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How to Track Your Lottery Inventory in PDI C-Store Essentials

This guide provides a detailed walkthrough on how to track and manage your lottery inventory using PDI C-Store Essentials

Updated over 3 weeks ago

Overview

  • You will learn how to configure your settings, import state games, confirm and activate packs, enter end-of-day readings, mark games as sold out, return packs, and complete weekly settlement reports.

  • This ensures your lottery inventory is accurately maintained for sales tracking and settlements.

Step-By-Step Process

  1. Go to C-Store Essentials Web Account

  • You can access C-Store Essentials by clicking here or going to https://secure.cstorepro.com

    • Click the “Forgot Password” button if you need help resetting your password

2. Configure Lottery Settings (Including Vending Machine Option)

  • On the left-hand menu, click Lottery/Lotto and then select Settings

  • Locate the Vending Machine setting:

    • By default, it is set to No

    • If your store has a vending machine, change this setting to Yes

  • Review any other settings on this page that might apply to your store before proceeding

3. Import State Lottery Games (Optional)

  • Click Lottery/Lotto on the left-hand menu, then select Dashboard

  • Step 1 on the dashboard is to import lottery games for your state

  • If no games appear or if the games shown are not needed:

    • You can skip this step

    • Or you can select specific games to import individually

    • Or use the top checkbox to Select All and import all games at once

3. Confirm Packs Currently on the Shelf

  • Go to Lottery/Lotto > Dashboard

  • Step 2 is to confirm all packs currently being sold

  • You can start by:

    • Clicking Pack to get started

    • Or selecting Confirm from the left-hand menu under Lottery/Lotto

💡 Tip!: When scanning, use the long barcode (not the short barcode)

  • You have two options to confirm packs:

    • Scan the long barcode using a scanner connected to your computer or the PDI C-Store Essentials app

    • Manual Entry: Enter the Game Number and Pack Number manually, then select Confirm

  • You can backdate the confirmation if needed

    • Use the Dayfield to select the correct starting date (e.g., yesterday’s date)

4. Activate Packs

  • Once you have confirmed packs, go to Lottery/Lotto > Dashboard

  • Select Activate for the packs you confirmed

  • You should activate at the store system (terminal) and also within C-Store Essentials

  • On the activation page:

    • You can enter the Slot Number manually if desired

    • You can scan the barcode again

    • Or manually enter the Game Number and Pack Number

  • If a pack is placed in a vending machine:

    • Change the Vending Machine setting to Yes during activation

  • Click Activate This Pack to complete the process

5. Enter End-of-Day Readings

  • Go to Lottery/Lotto > Day Shift Closing

  • The first time you enter readings:

    • Choose the correct date (backdate if needed)

  • You have three options to enter readings:

    1. Scan the barcode — the system will automatically detect the current ticket number.

    2. Manual Entry: Enter Game Number, Pack Number, and Current Ticket Number

    3. Slot Number Entry: Enter by Slot Number and input the Current Ticket Number

  • After entering the readings, click Save Changes

6. Mark Games as Sold Out

  • If a game has sold out:

    • Mark it as Sold Out on the End-of-Day Readings page

  • Even if tickets remain, marking it Sold Out ensures accurate calculations for settlement

  • If returning or settling a game:

    • Go to Lottery/Lotto on the left

    • Choose either Return Packs (for returns) or Settle (for settlements)

    • Select the date for the return

    • You can scan or manually enter the Game Number and Pack Number

7. Enter Weekly Settlement Reports

  • Settlements are usually weekly (Sunday to Sunday), but check your state’s specific requirements

  • On the left menu, select Basic Task and then Enter Settlement

  • Set the start and end dates for your reporting period

  • Click Get Settlement Amount

  • Verify the information pulled from your reports

  • Click Settlement to finalize the settlement

8. Add a Lottery Game Manually

  • If you skipped importing games or if a game is missing:

    • Go to Lottery/Lotto > Games on the left-hand menu

    • You can add new games from this page

    • Existing games (imported or manually added) will be listed here

Frequently Asked Questions

What barcode should I use when scanning for inventory tracking?

  • Use the long barcode when confirming packs and entering end-of-day readings.

  • The short barcode is used only when selling tickets at the register.

What happens if I forget to backdate my first day of end-of-day readings?

  • Your first day's readings will be off because you started tracking games that were already in progress.

  • To avoid this, use the Dayfield to backdate to the correct day.

How do I track tickets sold through a vending machine?

  • First, enable the Vending Machine setting under Lottery/Lotto > Settings.

  • Then, during pack activation, set the appropriate packs as sold through the vending machine.

Why do I need to mark a game as "Sold Out" even if tickets remain?

  • Marking a game as Sold Out ensures the system correctly calculates settlements and returns, regardless of how many unsold tickets remain.

Can I manually enter end-of-day readings if I don't have a scanner?

  • Yes, you can manually enter the Game Number, Pack Number, and Current Ticket Number or use the Slot Number option.

How often do I need to complete settlement reports?

  • Settlement reports are typically entered weekly, usually from Sunday to Sunday, but this may vary based on your state lottery requirements.

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