Minotaur runs in a Windows 2003/2008 Microsoft Server network environment. The server requires at least 1 GB of available server memory per 10 simultaneous users. This is in addition to the memory required for the server operating system and any other applications running on the server. You will need to have Windows 2003/2008 running on your network with enough client access licenses to cover all the relevant workstations on the network.

The Minotaur program uses Pervasive SQL as the database manager. You will need to purchase the Pervasive database management software program and have it installed on your network in order to run Minotaur. You can choose to purchase this program from Minotaur or from your hardware provider. We recommend your hardware provider consult with Minotaur’s in-house hardware specialist for instructions on setting up Pervasive to run Minotaur.

Based on a typical workstation running one Antivirus program, 3 Office Suite applications (Word, Excel and Outlook) and a browser window (i.e Internet Explorer 7), we recommend using Workstation computers running Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 3 or higher Windows Operating System with a Pentium 4 @ 1.4GHz (or equivalent class CPU), 1GB of RAM, 5GB of free Hard Drive space and a display running at 1024x768. A workstation with 512MB of RAM and 1G free Hard Drive space would be adequate for those users who will not be multi-tasking. If a particular workstation is not powerful enough to run the Windows based version of Minotaur, we will install our console version on that machine. The console version will run the same programs, except that it will have a DOS look instead of a Windows look, and will require less power from the workstation to operate. Note: the DOS version does not contain windows features such as on screen forms. Our IT Specialists are available to discuss your particular needs.

For Handheld module use: Handheld computers require Terminal Server capability and a wireless network to work with our interfaces. Units may need to be configured with an escape key and a scroll bar, etc. While you do not have to work with our preferred Vendor, it is important that we establish a connection with your hardware provider to ensure that existing and new purchases will work optimally with the Minotaur modules you purchase.

Touch Screen Hardware Weigh Scales and Label Printing Equipment: The Minotaur system is constantly monitoring the weight on the scale using a serial interface. New models are available that combine a touch screen with a computer and indicator in one. Ask us for pricing details. For connecting Minotaur to existing scale indicators, we must test any equipment you plan to use, new or old, for compatibility with our touch screen interface. In the event that your scale is not compatible with our interface, additional set up costs will apply or new hardware may be required.

When the user selects the Print Label button on their touch screen, the system prints a bar code label formatted to your specifications. For scanning, be sure your label printer is 300 dpi. The time required create the label will be applied against the total support hours you receive with your system purchase.  Minotaur is an Authorized Datamax Label Printer Reseller.

Emailing and Faxing directly from the System:
Laser forms (such as invoices, PO’s, etc) will be set up to appear on screen. Users can then choose to simply view the form, print it to a variety of available printers, or create PDF documents of the form and email it if using Microsoft Outlook for email. Reports display on the screen. Users could highlight the information and copy and paste them into another program or to the body of an email as needed. Alternatively you could create a PDF of the report. If you need some users to have the ability to fax directly from Minotaur, they will need a fax modem and access to a phone line. If all users need the ability to fax directly from Minotaur, you will need a fax server solution.