TOYOTA MOTOR SALES (TMS)

Background

Typical system

A Windows 95/98 or NT based x86 PC acts as your communications gateway server (see System Overview below). This PC has both CTI's software and a modem that is linked through your local area network (LAN) to your CAD Workstation. The incoming and outgoing CAD files are automatically routed to and from the engineering workstation through the x86 PC which is acting as your communications server. If your CAD Workstation is an x86 based system, there's no reason why you can't also make this your communications server.

The system includes the following features:

Menu Driven Software	Individual Company Private Mailbox
Access to Public Mailboxes on Server	Mailbox is Security Protected
Operates Independent of Engineer's Schedules	Automated File Pick-ups
Runs in Background	Re-links Broken Files at Point of Break
Provides Data Log of Files Sent & Time On-line	Provides Details on Megabytes Sent/Received

To see a list of Automotive suppliers who are using various CTI electronic mailbox interfaces including the Toyota Motor Sales operation and the Toyota Technical Center, click here.

Note (1) Click here to review a copy of CTI's Licensed Software.

There is other information for approved Toyota Suppliers to download, but you must contact CTI in order to be given the appropriate downloading instructions.

Your Windows Software Interface

Most of CTI’s mailbox users find "front-ending" either their mainframe computer system or CAD workstation network with a Windows based x86 system the perfect solution for interfacing into various workstation platforms (although the FastSync Mailbox system is available to operate on certain RS/6000s, HPs, Suns, SGIs Unix based systems - these are not recommended as the best mailbox communications platform).

A x86 system interface is usually better platform than using a direct Unix based Workstation interface because it:

1. Provides a lower cost and faster maintenance turn-around; Provides up-front cost savings;
2. Provides direct and secure TCP/IP links into other Unix Workstations (like IBMs, SUNs, HPs, SGI’s and DECs) as part of a corporate enterprise network. And, when not being used for mailbox purposes, the TCP/IP stack can be used to make a connection to the Internet; and
3. Costs less in terms of burden - puts communications onto a $10/hour PC versus a $45/hour CAD type (RS/6000, Sun, HP9000, SGI, etc.) workstation.

The FastSync mailbox software is distributed on a CD-ROM and the self-installing software can be installed by either a Systems Administrator or by the CAD operator.   In addition, we send you a "configuration disk" that simplifies the installation into CTI's Communications Server called he CTI-VAN.

Hardware & Software Requirements

x86 (CPU speed not critical); 16Mb System Memory	Hard Disk Space for FastSync Software Program - 5.5 Mb
Hard Disk Space for Data Storage - 100 to 200 Mb relative	Windows® Operating System - Windows 95/98/NT/XP
CD-ROM (speed not an issue)	Modem 33,600 or 57,600 bps - supplied by CTI
LAN - it is recommended that NFS (Network File system) be mounted and used to link into the Engineering Workstations

System Overview

Communication Software Main Menu Interface

This Menu system provides you with the ability to download not only all your files with a single telephone call, but also the option to download either an individual file, or just a list only that shows you what's in your mailbox. This is a handy feature if you have a large number of multi-megabyte files waiting for pick-up, but you only want a particular file.

You can also completely automate the downloading of your files by using the Event Scheduler program that comes standard with the package. The "Automate" button puts you into the program and allows you to specify pre-determined times to pull your files. For example, if your working on a big project, you might want to check your mailbox once or twice a day - this can be scheduled to run in the background while your working on a drawing. Maybe you need to check only once a week. The Event Scheduler program is easy to set-up based upon your needs.

Communications Hardware Interface

The modem that CTI provides as part of the TMS package is the external Hayes^® OPTIMA^® 336 Business Modem (V90 56K Modem optional).

Here's some of the things a PC WORLD (July, 1997) test report said about this modem...

PRO: Fastest 33./6 modem on the chart, supports voice mail. CON: Most expensive on the chart, [but, under $300].

"Simple put, the OPTIMA is the fastest modem we looked at. It smoked on clean phone lines, and when we tested it on poor lines, it was less likely than most of its competitors to throttle back to a slower speed. The OPTIMA, Hayes' top-of-the-line analog modem, is aimed at the business market."

Details About The Hayes OPTIMA Business Modem

• OPTIMA 336 Business Modem supports both ITU-T V.34 and V.34bis standards along with V.42 Error-Control and V.42bis Data Compression.
• Transfer more data in less time - twice as fast as other modems.   In modem throughput tests, the Hayes OPTIMA consistently transferred a graphics file at 200,000 bit/s - per Hayes. 
• Pass-Through Security and Dial-Back Security modes eliminate the threat of unauthorized access to sensitive data or vulnerable mission-critical systems.
• Caller ID and Distinctive Ring support allow users to fully benefit from even more of today’s telecommunications capabilities.
• Flash ROM Upgrades provide fast, flexible, and easy up grades to modem features eliminating obsolete equipment.  Ensures you always have the latest, best, and fastest modem possible.
• Warranty.  Hayes guarantees your Hayes OPTIMA modem does perform the way the manual says it will, backed by a return or refund policy and 15 years of experience with computers and dial-up communications. Two-year limited performance warranty may be extended to a total of 5 years coverage if product registration is received by Hayes within 90 days of purchase (U.S. and Canada only).

Telephone Interface

The TMS mailbox system operates over standard, dial-up Bell type lines at speeds up to 33,600 bps (depending upon your particular communications package).

Site Preparation

Install a standard dial-up (switched) telephone line. Usually you cannot effectively operate through your company's PBX or a Centrex telephone system. Therefore, have the telephone technicians bypass your in-house PBX telephone system and install a POTS (Plain Old Telephone System) analog line.  In Canada, a Data Grade Line works best.

Here are three (3) very important things that you MUST do before installing the Mailbox program from the CD-ROM you will receive from CTI:

1. Install TCP/IP Networking onto your computer - we cannot do this for you and it probably was not installed as part of your initial Windows installation.   You can install this protocol from your Windows disk(s) or CD-ROM.  If you don't know what we're talking about, please consult with your System Administrator.
2. Then, you must install Microsoft's Windows Dial-Up Networking (DUN) software - same thing as RAS "Remote Access Services" for Windows NT 3.51/4.0.  This can be installed from your existing Windows CD-ROM.  If you have Dial-Up Networking already installed and only want the latest up-grade, click here to download it.  Note: Sometimes people think because they can call out of their PC into the the Web they have Dial-Up Networking installed - NOT true.  They may, for example, be using a program such as provided by AOL which has its own dialing program.   You MUST therefore make sure you have MICROSOFT'S Dial-Up Networking installed.
3. In addition, you must have at least one modem installed and configured to work with the Dial-Up Networking software.  In Windows 95/98, NT and XP, modems are installed through the "My Computer" icon on your desk top, then the "Control Panel" icon, then the "Modems" icon.

If your don't follow these instructions and merely install the Mailbox System from the our CD-ROM before the other systems are installed, you will have to go through extra steps to create your own phonebook entry under Dial-Up Networking for "CTI-VAN" with the correct phone number and settings.  So please follow these simple instructions outlined above.

A Comment Regarding CTI's FastSync Mailbox System^® for Large Tier One Suppliers and Engineering Centers

CTI markets a high-speed Client/Server oriented computer store-and-forward mailbox and data communications management systems. This FastSync Mailbox Systems are the same as used by either the Toyota Technical Center or the Toyota Motor Sales operation to accommodate their host site and remote site communications. We mention this for the benefit of any other large OEM or Tier I supplier who may have a similar need to send CAD files to their suppliers/vendors and customers.

Click here for details.

Key Purchase Considerations

Here's why knowledgeable companies and Systems Administrators choose the CTI package...

• Saves money. Eliminates the need for using either floppy disks or mag-tapes for sending/receiving your CAD files. Eliminates the need to incur expensive overnight 3rd party delivery costs.
• Secure.  The TMS mailbox system has several levels of security including login I.D., password and firewall security.  No other automotive mailbox system in the world has a more secure virtual private network (VPN).
• Fast - no faster dial-up analog mailbox system in the industry. Saves substantial time and money and the system using standard dial-up telephone lines.   Currently operates up to 28,800 bps - 33,600 bps although your actual speed may differ depending upon several "outside" factors.
• Flexible - a user not only has a mailbox assigned for their specific company’s use, but also the system allows for sending files to any other company using the TMS system as well.
• Pick your files to either send or receive from an on-screen pick list - you never have to guess at the file names or make your own list or enter the names manually.  Using the screen pick list is especially helpful for prioritizing and obtaining files waiting in your mailbox. You can also drag-and-drop single or multiple files to other mailboxes that you're approved to sent files to.
• Sweep All files from your mailbox and then deliver all your files to TMS system with a single telephone call.
• Background Scheduling by day as well as by time allows you to use your computer for other tasks in between times.
• The FastSync mailbox system automatically creates individual statistical monthly Log files for long term manageability.  Further, for reference purposes, the log file also ties all TOYOTA comments and messages to your specific files. Finally, the log file shows exact file sizes either sent and/or received.