MasterLink Shop Writer includes an automatic background update and communications system called the MLS Auto Updater.

This system operates continuously on your server and is responsible for a wide variety of automated tasks including:

•scheduled processing

•automatic maintenance

•backups

•communication with approved 3rd party vendors

•CRM transmissions

•synchronization tasks

•maintenance routines

•internal update operations

To help monitor these activities, MasterLink Shop Writer maintains a detailed Process Log.

Viewing The Process Log

The Process Log can be accessed from any workstation using:

Tools → Process Log

The log displays all recent automated activities performed by the MLS Auto Updater.

The newest entries are always added to the bottom of the list.

To review the most recent events:

•open the Process Log

•drag the scroll bar to the bottom

•review the latest entries

What The Log Shows

Each processing event creates a log entry containing:

•the date and time

•the activity performed

•the processing result

•any error or warning information

The MLS Auto Updater cycles approximately every:

3 hours

During each cycle there may be:

•backup operations

•CRM processing

•email transmissions

•maintenance routines

•external communications

•database maintenance

•scheduled tasks

As a result, it is normal to see multiple entries during each processing cycle.

Monitoring For Problems

One of the most important uses of the Process Log is verifying that processing is occurring regularly.

You should periodically check for:

•long gaps between entries

•failed processing events

•repeated warning messages

•backup failures

•transmission failures

If users report:

•missing emails

•failed updates

•missing CRM activity

•lack of backups

•stalled automation

the Process Log should be the first place checked.

Understanding Gaps In Processing

If there are unusually long periods without activity, it usually indicates:

•the MLS Auto Updater is no longer running

•Windows interrupted the service

•the server was shut down

•another Windows process interfered with operation

The Process Log helps determine:

•when the last successful processing occurred

•whether processing resumed

•whether failures are repeating

The MLS Auto Updater Service

The MLS Auto Updater runs as a:

Windows Service

on the primary MLS data server.

Normally this service starts automatically whenever the server starts.

If it stops unexpectedly, the cause is usually:

•a Windows update

•a server interruption

•a hardware issue

•interference from another Windows process

•improper shutdown of the server

Recommended Recovery Procedure

The simplest recovery method is:

1.Have all users exit MasterLink Shop Writer

2.Reboot the data server

3.Allow Windows to fully restart

4.Verify the MLS Auto Updater resumes operation

5.Review the Process Log to confirm processing activity resumes

In most cases this restores normal operation automatically.

Starting The Service Manually

If necessary, the MLS Auto Updater can also be started manually.

Manual Startup Procedure

Step 1

On the Windows taskbar:

•click the Search icon (magnifying glass)

Step 2

Type:

Services

then open the Services application.

Step 3

Scroll through the services list until you find:

MLS 12 Updater

Step 4

Click once on the service name.

Step 5

In the upper left area of the window:

•click Start

Step 6

Verify the Status column now shows:

Running

Step 7

Close the Services window and return to normal operation.

Important Operating Notes

•The MLS Auto Updater should normally run continuously

•Interruptions should be investigated promptly

•Regular backups depend on this service

•CRM and automated communications also depend on this service

•If automation appears inactive, always review the Process Log first

Best Practices

•Review the Process Log regularly

•Check for gaps in activity

•Investigate repeated warnings immediately

•Confirm backups are occurring successfully

•Reboot the server after major Windows updates

•Ensure only authorized personnel modify Windows Services

•Keep the server stable and dedicated to MLS operations whenever possible

The Process Log provides valuable visibility into the automated operations of MasterLink Shop Writer and should be considered an important administrative monitoring tool for your business.

Process Logs