Auto Shop Writer 10 Update

October 29, 2015 by

We continue to test, and refine, Auto Shop Writer.  It is running full time at Accurate Automotive in Mission Viejo where all aspects of it are being used ( including full accounting and payroll ).

With a massive update, there is always fine tuning, and when other stops start using it, we know there will be a steady stream of input and modifications until it is perfect for everyone.  Of course, we will use auto updating to constantly keep the most current version of every machine.

Right now we are also revising the manual so it is current with all of the changes.  We also want to be sure that the F1 key automatically opens the correct manual pages with each screen.

Shortly we will begin recording videos to help everyone know how to use the new changes.  Once you get used to it, we know these changes will save you a lot of time, and just be far more intuitive.

Here are some of the changes you will see when you elect to move to the new version:

  • All functions under master screens:  So all client services are on one window, with client editing on one tab, and vehicles on the other.  All functions related to clients and vehicles are accessed by buttons on those screens.  If you lookup a client, then double click on their record, it switches to the vehicle screen and displays only that client’s vehicles.  However, one button will show you all vehicles again.  When looking at a vehicle, double click on it’s records and you will switch to the client screen, with the owner highlighted, and you can immediately edit their data.
  • More connectivity:  When you are in workorders, the information buttons for clients and vehicles pop up their data.  Now most of those fields can be edited right there so you don’t have to go into the master records.  This principle is used throughout ASW 10.
  • Smart buttons:  Now when you click on buttons, when appropriate, the data is sent to the routine you want to perform so you are immediately working with the desired data.
  • Reports:  We have moved all of the reports to their areas instead of the one centralized spot.  So, when working in inventory, click the reports button and see a menu of available ones to run.  Click on the one you want and away it goes.  When appropriate, reports will run for the highlighted record eliminating the need for a selection screen.
  • Elimination of repetitive actions:  In accounting, you had a group of functions and often had to select the proper account after each step.  Now all activities are on a master screen, and the tasks will be specific to the highlighted record when appropriate.  The system stays in the master screen until you exit which eliminates the need to constantly lookup another account.
  • Intelligent filters:  We have applied filters that let you work with a limited set of records.  For example, when posting to AR, you can filter to a billing cycle, do the posting, run statements, or handle other activities, and with one mouse click go back to the full list.

Of course this is only the beginning.   However, we know that sometimes we might actually overlook something, so each ASW 10 install includes the latest release of ASW 9.5 so you can revert to it to handle anything that you can’t readily find in 10. 

And the work continues …

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Credit Card Processing, ASW, EMV News

October 4, 2015 by

In recent months you have probably received far too many calls and visits from people trying to sell you on new credit card processing services, using the fear of “liability” risks, EMV, and “credit card police visits”.  I mention these tactics because clients have called to share what they are hearing from solicitors and experts alike.

We have been concerned about this whole topic because Auto Shop Writer works with vendors and it’s important the software support the latest needs of your business.  First, you need to know what really happened.  There are no enforcement guidelines, no mandate that you must shift how you process cards, and no “enforcement police” in existence according to everything we can find on the topic.  So, if someone approaches you and suggests any of these, they are not being honest, and that should speak volumes about the company they represent !  What did change is the liability for fraudulent cards.  If you accept a fraudulent card, you could see the charge reversed.   If the bank, or processor, have not provided the new EMV cards and devices, they are still liable.

The first line of defense is to know your client, and be sure the card matches their ID.  Most people are used to being asked to show a photo ID with a card, so that simple practice will make your risk quite small. For large jobs, you may want to obtain a deposit on the card in advance. This allows the company time to notify you if the card is bad. 

Currently, there are two companies providing processing services which are integrated directly into Auto Shop Writer.  In both cases, software coding is completed, and we are testing to be sure all is working properly.  Charge It Pro leads in the implementation and will be able to provide fully certified hardware and software shortly.  Merchant Partners / World Pay is still in testing of their system.  In both cases, the existing implementations will continue to process cards for our clients.

We are also in the process of implementing a 3rd system which should allow you to maintain your current provider, but will act as a gateway between Auto Shop Writer and that processor.  We hope to be testing this solution in the coming week.

Finally, in the past our clients have used a simple card reader and then had the client sign the authorization on the final printed document.  We are now integrating the signature pads on the new terminals to Auto Shop Writer, and that will be automatically printed on the final invoice.

The integration we provide is with systems that utilize the internet, and eliminate the need for receipt printers and phone lines.  This can be a significant savings to our clients, and makes processing very easy.  Our method is totally PCI compliant because no credit card information is retained on your computer.  We do retain fully PCI compliant codes to trace the transaction, but no customer data could ever be compromised from this.

I hope this clarifies some of the misinformation being spread by sales reps in the field currently.

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