Edition 1.0 (February 2011) : Abacus Workspace User Guide Introducing Abacus Workspace

Ab Abacus WorkSpace
USER GUIDE
Edition 1.0 (February 2011)

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Abacus WorkSpace User Guide INTRODUCING ABACUS WORKSPACE 1

Training Centre of Excellence LUD: 08 February 2011
Abacus International Pte Ltd
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCING ABACUS WORKSPACE .......................................... 3

2. ABACUS WORKSPACE ...................................................... 5
3. MENU AREA ............................................................. 6
4. APPLICATION LAUNCHER AREA ............................................ 21
5. TOOL BAR ............................................................. 25
6. ABACUS WORK AREA ..................................................... 27
7. APPLICATION SIDE AREA ................................................ 28
8. ACTIVE ASSISTANT TOOLS ............................................... 30
9. AGENT NOTIFICATIONS .................................................. 31

1.INTRODUCING ABACUS WORKSPACE
Overview
Abacus WorkSpace is an agent booking portal with a platform focused on

delivering a greater experience for you through optimized technology.
Make use of this user guide to help you navigate around Abacus
WorkSpace. It will guide you in locating all of the tools you are
familiar with in Abacus Whiz, as well as all of the features and tools
of Abacus WorkSpace.
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
These are the features and benefits that Abacus WorkSpace can offer you:
1.1 Great Features

Abacus WorkSpace offers you the same great features and
functionality as the point of sale
that elevates your effectiveness and efficiency with clients.
1.2 Greater Experience

Improved interaction between multiple applications and Web pages
enables you to move between Abacus WorkSpace sessions and Web pages
without having to spend the time refreshing content.
Abacus WorkSpace includes an application launching bar which allows

you to embed your commonly used applications or Web pages. You can
integrate internal agency sites, email, and commonly used web sites
into Abacus WorkSpace
1.3 Greater Performance

As the Abacus WorkSpace application resides on your desktop, you
will experience faster loading times as it does not load over the
Internet. In addition, when you sign into Abacus WorkSpace, the
Abacus system work area loads prior to checking for updates. You
will see greater stability since much of the heavy processing will
occur on the desktop side instead of on the server side. This will
require a lot less reliance on Internet connectivity and speed.
The architecture on which Abacus WorkSpace is built on is inherently
modular, which enables component based delivery. This allows Abacus
to deliver updates for only altered or changed code, as opposed to
delivering the entire application every time there is a change.
This cuts down on the amount of bandwidth required and time to
implement any updates.
1.4 Greater Control

Your agency administrator for Abacus WorkSpace can create a
customized version of Abacus WorkSpace for each agent in your office
by turning features on or off depending on such things as the type
of travel you handle or your geographic location. Once the features
are turned off, you will not receive updates for that particular
Abacus WorkSpace application unless you turn that feature back on.

When an update is available, you will log in and begin working
before the system even begins checking for that update. Once the
system finds an update, the download will occur in the background
and will not require the immediate restart of Abacus WorkSpace which
means you can continue to work. Your agency administrator can also
control the timing of these update deliveries.

2.ABACUS WORKSPACE
The Abacus WorkSpace is structured into three main areas. Within each
area, you may have multiple bars, areas, or tabs to facilitate the
servicing of your client.
Menu Area
Application Launcher Area
Tool Bar
Abacus Work Area
Application Side Area


 


Abacus WorkSpace User Guide Abacus WorkSpace 5

3.MENU AREA
The Menu area contains standard menu categories, such as File, Edit,
View, Tools, Window, and Help.
Note: The sub menu may change based on the tasks you are completing.
3.1File
Relates to the handling of files, such as New Abacus Area, Close,

Print Preview, Print and Exit Abacus WorkSpace.
3.1.1 Exiting Abacus WorkSpace
To do a proper exit from Abacus WorkSpace, remember to sign out from

Abacus system before you click on File > Exit.
When you click Exit Abacus WorkSpace in the File menu, or close
Abacus WorkSpace using the browser exit  button, you will see a
warning message asking you to verify that you want to exit Abacus
WorkSpace. Included is a reminder to finish all of your PNRs and to
sign out of the Abacus system before you close Abacus WorkSpace.
This should eliminate error messages the next time you access and
log in to Abacus WorkSpace, as well as accidentally leaving any
unfinished PNRs in your work areas.
Abacus WorkSpace User Guide MENU AREA 6

3.2Edit
Relates to the handling of information, i.e. cut and paste and

selections. Use the Rename Area option to customize the name of the
work area tabs.
3.3View
Relates to how you view content in Abacus WorkSpace. It contains

links to customize your screen layout, change from Full to Split
screen and vice versa, open and close the command line or Memo Area
fields, and specify either the Long or Short display.
3.3.1 Customize Screen Layout
The Customize Screen Layout option allows you the ability to change
your default
single screen layout to one of the three predefined multiple
screen layouts.
3.3.2 Full/Split Screen

Provide the ability to see your Abacus work area as a single
screen or split into two screens.
3.3.3 Command Line/Memo Area
Command Lines provides you with a separate box to key in your

commands.
Memo Area provides you with an area to type text or copy host
response directly onto the
area for future reference purposes.
3.3.4 Long/Short Display
Long display returns with the normal length of host response from
the system.
Short display returns only half the number of lines of the normal
host response.
Note: It is recommended that you use the long display option.
3.3.5 Connection Details
The Connection Details option provides information on your

connection to the Abacus system and to Web Services servers.
Alternatively the details can be retrieved by clicking on the
icon found on the bottom right hand of the screen.

3.4Tools
The tools menu has the various tools and applications you have
available in the Abacus WorkSpace.
3.4.1 Sabre Replay
Users can replay a sequence of up to 50 of their most recently used

commands that were entered into the host system using this
function. Alternatively, previously entered commands can be
retrieved using Alt +  keys.
3.4.2 Memo Pad
Opens a new window and automatically copies the corresponding host

response on the separate window for future reference purposes.
3.4.3 Abacus Keys
The Abacus Keys option provides you a list of the most common
commands with its equivalent keyboard key combination.

3.4.4 Virtually There
Opens a new page on the VirtuallyThere vertical assistant tool

panel which allows you to email itinerary/e Ticket/eInvoice via VT
to your customer.
3.4.5 Encode/Decode
Brings out the Encoder and Decoder mask on the vertical assistant
tool panel. Access this for assistance on all travel industry
codes.

3.4.6 PNR Services
Access to send OSI and SSR messages to airlines in the itinerary.

Options include Meals, Assistance, Wheelchair request, OSI,
Frequent Traveler information, and Paid Seats.
3.4.7 Point and Click
Access to Air/Hotel/Car availability or sell graphical interface.

3.4.8 Graphical Profiles
Opens up the Graphical Profiles page on the vertical assistant tool

panel.
3.4.9 Quick & PF Keys
You can save commands which you had entered on host system and
record the entries using Quick keys. You can save from QK0 to QK9
and QKA to QKZ, a total of 36 Quick Keys.
You can pre-type in up to 24 programmable keys (PF Keys) and
generate the commands by
pressing on the pre-programmed key on your keyboard.

3.4.10 Scribe
Access the Script window to select and activate the desired

scripts. Click the name of a script to view a short description.
Double click to activate the desired script.
Note: Scribe scripts need to be downloaded or created before this

option may function.
(Refer to section 3.4.12 on installation)
3.4.11 Graphical Ticketing
Access for a graphical tool that facilitates pricing, storing fares

and FP lines, issuing and printing tickets, and invoices and
itineraries.

3.4.12 Install Abacus Applications
Launches another window for you to install Scribe Scripts.
3.4.13 Agency Applications
Clicking Agency Applications on the Tools menu displays the options

window.
You can add links to other frequently used applications, such as MS
Word, MS Excel, or MS Outlook, etc.
These links then appear on the Tool Bar. To do so, perform the
following steps:
1. Click Add.
2. Type the name of the application.
3. Click Browse and locate the executable file for the application.
4. Click OK.

3.4.14 Options
You can customize your Abacus WorkSpace experience using the

Options window.
3.4.14.1 Abacus System
To add or remove settings pertaining to the Abacus system.

Examples include: Accumulated response, bold font, Point &
Click highlighting and tool tips, Graphical Seat Map, cursor
type, etc.
• Appearance
To establish your Abacus system colour preference for either

all or individual Abacus work areas, Abacus screen font size,
or Scribe Abacus screen font size.

•

• Connection
To establish connection configurations
• Scribe
For uploading of Scribe Scripts
• Advanced
Other advanced functions are stored in this sub menu.
3.4.14.2 Agent Profile
To modify the information stored in your Abacus WorkSpace

profile.
3.4.14.3 General Settings
To select preferred language.
• Agency Applications:
Please refer to section 3.4.13 for more details.
• Toolbar
To display or hide Toolbar icons that were defined in section

3.4.13.
3.4.14.4 Password Management
To establish or modify the Security Questions and your E-mail

Address associated with your password. This area is locked. To
unlock it, click the icon, and provide your Abacus

WorkSpace login credentials.
• New Password
To change your password. This area is locked. To unlock it,

click the Lock icon, and provide your Abacus WorkSpace login
credentials.
3.5 Window
The Windows menu contains links to all active work areas. E.g.
Graphical Profiles screen.

3.6 Help
The Help menu contains options which allow you to check for Abacus
WorkSpace software updates, history of software updates, Help
documentation and Contact Us information, etc.
3.6.1 History of Updates
Enables you to check the history of your recent updates.
3.6.2 Check for Updates
System will check for updates and auto update in the background
while you continue with your work.
3.6.3 About Abacus WorkSpace
Shows you which version of Abacus WorkSpace you are on, with
options to view Plugin and Configuration Details.

3.6.4 Abacus WorkSpace Diagnostics
Allows you to check the health of your Abacus WorkSpace

installation for troubleshooting purposes.
3.6.5 Workstation Technical Information

Shows you the technical information about your workstation such as
the agent IP Address,
Agent ID and Agent PCC.

4.APPLICATION LAUNCHER AREA
4.1 Classic View
Shows the classic view of Abacus WorkSpace.
4.2 Graphical Profiles
Launches the Graphical Profiles page.
4.3 Resources
Shows you the available links and opens up a separate webpage on

each of the services.
4.3.1 City Guides – W Cities
Launches a separate webpage tab to W Cities webpage, for city

guides, maps and city information checking.
Abacus WorkSpace User Guide APPLICATION LAUNCHER AREA 21

4.3.2 Travisa Passport and Visa Service
Launches separate webpage to Travisa, for checking of visa

requirements and downloading of visa application form.
4.3.3 Travel Alerts – eTravel Advisories
Launches a separate webpage to e-Travel Advisories for checking of

travel advisories and alerts.

4.3.4 CIBT Passport and Visa Service
Launches a separate CIBT Passport and Visa Service webpage for

checking of visa and
passport related services.

5.TOOL BAR
5.1 New Abacus Work Areas
This will launch a new work area. Abacus WorkSpace allows you to
access up to 6 work areas (A-F), which will be launched in
separate tabs, allowing you to quickly switch from one work area
to another.
Click the desired tab to switch to the work area. Or, use or, use
CTRL + Tab to move through work area tabs from left to right. Or,
use CTRL + Shift + Tab to move through work area tabs from right
to left.
Click X on the tab to close the work area, if desired.
5.2 Full/Split
These buttons provide the ability to see your Abacus work area as
a single screen or split into two screens.
5.3 Pages
These buttons provide paging abilities. Paging offers the ability

to retain prior displayed Abacus system responses which allows you
to toggle between without re-entering or the need to refresh the
data. This provides efficient workflow and the ability to cut and
paste data into the active PNR or another page for future use.
5.4 Edit Options – Print, Copy, Paste
These buttons provide you the ability to print your workspace,

Copy the host response and paste the response from another source.
5.5 Application Shortcuts
These are links for Application Shortcuts you selected in the

Options menu.
Go to Tools>Agency Applications>Configure Agency Application>
Toolbar>Click on the + sign beside Toolbar to expand its options>
External shortcuts.
Note: Refer to section 3.2.13 on how to add Agency Applications.
Abacus WorkSpace User Guide TOOL BAR 25

Abacus WorkSpace User Guide TOOL BAR 26
6.ABACUS WORK AREA
Abacus work area refers to the blue screen area where you can type in
your host commands and
the system response will also be reflected here. You can open up to
six different work areas as separate tabs. Other applications within
Abacus WorkSpace would also be reflected as separate tabs.
You can re-arrange the individual tab by dragging the tabs into your
desired position. When you fill all of the viewable area on the tool
bar, you will see an indicator at the right
as to how many additional tools and application you have opened.
Click on the indicator to view the list and select a tool or

application.
Abacus WorkSpace User Guide ABACUS WORK AREA 27

7.APPLICATION SIDE AREA
Depending on the tool, it will display in either the Vertical Assistant

Tool Panel.
1. Application Side Area
2. Vertical Assistant Tool panel
Clicking on an application tab will launch a vertical assistant tool

panel for the applicable application tab.
Tools remain active in the Application Side Area so it is not necessary

to reload them each time you switch back to a previously used tool.
Abacus WorkSpace User Guide APPLICATION SIDE AREA 28

Abacus WorkSpace User Guide APPLICATION SIDE AREA 29
8.ACTIVE ASSISTANT TOOLS
Active Assistant Tools refers to the tools found on the right hand side
of the Abacus WorkSpace.
8.1Point & Click
Please refer to section 3.4.7.
8.2PNR Services
8.3Encode/Decode
8.4Graphical Ticketing
8.5Quick & PF Keys
8.6Scripts
8.7Virtually There
Abacus WorkSpace User Guide ACTIVE ASSISTANT TOOLS 30

9.AGENT NOTIFICATIONS
Abacus WorkSpace Update pop-up
Informational and operational notification messages appear once Abacus

WorkSpace is opened on your desktop. You will see them in the lower
right corner of the Abacus system work area.
Notifications will automatically fade after 30 seconds.
Abacus WorkSpace User Guide AGENT NOTIFICATIONS 31

The Unread Notifications Indicator is located on the status bar.
• Click the Unread Notifications Indicator to view a list of unread
notifications. Unread message titles appear in bold text.
• Click the name of the Notification to open it. If there are no unread
notification messages, the indicator will reflect 0 (zero).
Click OK to close the notification message window. You can continue to

retrieve or read old messages by clicking on the Notifications
Indicator.

Edition 1.0 (February 2011) : Abacus Workspace User Guide Introducing Abacus Workspace

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Ab Abacus WorkSpace

Edition 1.0 (February 2011)

Abacus WorkSpace User Guide INTRODUCING ABACUS WORKSPACE 1

1. INTRODUCING ABACUS WORKSPACE .......................................... 3

Abacus WorkSpace User Guide INTRODUCING ABACUS WORKSPACE 2

Abacus WorkSpace is an agent booking portal with a platform focused on

FEATURES AND BENEFITS

1.1 Great Features

1.2 Greater Experience

Abacus WorkSpace includes an application launching bar which allows

1.3 Greater Performance

1.4 Greater Control

Abacus WorkSpace User Guide INTRODUCING ABACUS WORKSPACE 3

Abacus WorkSpace User Guide INTRODUCING ABACUS WORKSPACE 4

Abacus WorkSpace User Guide Abacus WorkSpace 5

Relates to the handling of files, such as New Abacus Area, Close,

3.1.1 Exiting Abacus WorkSpace

To do a proper exit from Abacus WorkSpace, remember to sign out from

unfinished PNRs in your work areas.

Abacus WorkSpace User Guide MENU AREA 6

Relates to the handling of information, i.e. cut and paste and

Relates to how you view content in Abacus WorkSpace. It contains

3.3.1 Customize Screen Layout

3.3.2 Full/Split Screen

Abacus WorkSpace User Guide MENU AREA 7

3.3.3 Command Line/Memo Area

Command Lines provides you with a separate box to key in your

3.3.4 Long/Short Display

Note: It is recommended that you use the long display option.

3.3.5 Connection Details

The Connection Details option provides information on your

Abacus WorkSpace User Guide MENU AREA 8

3.4.1 Sabre Replay

Users can replay a sequence of up to 50 of their most recently used

3.4.2 Memo Pad

Opens a new window and automatically copies the corresponding host

3.4.3 Abacus Keys

Abacus WorkSpace User Guide MENU AREA 9

Opens a new page on the VirtuallyThere vertical assistant tool

Abacus WorkSpace User Guide MENU AREA 10

Access to send OSI and SSR messages to airlines in the itinerary.

3.4.7 Point and Click

Access to Air/Hotel/Car availability or sell graphical interface.

Abacus WorkSpace User Guide MENU AREA 11

Opens up the Graphical Profiles page on the vertical assistant tool

3.4.9 Quick & PF Keys

Abacus WorkSpace User Guide MENU AREA 12

Access the Script window to select and activate the desired

Note: Scribe scripts need to be downloaded or created before this

3.4.11 Graphical Ticketing

Access for a graphical tool that facilitates pricing, storing fares

Abacus WorkSpace User Guide MENU AREA 13

Launches another window for you to install Scribe Scripts.

3.4.13 Agency Applications

Clicking Agency Applications on the Tools menu displays the options

Abacus WorkSpace User Guide MENU AREA 14

You can customize your Abacus WorkSpace experience using the

3.4.14.1 Abacus System

To add or remove settings pertaining to the Abacus system.

To establish your Abacus system colour preference for either

Abacus WorkSpace User Guide MENU AREA 15

Abacus WorkSpace User Guide MENU AREA 16

To establish connection configurations