A new update for Auto Shop Writer 9 will post on Monday, January 12th.  It will include the following:

• Auto phone number reformatting:  over the years phone numbers have been added without the proper formatting ( ie. (810) 427-2633 ), or without area codes.  A new utility not only reformats the number, but if there is no area code, it assumes it is local and adds the shops area code.  This is a simple “clean up” for data not fully entered in the past.
• Text messages from workorders:  Now, when clients come in, go to their record and be sure you enter both the cell phone number, and select the carrier.  Then, from within a workorder, a single button lets you enter, and send, a text message direct to their phone.
• New CARFAX VIN decoding database current to 1/1/2015.
• Several other file updates ( Datamanager, Auto Updater )
• Internal improvements.

The update will arrive before opening on Tuesday morning, and at that time there will be another bulletin here with specific instructions for files that need to be manually moved.  If the instructions confuse, feel free to call and have us do it by remote connection.

One last note.  This update is 9.5.  To receive it, your DPP fees must be paid through Q1 of 2015 ( bills went out in mid-December ).  We will post all checks received by Monday afternoon, and all credit card payments made through that time, updating the keyfiles to allow for the update.   Payments received after that time will receive updates when the accounts become current.

Also, please note we want Datamanager ALWAYS closed on the server.  In fact, there is no reason for 99% of our clients to ever use Datamanager.  The utilities you need are all in the workstation ASW programs now.  Also, DO NOT use the File Editor in Datamanager.  It is outdated and not updateable.  It was replaced by the File Manager in ASW 9 which is current and much stronger.

Until Tuesday morning …

A small update has been posted for ASW 9.44.31.  This includes multiple fine tuning requests, a core engine update, and new reports ( active deposits, and tax exempt client list ).  The majority of work involves ASW 10, due for release in 2015.

Can I use a tablet with Auto Shop Writer ?

We hear this a lot, especially with the sales pushes on so many tablets these days.  ASW runs on WINDOWS tablets only.  The full program runs on tablet computers like the Microsoft Surface Pro 3, and the Lenovo Yoga.  These have displays large enough to fit the full ASW program.

In addition, the Microsoft Store has been offering a 7” tablet that works just like the larger models but it is a smaller screen.  It is too small to actually view ASW, but with ASW 10, we will have a custom program that is written for that device ( or other small screen Windows tablets ). 

Android ( ie. Galaxay ) and iPads use different operating systems and are not useable with ASW.

What is Windows 10 and will ASW work with it ?

Microsoft listens, and it has reviewed millions of suggestions from users of the worlds most popular operating system to evolve yet the latest in technology.  Windows 10 works across all types of computers ( servers, desktops, notebooks, tablets, and phones ) with a single, unified operating system.  No one else does this.  The product is “under development” but preview versions are in curculation.  Auto Shop Writer 10 not only works with all existing versions of Windows, but it has also been tested, and works perfectly, with Windows 10.

Can you …… ?

Often people call to ask if we can add a certain feature.  This usually occurs when there is a new task that needs to be handled, or some salesperson wants to claim why their product is better because it does something supposedly unique.  The answer usually ends up with one of the following responses:

• That’s a great idea.  We’ll get it out right away ( usually within a few days ).
• That’s a great idea for ASW 10 ( currently under development and testing )
• Here is how you do that ( because the capability is already included in ASW )
• We’ve considered that, and here are the reasons we have not already included it

Of course, the most important issue here is we want your input.  Send it to support@masterlinksoftware.com and you will get a reply.

Why do you want everything emailed ?

When you call, and notes are taken, they have a tendency to wander off and be forgotten.  Emails receive a written response, and all requests are then tracked in the TO DO system … and never lost.  Emails also are a great opportunity to provide details, very important in understanding the need.