How it Works - Page 2 of 2
Transmission systems
It is possible to transmit the files as attachments to emails. For mainstream internet operation this would not be the preferred operation which is FTP - see above. However in certain parts of the world it may be the only available online facility.
When using email to transfer the files, it will be necessary to set up simple procedures at both branches and Central to attach and receive the files and place them into the correct location for the ERA to work on them.
Remote Access Connection
This can be by any form of dial up, network or direct computer to computer connection. Suitable software such as PC Anywhere is required. When the connection is made the software provides the facility to copy the data transfer file from one machine to the other.
As with email transfer, the operators will need to ensure that the files are in the correct folders/directories at each end of the connection before the ERA can take control of them.
Transfer by disk or other removable media
The files to be transmitted can be copied to a disk, or other removable media, which is then physically taken by post or by hand between branches and head office. This would be rare in areas well served by internet connections but may required in certain parts of the world where the internet connection is of low quality or unreliable.
This method may also be useful as a back up in the event of serious internet failure.
Mixing methods and periods
If your company operates in different parts of the world its branches may have different transmission options open to them. You can choose whichever method is best suited for each location.
Similarly there is no requirement, although desirable, that the updates must be done at the same intervals or that the intervals must be the same throughout the world. For large European branches a daily update may be desirable and easily achieved whereas a small, perhaps temporary, office in a remote part of the world can only, in practice, get data to Central once a month by shipping a disk.
