Set Up External Tools window
Use this window to set up commands to give operators the ability to start external software programs and applications from within Sage Estimating. This feature lets operators start other software programs without having to leave Sage Estimating.
Programs and applications you set up appear in the External Tools list on the Advanced tab (Interface menu in classic view).
To set up an external software program to start from Sage Estimating:
- Open the Set Up External Tools window from the File menu (File menu > External Tools).
- Type the name of the external software program in the Title box as you want it to appear in the External Tools list.
- Type the full file path to a .exe, .bat, .cmd or other external software file (including the file name) that you want to start when the program is selected from the External Tools list.
- If you want the command to send information to the external software program, type the information in the Arguments box.
- Specify the working directory for the external software program by typing it directly in the Initial Directory box or by clicking the browse button.
- Click [OK] to save your changes and close the window.
For example, if you want to start Microsoft Excel, a typical path is C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office14\Excel.exe.
You can also browse to the file by clicking the browse button.
For example, if you start Microsoft Excel using the Command box (as described in the previous step), use the Arguments box to add the file path for a target file such as c:\data\account.xls.
If desired, click the arrow key to the right of the Arguments box to select from a list of variables that you can use with your argument.
The working directory is the file path to the location where the external program sends or retrieves key operational information such as data or initialization files.