How to Send and Receive a Data File using Email

(Revised 01 May 2008)

Section A: How to SEND an iSeries Data File

The ActionWare Field file named FIEL is used as the example in this document, because this is the file most commonly transported, but this procedure will work for any iSeries data file. Take into account the size of the file if transporting one of the larger files, eg CUST, TRAN, ACTB, ACTC, or ACTH.

On an iSeries command line, enter the command AW4LM to get to the ActionWare Main Menu.

Enter this command on the command line at the foot of the Main Menu:

CPYTOPCD FROMFILE(AW4L/FIEL) TOFLR(AW4) TODOC(FIEL.TXT) TRNTBL(*NONE)

You will then see this successful completion message.
"File member copied to PC document FIEL.TXT."

The file is now available in PC format to be sent to ActionWare. You will find the file on the I: drive in folder I:\AW4.

The method used here describes sending it as an email attachment. To send the file via email, it needs to be accessible from the computer you are going to use to send the email. This requires that the PC can access the I: drive.

Prepare an email. Address it to "support@actionware.com".
Attach the file FIEL.TXT as an attachment.
Type a subject line and enter some text (optional).
Send the email.

Section B: How to RECEIVE an iSeries Data File

At the receiving end:

Step 1 is to extract the file from the email into folder AW4.

Step 2 is to copy it to the ActionWare database library you are working with. It can be copied to overwrite the FIEL file directly, or it can be added as a new member of the archive file FIELA. The example name used in this section is the default ActionWare database library AW4L.

Step 1: Extract the file from the email into folder AW4.

First, check if a file named FIEL already exists in the ActionWare folder AW4 (aka I:\AW4). If so, you must delete or rename it.

Save the file from the email into ActionWare folder AW4. This is accessed from the PC side as I:\AW4.

Step 2A: Overwrite the FIEL File directly.

To overwrite the FIEL file directly, enter this command:

NOTE 1:- this command will completely replace the contents of the existing field file, you should archive it first. This is documented here (use option 92.)

NOTE 2:- change library name AW4L in this command if this is the not library you are working with.

CPYFRMPCD FROMFLR(AW4) TOFILE(AW4L/FIEL) FROMDOC(FIEL.TXT) TRNTBL(*NONE)

You will then see this successful completion message.
"PC document copied to physical file member."

Step 2B: Add as a new member of archive file FIELA.

To add as a new member of the archive file FIELA, enter this command:

NOTE:- this command will create or replace a member named NEWFF.
. You can change this to any valid iSeries name.
. Maximum of 10 characters, first character alpha, no spaces.

NOTE:- change library name AW4L in this command if this is the not library you are working with.

CPYFRMPCD FROMFLR(AW4) TOFILE(AW4L/FIELA) FROMDOC(FIEL.TXT) TOMBR(NEWFF) TRNTBL(*NONE)

You will then see this successful completion message.
"PC document copied to physical file member."

Finished!

Enter the ActionWare database AW4L. Go to the configuration menu and view or change the definition.

Once complete, you may need to ship the file back to the customer using these same instructions with the roles reversed.