PTS Comms Client Installation
Overview
PTS allows for tracking a prescriptions progress through the dispensing process using barcodes and scanners. Barcode scanners are connected to pharmacy PCs either directly or via a base station, and software installed on the PC (known as PTS Comms Client) interprets the barcode data and forwards it to the PTS server software for processing.
PTS Comms Client
The comms client software needs to be installed on any and all PCs that will be hosting a barcode scanner or base station. The latest installer for the comms client software can always be found at the Downloads & Updates section at tmsinsight.com, however depending on the age of your PTS application, we may need to provide you with a matching older version of the comms installer. Please contact us if you're unsure.
Installing the PTS Comms Client
Manual .msi installation
Installation will require admin access on the PC. Double click the .msi file to begin. You will shortly be prompted to review three settings:
- PTS Server Details
Enter the URL to your PTS application here. This is the same familiar URL used to access your main application in your web browser, and takes the format of http://ServerName/PTSWeb/.
This setting is absolutely mandatory - the application won't connect if you skip this step or enter the URL incorrectly. - Username and Password
PTS offers a means to use a barcode scan as a shortcut to certain system facilities, such as opening the booking in screen. If you intend to use these you'll need to ensure a valid username and password is provided to the comms software with which it can log in to PTS for you. If the suggested username & password no longer work, you can provide working credentials here. This can be compeltely ignored if you have no intention of using barcode shortcuts. - Non-PTS Barcodes
The software can attempt to detect when a non-PTS code is scanned and forward it on to another open application, such as your dispensing software. This reduces the need for multiple dedicated barcode scanners. This option is enabled by default but can be turned off here if you have any problems.
Silent .msi installation
The installer can be run silently by passing the value of parameters in the command string: e.g.:
msiexec /i "PTSCommsSetup64.msi" /qn PTSURL=http://MYPTSSERVER/PTSWEB/ PTSSENDKEYS=True WEBUSERID=BOOKIN WEBPASSWORD=Track1ng
Typical vs. Complete
On the next page you'll be asked to specify typical, complete or custom setup type. Typical installs Datalogic and Zebra barcode scanner drivers, complete also installs Voyager drivers.
Configuring barcode scanners for use with PTS
Connecting to base station
Cordless devices will sometimes need to be connected to their bundled base station, known as "binding" or "joining". This is especially true for models that allow for multiple devices to be handled by a single base station. Follow the instructions and setup codes bundled with the scanner to accomplish this.
USB COM mode
PTS is designed to allow you to scan barcodes while leaving the PC available for use by another person or application. On the other hand barcode scanners are designed to work as foreground devices out of the box and act as USB keyboards. For this reason you'll need to configure the device to work properly with the comms client, which is done with the use of setup codes included in the bundled hardware manual. The primary setup code you need will be labelled as one of:
- USB-COM
- USB-COM-STD
- CDC Mode
- Serial Emulation
Scan the appropriate code as directed by the user manual to reconfigure the scanner.
"Setup sheets" designed by TMSi DC for your convenience
TMSi provide "setup sheets" for our most popular scanners that include all of the relevant configuration and base station connection codes in an easy to follow step-by-step format. They can be downloaded from the Downloads & Updates section at tmsinsight.com under "Documents and Information".