Last week we posted an update to Datamanager.  We told you to run it before today so it would update the file structure for this release.  We hope you did.  If you didn’t, exit ASW on all computers and go to the server and run Datamanager.  Be sure to reindex all files when you get inside of Datamanager ( Files, Index, Select All ).

If you previously ran Datamanager, we would suggest you do it again.  One of the fields we created needed to be longer.  You will be asked if you wish to rebuild a data file.  Answer Yes.  Again, be sure to reindex.

Here are some of the new features:

• Attachments to workorders:  You can now attach any document to a workorder.  You will see the new tab on a workorder screen.  You can Add an entry.  Then, when it asks for the file name, give it any title that makes sense to you ( not the actual file name ).  Then a browse window appears and you can find, and highlight, the file you wish to attach ( document, spreadsheet, PDF, etc ).  When you save it, you can now access that file anytime.  Simply highlight it, press the Expand button, and it will open.  Of course, for document and spreadsheet files you need the proper programs installed on the computer.  The displayed list will always be specific to the workorder that is open.
• Auto Follow up system editor:  Under the Clients menu you will see a new option to edit the auto follow up file.  This will give you access to all records for followups not yet complete.  You can correct an email address, or change the completion flag to .t. if you don’t want to send any more reminders.  Of course you can also enter dates if you wish to bypass some notices.
• Cost for Service Writer:  Maybe your service writer is getting some volume in sales, but the profits are way too lean.  Now your Service Writer report includes the cost for the job in addition to the income.
• Odometer flag:  We’ve heard of a lot of false odometer entries.  To help prevent this, we no warn you if the odometer entry you are putting in currently is over 5500 miles since the past visit.  Seriously, a lot of people have problems with these entries.

There are also a lot of internal “fine tuning” modifications.

If you have any questions on the update, please email or call.

A new update has been uploaded to your computer.  It includes ONLY a new Datamanager ( 9.42.20 ).  You will want to run it ASAP ( with everyone out of the system ). 

First it will want to do a backup of all files.  You can save it anywhere, but I usually put it in C:\ASW9s\Database.  Then it will update the files.  It will ask if you want to rebuild ECLSTA.  Please answer No.

This update is coming on Thursday.  Next Thursday there will be a new ASW update that requires the database changes made by this program.  If you run it before then, you will have no problems.

Why do we do this ?  We have added some new features that require new database fields.  The next bulletin will detail them.

PLEASE don’t forget to run Datamanager.   THEN, Reindex ALL files … just to be safe.