ASWadmin

Why No Updates ? What’s Happening at MLS?

October 27, 2014 by ASWadmin

We haven’t had reports of any problems, so no immediate need to provide any updates !

That doesn’t mean new features are not coming. We will be providing an update in November that will add a couple of new features.

So what is happening at MasterLink ? Auto Shop Writer 10 ! Yes, we are working on a MAJOR new upgrade to the system.

Why are we doing it ? Because we have some significant new features we want to add, and we need to do a lot of internal revision to optimize the existing code, and enhance our databases.

Will it be hard to learn ? Absolutely NOT. At first glance, it will look pretty much like your existing system, and you will find everything you need right where you found it before. There is essentially a zero learning curve on existing features, and we’ll provide some new videos for the new features.

What is all this stuff about Windows 10? Microsoft has announced Windows 10, and yes, we already have a preview version. It is not planned for release until Fall, 2015, but they want techies to work with it now. The idea is to blend the best features of Windows 8 with a more popular desktop experience. It works well now, but it will continue to be refined based on a lot of input. Microsoft really does want to be responsive to their clients and very fast with their updates and problem fixes. ASW 10 is already running in Windows 10, and of course it runs on Windows tablets with no problems. We’ll keep you updated.

What will ASW 10 cost ? ASW 10 is a major upgrade. Our policy is to provide it at no extra charge as part of the DPP and Rental plans. It will hopefully be released in the first quarter of 2015, after extensive live testing. If you keep your 2015 DPP fees current, you will automatically get it !

VIB–Important notes for YOU !

August 27, 2014 by ASWadmin

Yes, this is a very important bulletin. Of course that could be said for every bulletin we send because we share information that helps you get the most from your Auto Shop Writer installation. PLEASE take some time to read these notes.

Current version: 9.43.21

The current version on your machines should be 9.43.21. Don’t worry about the data version. You only want the one found in the Help – About menu item. There will be no more updates posted until August 18th at the earliest.

Did you know ?

We’ve had some really great ideas suggested, and they get implemented fast. We usually put descriptions in the notes and bulletins. Sadly, because many people don’t read these bulletins, I often hear “Oh, we can do that ? Wow! I never knew that. I can really use that feature.” PLEASE read the bulletins. The new features described come from the suggestions of your peers – other successful shop owners. Don’t miss out on what you can do to improve your profitability.

Have you looked at Demand Force ?

Auto Shop Writer works well with Demand Force. In the coming weeks you may get a call from your local rep and they will say “We got your name from MasterLink”. That is true. Why did we give them your name? So many people have asked about an interface with this product that we figured you might want to talk with them. They will be polite when they call, but if you are not interested in a customer follow up service, there is no requirement to continue the call. Are you a CustomerLink client ? Demand Force purchased that company and will be transitioning all of the clients to their system by April of 2015. It appears to be a much better system. Let us know what you think.

Credit Card Processing

Every week credit card processing companies call to see if they can be integrated into our program. Most are here today, and likely gone tomorrow, or are filled with hidden fees. ASW has two companies with interfaces so you can actually process the cards right in a workorder. It is so much easier, and those who use it find they save money, time, and get a much better result. We’ve included info on Charge It Pro several times. This is a company you would truly like to do business with. Let us know, and we will have them give you a call to discuss possibilities.

Carfax continues to add FREE services

Carfax is rolling out a new service called MyCarFax.com Check out the website. Essentially, your clients can sign up for the site, and track their own vehicles. It shows them (reported ) service histories, factory recommendations, and actually reminds them when services are due. YOU can sign up as a preferred provider, and the customers who setup an account on Carfax will get reminders that their car is due for specific services at YOUR shop. People looking for a local shop to perform services can also see you on the list. What is the cost to you ? Like all other Carfax services, it is FREE. And to your customer ? FREE. All of this is incorporated with your existing services from the company which includes VIN decoding data, License to VIN lookup, and vehicle service histories. If you would like Carfax to contact you so you can get started on this program, email support@masterlinksoftware.com and we’ll ask them to call you.

Thanks for reading this bulletin. We hope your summer is wonderful.