information storage?

[dondaman]

I'm new to this, so sorry for the newb questions:


Is there a file used to store the customers details? What file is it?

Do the orders get sent directly to an email address, or are they also stored?

If they do just get sent to an email address is it possible to send them to dublicate email addresses? If so how?


Thanks a million in advance!

[Jan]

The data relating to your catalog is stored in an Access database offline, you enter the information on your products and sections in to this database (using the Actinic user interface), then you upload your catalog to your webserver, at this point the information is converted into static HTML pages, product index files, search index files etc, the index files are all flat files but they are structured in a way that means you cannot edit them (well you can but you will probably break them).

When someone places an order, order files and session files are created on the server, an email is (optionally) sent to you and emails are sent to the shopper and to you (again optionally). You then push a button in Actinic to download the orders and the order information is transferred to your access database. You can then process it using Actinic, export it to process it in a thrid party application or use one of the Actinic link products to transfer the orders to an accounting package for processing.

You set up the order email options in view/business settings on the ordering tab.

Regards,

[dondaman]

So this access database, would that be the encrpt.zip and cab file?

The thing is i need to export all of our previous customer data but our webmaster decided to make things difficult when we wanted someone else to work with our website. I'm not sure how to get into Actinic amdin either, anyone help on this?

[Jan]

Just to clafify, do you have an Actinic system and want to get the customer data out or do you have a website online but no access to the Actinic backend and are trying to retrieve information from the online shop.

If it is the former you can export the customers from Actinic using file/export. If it is the latter I don't think you can get at the information - I believe that the online customer index files are encrytped, you'll have to resolve the problem with the webmaster if you want to get your data.

Regards,

[dondaman]

okay thanks, your've been a great help!

[sourcetime]

Hi Jan,

I am also trying to export the customer details out of Actinic Ver 6, so that i can produce a mailing list for a magazine.

I have tried the File | Export route suggested, but the two options "catalog" or "Shipping Tables" do not include the Customer Addresses, email address, etc. details, in the resultant spreadsheet.

Am I missing something here, is there another tick box which is missing or doesn't this version support this function?

Regards

[Jan]

To get the user details out of Actinic you have to export the orders (select orders, right click and choose export orders), you will get duplicate details in the file that is produced because Actinic stores a copy of the address for the invoice and delivery address.

We have a product called One Stop Marketing that will extract mailing lists from Actinic, the latest version (in beta) will also print the details onto envelope or labels, this is the easiest way to make a mailing list from Actinic but we do make a small charge for the program. You can find more details at :

http://www.mole-end.biz/acatalog/One...Marketing.html

Regards,

[sourcetime]

Jan,

Thanks, ( note: I'm Using Actinic Version 6.0.2) I have selected the 'Orders Screen' rather than the 'Catalog Screen' and right clicked on the background . I am only presented with two options "Find" and "Find Ordered Products", there is no "Export Orders" option shown, whether greyed out or not. Perhaps it is not available on my version?

With regard to your program, I take it your'e talking about "One Stop Email Marketing". The reason I want to export ALL of the Purchaser Details including email addresses and Tel. Nos. is mainly so that I can supply Postal Addresses electronically, to my Printer so that they can be sorted, using another program, to use the Royal Mail "Presstream Sortation" facility for cheaper mailing costs. In the Case of the Delivery Address I am using this as a means to deliver a second copy to a friend or collegue, so both sets of data are of equal importance.

[Jan]

You have to select one or more orders and then right click and you will then see the option. It is available in your version.

One Stop Email Marketing would do what you want to do - you can tell it to select either invoice or delivery addresses, so you first select only invoices addresses and then select only delivery addresses to create your lists.

Regards,

[sourcetime]

I forgot to state, that I did try that before posting the last message, but all I get are the extra "Reprint Packing Lists", "Reprint Invoices" and "Undelete" options. Pressing crtl or alt at the same time does nothing. Could be one for Actinic??

Regards

[Jan]

You have to enable export in view/business settings, the option is on the ordering tab. Once you have done this then you will be able to export orders - there is a lmit of about 119 at a time, so you may have to perform several exports.

Regards,