1. Gemcom32 Fundamentals Pre-Course to Advanced Gemcom32
Client Services Continuing Education
Training Education and Support
Technical Series – Petro – Software Tools
Technical Developer Tony Pierce

2. VeriFone Confidential
Copyright
Copyright 2011 VeriFone, Inc. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be copied, distributed, stored in a retrieval system, translated into any human or computer language, transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written consent of VeriFone, Inc.
VeriFone, Inc. is a registered trademark of VeriFone, Inc. All other brand names and trademarks appearing in this manual are the property of their respective owners.
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3. VeriFone Confidential
Table of Contents
Overview
Terms
Installation
Configuration
Usage
Review & Test
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4. This self directed module will: VeriFone Confidential
Overview
This self directed module will:
Provide definition of standard terminology
Walk you through installation and configuration of Gemcom32
Familiarize you with basic Gemcom32 functionality
Provide hardware and software compatibility information
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Overview
Who Uses Gemcom and Why?
VASC’s – VASC technicians use Gemcom32 as a means of backing up and restoring data
C-Stores - Usually purchased from back office partners Gemcom32 can be configured to provide customized reporting, including inventory and integration into business accounting software such as Quickbooks or Microsoft Money.
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Overview
Support Structure:
Back Office Partners purchase Gemcom32 from VeriFone. Because of this, the VFI helpdesk supports the Back office partner with anything they are unable to resolve.
When a site contacts VFI directly for support, VFI helpdesk agents must provide basic troubleshooting. This includes checking cabling, rebooting the system and verifying Gemcom files are present in the POS.
VASC’s use Gemcom and are always fully supported through the VFI helpdesk directly
NOTE: Gemcom32 calls are to be handled by any agent who answers the phone.
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Terms
RSF & CSF
Record Status & Command Status Files
Automatic files output when errors occur in the CAF or RAF files
CAF – Command Action File
A file that contains one or more lines of instruction for Gemcom32 to follow
Each line is followed by Gemcom32, in a top down order, unto completion or until an error occurs
RAF – Record Action File
A listing of data entries, sent to the system, in a comma delimited format
Subset
A general term to refer to specific pieces of data being pulled from or pushed to the system
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Installation
Software Installation
Hardware & Software Specification
Java Runtime
Install Wizard
Installation Troubleshooting
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9. Software Installation
The Gemcom32 software is obtained typically from the VASC service manual or from the Premier Portal
Gemcom partners are assigned a Premier Portal account to obtain the software
Gemcom32 software is a compressed file that includes two installers, Java and Gemcom32
The compressed file will need to be extracted before installation occurs. In Windows XP the file compression utility will extract files, Windows 2000 will require a third party program such as Win-Zip
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10. Hardware & Software Specification
Gemcom32 requires Windows 2000 or XP Professional (Preferably with latest service packs available installed)
Gemcom32 requires serial communication to the POS. The PC must have a functioning 9-pin or 25 pin serial port or a USB port with a USB-to-serial adaptor
Sapphire configurations require an Ethernet connection in addition to a serial connection
* NOTE: Not all USB-to-serial adaptors will function the same or correctly. For this reason, it is strongly recommended that the Gemcom32 PC have a 9-pin serial port.
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Install Wizard
To the left, you will see the first screen in the Gemcom32 installation process. Follow the instructions on screen to complete the installation process. All items should be left at default unless specific installation paths are required by a Gemcom partner or VASC.
It is recommended at this time that you install Gemcom32 on your local PC
NOTE:
Upon completion of the installation, Rubylink Communication Options will open to allow initial configuration of the methods used for communication. We will explore this later.
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12. Java Runtime Environment
The Java Runtime Environment (Java) is required to make Gemcom32 successfully communicate with a Sapphire system
Most computers that are connected to the internet have Java installed already. Should the computer not have Java installed, run the installer included with the Gemcom32 software.
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13. Troubleshooting Installation Problems
The most common problem at install is the user not extracting the files before attempting to install
Another installation problem is not installing both Gemcom32 and Java Runtimes
Part of installation is configuring Gemcom32, several issues can occur with configuration including choosing the wrong connection (Sapphire Ethernet VS Ruby/Sapphire Serial) or choosing a wrong PC Serial port
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Configuration
Getting started
Main Screen
Multiple Configurations
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15. Configuration – Getting started
Configuration of Gemcom32 is done mainly via the RubyCommOptions program.
RubyLink Comm Options allows the user to set the connection preferences for Gemcom32, run tests on the connections, and test sending/receiving data.
To the left is the first screen for RubyCommOptions. Choose “Adjust and Test RubyLink Settings” and choose “Next”
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Main Screen
The screen to the left is the main options screen in RubyLink Comm Options that contains all the settings you can change via this program.
Take note of the “Transfer Method” (#1). Choice of Sapphire Ethernet will allow connection to a Sapphire to push PLU’s to NewPro. This requires an Ethernet cable connection as well as a Serial cable.
Sapphire/Ruby Serial Port connection (#2) will allow only GemPro connections. Typically this is only used in Ruby configurations. 1 2
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Main Screen
The “Totals” section (#3) tells RubyCommOptions to retrieve totals from the Sapphire. This option is only to be used when “Sapphire Ethernet Port” is chosen.
“Override Default Host Settings” (#4) will allow the user to plug in an IP address for the Sapphire.
“Java TM Runtime Environment Settings” (#5) lists the directory in which the JRE exists. If this is not filled in and the site is connecting to NewPro, have the user choose “Search” and then click the line item that appears and click “Set” (#6).
“Available Log(s)” should not be used at this time (#7). 5 3 6 4 7
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Main Screen
Test functionality is listed down the right pane of the screen.
Users may test:
“Sapphire Connection” to NewPro
Java Runtime Environment
Pushing PLU’s (to GemPro)
Pulling Version (from GemPro)
Selecting Com Port (on the PC)
These tests will provide basic confirmation that Gemcom32 is in working order, but will not ensure a successful push/pull
Situations where a push/pull fails will be worked with in the Advanced Gemcom32 class
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19. Multiple Configurations
As you can see, Gemcom32 will allow a variety of configurations to accommodate client needs
These configurations are troubleshot by the Back Office partner with the End User as a first line
VASC’s may require support from the VFI helpdesk to configure Gemcom32 properly through RubyCommOptions
Configurations are stored in the “rubylink.ini” file. This file resides in the base directory where the Gemcom32.exe file exists
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Usage
Using Gemcom32
CAF Files
RAF Files
Output Files
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Using Gemcom32
Gemcom32 is a command-line only application.
It can be launched via a Batch file for multiple execution situations.
Gemcom uses a basic list script that it reads at execution to know what actions to follow, this is a CAF (Command Action File).
Data to be sent down to the system must be in the proper comma-delimited format, and stored in a RAF (Record Action File).
The RAF is generated by the CAF at the time of execution
CONTINUED…
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Using Gemcom32
Gemcom32 Can be started in seemingly multiple ways. Overall however what is happening is a batch file is being started. The batch file points to the CAF and proceeds to follow that list unto completion or to the point it errors out.
Gemcom32 from the VASC perspective is more often, GETPLU.bat and PUTPLU.bat or Backup.bat and Restore.bat
The above batch file names are standard CAF/batch files that are provided by VFI during VASC training and is in every VASC Service Manual
EXERCISE:
On your Ruby or Sapphire system, install Gemcom32 and the Backup/Restore items from your VASC manual. Configure Gemcom32 and test Backing up and Restoring data sets or PLU’s
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CAF Files
CAF files contain one or more lines of instructions that Gemcom32 should attempt during execution.
Instructions are followed in a top-down order, line by line, until either the end of the file is reached, or an error occurs which halts data transfer.
Errors from this process are stored in the Sapperr0.txt & Gemcom$.log files
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Useable CAF Files
The following commands are useable in a CAF:
LOGIN – log on to the ruby/sapphire
LOGOUT – log out of the terminal
GET – pull data from the terminal to the PC
PUT – push data from the PC to the terminal
CREATE – option to create a file in the terminal
DELETE – option to delete a file in the terminal
OPTION – changes options of gemcom during execution
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RAF Files
RAF files are simply a listing of data entries, in comma delimited format.
Entries must be formatted correctly, or the transfer will either not work, or the data will be incorrect in the terminal after transfer.
Status files are generated at the time of data being sent, regardless of error. The following slide will explain these output files further.
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Output files
Any execution of Gemcom32 produces certain output files containing information on the status of any actions taken during execution.
For a given CAF file (ex. “getall.caf”) the default output file would be “getall.csf” – CSF meaning Command Status File
The CSF exists in the base directory where Gemcom32 is executed from
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RSF - Output files
Just as CAF and RAF files go together, an output file generates for the RAF file. An RSF (Record Status File) of the same filename is also generated at the execution of Gemcom32.
The names of the output files can be changed, if specified as different via a command in the CAF.
Gemcom32 itself logs any system actions to “gemcom$.log”
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28. Practice Test & Final Exam
Now that you have reviewed the presentation, there is a short practice test and final exam to ensure you understand the concepts discussed in this presentation.
The practice test you can do as many times as you wish. Once you feel confident you can pass the test, you will take the final exam. You only get one shot at the Final. A passing score for both the practice and final is 80%.
On both the practice and final exam, there are only 10 questions. There is a time limit of 15 minutes.
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29. Practice Test & Final Exam
To Access the Practice and Final Exam:
Log on to premier.verifone.com
Click on Learn, My Training Courses
Locate the Course titled VFI Employee Training – GemCom32 Part I TEST, and click on the course record number.  Then click on Take Practice or Take Test.
NOTE: When accessing the test the introduction screens are incorrect – please disregard.
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Good Luck!
Good luck in passing your final exam. Passing this means you are ready for Part II Classroom Training.
After taking the test a system generated will be sent to the Client Services Training Manager. The Manager will work with your Supervisor to ensure you are registered for Part II of this training course.
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