Function Keys with Data Entry

You can set up a data entry procedure to act like a menu procedure, where options are selected using function keys. For example, on a sales entry screen, function keys could be used to repeat an item sale or calculate a discount.

To set up a data entry screen for use with function keys:

1. Use the Combined Menu/Entry procedure type in the Procedure Overview
2. Set up the map and fields for the main data entry screen as for an interactive procedure. Frequently only one general purpose field is used, and the function key is used to select the meaning of the input - for example a user might terminate an input F2 to indicate a quantity, or F3 to indicate an item code. You may want to include field processing for the endkey or the synonymous return field to set a "default" function key for input terminated without a function key.
3. Add the subsidiary procedures for the function key options. In the Link Edit dialog, number the menu options according to the function keys which select them (1 for <F1>, 12 for <F12> and so on)

To set up a function key display area:

1. Select Function key area map
2. Create a new map, and add a line (or lines) of text to define the function keys. The function key map will display in the default position at the bottom of the screen (see Screen Layout Map if you want to change the display position).

For a more detailed description of function key area maps see Function Key Area Maps.