---
title: "Using Symbol PDT for Stocktaking"
canonical: "https://kb.myframeworks.com.au/space/PROSTIXV48DOC/31103078/Using%20Symbol%20PDT%20for%20Stocktaking"
format: markdown
---
This process explains how to how to use the Symbol portable data terminal for stocktaking. The basic overview in setting up the Symbol PDT is to enable the file from the PDT to be transferred to a host PC; in other words the computer that the Symbol PDT cradle is attached to. From here the file has to be copied over to the server that ProStix is running on. ProStix will then import the file to the relevant fields. ProStix is not importing data directly from the PDT but from a file that has been produced by the PDT. To use the Symbol portable data terminal for stocktaking, perform the following: 1. Connect the Symbol PDT to the host computer or PC as per instructions supplied with the unit. 2. Scan / enter the stock take data as per Symbol PDT instructions. 3. Download the file to PC using Hyper Terminal or similar software. Hyper Terminal is supplied as part of the Windows Operating system and can be accessed as per instructions below. Sterland Computing does not offer any support on Hyper Terminal but it appears to be straightforward to use and has good help documentation. 4. Once the file has been downloaded to the host PC it needs to be copied onto the ProStix server. Generally if Prostix is hosted on a UNIX server programs such as Samba or VisionFS allows Windows drag and drop functionality to move the file. Also FTP programs such as Wise FTP or Cute FTP allows this type of transfer also. Recommended path to save the file is:  /prostix/dmp . 5. Before ProStix can import this file the stationery format needs to be set within ProStix. i. From the  ProStix Main Menu  select  'Systems Administration'  then  'Configuration'  then  'Systems Control File'  then  'Stationery' . ii. You need to set the stationery format for 'PDE Download' to '74'. 6. From the  ProStix Main Menu  select  'Inventory Management'  then ' Stock Control'  then ' Stock Take ' then ' Download from PDE Device' . i. Next is an option box where you need to take the 'Stocktake Data' option. From here you see a screen headed 'PDE Download Format 74'. Type in the PDE File Path (PDE File Path is where you saved the PDT file onto your ProStix server). 7. An option screen now appears: 8. When choosing to 'Copy to Stocktake Files', a box comes up where the relevant branch number and stockcard number can be specified. 9. ProStix updates the stockcard as specified and give you the following message:  Information Card number: 999 Successfully loaded to Stock Take Files.'Don't forget to clear the data from the PDE device.' 10. You can now access the stockcard created via the options  Enter / Update Stock Cards  or  Stock Card Listing