About the batch return process
The batch return process allows you to return activated items from multiple machines by loading a list that includes:
- The list of machines to return items from
- The specific items and quantities to return
- Whether to override return restrictions for the returned items
- Whether to use the quantity calculator to determine if any other items need to be returned
Starting the process
From the Machine Dashboard
- On the Activation menu, click Machine Dashboard.
- On the Machine Dashboard, on the page toolbar, click Batch process options.
- In the dropdown menu, click Batch Return. The Configure page of the Batch Return process displays.
From the certificate search
- On the Activation menu, click Certificates.
- On the Search Certificates page, on the page toolbar, click Batch process options.
- In the dropdown menu, click Batch Return. The Configure page of the Batch Return process displays.
From the return search page
- On the Activation menu, click Return.
- On the Search Certificates to Return page, click Batch Return. The Configure page of the Batch Return process displays.
Selecting the registered company
If you can only manage activated items for your own company, then the Company name field does not display. The registered company is automatically set to your company.
If you can only manage activated items for a selected list of companies, then that list is placed in the Company name combo box. From the combo box, select the registered company.
If you are able to search for the registered company, then:
- In the Company name field, provide the name of the registered company. Either type the name into the field, or use the find icon to search for and select the company.
You can also provide a partial company name. For example, instead of typing “Acme Manufacturing, Inc.”, you can just type “Acme%”.
-
After typing the company name, you need to validate that the selected company:
- Exists in the system
-
Is a company you are authorized to manage activated items for
To validate the company, click Validate. The field changes to a combo box containing the list of available companies.
- From the combo box, select the registered company.
Uploading the file containing the batch return details
Selecting the file format
Batch return files may use different formats. The file may use a tab-delimited format or an XML format.
From the File format dropdown, select the format used for the file.
Uploading the file
To upload the file:
- In the File field, provide the full path to and name of the file. Click Browse to search for and select the file.
- After selecting the file, click Load to upload the file.
Setting the rules for processing the return
| Batch job name | In the Batch job name field, type the name to use for the job. This also is used as the pub ID for the event that is raised. | ||||||||||
| Process mode |
The process mode indicates whether to only validate the information provided or execute the process. To only validate the data, and not perform the actual rehost, click the Validate only radio button. To execute the process, click the Execute radio button. |
||||||||||
| Entitlement selection |
From the Entitlement selection dropdown, select whether to include non-permanent items (items with an expiration date) in the return. This only applies if the file does not provide specific entitlements to return. To only include activated items for permanent entitlements, select Permanent only. To include activated items for both permanent and non-permanent entitlements, select All. |
||||||||||
| Error handling |
From the Error handling dropdown, select the method for handling errors when the return is validated or executed. To record the error, and then continue the process, select Record and continue. To stop the process when the first error is found, select Stop on error. |
||||||||||
| Result output |
When executing the return, from the Result output dropdown, select how to send certificates and keys. The available values are:
|
Setting the rules for sending notifications
| Email result output to |
Displays when executing the batch rehost if Result output is not None. In the Email result output to field, type the email addresses that should receive the certificate information. The information is sent based on the option selected from the Result output dropdown. Use commas to separate multiple email addresses. |
| Email reports to |
In the Email reports to field, type the email addresses that should receive a summary report of the validation or execution. Use commas to separate multiple addresses. |
| Language | From the Language dropdown, select the language to use for the email messages. |
| Comments |
Displays when executing the batch rehost if Result output is not None. In the Comments field, type any additional comments to include in the results email. |
Confirming and completing the return
After setting up the details for the return, click Next.
On the Confirm page, if required, check the check box to accept the terms and conditions.
You can also add notes for the return. When you execute the return, the notes are stored with t
he transaction records for the entitlements and machines.
The Confirm page also includes information about when the batch return will be completed if you submit the request immediately. The information includes:
- The number of batch return processes in the queue ahead of your request
- The estimated amount of time before your request would begin processing
- The estimated amount of time your request would take to process once it starts
Click Finish to start the process.