On August 30, 2016, an update was released, and the timeclocks suddenly disappeared.  This was because we have a new security field that allows a business to control their display.

If your timeclocks are on ( an old default value ), no problem.  If not, then go to the ASW main menu, and select  Tools – Setup – Security.  The bottom entry on the left column will say Timeclocks.  If you want them on for the highlighted login, click the box to get a checkmark, then hit Save.  Do this for any signin records that you wish to have access to timeclocks.

Many people have called recently asking about tablets with Auto Shop Writer.  Perhaps much of the interest is stimulated by people who sell various cloud based services on a tablet.  Here is a summary of what we are telling everyone who calls:

1)  Many services are “cloud” based but we have a number of clients who simply do not have reliable high speed internet services.  Thus, they cannot reliably use cloud based services.  Recognizing this, we use local networks ( shop based ) for great performance and reliability.

2)  There are a wide variety of tablets.  Many are “devices” and not full computers. They may be useable for limited tasks, but are not necessarily helpful with more comprehensive tasks found in the shop environment.

3)  Tablets running Microsoft Windows 10 are full computers.  Auto Shop Writer will run on them just like any other computer.  However, the smaller ( 7” and 8” ) tablets are just to small to work with effectively.

4)  Windows tablets will work live with your data and save it to the files on your “server”.  They can also read all of that data.  While many devices require you to plug in and “sync” data, these Windows tablets are constantly live.  Whatever you do on the tablet is immediately available to users at the workstations.

With this in mind, in Auto Shop Writer 10 we have been building an optimized system for tablets focused on the functions you would use them for normally.  We are specifically designing them for the Microsoft Surface 3 tablet, though it will work fine on the Surface Pro 3, and Surface Pro 4 models.  The Surface 3 retails for $ 499, and has been on sale for less, including a bundle of accessories.  New models are coming out soon, so you may wish to see what will be offered in the near future.

We use the Surface because it is small and lightweight, but has great resolution.  It also has a special stylus available that is extremely precise and allows you to work easily with the program.  This tablet allows you to use an onscreen keyboard, and you can even switch to handwriting mode and enter your data easily with the stylus.  The computer converts it to printed text, and enters it into the field.

The Surface has a touch screen so you can easily move around just tapping what you want.  It also uses a solid state drive for incredibly fast speed.  New capabilities in the free Windows 10 Anniversary Edition upgrade add potential for even more time saving features, including writing on your documents, precise drawing ( and diagrams ) and more.

The device can work in desktop mode.  You can use the available dock, plug in a large screen monitor and attach a keyboard/mouse to make this a constantly charged, full desktop workstation.  Lift it off the dock and it switches to tablet mode to be carried anywhere.  Auto Shop Writer 10 senses that the device is in tablet mode and switches to a different display, optimized for the size of the tablet display, and showing only those features appropriate when portable.  You can grab the S3, walk out to a vehicle, start a workorder, add notes … whatever you want.  A tech can grab it after a service is complete to do a post-service inspection, completing the checklist by tapping on the checkboxes with the stylus.  Of course all of this is instantly transferred on the network to your database, and can be readily seen at any workstation.

We are also creating a special inventory set of features.  The tablet will be perfect for reconciling stock, processing return stock, and entering new items.  We are working to include a scan capability within the program that allows you to point the tablet at a part’s barcode, and it will read it, moving to the correct record, or allowing you to add the part as new.

ASW has had the ability to add pictures to inventory, vehicles, clients, workorders, and more.  We are also now implementing new photo features.  With these, inside ASW 10, you will be able to take a photo with the tablet, save it to the proper location, add detailed information to your photo catalog currently existing in ASW, and quickly apply it where you want ( ie. inventory, a vehicle record, etc. )

Many of these new features are available in the current release of Auto Shop Writer 10, and the remainder will be implemented in the coming weeks.  Remember, Auto Shop Writer 10 is a FREE upgrade for all who are actively enrolled in our Developer’s Partnership Program, and our Rental program.