Startup

The Spruce software is typically opened (run) via a Windows Desktop or Taskbar shortcut. This shortcut links to a Start program located in a deployment folder (directory) on the server, not directly to an application installed on the client machine. This program compares the software version that is installed on the client machine (if any) with the current database version. If the database version is newer, the client installer runs to update the client machine to the proper version. If no client software is installed, the client installer installs the software on the client. After the Start program ensures the application is ready, the Spruce software opens. The application installed on the client cannot be opened directly.

You may receive a security warning when the application is running. The happens because the shortcut refers to the application on another computer (the server). You can eliminate this warning by adding the server's IP address or name to your list of trusted sites from the Internet Options form.

When running an instance of the application, there is one main form that remains open on your desktop until you close (exit) the software. In addition to the main form, you may open and close additional utility forms and dialogs as needed. These additional forms are considered the same "instance" of the application and do not use additional licenses. Often, you can open multiple copies of the same form. For example, you could have three open "Item Inquiry" forms at the same time. Keep in mind that having a lot of open forms at the same time can potentially cause memory issues, so we recommend you limit the number of forms you have open at the same time. Forms and dialogs are displayed either modal or modeless. Modal means that while the form or dialog is displayed any parent forms won't allow use until the modal form or dialog is closed. Modeless dialogs and forms can be used in combination with other open forms or dialogs.

The application is designed to be run in a "window" format rather than a full-screen style application. This is intentional as it allows multiple forms to be open accessible at the same time as well as overlap each other for both comparison and productivity reasons. The size of the application window can be modified to increase visibility on larger or higher resolution monitors.

You can run multiple instances of the software concurrently. In this case, there would be a "main" form for each instance. For the same user to access the software in additional instances, you must have multiple User IDs with different permissions. User permission can also limit the hours of the day that a user can access the software.