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 …