standalone solutions configuration tool (ssct)...–this presentation is designed to successfully...
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Standalone Solutions Configuration Tool (SSCT)
2017 Lenovo. All rights reserved.
Intro to SSCT for Lenovo Pre-Sales Advisor Tool (PSAT) users
2 2017 Lenovo. All rights reserved.
Intro to Lenovo SSCT for PSAT Users
• This presentation is for users of Lenovo Pre-Sales Advisor Tool (PSAT) – PSAT will be sunset 3/31/2017, users can migrate to http://lesc.lenovo.com, however
– Lenovo ThinkServer systems MUST BE configured leveraging SSCT, starting April 1st
– This presentation is designed to successfully quote via SSCT with minimum training
Pre-Sales Advisor Standalone Solutions Configuration Tool
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Lenovo SSCT for PSAT Users – Learning Objectives
• Topic 1: Tool Overview, Purpose and Features – Produce valid data center configurations with compatible options and price estimates
• Topic 2: Downloading, Installing and Launching SSCT – Download from http://lesc.lenovo.com/ssct and local installation
• Topic 3: Initial Start Screen / Preferences – Update Checker, Initial Start Options, Country and Language selection
• Topic 4: Configuration “Wizard” – Guided walkthrough of component and compatible options
• Topic 5: Configuration Mode – Shopping Cart, Component Catalog, Compatibles Toolbox, Quote
• Topic 6: Save and Import / Export Features – Output File types, Modify Currency Tags, Availability Indicators and Adjusted Prices
• References / Resources – Database, Find a Part, Menu Icon Mapping, Addition Training Materials
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Topic 1: Tool Overview, Purpose and Features
• Standalone Solutions Configuration Tool (SSCT) is a Lenovo solution sales application designed to run as a standalone program on a personal computer
• It is publically available from a Lenovo website in order to provide a readily available resource to Lenovo customers and Business Partners
• SSCT has been created to provide a user friendly interface for Lenovo sales, technical sales support, and business partner teams to facilitate technical collaborations in configuring systems
• SSCT incorporates technical guidelines in its database in order to provide accurate and valid price estimates, ideal configurations, and other associated requirements when configuring Lenovo data center products
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Topic 2: Downloading, Installing and Launching SSCT
SSCT installation package may be obtained from:
http://lesc.lenovo.com/ssct
Once “utl_cutil_1.65_winwrk_i386.exe” is downloaded, it must be executed with appropriate privileges to install the program locally. Reference the Readme for details
After Installed, “Standalone Solutions Configuration Tool” may be launched from the ‘All Programs / Apps’ menu within the “Start” button similar to other programs within Windows Operating System
Here is an example from Windows 10:
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Topic 3: Initial Start Screen / Preferences
• During the launch of SSCT, a popup will automatically look for available updates
• Select the desired updates (SSCT or Data) and then click download
• The downloaded executable file must be manually run to incorporate the update
• Data Updates include Product Changes and Price Updates, it is recommended to update when available
• SSCT Update Checker can be toggled by de-selecting “Check for updates at startup”
The “SSCT Update Checker” can be launched by clicking the “Check for updates” selection under the “Help” toolbar menu item
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Topic 3: Initial Start Screen / Preferences
• Upon launching the program, the preferences window will be displayed, prompting the user to define the initial settings for the tool
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Topic 3: Initial Start Screen / Preferences
There are three initial “Start Options” to choose from:
1. “Wizard”: the configuration wizard guides the user with a step-by-step interface to select and create a valid server configuration
– “Wizard” is the recommended starting option for novice users
2. Configuration Mode: configures single or multiple standalone server, storage and networking configurations, that can be added to a single quote
– “Configuration Mode” is an ideal starting option once a user becomes comfortable with SSCT
3. Solution Mode: configures complex rack solutions containing multiple servers – This introductory training material will not cover this topic. Detailed training information is
contained within the SSCT application and can be launched from the Start Menu shortcuts
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Topic 3: Initial Start Screen / Preferences
• “Country” and “Language” can easily be selected from the dropdown selections
• Screenshot of SSCT with “Canada” and “French” settings
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Topic 4: Configuration “Wizard”
• Select “Wizard” on the Preferences window
• Alternatively the Configuration Wizard can be launched by selecting “Wizard…” from the “Configuration” menu selection
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Topic 4: Configuration “Wizard”
Step 2: Select Family - ThinkServer TD350
Step 1: Select Brand -ThinkServer
Step 3: Select Model - 70DG006WUX Click “Configure” to continue
Show only “TopSeller Models”
Note: Window can be resized
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Topic 4: Configuration “Wizard”
Click the “Processors” tab and add
a second processor by double
clicking it within the left pane, or by
selecting it and then clicking the
“>>” button
Tabs may be selected in any order, but it is
recommended to use the “Next” button,
pressing the Next button cycles through each
tab one at a time (Processor -> Memory i.e.)
Notes are displayed in the “Additional Info”
text box at the bottom of the screen and
displays any warnings or errors that apply to the
current tab
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Topic 4: Configuration “Wizard” The “Memory” tab contains a sub-
menu structure, select each sub-
menu tab to configure
Click the “Memory” tab sub-menu to
configure compatible memory options
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Topic 4: Configuration “Wizard”
System information is displayed and
automatically updated when components are
added or removed.
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Topic 4: Configuration “Wizard”
• Some sub-menu’s have dynamic tabs based on the options checked
• “Internal” storage and “Tape” drive configuration tabs require selection prior to sub-menu tabs from being displayed
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Topic 4: Configuration “Wizard”
The last tab in the Configuration Wizard is the “Summary” tab displaying all the selections made. Clicking “Add And Exit” will close the Wizard and add the configuration into the “Configuration Mode” “Shopping Cart” / “Quote” window
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Topic 4: Configuration Wizard Configuration Mode
After successfully adding a configuration with the “Wizard”, the following “Configuration Mode” window will be displayed, with the output of the “Wizard”
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Topic 5: Configuration Mode
• “Configuration Mode” configures single or multiple standalone server, storage and networking devices, that can be added to a single quote
• This mode is the same mode that is displayed after the “Wizard” is successfully completed
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Topic 5: Configuration Mode – Shopping Cart / Quote
“Configuration Mode” selection will by default show the “Component Catalog” for the Country selected and a blank “Shopping Cart” / “Quote” window
“Component Catalog”
The “Shopping Cart” and “Quote” tab window
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Topic 5: Configuration Mode – Shopping Cart
The “Shopping Cart” tab view displays a list of each item in the configuration with its respective description, part number, status, position and price
A group named “Config 1” is created by default
Right click to rename
The “Group Name” input box
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Topic 5: Configuration Mode – Component Catalog
The “Component Catalog” window provides a list of all components within the SSCT database that can be configured.
Selecting “Show subcategories” will organize the product families
by attributes such as “TopSeller Model” and storage attributes such
“SATA”, “SAS” or “SATA/SAS” and “3.5in” or “2.5in” chassis
Navigate the tree structure
through the product
portfolio until the desired
product is found. Double
click to add the selected
product to the “Shopping
Cart / Quote” window
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Topic 5: Configuration Mode – Shopping Cart
• The selected item from the Component Catalog will be placed in the “Shopping Cart / Quote” window, the server and all included additional internal components will be added to the “General” section
• The Server will be added to the “Group” named earlier “TD350 ThinkServer”
In order to manage configurations more efficiently, items may be
organized into assorted “Groups” of items. Components can easily
be dragged between groups. Groups will be beneficial when
Exporting configurations to easily identify components within a
complex solution involving multiple components with additional
options and services included.
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Topic 5: Configuration Mode – Compatibles Toolbox
• The “Configuration Wizard” can be enabled by the “Configure…” right-click menu
• or the “Compatibles Toolbox…” can be launched to select a compatible option
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Topic 5: Configuration Mode – Compatibles Toolbox
• The “Compatibles Toolbox” is a dialog window containing an expandable list of items and is divided into several categories
• Each expandable category contains a list of components that are compatible with the system selected
• Compatible options can be added quickly and in user defined quantities, this can be more efficient than using the “Configuration Wizard”
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Topic 5: Configuration Mode – Shopping Cart
• Options added to the component will be listed beneath by category
• The “Unconfigured” category indicates an option is unable to be installed
The ThinkServer Gen 5 750W Platinum Hot Swap Power
Supply (4X20F28575) is added to the “Unconfigured”
category because the base system already included both
redundant power supply units as clearly indicated in the
“General” section of the Shopping Cart. It is important to
review the “Unconfigured” category to see if the component
was selected in error or was an intended action.
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Topic 5: Configuration Mode – Quote
• The “Quote” tab lists all components within all current configuration groups
• Indicated are descriptions, part numbers, quantity, list prices and adjusted prices
• Components listed are assorted by the “Groups” in the “Shopping Cart” tab
Note: This view represents what a configuration “Export” will contain
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Topic 6: Save and Import / Export Features
• Save and Open SSCT configurations via the “Topology” file (.tp3)
• Configurations may be saved and loaded at any time while working with SSCT – This operation is performed when selecting “Save” or “Save as” from the “File” menu
– Load from a previously saved file by selecting “Open” from the “File” menu
• .tp3 files are the only files that can be Imported via SSCT
• “Export” provides a configuration report that can be sent/viewed in various formats
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Topic 6: Save and Import / Export Features
• When the configuration is complete, the “Export” feature will produce an output file of choice with all the configuration details
• Supported formats are: .csv, .txt, .ods, .xls, and .xml
• Default is “Quote Group Format (.xls)”
Export files can be modified by deselecting:
“Include gridlines & top row”
“Include currency symbols”
“Include ABCD Class”
Remember these options by selecting
“Save as default file export settings”
2017 Lenovo. All rights reserved.
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Topic 6: Save and Import / Export Features
Common Formats
• Quote (.csv / .txt) Creates a file with the list of components on the quote. The order of the components are as they were created. Does not require Microsoft Excel (.xls) or Open Office (.ods)
• Quote Group (.xls / .ods): The order of the component is based on the “Shopping Cart” grouping. The Quantity field is the total sum of equal components in the group multiplied by Configuration Quantity of the same group. This decreases the size of the resulting printed file, creating a simple summary report.
• Quote Server (.xls / .ods): Each system contains its own components, each component is its own line. The quantity field is equal to the Configuration Quantity of the group. This provides a fully detailed report resulting in a very large printout. It can be viewed as a fully expanded report
Specialized Formats
• CFXML (.xml) Creates a file that contains a configuration in a format that can be used by several other applications, typically this format is used for importing into CRM and other ERP tools
• ePricer (.csv): Creates a file to be used as an input to ePricer following the proprietary ePricer protocol
2017 Lenovo. All rights reserved.
30 2017 Lenovo. All rights reserved.
Topic 6: Export Features – Quote (.csv & .txt)
• Quote Export (.txt) viewed in notepad
Table Type Part Number / MTM Quantity Q1 Quantity Q2 Quantity Q3 Requested Price
Country Code US
Creation Date 13-Feb-17
Line Items
Lenovo ThinkServer 16GB DDR4-2400MHz (2Rx4) RDIMM 4X70G88319 6 249
Lenovo ThinkServer Gen 5 750W Platinum Hot Swap Power Supply 4X20F28575 1 299
TopSeller TD350, 2x Intel Xeon 8C E5-2620 v4 2.1GHz/2133MHz/20MB 2x16GB O/Bay 3.5in SR 110i 70DG006WUX 1 2699
• Quote Export (.csv) viewed in Excel
31 2017 Lenovo. All rights reserved.
Topic 6: Export Features – Group Quote (.xls)
Standalone Solutions QuotePrepared for: Prepared by:
Your final configuration may contain hardware, software, and services; therefore, accounting implications
need to be taken into consideration. A bottom line price for the package/bundle should only be presented
with accounting approval.
Part No. Description ABCD Class Quantity List Price List Price Adjusted Price Adjusted Price
(per unit)
(quantity x unit
price) (per unit)
(quantity x unit
price)
US Dollar US Dollar US Dollar US Dollar
Misc TD350 ThinkServer
Added 2/13/2017 5:14:34 PM
70DG006WUX TopSeller TD350, 2x Intel Xeon 8C E5-2620 v4 2.1GHz/2133MHz/20MB 2x16GB O/Bay 3.5in SR 110i 1 USD 2,699.00 USD 2,699.00 USD 2,699.00 USD 2,699.00
4X70G88319 Lenovo ThinkServer 16GB DDR4-2400MHz (2Rx4) RDIMM 6 USD 249.00 USD 1,494.00 USD 249.00 USD 1,494.00
4X20F28575 Lenovo ThinkServer Gen 5 750W Platinum Hot Swap Power Supply 1 USD 299.00 USD 299.00 USD 299.00 USD 299.00
Total USD 4,492.00 USD 4,492.00
N/C = No Charge
Price File Date: 10 February 2017
Standalone Solutions QuotePrepared for: Prepared by:
Your final configuration may contain hardware, software, and services; therefore, accounting implications
need to be taken into consideration. A bottom line price for the package/bundle should only be presented
with accounting approval.
Part No. Description Quantity List Price List Price Adjusted Price Adjusted Price
(per unit)
(quantity x unit
price) (per unit)
(quantity x unit
price)
US Dollar US Dollar US Dollar US Dollar
Misc TD350 ThinkServer
Added 2/13/2017 5:16:03 PM
70DG006WUX TopSeller TD350, 2x Intel Xeon 8C E5-2620 v4 2.1GHz/2133MHz/20MB 2x16GB O/Bay 3.5in SR 110i1 2,699.00 2,699.00 2,699.00 2,699.00
4X70G88319 Lenovo ThinkServer 16GB DDR4-2400MHz (2Rx4) RDIMM 6 249.00 1,494.00 249.00 1,494.00
4X20F28575 Lenovo ThinkServer Gen 5 750W Platinum Hot Swap Power Supply 1 299.00 299.00 299.00 299.00
Total 4,492.00 4,492.00
N/C = No Charge
Price File Date: 10 February 2017
32 2017 Lenovo. All rights reserved.
Topic 6: Export Features – Remove Adjusted Price
• Note, to simplify the Quote tab view, and all Exports, the Adjusted Price columns can be turned off from the “Price Format” setting in the “View” menu item
• Resulting Exports will no longer include the “Adjusted Price” columns, helping to simplify quotes
Standalone Solutions QuotePrepared for: Prepared by:
Your final configuration may contain hardware, software, and services; therefore, accounting implications
need to be taken into consideration. A bottom line price for the package/bundle should only be presented
with accounting approval.
Part No. Description Quantity List Price List Price
(per unit)
(quantity x unit
price)
US Dollar US Dollar
Misc TD350 ThinkServer
Added 2/13/2017 5:34:39 PM
70DG006WUX TopSeller TD350, 2x Intel Xeon 8C E5-2620 v4 2.1GHz/2133MHz/20MB 2x16GB O/Bay 3.5in SR 110i1 2,699.00 2,699.00
4X70G88319 Lenovo ThinkServer 16GB DDR4-2400MHz (2Rx4) RDIMM 6 249.00 1,494.00
4X20F28575 Lenovo ThinkServer Gen 5 750W Platinum Hot Swap Power Supply 1 299.00 299.00
Total 4,492.00
N/C = No Charge
Price File Date: 10 February 2017
34 2017 Lenovo. All rights reserved.
Helpful Hints – “Database Window”
• The “Database Window” allows components to be searched for within the SSCT database
• Define the search criteria within the “Database” window by typing the desired part number or description and then clicking “Search”
The Database Window is helpful when searching for
components to a solution, but not necessary ready to be
added to the configuration. Columns are sortable by clicking
the heading, making it easier to deal with large search results.
35 2017 Lenovo. All rights reserved.
Helpful Hints – “Find a Part”
• The “Find a Part” tool allows components to be searched for within the SSCT database for quick additions to a configuration
• Define the search criteria within the “Find a Part” window by typing the desired part number or description and then clicking “Search”
Upon clicking “OK”, all selected items will be added to the configuration
and the additions are then reflected in the “Shopping Cart” tab
An efficient way of managing “Find a Part” items is by creating a new
configuration “Group” from the “Shopping Cart” menu and then by
adding items from the “Find a Part” window to that new “Group”
38 2017 Lenovo. All rights reserved.
Resources
For additional information refer to any of the following resources:
• Help Documentation – The help files include specific topics regarding functionality
of SSCT and is recommended for all users of the application
– The Help can be launched while working with the tool by selecting ‘Help Contents’ from the ‘Help’ menu
• After the SSCT is installed on your computer, find useful resources via: – Start Program Standalone Solutions Configuration Tool
- Change History
- Readme
- SSCT Education
- SSCT User Guide