Setup Postcode Database (optional)

To import postcode data your organisation needs to register for Royal Mail PAF (this is free for charities and microbusinesses)
More information here.


Note: Importing the PAF database can take several hours and may affect server performance.

Create Database

  • Open SQL Server Management Studio and login.
  • Right click Databases -> New Database… -> Database name = "PAF".
  • Press OK.

Create User

  • Expand SQL Root\ Security\Logins -> right click New User….
    • Login name: "PAF"
    • SQL Server Authentication
    • Password: (contact Palace IT for password)
    • Uncheck Enforce password policy, Enforce password expiration and User must change password at next login.
    • Default database: "PAF"
    • User Mapping (left side): Tick PAF | User: PAF | Default Scehma: dbo
  • Press OK to save user.

Import CSV

  • Extract your own Royal Mail PAF CSV file to a folder on the server (not on Desktop or Desktop subfolder).
  • Right click Databases\PAF -> Tasks -> Import Flat File...
    • Introduction window
    • Next >
    • Specify Input File window
    • Browse to file
    • New table name: "PAFData"
    • Next >
    • Preview Data window
    • Next >
    • Summary window
    • Finish...

Add Stored Procedure

It is essential to add the sp_paf_selectByPostcode stored procedure for Stock Tracker to be able to read the PAFData table.

  • With the PAF database selected press New Query.
  • Paste the contents of this file.
  • Ensure the drop down above Object Explorer says PAF.
  • Press Execute.
  • Close and discard the query tab after completed successfully.

Setup Stock Tracker Server App

  • Open the Stock Tracker Server App and press Database Settings.
  • In the Royal Mail PAF Database section enter:
    • Server Name or IP: (name or IP of the SQL Server hosting the PAF database).
    • SQL Server Instance Name: "SQLEXPRESS".
    • Database Name: "PAF".

The next time a client logs in the postcode features will be automatically enabled.


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