How do I configure ATRS for First Use?

The first time you use ATRS you will need to configure the software for first use. The "Welcome to ATRS" wizard will walk you through the process.

Welcome to ATRS

Once you have configured your database, the ATRS Wizard will appear to guide you through the next steps.

Step 1: Click on the Next button to get started with ATRS.

Step 2 - Creating an Admin User

When logging into ATRS for the first time, it is necessary to create an Administrator account.  This must be done in the Welcome to ATRS Wizard.  Your security credentials determine your access privileges, including what actions you can perform and which schedules you can view.

Once you are logged on as an Administrator, you can use the User Manager to:

• Set up additional Administrators and Users.
• Set ATRS to log on automatically using a specified user.
• Assign specific folders and schedules to specific users.
• And so much more!

To set up an Administrator account, just enter the necessary details in the fields provided under the "Create Admin User" section of the Welcome to ATRS Wizard (displayed below).  Click Save to continue.

Step 3 - Configure Messaging (Optional)

• To configure the messaging section is to insert the main mail you will use for the software.
• The software allows you to put four options of Mail type that are: MAPI, SMTP, GROUPWISE, and NONE. This part is optional; you may skip it by selecting the NONE option and clicking the next button.
• Select the Mail type of your preference.

MAPI

• After putting all the information required, click on the Test Settings button.
• After clicking the Test Settings button, a pop-up window will ask you to put a valid email address to send to. After entering the email address click on the OK button.

SMTP

• After putting all the information required, click on the Test Settings button.
• After clicking the Test Settings button, a pop-up window will ask you to put a valid email address to send to. After entering the email address click on the OK button.

NONE

After selecting the Mail type options on Configure messaging, click the OK button.

• Click Next

Step 4 - Scheduler Set up

The scheduler within ATRS plays a crucial role in determining the timing and execution of tasks. Unlike relying on the Windows Task Scheduler, ATRS utilizes ChristianSteven's unique scheduler, enhancing reliability and efficiency in scheduling tasks. This bespoke scheduler ensures a dedicated and dependable system for managing task execution.

  Within ATRS, the following scheduling options are available:

1. Background application scheduling
2. Windows NT Service 
3. No Scheduling Required

How to configure Background application scheduling

Background application scheduling is a windows application which monitors ATRS and fires off reports when they become due.

To configure the background application scheduler, perform the following:

1. Choose the option to utilize the background scheduling application by selecting the radio button next to it.
2. Click on "Apply Setting" to save your selection.
3. To activate the scheduler, click on "Start Service".

How to configure the NT Service (advanced users on Windows NT, 2000 or later)

The NT service is a specialized Windows service that integrates into the Windows "Services" control panel. Being a Windows service, it functions independently, allowing scheduled reports to run seamlessly even when there is no active user logged onto the PC.

Prior to selecting the NT Service option as your Scheduler, you must ensure that the following pre-requisites are met:

1. You are logged onto the server as the NT Service user.
2. The above listed NT Service user must have  following windows security rights on the PC you are installing it on:
   - Act as part of the operating system
   - Log on a Service
   - Is a member of the Local Administrators security group.

Setting up the NT Service

Once you have ensured that the above prerequisites have been met, perform the following:

1. Choose the option to Use NT Service (advanced users on Windows NT, 2000, or later) by selecting the corresponding radio button.
2. Provide the necessary NT Service login credentials.
3. Enter the following credentials:.
   
   -Domain: Enter your network domain name when prompted. If you are utilizing MS Exchange Server, ensure that this domain matches your network domain to allow ATRS to establish a connection with your Exchange server.
   -User Name: Provide the username for the user mentioned above.
   -Password: Input the password for the user mentioned above.

ATRS will prompt you to verify that all prerequisites are met before proceeding with the installation and configuration of the NT service. Once you have confirmed that all requirements are in place, simply proceed with the installation to complete the setup.

The NT Service will now install.

After installation, you can find the service in the Windows "Services" control panel labeled as ATRS. Additionally, you will see ATRS Monitor, a monitoring service that ensures the continuous operation of the ATRS service.

You can proceed by clicking on Start Service. If the option is greyed out, it indicates that the service has already started. To verify this, access the Control Panel - Services and locate ATRS. Ensure that this service is running. If it isn't, you can click on it and choose Start Service from there.

No Scheduling Required

Choose this option if you plan to set up the scheduler at a later date.

Proceed by clicking on the Next button to save the scheduling settings and progress to the final step of the Welcome Wizard.

Step 5 - Finish

To complete the registration process complete all the required fields with valid contact information.  Enter your first name, last name, company name, valid email address, company website, and phone number in the provided fields.

Step 6: After filling out the required fields with your contact information, click on the "Finish" button to save your details and continue to access the software.

Step 7: Upon Clicking OK to continue, the following screen will prompt you to enter the Administrator user credentials that you set up during the Welcome to ATRS Wizard in order to access ATRS for the first time.

The basic software configuration has now been completed and you may begin using ATRS.  Useful Articles to start Scheduling include

• How do I write a Single Report Schedule Wizard
• How do I write a Package Report Schedule Wizard