quick access code: a code allocated to a record such as a customer file, supplier file, nominal code or product file to enable easy retrieval of the record.  It allows you to enter all or part of the quick access code rather than having to type in the exact account code or product code.  On Power-Gx the field for inserting a quick access code is called the ‘sort access string’ or ‘sort string’.  The sort string can be up to six characters long, and where prompted for an account code, nominal code or product code, you can type all or part of the sort string to find the record.   E.g. a customer call North East Business Machines with account code N001 might be given the sort string NEBM allowing you to type NE, NEB or NEBM to find their account without having to remember the account code or search on the company name.  Sort strings can be amended which is useful if a company changes name.  Another example: the nominal code for the current bank account might be 000/010/0100.  Giving it a sort access string of BANK will allow you to type in BA, BAN or BANK to find the account without having to remember or look up the full nominal code.