Support
From Fishbowl Inventory
Contents |
Extend the Client Inactivity Time 
The following instructions will allow each client to have a longer inactivity time (the Fishbowl server will need to be stopped during this process):
- On the Fishbowl Server computer, right click on the FB server icon down in the system tray and go up to options.
- Select “Yes” to stop the server. (this will log off any connected clients)
- Select the ‘Server’ tab on the Server Administration box that pops up.
- Change the Inactivity Time from 30 minutes to whatever length is desired.
- Click OK at the bottom to close the window.
- Start your FB server.
Export Fishbowl Table Data via Excel
Fishbowl's Table data may be exported into excel by using the following steps: (this exporting was done with Microsoft Excel 7)
- Set up the firebird ODBC using the instructions found here:
- Open a new workbook in excel
- With the new workbook open go to Data | From Other Sources | From Microsoft Query
- In the Choose Data Source dialogue box highlight the Fishbowl odbc connection set up earlier and hit OK
- A list of available tables and columns will be listed. Select the desired tables and/or columns by highlighting the table or column and then adding it to the Columns in your query. After selecting all the desired columns hit next.
- Set the appropriate Filters and choose next
- Set the Sort Order and choose next
- Choose to “Return Data to Microsoft Excel” and choose Finish
DBTools
DBTools (Database Tools) is an application that allows you to view and edit the information in your database without using Fishbowl.
Warning: Dbtools is an advanced feature that may make irreversible changes to your database if used incorrectly. In this document, we provide a read-only username and password. If, by chance, you come across a full access username and password and make any changes to the datafile on your own accord, Fishbowl will be forced to void your support contract.
- To begin, find and click on the DBTools icon in the following directory (assuming Fishbowl was installed to the default location):
C:\Program Files\Fishbowl\Server\bin\dbtools.bat
Once the application has started, you will need to review the following steps to open a JDBC driver.
- In the upper left corner click File | JDBC Jars… or click on the JDBC drivers button
located below File to open the Drivers window.
- Click the Open icon on the right side of the JDBC Drivers window
- Browse to the C:\Program Files\Fishbowl\lib\ directory, scroll to the right and open the ‘firebirdsql-full-2.1.1.jar’ file (the numbers at the end may vary).
Your screen should look like this:
*Note: If by chance you have the FirebirdDriver but not the FBDriver that is created, simply highlight the firebirdsql-full-2.1.1.jar and send it to the trash can. Then repeat steps 1-3. This should now bring up both drivers.
You may now close out of the Drivers window. This will take you back to the Database Tools Window.
- Next, you will setup the database you want to connect to. To do this, click on the New Database Details button.
Enter the following data into the appropriate lines:
Alias = Your company name
Driver = Click on the drop down arrow and select org.firebirdsql.jdbc.FBDriver.
URL = Choose jdbc:firebirdsql://<server>/<path to .fdb file> from the drop down menu.
- Change the <server> tag to your server and/or port location (for example: localhost or the IP address of the server if it is on a different computer).
- Next, change <path to .fdb file> to the file path where your database is located (for example: Program Files\Fishbowl\database\data\_________.fdb).
- You can find the name of your database by right clicking on the server tray icon and clicking “show.” Fishbowl databases always end with .fdb.
Username = gone
Password = fishing
Click “OK” to close the Database Details and go back to Database Tools.
On the left side you should now see your company's name in the white column.
Highlight your company name and click the green play icon 
Your company name should show a green light and the database tables will be visible.
If by chance you receive a red light instead of a green one and the tables are not visible, the file paths are likely incorrect. Go back to your Database Details window and check to ensure the Driver, URL, Username and Password are correct.
If you continue to experience difficulty, please contact our technical support staff at 1-800-774-7085 ext 3 or e-mail support@fishbowlinventory.com
Defining the Status terms within Fishbowl
Several Modules within Fishbowl have a status column describing the current position the line items or overall order is in. The following list describes the status for Modules within Fishbowl:
Pick Status
Depending on each item's situation, they will have a specific type of Pick Status. The first column of information in the Pick's Order screen is the Line Status. This field is populated by one of seven icons (shown below):
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Item Short signifies that a part is not currently in stock and therefore cannot be picked or shipped.
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Fulfilled appears after the Finish Icon button on the tool bar is clicked, demonstrating that the part has been picked and is awaiting shipment.
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Started represents a status level of available. The inventory is not committed at this point. This part is in stock and ready to be picked and shipped. When an item is started you can save the location that you would prefer an item to picked from.
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Entered represents a pick that is new, not yet started, with inventory available.
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Entered New represents an item that is in the Entered status, but has undergone some sort of change. Often a pick item will have a status of entered new if the item was short when you started a pick and has become available in the time between the time you changed the pick and reloaded it. Therefore the item is flagged to notify the user that the line item has been modified in some way.
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Committed Commit a part after you have taken possession of a part or marked it as not available to be used in the warehouse, committing the tag will prevent other orders from picking this part.
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Toggle Hold status is used to show that a part is on hold for one reason or another. In order to use this icon simply highlight a part and click the Toggle Hold Status icon located on the Component Toolbar. This will toggle the hold sign between any other symbol except the BLUE CHECK.
Receiving Status
Within the Receiving Module users have the ability to receive and reconcile the order in its entirety (which is done by using the Module Toolbar icons) or they may receive and reconcile each line item individually (which is done by using the Component Toolbar). Whether the order is completed in its entirety, or by each line item, the following status descriptions remain true:
- Started within the Receiving Module means the line item has not undergone any change yet and is waiting to be Received or Reconciled.
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Reconciled means the line item has been reconciled, but has not yet been received. The item may not be completely fulfilled until it has been both reconciled AND received.
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Received implies the line item has been received into inventory, but has not yet been reconciled. The item may not be completely fulfilled until it has been both reconciled AND received; However, as soon as an item has been received the inventory will become available for use within the Inventory Module.
- Toggle Hold status is used to show that a part is on hold for one reason or another. A part cannot be received with an on hold status.
- Fulfilled appears after the line items have been both Received AND Reconciled. There is nothing more needing to be done with an item once it has been fulfilled.
Purchase Order
The status for the Purchase Order is found in the top right corner of the Purchase Order General subtab. This does not reflect the line item status, rather the order in its entirety.
- Bid Request: The order has been created and saved but has not yet been issued.
- Issued: The order has been issued; however all of the line items remain in Entered Status and have not yet been fulfilled or partially fulfilled in any way.
- Partial: The order has been partially completed in some way. This usually means at least one line item has been Received, Reconciled, or Fulfilled while other line items are still in the Started process.
- Voided: The order has been voided. Line items must be in Entered status to void an order. Orders with at least one item fulfilled are not voided, rather they are Closed Short.
- Closed Short: The order has been closed short. This means at least one or more item on the order has been Fulfilled when the order is closed.
- Picked: Items that are placed on a Purchase Order Credit Return have been picked but are not yet Shipped back to the vendor.
- Fulfilled: All line items have been fulfilled; meaning all line items have been successfully received, reconciled and put into inventory, or on the case of a credit return items have been picked and shipped.
Sales Order
- Estimate: The order has been created and saved but has not yet been issued.
- Issued: The order has been issued; however all of the line items remain in Entered Status and have not yet been fulfilled or partially fulfilled in any way.
- In Progress: The order has been partially completed in some way. this could mean only part of the order has been fulfilled; or it could simply mean the order has been picked but is not yet shipped.
- Closed Short: The order has been closed short. This means at least one or more item on the order has been Fulfilled when the order is closed.
- Fulfilled: All of the line items have been fulfilled; meaning all of the line items have been successfully picked, packed, and shipped.
Troubleshooting
Server is Unable to Connect to Database
Error: The Fishbowl Server is unable to connect to database
Reason: During the install part of Fishbowl was blocked by firewalls and/or anti-viruses on the computer.
Resolution: Reinstall Fishbowl
- Part of Fishbowl has been blocked by an anti-virus or firewall. Uninstall Fishbowl and then reinstall with all firewalls and anti-viruses turned off. After Fishbowl has been properly installed, you may turn on your firewalls and anti-viruses again.
If you continue to experience problems with the database connecting, contact technical support at 800-774-7085 ext 3
Client is Unable to Connect to Database
Error: The Fishbowl Client was unable to successfully connect to your database
Reason: The Server Address and Server Port could be incorrect on the client machine. The client would also not connect if the Fishbowl Server was not started on the server computer.
Resolution:
- The Server Address and/or Server Port are incorrect.
Click on the details tab on the client login screen. Next click on the binoculars by the server address line and make sure the IP address being broadcast is the same as your server IP address. You can check your server IP address by right clicking on your Fishbowl server icon (on the server computer) and going up to show. Your IP address and port number will be displayed here. Whatever IP address and Port number showing on the server is what each client will also need in order to connect.
- Your Fishbowl server is not running.
On your server computer make sure your Fishbowl server is running in the system tray. If it is not, start the server on that computer and then try to connect your client.
Username and Password
Error: Unknown username and password
Reason: The password or username is incorrect or not recognized by Fishbowl as valid.
Resolution: Check to ensure that the caps lock on your keyboard is not on, as the Usernames and Passwords are case-sensitive. If you are on the bicycles database or have not yet specified your own password, the default username and password is admin.
Username: admin
Password: admin
Errors when starting the Fishbowl Service
If you are having problems starting the Fishbowl Service, try doing the following:
Error:
"Database appears to have problems. Please contact Fishbowl Inventory for assistance."
- Make sure that the Firebird Service is running as a true service and that it is started and set to automatic. To check this go to Start | Control Panel | Administrative Tools | Services and search for the Firebird Server (fbserver).
- Make sure that the database file that you are trying to open actually exists in the Fishbowl\Database\Data directory.
- Disable any personal/software firewall programs on the server computer. Any hardware firewalls should be ok. Port 28192 and port 3050 needs to be open.
- Uninstall and reinstall Fishbowl. During the reinstall make sure that the user of the computer is logged in as the administrator so that the Firebird Service may be installed properly. Also during the reinstall make sure that any software firewall, anti-virus and spam blocking software are completely disabled.
Error:
"Unable to complete network request to host 'localhost' "
- First reboot the computer. By default the Fishbowl Service is set to start when the computer is turned on. Once the computer is turned on see if the Fishbowl service appears in the System Tray of your computer and that the status light has turned to green. If that doesn't do it then continue to step 2.
- Make sure that the Firebird Service is running as a true service and that it is started and set to automatic. To check this go to Start | Control Panel | Administrative Tools | Services and search for the Firebird Server.
- Make sure that the database file that you are trying to open actually exists in the Fishbowl\Database\Data directory.
- Disable any personal/software firewall programs on the server computer. Any hardware firewalls should be ok. Port 28192 needs to be open.
- Uninstall and reinstall Fishbowl. During the reinstall make sure that the user of the computer is logged in as the administrator so that the Firebird Service may be installed properly.
Begin Session Error
Error Code: 0x0. If the QuickBooks company data file is not open, a call to the “Begin Session” method must include the name of the data file. OR Unable to setup communication with QuickBooks. If the QuickBooks company data file is not open, a call to the "BeginSession" method must include the name of the datafile.
Reason: QuickBooks cannot open on the server computer.
Resolutions:
1. Restart QuickBooks
- Make sure QuickBooks can launch on the same computer that the Fishbowl Server is running.
- Try to open QuickBooks, if you get an error message from QuickBooks that reads "There appears to be a problem with the database service that is managing access to the company file. QuickBooks can attempt to fix the database service. Would you like QuickBooks to fix the problem?" Click yes to this error message.
- Your Export to QuickBooks should now work.
2. Kill QuickBooks
- Make sure QuickBooks can launch on the same computer that the Fishbowl Server is running.
- If QuickBooks will not start In the task manager under ‘processes’, check the box at the bottom that says ‘Show processes from all users’.
- End the task of anything that says ‘java.exe’ or ‘javaw.exe’ as these are still part of Fishbowl.
- Also, end the process of QBW32.EXE as this is still part of QB
- Now restart both QB and FB and continue steps 1-2 above.
3. Reconfigure Fishbowl's Accounting Configuration
- Make sure QuickBooks can launch on the same computer that the Fishbowl Server is running.
- Open the accounting module in Fishbowl.
- Go to the Configuration tab.
- Click "Test Connection" if the connection is green you should be able to export.
- If the connection fails click the accounting configuration wizard button
- Complete the configuration wizard. Note: Be sure you do your account mapping are correct on step 4 of the configuration wizard by selecting "Choose from existing QuickBooks accounts".
Invalid Reference to QuickBooks Sales Rep
Error: The Fishbowl user "bplink" does not have a QuickBooks sales rep with matching initials (BP).
Reason: The specified sales rep in the error does not exist in the sales rep list in QuickBooks. If they do exist, their initials have been changed and are not identical to the initials for that sales rep in Fishbowl.
Resolution: In QuickBooks, go to Lists | Customer and Vendor Profile Lists | Sales Rep list. Find the name of the sales rep trying to export over and make sure the initials shown for them are identical to the initials given in Fishbowl (Note: even spaces will make a difference). If the sales rep does not exist in QuickBooks, create the rep with the exact same initials given in Fishbowl and then export again.
Invalid Reference to QuickBooks Customer or Vendor
Error: Bob Jones already exists in one of these QuickBooks' lists. Sales Rep, Customer, Job, Vendor, Employee.
Reason: Neither QuickBooks nor Fishbowl allows the same name to be used for customer, vendor, or employee. If the name already exists in one of those areas it will need to be modified in QuickBooks.
Resolution: Go to QuickBooks and find the specified customer name under the vendor, customer, or employee list. (For example, if you had the error on a customer name, that customer likely already exists in QB as either a vendor or employee. If the error is on a vendor name, that name likely already exists in QB under the customer or employee list) Wherever the name is found, you will need to slightly modify it so Fishbowl can create the name under either the vendor or customer list when it exports.
For Example, if you had the customer name of Bob Jones on a FB invoice, and had that same name in QuickBooks as a vendor, you would need to go to QuickBooks and change Bob’s name under the vendor list. You then need to create Bob Jones as a customer in QuickBooks exactly as he is created in Fishbowl. (Note: You have the choice to just change the vendor name and then export again. Fishbowl will automatically create the customer name in QuickBooks)
