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  It is outdated and not updateable.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 …