MODCHQ - SET UP AND MAINTENANCE Ó UNCTAD – SITE (V1.15) 10.29 Building the Help System Introduction The ASYCUDA help system provides users with on screen assistance or explanations about the use of the application. This is called ‘contextual help’, because, when the users asks for ‘help’, the details displayed on screen relate to the function or the data field that the user is focused on, for example, the function currently ‘selected’ by keyboard or mouse. Building the ‘help’ system is the responsibility of the system support staff in the user country.   The  help system is freely ‘programmable’, and the text content of the ‘help’ screens and messages can be decided after careful evaluation of actual needs. Factors include: · National language; · Number of potential users and possible frequency of use; · Alternative sources of information? · Your available resources and priorities. Creating ‘Help’ To define help screens and messages it is necessary to start the relevant ASYCUDA module with / hlp switch. For example, you would type at the DOS prompt: MODCBR/hlp. Note that the hlp is case sensitive and must be in lower case. If  you  have  started  the  relevant  module  in  help  edit  mode  and  want  to  create  a  help  text,  by pressing <Ctrl> H, you will open the editing window From this screen it is possible to create the relevant Help screen. It will be available to the user in the module when the related menu option is highlighted. Local menu options allow for the import and export of text files and the cross referencing of selected text. Extra options on the Help menu bar allow you to include the cross reference in the index or create a link to other topics. If you wish to edit the information line or hint that appears at the bottom of the ASYCUDA screen when a user highlights a particular option then press <Ctrl>T. This will open the following window. Examples of the ‘need’ for Help, in comparing two extremes: Firstly,  with a high use function, like preparing a Customs declaration. Fully trained  staff  does  this,  and  they  quickly  become  highly  skilled.  Also,  normal procedures do not permit them to use discretion in the task. They have little need for on-line help.  Alternatively, a Customs Broker who is an occasional user may benefit from ‘help’ on certain optional data field in the declaration creation process. The second situation could be where a Customs HQ officer, with authority to make a system configuration change, needs ‘help’.  This is a task that is not done often, and access is usually restricted to only one or two experienced people in the country. In this situation it is difficult to justify a need for full ‘help’ screens when functional manuals are close to hand.