There are four parts to the interface: the accounts centre record, a generic management script, the script you will write to this specification and your accounting system.

The accounts centre record

This record is used to specify that you are going to use a scripted interface as described in this document. It is also a 'holder' for other configuration information about the interface.

The list of available centres is accessable from the standard menu via Functions | Standing Data | Accounts | Accounts Centres.

Press New to create a new centre, or Detail to edit an existing one.

To use the interface described in this document the accounts centre record must have the Generic accounts system option checked (note: this is true even if the accounts system you are intending to use appears as one of the other options - they are specific versions of the interface that you cannot change).

On the options tab, you must also specify the name of the script you are about to write. It's best to use a name that describes the accounts system. Just enter a name with no path and no extension. Match-IT will automatically add the appropriate path and extension as needed.

The Generic Management Script

This script works in the background and provides facilities to ease the writing of your interface, particularly when the interface uses CSV files. Those facilities will be described elsewhere. The script is actually the file accounts_interface.lua in your configs folder.

Your Script

This is the script you will write, using the Lua language, according to the rules described in this topic. The script must be placed in your configs folder with the name you used in the accounts centre record and with a .lua extension. You can use any text editor to create it (e.g. notepad or wordpad, but not a word processor).

This script is the 'glue' between Match-IT and your accounts system. It is the only place where knowledge of your accounts system resides.

Your Accounting System

This is any accounting system that provides a means to import/export information. The simplest, and most common, mechanism is CSV files; but anything is possible, including COM, direct DLL calls, direct database access, etc.