Monarch marketing support package

Equipment used to transfer the database to Monarch hardware from the file created by the Burroughs or later PDP 11 is callled AMBLE

Monarch 120  - Application Note Number 19 Issue 1

MONARCH 250 C1 - MONARCH MARKETING SUPPORT PACKAGE 

INTRODUCTION 

(Application Note No 21 provides a complete user guide for Monarch 250C MMSP) 

The Monarch Marketing Support Package (formerly known as Monarch Database Compiler Programs) is the suite of computer programs used to order, design, document and program the Monarch system. 

For previous generics of Monarch system (120A, 120B and Compact) the computer used was the Burroughs computer operated by the DPE Gresham Street Computer Centre. This machine will continue to be used for those Monarch generics. The computer used for Monarch 250C1 will be a PDP 11/44 mini-computer situated at Monarch Workshop, Bridgwater. 

All orders for Monarch 250C1 will be placed via the PDP 11 at Bridgwater, and all 250C1 systems will be assembled and tested at Bridgwater, regardless of the originating Area. 

Because of the need for a new suite of programs to run on the PDP 11, opportunity has been taken to make improvements to the user interface of programs. This Application Note provides a general introduction to the new interface. 

In the same way as for the existing programs, the program again divides into four basic modules: 

• Area Module 

• Regional Module 

• Workshop Module 

• BTHQ Module 

The Regional Module will be used by Franchise Area Managers as well as Regions. The Customer Requirement Forms (CRF) have been revised for Monarch 250C1. The CRFS are generally similar, but have been amended to take account of the increased number of trunks, groups, routes etc. In particular, CRF 2 has been divided into CRF 2A and 2B, in order to cater for 64 trunks and 64 groups. 

The Installation Code still uses the existing format of WAAAYSS/CCC, but for Monarch 250C, W is set as follows: 

G: Bridgwater 

H: Leeds  ) These two settings will not be used whilst Bridgwater 

J: Staines ) is the only Workshop dealing with 250C 

DATA ENTRY 

Data Input will be via the existing VDU , printer and modem, as used for Burroughs Computer data entry. Service on the PDP 11 is normally available continuously; it is not closed down at night. However , service may be interrupted between the hours of 1630 and 1800 whilst housekeeping routines are performed. Any service which requires t he use of a computer operator, eg loading of a magnetic tape for archive purposes , will only be available during normal working hours. The telephone number to ring for PDP 11 access is 0278 431392. 

NOTE: THE PDP 11 IS NOT YET OPERATI ONAL. COMMENCEMENT OF THE PDP 11 SERVICE WILL BE ANNOUNCED BY TELEX FROM THIS GROUP. 

The basic structure of the program remains unchanged. A series of commands are accessed from a menu, and these provide the facilities of data entry, datavet , data amendment , job submission, list status etc. 

Similar commands to those used in the existing program are provi ded, but instead of usi ng command numbers to. initiate a command, mnemonics are used. The method of calling the commands is streamlined, so that instead of prompting for a single entry at a time (eg ENTER COMMAND NUMBER; ENTER INSTALLATION CODE; IS A COMPLETE DATAVET REQUIRED?; ENTER NUMBER OF RE~llED FORM) , the user enters one or more additional parameters. (In the examples shown in this document, output from the computer is shown in boldface type; input to the computer by the user is shown in normal type.) 

PAGE 85 of  Part 2 of the techninal description says..

6.7.2 Each customer's requirements are recorded on specially prepared forms by the Sales Staff. The information on the forms is then fed into a central computer and, after conversion into a suitable format by this computer, is loaded into the EPROM daughter board for the installation concerned by the Automatic Memory Board Loading Equipment (AMBLE) at a centralised workshop prior to delivery on site. In British Telecom the information is transmitted over a data link directly from the central computer into AMBLE. The central computer also provides a printout giving details of the hardware layout, and the facilities provided for the installation as a whole, including the numbering scheme, in a format which is suitable for use by the customer and by Administration staff employed on the following types of duty; workshop; installation; maintenance; sales; Regional planning; Headquarters planning