This method is used when new customers are added frequently and is the most common method for creating a Stop File. The process uses an Account Master File maintained and updated by DirectRoute and ensures that static account data (Long/Lat, Time Windows, Unload Times, etc.) remains as accurate as possible. The column headings used in the Extract File must be identical to those used in the Account Master File. 

• Using your ERP/WMS systems' normal extract process, extract the Daily Order File, then edit the file to add the required Stop File column headings (ref. Import and Extract Records).
• After editing the Extract File (Daily Order File), save it as an ASCII (.csv) or spreadsheet (.xls) file in the DirectRoute Data folder.
• From the menu, select File > Extract.
• In the Extract box, choose the appropriate files for the extract process
  1. Master File: Select the Master File button, the Account Master File, and then the Open button.
  2. Extract File: Select the Extract File button, the Daily Order File, and then the Open button. 
  3. Stop File: The file name will auto-fill (same name as Daily Order File) with a .xls extension.

In the Options section of the Extract box, select the specific functions that should be performed during the extract process (click on the box to select).

• Create Stop File: Selected by default.
  1. Get Address, City, State, and Zip from Master: Will use the address, city, state, and zip data listed in the Account Master File for each customer.
  2. Zero coordinates if addresses don’t match: Will update the Lat/Long column (Stop File) to all zeros if the addresses in the Daily Order File and Account Master File don’t match.
  3. Append new accounts to Stop File: Appends new customer stop info from the Daily Order (Extract) File to the Stop File only (does not update or append the Account Master File).
  4. Append new accounts to Master: Appends new customer stop info from the Daily Order (Extract) File to the Account Master File only (does not update or append the Stop File).
• Update Master File: Select to perform any of the following (not selected by default).
  1. Overwrite Address, City, State, and Zip–Overwrite the address, city, state, and zip data in the Account Master File with the address, city, state, and zip data from the Daily Order File.
  2. Update Blank Fields: Will append blank fields in the Account Master File for existing customers only, with data from the Daily Order (Extract) File.
  3. Select the OK button.

Note: Review and edit the Extract options in Routing Preferences (File > Preferences > Extract) before initiating the Extract process.

When the extract process has been completed, a dialog box will appear to display the results.