Q. What is the name of the C/F Data Systems update file?

A. The C/F Data Systems database update file name is Prodfile.dat.

Q. How do I load an update/initial load?

A. Please contact your C/F Data Systems customer service representative for details about this topic.

Q. How do I change the drive and directory where C/F Data Systems looks for an update file?

A. Please contact your C/F Data Systems customer service representative for details about this topic.

Q. What items and manufacturers are included in the database?

A. The professionals at Database Solutions have taken the time to create their databases. For a complete list of vendors provided in your C/F Data Systems database, please select the appropriate database on our web site, view the Readme.txt file on the Initial Load CD, or contact HPH.

Q. How do I know what is in an update?

A. Each update from HPH will include a summary file. This file will detail the group, manufacturer, manufacturer sheet number, effective date, and quantity of items changed. If you receive disk updates, the summary file is called Readme.txt and can be opened and printed using any word processing program. If you are downloading HPHQuick Internet updates this file can be accessed by clicking the View File Summary button. NOTE: The update file summaries are for your reference purposes only and DO NOT need to be loaded into C/F Data Systems.

Q. Can I print the Readme.txt file on the update disk?

A. Yes. The Readme.txt file is a text file that can be opened and printed. Simply use one of your computer’s word processing programs such as Word, Notepad, or Wordpad to open the document. Please remember to direct the program to the location where the Readme.txt file is located (usually the A: drive) and it may be necessary to instruct the program to view all files in that directory. After the file is opened, it can be sent to your printer.

Q. Can I print a summary report of the update transactions from C/F Data Systems?

A. Please contact your C/F Data Systems customer service representative for details about this topic.

Q. Where can I get a current list of vendors, price sheets, and effective dates for my database?

A. The best way to obtain a current database listing is to view the database summary in the C/F Data Systems area of the HPH web site. The database listings are updated continually and may be printed directly from the web site. You may also contact HPH to have the listing delivered to you via other methods.

Q. What is the HPH update key?

A. The HPH update key is a unique code used to identify products. The updates are processed by matching the key in your C/F Data Systems database to the key in the update. Prices will not be changed if an item does not have the appropriate HPH update key.

Q. Does HPH maintain UPC numbers?

A. Yes. HPH does support UPC numbers when they are officially assigned by manufacturers.

Q. How do I edit or change a price code in my C/F Data Systems tables?

A. Please contact your C/F Data Systems customer service representative for details about this topic.

Q. Does HPH have available other manufacturers that I could use in my C/F Data Systems program?

A. Yes. The C/F Data Systems database is only a portion of the database that HPH maintains. If you have special manufacturer requirements for your database, HPH will be happy to work with you to create a custom database. Due to the necessary work involved in creating and maintaining a custom database, there is an additional charge for this service. Please contact HPH for additional details on this subject.

Q. How do I change to the HPHQuick Internet update service?

A. Please notify HPH that you would like to change to the HPHQuick service. You will be instructed to download and install the HPHQuick software from the HPH web site. This software will allow you to access and download price updates.

Q. If I have a question about a specific item, what information will I need to provide HPH?

A. When calling HPH please have available your account number, C/F Data Systems database you are using, and the update key for the item in question.

Q. How is Steel Pipe priced in the C/F Data Systems database?

A. Steel Pipe pricing is unlike most items in the plumbing trade, in that there is no REAL List Price available. Therefore, pipe pricing is determined by the suppliers in your local trading area. For the purposes of estimating, C/F Data Systems decided to include the Boston and Chicago Area Steel Pipe pricing in the database.

Q. Why are the welding fittings and flanges prices different than what I experience?

A. For this commodity item it is important to know which manufacturers’ pricing you use and which is loaded in the C/F Data Systems database. The two major suppliers of these items, Hackney and Weldbend, have very different pricing structures. Weldbend has a much higher (nearly double) List Price than Hackney.

Q. Are updates cumulative (include all items in the database)?

A. No. HPH updates contain only the items that have changed since the previous update.

Q. Should I keep the old update disks/files?

A. Yes. It is important to keep all old update files. They may be needed in the event that your database becomes corrupted or otherwise has to be restored.

Q. Should I back up my C/F Data Systems tables?

A. Yes. In addition to keeping all old update files, it is a good idea to establish a backup routine for your C/F Data Systems tables.

Q. What prices are included in the database?

A. HPH provides only manufacturers’ LIST prices.

Q. Can HPH provide accurate NET prices?

A. No. Due to the way prices are determined in the trades, it is impossible for HPH to provide accurate net prices for contractors throughout the country. For most products, your local suppliers establish the level of discount you receive on items. However, YOUR NET PRICES for products can be determined by inserting your suppliers’ multipliers/discounts into the C/F Data Systems software or the HPH Database Print Utility.

Q. How often is the database updated?

A. HPH has no set update schedule due to the fact most manufacturers do not maintain a consistent price change schedule. HPH will issue as many updates as needed to guarantee that your database is kept current with the latest prices.

Q. Can I use the C/F Data Systems update file to update other HPH programs such as the Print Utility or TIP?

A. No. The C/F Data Systems update file has unique characteristics that do not allow it to be used to update other HPH pricing programs.

Q. Why, after I run the update, are there items not found?

A. Items are only updated if there is a direct match with the update codes between the C/F Data Systems tables and the HPH update disk. Any items not pre-loaded by C/F Data Systems or added by you will not be found and updated.

Q. How do I know how an item is priced?

A. You can check the Unit of Measure for items in the HPH Database Print Utility or the update file itself. Each item record in an update has an Unit of Measure. The possible Unit of Measures are:

Q. How do I know if an item has been discontinued?

A. With each item record HPH provides a Status field. If an item becomes Discontinued or is Priced on Application, HPH will include the change of status in the update. The Status designations that HPH uses are: