A new update posted to your machines on 6/15/2014. Here is what you will find:
Calculators:
Previously the calculator we tried to add to a few fields was problematic for many computers. We immediately removed it. Now we have added two new ones that, in testing, had no negative effects.
In-line calculator: This one appears in the parts price field, and labor total field, or workorders. You trigger it by using the F2 key when the cursor is in one of those fields. ( We will be happy to add it to others if requested and if they don’t conflict with self calculating processes ). With this calculator, you type in the values and symbols for the process, and when you press Enter the result will transfer to the field. For example, to markup a part to 212 Z% of its cost of $5, you would type 5*2.12 and then press the Enter key.
General Calculator: A regular calculator will popup if you press the F10 key. It does NOT transfer the result into a field, and it can be used anywhere in the program. Use cut and paste to transfer the result into one, or more, fields. Also, the keypad on your keyboard will work the same as if you used the mouse on the numbers on the keypad.
Email:
When in a workorder, and you go to Print – View, to send a PDF by email, the cleint’s email address will automatically be entered into the field if it is in their record.
Service Intervals:
You will notice two new fields on the Vehicle screen. It allows you to enter the desired maintenance interval for that individual car or truck. We are finding that suggested intervals now may vary from 3,000 to 10,000 or more. More features are coming that will benefit from this addition. For now, the new test feature to help you not enter an erroneous odometer reading ( ie. 63,000 instead of 36,000 ) will use the miles value and alert you if the new odometer entry exceeds the old one by the interval plus 500 miles. If you do not put a value in this field, it will alert you if the odometer exceeds 5500 miles past the last service. A few people commented this alert was one more keystroke. Howevr, the 1 second you take for this protection will save you a lot of grief down the road if you make a mistake.
PDF Creation:
We have added a new PDF creation method. It is completely internal. However, the resulting file may be a bit larger and cranky on old XP systems. If you go to Tools – Setup – PDF Creation you will be asked if you want to use the Hybrid. Answer Yes.
We are receiving some reports of problems that, to our knowledge, only occur on specific computers, Usually we cannot replicate them on our own computers which makes trouble shooting difficult. However, we want to know of any problems you are experiencing. When you are told “yours is the only system having that problem” what we are really intending is “we are going to track down the problem but it may be difficult because we are not seeing it anywhere else. We likely will have to do some testing on your computers to find a solution that works for you.” We never ditch problems or ignore them.
CustomerLink / Demand Force:
We have been advised that Demand Force has purchased CustomerLink. Many of you use the CustomerLink service. The recommendation will be for you to move over to the Demand Force platform. Be assured that Auto Shop Writer will interface with Demand Force. In fact, we would like to have some shops available to start testing live with the Demand Force interface. If you would like to do this, please email support@masterlinksoftware.com so we can have them get your account ready.
Windows XP and Upgrading
Many people still have Windows XP computers and are wondering if they need to upgrade now that Microsoft has stopped supporting that environment. We are asked if they really should upgrade to new computers. The answer, from our viewpoint, is absolutely yes. There are many valid reasons, but ultimately the most important is your sanity. The experts predict, even with good malware protection, that XP systems are ripe for attacks by those who find joy in making your life miserable.
So, if you upgrade your computer, what version do we recommend ? The latest Windows release, Version 8.1 Update 1. I hear a lot of complaints from IT guys, but when probing, I also find they never spent much time, if any, working with it. Why not Windows 7 ? Because it is older technology by a couple of years, so why pay new prices for old software ? Microsoft development is moving ahead full steam and the effort is all in 8.1u1 or above. Maybe you experienced the old Windows 8 Start screen. The improvements you wanted are in 8.1 u1, including the ability to boot directly into the desktop mode with which you are familiar. You never have to see the “Start” screen if you don’t want, though you will likely find it’s advantages if you work with it. MasterLink Software has been developing in Windows 8 since a year before it’s initial release. Auto Shop Writer is fully compatible with it, including full touch screen capability.
In evaluating these comments, please consider the fact that we do NOT sell hardware. Our recommendations come strictly from a technical, and experience, perspective, knowing what you do to run your business, and where you will be wanting to go in the future. If you have any questions, please email us and you will receive a personal reply.