Batch Operations / Automation
Batch operations enable automation. Here are some examples of GoldBox Batch Operations:
- Import -- GoldBox enables import of a wide variety of record types, not just Main Contacts. In addition,
GoldBox offers matching options for updating existing records that far surpass what's offered by GoldMine.
Also, GoldBox's field level options and huge function library mean GoldBox Imports offer unparalleled
control over the import process. GoldBox Imports can be automated, and can include multiple passes of
the Source file, using a variety of matching options for unsurpassed accuracy.
- Export -- As with Imports, GoldBox offers many more options and capabilities. Among these are the
creation of calculated fields, and export to a filename created via expression. Also, Exports can be sent to
an Excel spreadsheet, beginning at a specified cell . GoldBox Exports can be automated.
- Group Building -- Like GoldMine, GoldBox creates new Groups based on Group Name; but there the
similarity ends. When rebuilding an existing Group, GoldBox evaluates every record in its filter or query;
then adds, removes or leaves records in the Group on that basis. GoldMine, by contrast, never
automatically removes records from a Group for any reason. Group Building can be automated with
GoldBox.
- Global Replace -- Information that would normally be available only in reports (like the date of the most
recent Successful Call by the assigned User) can be calculated and placed into a User-Defined field in the
Contact record via GoldBox Global Replace operations. Each Setup can perform up to 15 operations, so
processing density is high. For another approach to this kind of requirement, see the GoldBox View
SalesManager's Summary. Another common use for Global Replace: data cleaning. Global Replacements
can be automated.
- Merge-Purge -- the safest way to combine duped Main Contact records in GoldMine is with GoldBox.
Automating Merge-Purge is accomplished in a special way. First, multiple passes of the database are run,
each with a special, "Safe By Design" matching scheme. Then, to test for possible matches that cannot be
found with "Safe" matching, one or more manually-supervised passes are run, using riskier matching
schemes and GoldBox's Merge-Purge Primer Table. The result is--by far--the safest and most thorough
consolidation of GoldMine Main Contact data that's possible today.
- OrgChart Building -- GoldBox's Virtual OrgChart Builder is much faster and generally more flexible and
thorough than creating OrgCharts manually through GoldMine. Also can be automated.
- E-mail Bounce Router -- If you send E-mail blasts using GoldMine, you receive bounceback E-mails...it's
inevitable. This utility matches the bouncebacks to the Contact to whom they were originally sent, as well
as doing post processing on Merge Codes, etc. Success rates of over 90% are typical.
- GENERAL AUTOMATION -- GoldBox Q-file scripts offer a wide variety of commands that can be used to
control the batch processes, as well as perform sophisticated general automation.
Unlike GoldMine, GoldBox is designed to use SQL queries to drive its automation...a far more powerful
approach. It enables us to focus directly on producing desired outcomes based on underlying Contact
data, instead of having to construct an intricate chain of AP Events for each Contact to get to those
outcomes. Whether it's sending letters, scheduling follow-up calls, creating User reminders, changing
Contacts' Type, Status or Owner based on existing data...GoldBox can handle these reliably and accurately
while you sleep. The more complex your requirements, the more GoldBox Query-Driven Automation (QDA)
outshines GoldMine's APs. GoldBox can even work cooperatively with existing GoldMine APs, if needed.
And, because GoldBox Views are also based on SQL queries, it's even possible to use Views as an
intermediate step in building automation. The exact same queries can be used for either "semi-
automation" (using a View to show you what records will be affected if you proceed with a procedure); or full
automation. Once you are completely satisfied with everything that will happen, just swap out the View for a
Convert to dBase setup; make one or more Q-files to run everything; schedule the master Q-file to run at
the appropriate time via Windows Task Scheduler; and you have full automation!
