selecting the line that separates two
column headers, and dragging it left or right. Double-clicking will set the column width to default width.

To save the column’s width, you need to exit the screen with the ‘quit’ button: the next time you launch the
application; the saved widths will be used.

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2.9 - Sorting Records
By default, data is sorted from oldest to newest. To change this order, simply click on the header of each column to
sort it alphabetically from A to Z, or Z to A. This convenient feature is more accessible than using Excel.

2.10 - Searching Records

To facilitate working with large quantities of important data, the search box allows the display only records that match
the selected criteria. For example, in order to search for all “bolts” type products, just type the word “bolt” in the
designated box, and hit “Return” or the button on the right. Only the records including the word ‘bolt’ appear. Also, it
is possible to simply enter “bo” or “lts”. In the logbook screen, it is possible to search multiple values .

To return to the display of all the records, just use the “refresh” button. It is possible to recall the last 10 searches
performed, by clicking on the arrow of the search box.

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3 Products tab

3.1 - Display
The first tab is for daily operations: Incoming and outgoing inventory products. The “products” are all objects
that can be found in inventory which carry the same references. The first tab displays the quantity of each
product and products with a warning.

3.2 - Mouse click

When clicking on a line, a popup menu offers the following choices:

Insert product
Output product
Modify product
Create a new product
Print a label
Cancel

The Output and Input functions from the mouse right click moves only one reference at a time, buttons are
used to move more than one reference at a time.

3.3 - Products tab buttons

Button Action
Help Opens the user manual for SIM on a web browser.
Refresh Refreshes the current view.
Clear Deletes all products from database, after user confirmation.
Export Send displayed data to an Excel file.
Alarms Shows only products with quantity under threshold
Barcode Opens a dialog window for scanning labels
Input Opens a dialog window to add products into stock
Output Opens a dialog window to remove products from stock
New Creates a new product reference
Modif Edits the selected line to alter a reference
Quit Exits the application

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3.4 - Export
One of the most useful buttons that you will find in most tables is the Export button. SIM can export data to
many formats.

The CSV format exports the current displayed selection. ( you do not need to have Excel installed).
CSV format may change according to your localization settings. A parameter IMPORT_CSV enables you to re-
define the separator in case of a problem.

XLS and XLSX formats require Excel. If you have an error such as “ [Link]” not installed, you have to install
the missing component from Microsoft’s website.

3.5 - Product definition

Now let us see what “products” mean when using SIM.

Here are the definitions of each product parameter:

Field Format Description

ID Integer Identifier. Each product has a unique identifier given automatically
by the database system and It cannot be changed. In normal
circumstances, you never need to change it. Usually, it is given in
chronological order.
Family String To facilitate sorting, each product can have a family name
associated. There are no pre-defined rules about how to choose a
family name. No specific processing is done on family names
because SIM uses ID and references.
Reference String Each product has one reference. Each reference corresponds to
only one product. This reference can be the bar code value or any
unique string. Choosing a good naming convention is the key for
great user experience.
Designation String This field is not used (expect for search requests) by the system
and may be used so that the average user can specify specific
details.
Supplier String The supplier name is taken from the supplier table, which can be
modified in the Suppliers’ tab. You don’t need to use this field.
Quantity Decimal The number of actual products of the same reference in stock.
Mini Decimal This is the minimum quantity you want to keep in stock at any
time. When the real quantity is lower, the quantity will appear in
red, as for ID 14 in the sample screenshot. Mini is specified when
creating a new product.
Location String This field is not used by the system, you can write anything that
will help users find or sort products. Location is specified when
creating a new product.

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U-Buy Decimal This field contains the unit cost of the product, when added to
stock. Buying costs in not required. You can also use the CUMP
feature to make use of the average value of the actual stock.
T-Buy Decimal This is the product of U-Buy by Quantity for a specified product.
U-Sell Decimal This field contains the unitary price of the product. Buying costs in
SIM is not required. You can also use the CUMP feature to make
use of the average value of the actual stock.
T-Sell Decimal This is the product of U-Sell and Quantity for a specified product.

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4 Barcode window

4.1 - Principle

From the Product’s tab, when you have the barcode reading option, you can press the Barcode
button. It opens a window adapted to USB barcode scanning, or any radio or Bluetooth compatible
reader. Simple barcode readers that functions like keyboard extensions are called HID (Human
Interface Device).
You have to move the mouse cursor to the Input or Output textbox.

When you scan a barcode, text will appear automatically. A return character has to be sent by the reader;
otherwise you have to use the OK button.

4.2 - Scan modes

Each barcode scanned is displayed in the bottom window. Inputs are marked + and output –

The number of scans is indicated on the left.

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When the repeat checkbox is unchecked, you have the opportunity to enter a quantity, a comment or any
additional information.

When the barcode is not already defined in SIM as a reference, you can choose to create a new product or to
ignore it.

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5 Suppliers

5.1 - Display

The suppliers’ tab is used to keep track of supplier’s information.

5.2 Suppliers tab buttons

Button Action
Help Opens a web browser on SIM web pages.
Refresh Refreshes the current view.
Clear Deletes all suppliers from the database.
Import Imports data from an Excel .csv file
Export Sends displayed data to an Excel file
New Creates a new supplier
Modif Edits the selected line
Quit Exits application

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5.3 Supplier definition
Field Format Description
ID Integer Identifier. Each product has a unique identifier given
automatically by the database system and cannot be
changed. Normally, you don’t have to change it. Usually,
Identifiers are given in chronological order.
Company String The full name of the company
Logo String The short usual name, if any
Address String To send letters and return material
Zip Integer Zip code
City String Location
Name String Name of your main contact
First Name String First name of your main contact
Job String Main contact’s title
Mail1 String Main contact’s mail
Mail2 String Secondary mail
Fax String Fax

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6 Logs tab

6.1 - Display
The logs’ tab is used to keep track of any changes performed on the stock.

6.2 Log tab buttons

Button Action
Help Opens a web browser on SIM web pages.
Refresh Refreshes the current view.
Clear Deletes all logs from database, after user confirmation.
Export Sends displayed data to an Excel file
Modif Edits the selected line
Quit Exits application

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6.3 Log definition
We call ‘movement’ an operation that moves data into or out of stock. All movements are stored
(logged ) in the journal. Operations such as modifying and deleting an item are also stored.

Field Format Description

ID Integer Identifier. Each product has a unique identifier given
automatically by the database system. It cannot be changed.
Normally you don’t have to change it. Usually, identifiers are
displayed in chronological order.
Dates String Date and time of the operation
Type String Before = quantity before movement
After = quantity after movement
Input = products added to stock
Output = products taken out of stock
Modif = modification of product details
Comment String Comment eventually entered relating to the action
Family Integer Product family
ID_prod Integer Product ID
Reference String Product reference
Designation String Product designation
Supplier String Product supplier
Quantity Decimal Product quantity in stock
Movement Decimal Quantity moved
Mini Decimal Product minimum
Location String Location
U-buy Decimal Unitary buying price
U-sell Decimal Unitary selling price

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7 Label printer tab

7.1 - Display
This tab is used to design your own custom labels.

7.2 - Log tab buttons

Button Action
Select Opens the list of printers to use
Configuration Opens the parameter file which contains a [ETIQUETTE] section that
may need to be modified. Call us for more details.
Try Prints one label
Print Sends the specified number of labels to the printer
Create list Generates a CSV file containing the text of the labels for all products
Print list Prints the list from the previous file. The file can be modified as
required.
Quit Exits application

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7.3 - Simple label settings

This chapter describes the setting for one label.

In this sample, we use EAN code. The label is made of 3 lines, from the top to the
bottom. The text, which appears under the barcode is the barcode value.

In [Link] we have the following parameters:

[DATA]
NOMBRE=5 // Number of labels to print
TITRE=My Company // Tittle for all labels

[ETIQUETTE]
CODE128=0 // Using code128
CODEEAN=8 // Using code EAN
HAUTEUR=20 // Height of barcode drawing
LARGEUR=60 // Width of barcode drawing
OFFSETX=10 // Horizontal shift for all printing
OFFSETY=10 // Vertical shift for all printing
X1=0 // Horizontal position the first line
Y1=0 // Vertical position of the first line
F1=12 // Height of the font of the first line
L1=20 // Maximum character length of the first line
X2=1 // Second line X
Y2=8 // Second line Y
F2=8B // Second line height, 8 pixels, bold font
L2=20 // Second line length
X3=0 // Line 3 = Barcode drawing position
Y3=16
X4=0 // Line 4 position, if any
Y4=16
ZOOM=5 // Optional parameter to use for fixed scale barcodes

A unit is usually half a millimeter. It depends on your type of printer. There is an unlimited number of
possibilities. You can always send us a drawing of the type of label that you desire.

Here is an example of a label using ROTATION=1

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7.4 - Multiple label printing

When using a classical A5 or A4 printer, you need adhesive paper and to use the generate list and print list
buttons.

[ETIQUETTE]
PAS_HORIZONTAL=100 // Horizontal distance between two labels
PAS_VERTICAL=50 // Vertical distance between two labels
NB_HORIZONTAL=4 // Number of labels in a row
NB_VERTICAL=8 // Number of labels in a column

If you want to print a list with a single label printer, use the following setting:

[ETIQUETTE]
NB_HORIZONTAL=1
NB_VERTICAL=1

7.5 - Zebra printers

Zebra printers are the best. By default, the EPL driver is installed and you have to go to
the printer setting panel in your window to select the advanced settings and change the
driver to the non EPL driver. Sometimes, to adjust the setting of the printer you have to
install the Zebra printer utility.

The calibrate media function is very powerful. If it does not work, please visit Zebra’s
website.

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7.6 - Code 128 labels

The most powerful barcode code is CODE128. It enables letters, uppercases and low
cases, as well as many symbols. Many formats are already integrated into SIM.

Pre-defined SIM labels formats

You can select one of these formats with the parameter CODE128=XXX

This label example was created long tiem ago. If you require specific labels, please let us
know.

8 Inventory tab

8.1 - Display

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The inventory tab is independent of general stock management. It is dedicated to inventory
operations performed on specific occasions to check if the theoretical stock, in the products tab,
really matches what can be seen in your warehouse. In order to check, this specific tab enables the
following operations:

- To fill a list of products with theoretical quantities

- To enable the user to add actual quantities
- To display differences
- To update stock panel only for quantities that have been checked
- Quantities that have not been checked remain unchanged in the product tab

8.2 - Inventory definition

In the inventory list, some information concerning all the products of the stock’s tab is duplicated,
completed by two columns specific to inventory.

Field Format Description

ID Integer Product identifier
Quantity Decimal Theoretical quantity in stock, from product’s tab
Real Decimal Actual quantity checked by user
Difference Decimal Automatically updated difference. Appears in red if actual
stock is lower than theoretical, yellow if actual is higher and
not colored if equal.

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8.3 - Inventory tab buttons
Button Action
Help Opens the web browser on SIM web pages.
Refresh Refreshes the current view.
Clear Deletes all inventory data.
Export Sends displayed data to an Excel file
Save Updates stock quantities according to user’s actual quantities
Save Updates stock according to user’s real/actual quantities
New Initializes the inventory product list from stock’s information. Makes sure
previous data have been saved.
Quit Exits application

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9 Tools tab

9.1 - Display
The tool tab is separated into two sub-tabs. Depending on the option that has been chosen, you can
have more sub-tabs and more buttons in each sub-tab. Here we will describe the basics.

9.2 - Tools Configuration tab

9.3 - Configuration tab buttons

Button Action
Edit Opens a text file ([Link]) containing all parameters to customize SIM.
Parameters are grouped into [SECTIONS]. There is one parameter name and
one value per line.
Restart Restarts the application after a parameter change.
Clear Deletes all inventory data, after user confirmation.
Files Opens a file browser window to SIM folder.
Colors You can change the color of SIM windows and buttons.

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9.4 - Tools Data tab

9.5 - Data tab buttons

Button Action
Import
Products Lets you select a CSV file (text with columns separators) to import
product data, according to SIM export format.
Specific Products Lets you select a CSV files to import product data, under any format as
explained hereafter.
Suppliers Lets you select a CSV file containing the supplier’s description.
Clear all
Products Removes all product descriptions and quantities in the database.
Dangerous!
Suppliers Removes all suppliers from database.
Logbook Removes all logs from database.
Quantities Sets all product quantities to zero. Dangerous!

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Here is the explanation for Specific Products Import:

1. Select the type of your file separator: Semicolon, Comma or Tab.

2. Open your file by clicking the ‘File’ button
3. Column headers of your file are displayed next to the columns. For example, as you can see in the
image above, by clicking once on the name of the product in the source column on the left and then
clicking twice on designation in the destination column, you can define how data will be copied. Here
the SIM designation column will take the Group column values of your file. Do this for all columns that
are required by SIM. All columns are not required.
4. Press the Import button.

When you return to this screen, SIM will offer to re-use the latest format. In order to delete a line of
the format, you must double-click on it.
CAUTION: Importing prices does not work if your columns contain $ or another currency sign. We
need the original cells to be in "number" format.

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10 SIM Options

SIM is the best application for inventory management. At any time, you may customize it to fit the
needs of your business.. Only some of the options are described here. Almost anything is possible
with SIM; just ask.

10.1 - Using a list of products to remove

There is a parameter to add to your TOOLS/CONFIG/EDIT file that you have to purchase from us.

The REMOVE PRODUCT button will appear as follow:

Answer YES and select any .CSV file from your pc containing REFERENCE, QUANTITY.

A window will display the results of the operation. You can view the logbook to check the list of products.

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11 How to do

11.1 - Switching from the free to licensed version

The SIM license allows you to add unlimited products. When the software asks for a license code, just enter it.
The software asks you to restart it, and at the next launch, you will have the full version. To obtain a license
number before it reach 40 entries, simply send us the serial number displayed when you click the HELP button.

If the PC on which you wish to obtain a license is not the same, please backup the [Link] (database) file
which contains your data, compatible with all versions of SIM.

11.2 - Import data

To import existing data, please these steps below carefully:

1. In the PRODUCTS tab use the EXPORT button to get a CSV file

2. In this file, manually add or copy and paste your data

3. In the TOOLS / DATA tab, use the DELETE PRODUCTS button

4. On the TOOLS / DATA tab, use the IMPORT PRODUCTS button to embed your CSV file

The products are identified in the order of the CSV file. If you are having difficulties, start with the exported
CSV file without changing anything ... If the problem still persists; please send us the file. To save your data in
Excel as .CSV format , please choose the "Save As" ".CSV Separator Semicolon". Caution: Some Excel
configurations use the tab or comma as a separator. Note: When opening the file with Notepad / BlocNote
please remove any strange characters.

11.3 - Add an option to SIM

To add additional options that are available with SIM, please contact us. In some cases, some data will be
modified (adding columns or tables). It will be necessary to export your data , modify the file and then import
your data. If you notice errors during an operation, it is probably because the format of the log has also
changed, you will have to purge it in the TOOLS / DATA menu.

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11.4 - Networking

SIM is a Microsoft .Net application, and can be deployed on virtually any type of infrastructure. Thus, multi-
user operations are possible in all situations.

11.5 Intranet
If you have a Windows share (Private or Public Group), you must move the SIM folder, containing all files and
subfolders to a shared folder. Caution, you will need editing rights! Using SIM on a local network, the response
times compared to an installation on your PC are not noticeable.

If you have VPN or a Windows server, install SIM on this server. The Remote Desktop application available on
Windows, Apple and even mobile phones will allow you to work remotely.

If you do not have a specific infrastructure, you can install Dropbox on each of your PCs and place the SIM
folder on a Dropbox shared folder. The operation is perfect for all workstations that stay connected. You may
work offline when using SIM, however single workstation usage is the best option. More than one workstation
in offline mode may cause issues.

11.6 - Remote base

SIM is a very powerful software and user-friendly because it makes the best use of technology available on
your PC. Unlike WEB solutions that are restricted by language, especially restricted by connection speeds that
sometimes make it almost impossible to use because of the load times of each page. The advantage of WEB
solutions is smart phones access.

To benefit from the advantages of a WEB database accessible by HTML pages, SIM allows the use of a remote
MYSQL database. Just set your SIM as for example:

[VARIOUS]

Connection1 = SERVER = 217182207237; DATABASE = GSM01; UID = Thomas; PASSWORD =; PORT = 3306

SOLTI can offer turnkey packages and specific WEB developments to complement your smartphone access.

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12 Advanced features

Since SIM is an open application based on standards such as Microsoft .NET, Access, SQL, Excel, there
are many options to suit your needs. Please contact us for more information.

12.1 - Parameters

SIM parameters are stored in the text file [Link]. All parameters are gathered under the [divers]
section. You only get a detailed description of the parameters once you have purchased a full licensed
version.
The only thing you need to know is that parameters are grouped into sections with names in brackets:
[DIVERS]
[PRODUITS]
Within every section, each line contains one parameter, along with its name and value.
LICENCE1=23445
If you buy a license, you may have to edit and modify this file; we will provide support if necessary.
--------------- End ----------------------

Your contact:
Mail: contact@[Link]
Site: [Link]

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