Advantage Database Server (ADS) is a low-maintenance database server that sits alongside the PICS data files, and provides a connection to the database that is quicker and more reliable than standard Windows file sharing.
Installation Instructions
These instructions should be completed on the server where the PICS data is located.
Get your serial key from Pellcomp.
First, download this install shield and start the installation process. If asked if you want to remove the previous installation you should choose yes. You can install the software in any location provided this is on the machine where the PICS database is located.
The installer will prompt you for a serial and validation code which are listed above. Do not enter your validation code into the replication box, leave this blank! Enter the Registered Owner (your company name) & Startup Type (this should be Automatic).
Once the installation is complete, you should ensure that all installation windows are closed (click “Finish”), and the Advantage Configuration Utility will appear. You should see the screen shown below:
If the Service Up Time shows “ADS Service not started”, click the “Start Service” button (bottom of the window) to start the service. You can then click “Exit”, which will leave the service running.
If you encounter any errors please contact the Pellcomp support desk on 01603 492620.
Security Settings
By default the Advantage Database Service runs using the built-in SYSTEM user account. This account must have full read/write/delete permission to the folder containing the PICS Database files.
Client machines need to connect to the ADS service on the server using UDP port 6262. You may therefore need to open this port on any firewalls you may be running.
PICS Settings (client machine)
- Upgrade PICS to the latest version and start a copy of PICS. From the login screen select Help -> Options -> Allowed ADS Modes -> Remote. PICS will then restart in client server mode.
- If you have PICS installed locally on each client machine you will need to set “Remote” on each copy of PICS.
- If PICS is communicating with the server, after logging in you will see “C/S” after “PICS” in the PICS title bar.
- Please note that you cannot mix modes. That is if one copy of PICS is open in the traditional Local Server mode then you won’t be able to log into any of the Client Server enabled copies of PICS and vice versa.