Minotaur runs in a Windows 2000/2003 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 2000/2003 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.
We recommend using Workstation computers with at least 256 MB of RAM (Windows XP works best with at least 512 MB of RAM) and 1 GB free Hard Drive space, running Windows 2000 Pro or newer. Please note that this is the minimum Workstation requirement we would recommend in order to function adequately, and as such, a more powerful Workstation configuration would improve performance. Minotaur requires the use of Windows on all the workstations. 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.
For Handheld module use:
Handheld computers require Terminal Server capability and a wireless network to work with our interfaces. Although we at Minotaur do not generally sell hardware, 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. 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, there may be additional costs in making the two talk to each other 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. We will format a standard label format, and provide you with a means of setting up your own labels for other customers. This will involve using Minotaur’s report writer system. If you prefer we can set up all your label formats for you, we will bill you on an hourly basis for this work.
Emailing and Faxing directly from the System:
You can highlight anything on a Minotaur report you are viewing on screen and right click your mouse and save as an attachment or copy and paste what is highlighted into the body of an email if you have a Microsoft email client (Outlook). 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. Forms may require a PCL converter. Al Tuplin, our hardware specialist, is happy to discuss with you the hardware and software required for this. |
