In our opinion GoldMine® Automated Processes (AP) is one of the most powerful tools GoldMine® has to offer. Creating a simple AP is straight forward. More involved APs can be a bit daunting but they can be well worth the effort! Our example is a rudimentary one. We recommend you think through and write your AP down on paper prior to creating it in GoldMine®. This is particularly true of more involved APs. The assistance of a GoldMine® Value Added Reseller can prove quite helpful.

Automated Processes are also referred to as "Tracks". Tracks consist of one or more events. Each event is composed of an action and a trigger. Actions, such as printing a letter, sending an e-mail, or scheduling an activity, are performed based on predefined conditions. These are the triggers that cause the actions to be executed.

Let's create a simple Automated Process or Track.

On the GoldMine® File Bar select "File", "Automated Processes", "Set Up Processes". You will see the following screen:

Next, select the "Maintain" button. You will see the following screen:

Now, select the "New" Button. You will see the following screen:

In the "Process Name" field type in "NEW AUTOMATED PROCESSES". Type in your Process Code if one is to be used. Turn on the 5 Check Boxes as your needs dictate. Now select "OK." This will return you to the Processes Listing window and your NEW AUTOMATED PROCESSES should be visible on the screen.

Select Close and you will be returned to the Main Automated Processes Screen. see the following screen:

In the "Process" field make certain that "NEW AUTOMATED PROCESSES" has been selected. Now click on the "New" Button. The following screen should appear.

We are going to have the AP print a letter for us. Under "Event Description: type in "PRINT LETTER". Next select the "Sequential" Radio Button and set the "Sequence" to "100. Set the "Trigger on" to Immediate. Under "Perform Action" select "Print Form. Next to this field select the "Options" button. The following screen will appear:

Select the item you wish to print. (This item must already exist in the "Merge Forms" area in GoldMine®, see you manual) Under "User" select the GoldMine® User to be attached to the history record for this event. Under "Output method" select your choice. Now click "OK". You will return to the "Event Properties" screen.

Select "OK" once again.

You can repeat these steps to build a progressively more robust Automated Process. We repeated the steps above and made different selections to send an e-mail using this AP. Here is the resulting screen: