Window title & build
The title bar identifies the configured company and the installed IMS build, so users and IT can immediately confirm which environment/version is running.
Getting Started: Login & Main Screen
This page covers IMS 9.4.4 startup, global user sign-in, company selection when required, the selected-company workspace, toolbar/menu access, connection information and navigation between open IMS screens.
Two separate approvalsA workstation must be authorized to run IMS, and then a user must sign in with an authorized IMS account. Workstation authorization happens before the normal user login.
What happens when IMS starts
- IMS checks the database connection. If the database server cannot be reached, normal startup cannot continue.
- The workstation is checked. IMS verifies that this computer is registered and authorized before displaying the normal login screen.
- The main application loads. IMS checks the installed build and may require a critical update before normal use continues.
- The login screen appears. Enter your IMS credentials to load the menus and data allowed for your account.
Workstation authorization
IMS controls access at workstation level as well as user level. A new computer may be registered automatically. Whether it can continue immediately or must wait for approval depends on the workstation approval setting managed by IT.
| Situation | What happens | What the user should do |
|---|---|---|
| New workstation, automatic approval enabled | The workstation can be registered and approved automatically. | Continue to the IMS login screen. |
| New workstation, approval required | The workstation is added as pending approval and IMS does not continue to user login. | Send the displayed Workstation ID and Machine Name to IT. |
| Registered workstation is blocked or not yet approved | IMS shows a Workstation Not Authorized warning and exits. | Contact the system administrator. |
| Workstation hardware identity changed | IMS may require IT to review and approve the workstation again. | Provide the Workstation ID and Machine Name shown in the warning. |
User login cannot bypass workstation approvalIf the workstation itself is not authorized, IMS stops before the normal user login. Approval must be handled by an IMS administrator.
Signing in to IMS
IMS 9.4.4 authenticates the user against the IMS Global user store before connecting to a company database. Enter the Login Name and Password, then click Login.
- IMS verifies the Login Name and password against the global user identity.
- If the account is disabled, login stops and IMS asks the user to contact the system administrator.
- If the account has no password yet or is marked to change it, IMS opens the create/reset-password workflow before continuing.
- IMS loads the companies for which the user has active access.
- If exactly one company is available, IMS selects it automatically. If more than one is available, the Select Company / Branch window appears.
- After selection, IMS connects to that company's database and loads the user's company-specific Store, Supplier, Group Policy and transaction access.
Company selectionThe list displays the company's Country Code and Company Name. Select a row and click OK, or double-click the required company.
Login messagesYou do not have access to any company means the global identity is valid but has no active company access. Failed to connect to the selected company's database means authentication succeeded but the selected company database could not be opened.
Main screen after login
Quick tour
Before opening a module, these are the six parts of the IMS workspace worth recognizing.
Quick-access toolbar
The most frequently used Store functions—Sales Transactions, Items Search, POS control, cash drawer and Transactions Expert—stay one click away.
User, Company & Store context
The active company database is selected during login; Store/POS and Active User then define the current operational context inside that company.
Central workspace
IMS working screens open inside the main application so several tasks can remain available and users can move between them without reopening each module.
Connection status
The status area shows database latency together with server date/time and timezone, making connectivity problems visible while users are working.
Lock control
The round power-style control locks the IMS workspace without closing the application, protecting an unattended signed-in session.
Top shortcuts
| Shortcut | Purpose | Important behavior |
|---|---|---|
| Sales Transactions | Opens the main sales/return transaction workspace. | Visible only when the user has permission for at least one supported sales or return transaction. |
| Items Search | Searches IMS item information. | If Sales Transactions or Stock Transfer is active, IMS can route item search into the active screen. |
| Open/Close POS | Opens POS shift control. | IMS prevents closing the POS while Sales Transactions is still running. |
| Open Drawer | Opens the connected cash drawer. | Depending on access, IMS may request additional authorization. |
| Transactions Expert | Opens advanced transaction tools. | Opens inside the main IMS workspace. |
Main module menus
The top menu is organized by business area. This same structure is used by the documentation website so users can find help using familiar IMS names.
| Menu | Main functions |
|---|---|
| Inventory | Stock Transfer, Transfer Following, Replenishment, Purchases, Stock Depreciation, Stock Adjustments, Stock Level and Item Movement. |
| Financial | Integration Setup, Close Fin Period, Posting, Posted Transactions, Journals Monitoring, Banks, Currencies, Sales Payment Types, Purchasing Expenses, Cash Receipts and Gift Vouchers. |
| Reports | Cash and payment reporting, Store and salesperson performance, customer/loyalty history, Gross Income, Main Sales Report, Sell Through, Purchasing and User-Defined Reports. |
| Manage | Suppliers, Stores, Sales Men/Ladies, Items, merchandise classifications, seasons, promotions, customers, loyalty and special-card master data. |
| Tools | Label Printing, Stock Maintenance, IMS Autos, Custom Views, Custom Reports, Reporting Scheduler and Custom Attributes. |
| System | Change Password, Options, Users Accounts, Group Policies, Users Activity, Settings, Workstation Admin, System Dashboard and Check for updates. |
| Shopify | Incoming Orders, Fulfillment Requests, Manage Profiles and the background Shopify Integration Server. |
| Integration | Starco Stock Take, V-Count Settings and Integration Center for configurable external endpoints and sync monitoring. |
Why menus differ between usersIMS builds the toolbar and menus from the signed-in user's access policy. Individual commands—or an entire menu—can be hidden when the account does not have the required permission.
Working with multiple IMS screens
Many IMS forms open inside the central workspace. When a supported working screen is opened, IMS adds a text button for it to the lower information strip. Use those buttons to bring an open screen to the front or hide the currently active screen. Closing the form removes its button.
Practical benefitYou can keep several IMS tasks open and move between them without repeatedly reopening each form.
Locking IMS
Use the round power-style button to lock the IMS workspace when it is available. IMS hides the normal toolbar and open working screens and displays an authentication screen. This is useful when leaving a logged-in workstation unattended.
Connection status
IMS periodically checks communication with the database server and displays the result in the lower-right corner together with the server time and timezone.
| Status | What IMS shows | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | Connection latency in green. | The connection check completed successfully. |
| Higher latency | The latency indicator changes to a warning color when it exceeds 75 ms. | The server is reachable, but communication is slower than the threshold used by IMS. |
| Disconnected | Disconnected in red. | IMS could not complete its database connection check. |
Main-screen notifications
The main screen performs background checks while IMS is running. New stock transfers can trigger a visible blinking notification. New online activity can cause the Shopify button to flash red. If the server connection is lost, the main notification area can also report that the server connection is down.
IMS updates
During startup and periodic background checks, IMS can detect a newer application version. A critical update must be installed before the current version can continue. A non-critical update can be announced in the IMS title bar until the user installs it.
Language and appearance
IMS supports Arabic right-to-left layout and light/dark appearance. The theme can follow Windows or use the saved IMS preference, and the selected language is applied when the main form is created.
Common questions
Why does IMS close before I can log in?
If the database is available but the workstation is not authorized, IMS stops before user login. Give the Workstation ID and Machine Name from the warning to IT so they can review the workstation.
Why does a previously working PC suddenly require workstation approval?
A changed workstation hardware identity can require a new approval when automatic workstation approval is disabled.
Why does IMS say “Incorrect User Name or Password”?
The credentials were not accepted. Re-enter the password and verify the user name. If the account is disabled, contact the system administrator.
What happens the first time I use an account with no password?
IMS prompts you to create a password before it completes the login.
Why does another user have a menu that I do not see?
IMS hides menu items according to user permissions. Ask your system administrator to check your assigned access if you need that function.
Why is connection latency showing a warning color?
IMS changes the latency indicator after the measured database response time exceeds 75 ms. The system may still be connected, but communication with the server is slower.
Can I keep more than one IMS screen open?
Yes. Supported screens remain inside the main workspace, and IMS adds buttons for active child screens so you can switch between them.
Why can I not close the POS?
If Sales Transactions is still running, IMS blocks the POS close action and asks you to close Sales Transactions first.
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