Upgrade Status
We have been installing the MLS 12 MAJOR upgrade and are very pleased with the progress. Here are some things we have observed:
+ The new MLS auto updater runs as a Windows Service on the server. This upgrade eliminated all of the issues we had in the past of it stopping, being interfered with by other programs, or requiring a user to login on the server. It is very stable and “keeps on running”. We have had it running steadily now for about 4 months on our own systems.
+ Once we complete the upgrade on a client’s system, there appears to be no “learning curve”. Most operations are so similar to the past steps the users have performed that we are not getting any “how do I” calls.
+. All of the new ( requested ) features are working fine.
+. Both the 32bit and 64bit builds are experiencing no problems.
+ The new PDF creator is faster ( though the previous one wasn’t exactly slow ).
We still prefer to do the installation for you in case there are any issues. However, we will soon be uploading the full install package to your server, and will post instructions on how to do the install yourself. Remember, the upgrade, if we do it for you, is at no additional cost to you. It is covered in your subscription service.
Remote Support
Currently, when we connect to your computer, we have you use the Help dropdown, click on Tech Connect, run the applet, and give us a code. That will still be available. However, at the request of some clients, we now can activate “unattended access” on one or more of your computers. Thus, if you call, email, or text, we just click on a link in our system and immediately connect. This is especially helpful when you need us to do something “after business hours” and lets you go home, or if you are training someone new on the system and they get confused by the sign in. We use a specialized code specific to your computer and thus are comfortable with the security. It is totally optional. We can set it up if you want, but in no way is it required for us to provide assistance.
We need your Email and Cell number
Many of our clients are now using text messages to get support from us. We see the value. Also, we know many are not seeing the bulletins because someone else signs into the computer and never mentions that a new bulletin has arrived. We now have the ability to send text messages to you. In addition, several clients keep asking why we don’t email the shops ( except for replying to their inquiries ). This is easy: emails often get lost in the bulk of spam and are not recognized or read. HOWEVER, we are happy to do both of these. Previously we asked, but didn’t get responses, for both a good email address ( 1 per shop please ) and a cell number ( if you like text alerts ). Once again, please send us your BEST email and text numbers to use. We only use these for notifications and never for advertising. We also never provide this information to anyone else.
Invoice Survey
It has been suggested that Recommendations printed on an invoice would be better AFTER the Totals. Currently they come after Labor. What do you think ? Please let us know.
MLS 12 is a very solid foundation for features to be added in the future. It runs on Windows 8, 10, and 11. We used the very latest programming tools from Microsoft for this upgrade. We look forward to installing it on your system. Please get in touch to schedule an appointment for the upgrade. The server install will take about 20 minutes ( includes importing all your data ), and workstations can be much faster. We are doing updates Mon-Fri, and may have “after hours” slots available. At this time there are no weekend slots available.