Data Entry Formats
Contract Collector requires consistency in the format of data in certain
fields. If you attempt to enter an incorrect format, the system alerts you.
Dates
Date fields require a Month/Day/Year format, with a leading zero for months or days that have only one digit.
EXAMPLES: 10/10/2001
- 02/1993
After you enter the two digits for the month, the system automatically
advances the cursor past the first slash for your day entry. After you enter the two
digits for the day, the system advances the cursor past the second slash for the
year entry.
As As a shortcut when inputting a year between 1900 and 1999, you can enter just
the last two digits and the system automatically supplies the first two digits,
1 and 9.
Note: In order for the system to provide accurate date defaults, the current date
must be set correctly at the DOS level on every computer running Contract
Collector. See the DOS user manual that came with your computer for instructions on
setting the correct date.
Phone and FAX Numbers
Enter telephone and FAX numbers in the format XXX-XXXX or XXX-XXX-XXXX. There
must be a hyphen between the three-digit and four-digit portions of the number.
If you include an area code, there must be a hyphen between it and the rest of
the number. Do not put parentheses around the area code. International numbers
may be entered, with the acceptance of an "invalid" format message.
EXAMPLES: 555-9051
206-555-1234
Dollar Amounts
Dollar amounts must be in the format XX.XX. When entering a dollar amount, do
not use a dollar sign ($). Also, do not include any commas within the figure.
If your entry is a whole-dollar amount, just type the amount and press ENTER — the system automatically adds a decimal point followed by two zeroes. If the
amount also includes cents, type a decimal point and the system automatically
advances the cursor to the correct position within the field for your two-digit
entry.
EXAMPLES: 100.00
1234.00
99.01
Social Security Numbers/Employment Identification Numbers
Social Security Number fields require an entry in XXX-XX-XXXX format. However,
these fields also accept the Canadian Social Insurance Number format of
XXX-XXX-XXX.
EXAMPLES: 123-45-6789
123-456-789
Percentages
Percentages should be entered in either XX.XX or XX.XXX format, one or two digits followed by a decimal point and two or three decimal
places. Do not include the percentage sign (%).
If your entry is a whole number, just type the number and press ENTER — the
system automatically adds a decimal point and the appropriate number of zeros to
the figure.
EXAMPLES: 25.00
12.50
66.666
ZIP Codes/Postal Codes
ZIP code fields require a five- or nine-digit format. In the nine-digit
format, the hyphen after the fifth digit is required. ZIP code fields also accept the
six character format of Canadian postal codes.
EXAMPLES: 61554
98136-1234
A1B 2C3
Contract Collector provides a shortcut for entering CITY, STATE and ZIP CODE data in the ADDRESS 2,3,4 fields. When you reach a field, instead of entering
the name of the city, you can enter the five-digit ZIP CODE and press ENTER. The system compares your entry against a file containing all
valid ZIP CODES and automatically makes the appropriate entries of CITY, STATE and ZIP CODE for you. If the ZIP CODE you enter is not valid, a message appears on the screen prompting you to make
the entries manually.