SOFTWARE FAQs

Software Startup

How do I get AMS training?

There are a few options available to assist you in learning AMS. Our website FAQs are just one option. We also have video tutorials available. Our online help menus will appear on screen if you select F1 while using AMS. Finally, you can request onsite training from the appropriate point of contact listed below.

• For MC sites, contact MARCORSYSCOM. POC:
  
  Capt Lydia Lindsey
  703-432-5842
  lydia.lindsey@usmc.mil
   

• For Navy sites, contact NAVSUP Global Logistics Support. POC:
  
  Nathan l Monroe
  757-443-5126
  nathan.l.monroe.civ@us.navy.mil

What is my AMS login and password?

Your AMS login and password is set up by your AMS administrator. Please contact your AMS administrator to obtain this. If you are downloading AMS for the first time as the AMS administrator, contact the Help Desk for first logging username and password.

 

How do I register my AMS site account with the HelpDesk?

You will register your AMS download with the Helpdesk by going to the Set Up button, clicking on “Installation set up” drop down arrow and clicking on “Contact information” You will then fill in the blanks with your site information, lastly click on the option “Save and Prepare AMS Registration.”

 

How often do I register AMS with the HelpDesk?

Every time you download or update AMS on your machine.

 

How do I set up the DLMS/IGC settings? 

To set up your DLMS/IGC, select Set Up on the main screen, click on “Data Transfer” and click on “IGC/DLMS/Telemetry”. The standard DLMS/IGC setting is “Send Via HTTPS” under “IGC/DLMS mode”, and the form of Login is “PKI/CAC”

 

How do I send files up to the server and how often should I do it? (DLMS/IGC)

You will send files up to the server by clicking on the  “Send Interface Data” blue button in the center on the AMS screen. We recommend sending your files up to the server every day, either in the morning when you start operations or at the end of the day.

 

Inbound Menu

How can I receive the same TCN with multiple piece numbers?

When you are in the inbound screen, fill out the blank spaces with the gear information and click save; select the saved TCN on the bottom and click on “Add Multipiece” on the bottom of the screen.

 

How can I Generate a TCN?

To generate a TCN you must first fill in your contact information under the Set Up menu. You will then be able to click on the “Generate” button in the Inbound menu. This will create a TCN with the first characters of your DODAAC

 

How do I receive a RF Tag?

Select Inbound type (Truck/Vessel/Aircraft/Local/Train), and fill in the Inbound type # and on the button of the screen click on “RF Tag”, you will then input the RF Tag number.

 

How do I receive loose line items?

Select Inbound, select Line Items. 

 

Dispatch Menu

How to Create a Tally Sheet?

1. Select the Dispatch menu.

2. Select Delivery/Pickup.

3. Pick one or more (maximum of 10) Available DODACCs (or delivery customers) from the list and select OK

4. The Dispatch Date and Mark For are filled in for you. You may change the date if needed.

5. Enter Unit # and Pickup # to uniquely identify this delivery.

6. The Delivery Type will be filled in for you.

7. You may also enter any Notes about this delivery that may be helpful later.

8. Once you have established the details of your delivery, it is time to begin loading the truck. Select Load Piece to load items that you have received.

9. Select the items for this customer delivery and select OK. Items are listed by TCN or Transportation Control Number.

10. You may also select Load Line Items if you have line items for this customer that are not associated with a TCN.

11. When you have finished loading items for this customer, select Save.

How do I print a closed Tally Sheet?

1. Select the Dispatch menu.

2. Select aTally Sheet.

3. Click to the left of the tally sheet to be printed. 

4. Click on Print.

How do I close out a Tally Sheet?

1. On the Dispatch screen, check the box next to the TCN you wish to close out and click on Close Out. 

2. Verify the TCNs you will close out by checking the box next to it.

3. Fill in the Signed By information

4. Click “Confirm and Save” at the bottom

How do I promote a Convoy?

1. Select the Dispatch menu.

2. Select Created Dispatch.

3. Select Promote

How do I create a Convoy?

1. Select the Dispatch menu.

2. Select Convoy.

3. Select New Convoy.

4. Enter the Mission name for your convoy.

5. Select the Transponder Type for your convoy.

6. Enter the Transponder Number for your convoy.

7. You may also enter the Pallet Rider, Rider Extra Info, or Rider Rank for your convoy.

8. Be sure to Save your changes

How do I roll out and close out a Convoy?

1. On the Current Convoy screen

   1. The top section shows the details for the Current Convoy, such as the mission and any rider info.

   2. The Current Stop section is where you will need to enter details for each of your stops.

   3. Signed Info section will be filled in when your convoy has been signed for.

2. The next step is to print out convoy manifests for each of your stops. Use the checkboxes to select each of your stops and then click the Print button.

3. Now, you are ready to roll the convoy and send it out. With the stops still selected, click on Roll Out. A message will display, telling you the convoy was rolled out.

4. Next, you will need to send the convoy data to your handheld scanner. With the stops still selected, click on Send to Handheld. Make sure your handheld scanner is firmly docked and connected and click OK. A message will display, telling you the data was sent. Click OK.

5. On your handheld scanner, select Data and then Get Convoy. A message will display, telling you that the convoy data was loaded. Click OK.

6. On your handheld scanner, select Shipments, Dispatch, and then Sign Convoy. Scan or enter the Dispatch ID. You can also select it under the Mission Runs button.

7. The Stop # and Mark For will be filled in for you.

8. Enter the name in the Signed By field and enter any extra info, including a phone number.

9. Have the recipient sign the screen.

10. Select Save and then Done.

11. Next, make sure your handheld scanner is firmly docked and connected and select Data and then Send to PC. 

 

Outbound Menu

How do I create a container?

1. Select the Outbound menu.

2. Select Build Cont.

3. Both sections on this screen are used to enter information about the container. A container may have several multipacks, or boxes, inside of it. The first field is for the container TCN. This container transportation control number should be unique to this container, to help identify it.

4. You may enter the B/L #, or bill of lading number.

5. Enter the container Weight.

6. You may enter the container Length, Width, and Height.

7. Enter the container Cube. This is the total cubic feet of the container.

8. Use the drop-down menu to select the correct container Type.

9. You may enter the POE, or point of embarkation, and the POD, or point of debarkation.

10. Use the drop-down menu to select the Ship To address code that this container is being shipped to.

11. Use the drop-down menu to select the Ship From, which is typically your address code.

12. Enter the correct Priority for this container, with 1 being the highest priority.

13. Enter the Type Pack, such as CT for a container or BX for a box.

14. Use the drop-down menu to select the correct Ship Mode.

15. Fill in any additional information that you have for this container, including:

    • Project code

    • ETA – estimated time of arrival

    • TAC – transportation account code

    • Water Comm – water commodity code

    • Air Comm – air commodity code

    • HAZ UN / NA – hazardous United Nations code

    • HAZ Class – hazardous class code

    • HAZ # – hazardous number

    • Temp Range – temperature range

    • RDD – required delivery date

    • Build D/T – the build date is filled in for you

    • T9 Notes – notes to appear on your TCMD T9 records

16. Once you have completed an entry, click Save.

17. Next, you will need to load your multipacks, or boxes, into this container. To do this, select Load.

18. A list of available multipacks will appear. Use the checkboxes to select the boxes you wish to include, and then click OK.

19. If you have not already added multipack records, you may select Add to create a new multipack for this container.

    • Enter the TCN, Mark For, Ship From, Priority, and any other information.

    • Be sure to Save your changes. 

 

How do I ship a single item?

The Single Item Ship function allows you to do a quick and simple shipment of a single item. The intent is to get all the critical information required to have a shipment properly populated and ready for tracking, burning tags, and ultimate delivery.

To access this function, please do the following:

1. Select the Outbound menu.

2. Select the Single Item  function.

3. Fill in all applicable fields. The following fields are required:
   Note: Immediately above the cube field are fields for the package Length, Width and Height in inches. If known, filling in these values will automatically calculate the cubic feet for you.

   • Document Number– Document numbers must be 14 to 15 characters long with no spaces. When entered, the TCN will automatically be generated based on this document number.

   • National Stock Number (NSN)– Fill in the 14 digit NSN with no spaces. If the NSN is not known, check the box to the right of the NSN labeled Unknown.

   • RIC From– Fill in the 3 digit Routing Identifier Code.

   • Unit of Issue– Fill in the 2 digit code for how the shipping item is measured.

   • Quantity Shipped– Fill in the quantity. This must be greater than 0.

   • Consignee– Choose from the list of available consignees.

   • Mode (of Transportation)– Select the correct mode from the drop down list.

   • Priority– Select the appropriate Priority (1 through 4).

   • Type Pack– Fill in the Type Pack according to how the items are packaged.

   • Weight– Fill in the total weight (including any packing). Round up to the nearest whole number.

   • Cube– Fill in the cubic feet of this package. Round up to the nearest whole number.

4. Once complete, select  save. 

Can I load the DAAS address file into AMS?

No, you cannot import the DAAS address file at this time.

 

How do I print a DD 2890, DD 836, or AMC IMT 1033 form in AMS?

The HAZMAT Forms function allows you to classify items for HAZMAT and print the appropriate form, based on the mode of shipment. Once the form is filled out, you may select to print either a DD 2890 or DD 836 (ground and sea shipments) or an AMC IMT 1033 (air shipments) form.

For more information, please see the help menu by running AMS and then selecting F1 on your keyboard. Select Outbound and then HAZMAT Forms for detailed information and instructions.

Note: Please note that the AMC IMT 1033 form is sometimes referred to as a candy striper report, due to the red and white striped pattern on the border of the form.

 

What is a Signature Tally Record (DD 1907) used for?

The Signature Tally Record (DD 1907) is used as a means of recording special shipments that may be sensitive in nature and need to be tracked. Each destination along a given TCN’s path gets a signature until its final destination.

 

The Signature Tally Record function is located under the Ship menu. For more information, please see the help menu by running AMS and then selecting F1 on your keyboard. Select Ship and then Signature Tally Record for detailed information and instructions.

 

Reports Menu

What is the purpose of the Reports menu?

The Reports menu is a central place of common reports throughout the system. Reports that are located under various menus can be found here.

NOTE: This menu is not used for individual record document printing, such as MSLs and 1348s.
 

Which reports will I find under the Reports menu?

The following types of reports are centrally located in the Reports menu:

1.  Daily

2. Weekly

3. Monthly

4. Comm

5. Customized

 

For more information about these reports, please see the help menu by running AMS and then selecting F1 on your keyboard. Select Reports and then navigate to the section you need for detailed information and instructions.

NOTE: The reports are listed under the same type of headers that they normally are, which makes it easy to find what you're looking for.
 

What are the numbers on the DMO Hold Report?

Dispatch Time Elapsed – Actual time elapsed between date/time received and date/time forwarded.

Dispatch Days – Number of days between date received and date dispatched (or current date if not yet dispatched), rounded to the nearest day (one day, minimum).

Closeout Day – Number of days between date received and date closed (or current date if not yet closed), rounded to the nearest day (one day, minimum).

Average Dispatch Time – Average time elapsed between date/time received and date/time forwarded (does not include undispatched pieces).

Average Dispatch Days – Average number of days between date received and the date dispatched, rounded to the nearest day (one day, minimum).

Average Closeout Days – Average number of days between date received and the date closed, rounded to the nearest day (one day, minimum).

 

Setup Menu

What is my AMS login and password?

Your AMS login and password is set up by your AMS administrator. Please contact your AMS administrator to obtain this.

 

How do I change my AMS password?

1. Log into AMS and select Set Up and then User Password.

2. Enter your new password in the Change Password field and then confirm it in the field below.

3. Select Save.

4. A message will appear, telling you that your data has been updated. Click on OK.
    

What do I do if I forget my AMS password?

Contact the Help Desk for further instructions to number 1-855-956-5100 or email AMSHelp@ams-tac.com.

 

How can I change the setup to use the Scanning Order method?

1. Log into AMS and select Set Up and then Miscellaneous.

2. Under the option “Tally sheet TCN Print Order” you can select which option you prefer.

3. To select scanning order, you will click on “By Date/Time Added to Tally Sheet”

4. To select numerical order, you will click on “By TCN/Piece”, this option is the default.

 

How can I include Line Items on a tally sheet?

1. Log into AMS and select Set Up and then Miscellaneous.

2. Click on the box “Include Line Items on Tally Sheet”

 

How can I add a new carrier?

1. On the main AMS screen, select Set Up and then Drop Down Menu.

2. Click on “Carriers” and select “Add” at the bottom of the page.

3. You will then type the Carrier SCAC, which is the popular abbreviation for the carrier company and the Carrier Name.

 

How do I enter a DODAAC into AMS?

The DODAAC Table filters data on the first 6 characters of the document number or the supplementary address.

 

To set up the DODAAC Table:

1. Select Setup

2. Select Drop Down Menu then select the DODAAC button.

3. Click Add

4. Add your DODAACs and Save each one.

 

 How do I change a DODAAC’s address and phone number?

1. On the main AMS screen, select Set Up and then Drop Down Menu.

2. Click on “DODAACs” and click on the DODAAC that you wish to update, then click on the “Edit” button.

3. Click “Save” after you finish editing.

 

How can I practice using AMS without altering the current data?

On AMS, there is a “Test Mode” option that will help you get AMS hands-on practice. To access “Test Mode”, go to Set Up and click on Test Mode. You will then be able to receive gear, TCNs, dispatch tally sheets and close out tally sheets without altering your current data.

 

What is the recommended backup procedure?

It is recommended that backup files be created daily. To setup AMS for backups:

1. Start AMS and select System, Setup.

2. Select click on the Backup.

3. Select backup type. 

4. Select the correct drive and file location for Backup and Restore. For example, if you're using a USB drive or CD, you would select the drive letter for the USB drive or CD drive. If you're using a network drive, you would select the drive letter and directory for your network drive.

5. Select Save

 

How do I recover data from my backup files?

The Merge function allows you to reinstate previously backed up data to the database on the computer's hard disk. This data is saved using the Data Merge function.
 

How can I recover deleted data?

In order to recover data, it must have been backed up prior to being deleted. Refer to the FAQ question on “the recommended backup procedure” and “How do I recover data from my backup files?” for instructions on backing up and recovering data.

 

Note: Any data not saved cannot be restored and is permanently lost.
 

How do I search for data in the Archive database?

USE the @ on the Main AMS screen( @T=TCN) function is designed to allow you to search the Archive for data and print reports without making changes to any of the records. This is a good way to view historical data or find the BL # or Date Received for a record you wish to recall from the Archive.