Technical Requirements

Jim2 Server requires Microsoft .Net Framework 4.7.2 or later. Microsoft .Net Framework 4.8 is recommended.

▪We recommend Windows Server 2022 or later. 2019 and earlier are no under longer mainstream support.

▪Minimum 8GB RAM, 16GB recommended

▪100GB free space on hard disk drive

▪We recommend Microsoft SQL Server 2022. 2019 and earlier are no longer under mainstream support.

▪SQL mirroring is not supported.

As a rough guide, Jim2 recommendation is as follows for more than 20 users:

▪4 CPU Cores

▪16GB RAM

▪SSD Hard Drives.

Windows Powershell

Windows Powershell version 5.1 is a requirement if powershell scripting is to be used. If Powershell 5.1 is not already installed, you will need to install Windows Management Framework 4.1 from here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=54616.

▪Windows 10 or later. Windows 11 is recommended

▪Intel i3 or greater

▪1280 x 1024 minimum resolution (1920 x1080 preferred)

▪2GB RAM or greater

▪300MB free space on hard disk drive

▪Requires Microsoft .NET 4.7.2 or later. Microsoft .Net Framework 4.8 is recommended.

▪Standard Workstation Mouse with a DPI no greater than 1600 DPI is recommend

▪The SQL recommended driver is the ODBC Driver version 18, available here: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/connect/odbc/download-odbc-driver-for-sql-server?view=sql-server-ver16, however ODBC Driver 17 or SQL Server Native Clientwill also work.

Jim2 eBusiness Framework requires Microsoft .NET 4.6.2 Framework to be installed.

To ensure a quality experience, reliable high speed internet access is required.

A stable network is required. Any network issues will be quickly revealed when using the software. The network should be configured and tested prior to loading Jim2.

Install Jim2 Mobile v2, available on Google Play and the App Store. This app is compatible with Jim2 v4.4 and above.

Requirements include devices operating Android 5.0 and later, or iOS 12.2 and later.

The original Jim2 Mobile app (iOS only) is not compatible with the latest version of Jim2, and is no longer supported.

See here for Jim2 Mobile for iOS 7.1 or later, and here for Android 5.0 or later.

Printers

Every workstation which will view, email or print reports, invoices etc. will require a working installation of a printer. These can be installed through the windows network/local printers system. It is recommended that every workstation has access to a printer (shared through network or locally installed), as a printer is required to both generate and preview reports from Jim2. Printers are added in Jim2 via Tools > Options > Other > Printers.

Recommended label printer (job and stock labels)

▪Zebra ZD421 series thermal or direct USB transfer label printer (4 inch) with EPL drivers.

–Label – 40mm x 28mm

–Ribbons (if applicable)

▪Zebra ZD421D Printer Thermal (USB, 4")

▪Zebra ZD411 Printer Thermal (USB/Network, 2")

Receipt printer (dockets/receipts rather than A4 invoices)

▪Citizen CTS-651 Series II 80mm thermal receipt printer (USB interface). This process fades over time when exposed to light.

Cash drawer

GC36 cash drawer.

If there is no receipt printer, a generic USB cash drawer trigger will be required to open the cash drawer.

Barcode scanner

Any generic hand-held scanner should work with Jim2. Most are plug and play. If you can scan into Windows Notepad, it will work with Jim2.

Database software

SQL Server (2016 Express) software is supplied to drive Jim2. Please contact Happen Business (sales@happen.biz) if the email link has not been received. Alternatively, the full version of Microsoft SQL Server can be used. This must be fully installed before the Jim2 install.

SQL Server Management Studio is also required.

SQL Express is generally adequate for smaller sites, however it does have limitations. For larger sites (10-plus users), SQL Standard may provide better performance, and allows for databases larger than 10GB, which is the limitation of SQL Express.

Jim2 Business Engine and Jim2 Server

Jim2 Server requires the SQL Server database software to be installed, as mentioned above. To install Jim2, please contact Happen Business (sales@happen.biz) if you have not received the email link. This step will install a Jim2 folder (directory) on the server.

Configure the workstations

It is recommended that the Jim2 directory on the server is shared, and a shortcut to Jim2 in that shared folder is installed on the workstations. This minimises the time required to install updates to Jim2, as all files are centrally located. It also avoids problems with version mismatches.

To set this up, browse to the folder containing the Jim2 install. The default is: C:\Program Files(x86)\Happen business\Jim2. Right click on the Jim2 directory and select the Share option in the drop down to share the folder.

To install a shortcut, browse to the shared folder created above. Locate and right click on the Jim2.exe file then select Copy. Move back to the desktop and right click to paste the shortcut. This will create a shortcut file to the Jim2 Client. Alternatively, right click on the Jim2.exe file and select Send to Desktop.

Licence key installation

Happen Business will supply a unique licence key file. This key is tied to the server that Jim2 is installed on, and will be delivered as an attachment via email. The key will need to be loaded to the server using the Jim2 Server Console. Instructions are included in the email. Contact support@happen.biz if unable to locate the email.

Workstation settings

Settings which are workstation dependent (ie. printers, tills, fast invoicing, etc.) should be set on each workstation. If a Happen Business Analyst configures the options and settings on a workstation, these settings should be used as a guide for the other workstations. All workstations should be ready to print within the network.

Workstation settings under Tools > Options show as blue type, whilst black type indicates global settings.

Software updates

Happen Business releases free updates and new versions to Jim2 throughout the year. These updates include enhancements, bug fixes and new features. Please ensure that Happen Business is kept up to date regarding email contact details, as notification of these updates is sent via email.

To install these updates, download the update file and run it from the Jim2 Server machine. Follow the prompts to install the Jim2 update.

Backup and restore options for Jim2

It is recommended to become familiar with the backup and restore features of Jim2. It is also recommended to back up the Jim2 database on a daily basis using the Scheduled Backup feature in Jim2 Server.

Consultation with your company IT manager on the best solution for backup requirements is suggested.