Online Ordering - Setup & Installation FAQs

Answers all common questions about the Persona setup and installation

Q: What Internet browsers can I use to set-up Persona?
A: Internet Explorer is the only browser recommended. We have had customers experience installation issues with others, including Netscape and Mozilla.
Q: How long will the Persona set-up process take?
A: Set-up usually takes under 10 minutes (depending on your connection).
Q: Will a firewall interfere with the downloading of the Persona product?
A: Absolutely. Software firewalls should either be disabled or configured to allow passage of the Persona download. Hardware firewalls need to have ports opened (call Gary at (800) 456-5692 x4950 for specifics). Unfortunately, API cannot provide support/advice for PC issues/problems. We will do our best to isolate an issue with you pertaining to Persona, however, issues with the computers being used at the customers place of business are the customers responsibility.
Q: If I walk away from my computer, what happens to my order?
A: The system will time-out after 2 minutes in which case your order is automatically cancelled and will need to be re-entered
Q: What happens if my internet connection goes down during order entry?
A: In this case, your order will be left "in-progress", and reviewed/released within a reasonable time frame.
Q: What happens if I close Persona in the middle of an order?
A: If you relog-into Persona, you can use the restart feature in CODIS to continue. Or you are unable to relog in. the order will be left "in progress" and reviewed/released within a reasonable time frame
Q: Do I have to re-type my order into Persona even if I have a computer generated PO?
A: We support a import function that will allow orders to automatically be downloaded into our system using a couple of mouse clicks. Larger system vendors like C-Systems already support this option by creating a text based PO file. Smaller vendors have created similar files. Contact for further information.
Q: These directions are pretty intense! How long will it take me to learn this system?
A: We usually have folks up and running (being comfortable, as well as functional) in under 15 minutes via telephone. We have a variety of tutorial methods at our disposal to aid in the process. The directions are quite complete and great for reference, but not generally required for daily operational needs.
Q: Will my dial-up connection work?
A: Yes, but depending on your connection speeds to the Internet, you may experience slow response times, even some frustration.
Q: Does API support Ed-n?
A: Not at this time. For us to allow you the incentive discount for on-line orders, we have elected not to use third party EDI carriers. This too can change, however. For the moment, we suggest using our import feature as outlined above.
Q: How do I get help when I get stuck, or have a question?
A: Anyone in our customer service dept. should be able to assist you in entering an order. If not, they can transfer you to the appropriate parties. We will never leave you high and dry, wondering what to do!
Q: This system is not as pretty or as intuitive as some of the other web based products. Are there any plans to change?
A: There are currently no immediate plans to change. While we appreciate the comments, we believe that once you become comfortable with our system, you will find that it works pretty well, and that the information it will provide you on an on-going basis will more than make-up for its lack of "friendliness". We will, however, continue to research better ways to do things.
Q: Does the Persona download affect my system in any way?
A: We have thousands of these downloads working every day. It is not intrusive, or in any way objectionable to the performance of your system. There have been, however, cases where the install failed because the host system had not been maintained/updated regularly.
Q: When I try to connect, I get a black screen. Am I doing something wrong?
A: No, sometimes, during the connectivity process, something just misfires. Clicking on the "Connect" icon on the top of the screen usually resolves the issue, but sometimes, (not very often), it is necessary to start from the beginning.
Q: How do I complete my order and submit it to Atlantic Power?
A: After entering all your part numbers and shipping information, pressing the period (.) will bring up the "completion line", allowing you to make your applicable choice. Choosing the (F) key will finish the order and submit it to API for fulfillment. More detailed information is available in the complete set of directions available on our website, under the on-line ordering tab.
Q: If I complete my order and press (F) to finish, can I add additional parts to it?
A: Unfortunately not. Once the (F) key is used, the order automatically prints in our warehouse and cannot be added to. In this case, you would need to start another order. Using the "suspend" feature would allow you to gather your parts order throughout the day, and release them on one order.