MLS 2026 PROGRESS REPORT
For 44 years, it has been the policy of MasterLink Software to NEVER talk about upcoming features until they are actually real, working, and reliable. With that in mind, we would like to update you on some of the new capabilities that are already functioning ( but still under heavy testing ) in the upcoming Version, MLS 2026 ( or Auto Shop Writer 2026 ).
First, we are engaged with an international group of independent software developers intent in bringing our business clients modern systems, but keeping a focus on our users needs, and with an emphasis on reliability. So what have we done so far ?
+ While we encourage the use of modern, wide screen, monitors, we know that some people have not updated them. However, our widescreen display is much cleaner. Therefore, we have stayed with that layout, but the system will now resize to your monitors. It does this automatically.
+ For all these years, you have only been able to open one window at a time, and work on one part of the program at a time. That was intentional. Now, our clients are pretty used to computers, so we have made it possible for you to open multiple operations at one time. For example, you can open the main workorder screen, and from there have multiple workorders open at the same time. This applies to almost all of the screens EXCEPT those used for setup and list development. These should be only used when everything else is closed.
+. We know people would like to talk to the computer rather than type, especially when describing a labor that was performed. Some of you may now that if you press the Windows icon, and the letter H, a microphone is activated on your computer for whatever field is highlighted. To make it a bit easier, we’ve added a button to do this in the new labor popup window.
+ A new popup edit window ? Why ? It’s pretty simple. It’s been there for expanded view of the text in labor, and other areas. However we added the microphone there. It pops up, you can input more text, or see the whole selection easier … reformat it, etc. Of course, there is something more …
+ We have now incorprated AI into text editing ! Here is how it works. In the Edit window, after you finish inputting your description ( type or microphone ), if you want, you can click on the AI button. It sends the text to your AI account where it is processed and professionally polished, without changing any of the relevant information. In a matter of seconds, it redisplays. If you like the result, you click on the OK button and it’s added back to the workorder, changed the way you want. If you don’t like it, make changes, or simply exit and the original stays the same. We are using this capability in all areas that have larger text to handle. It corrects your spelling, your grammar, and even less professional phrasing. We have been using it quite a bit, and the system we selected is still accumulating less than a penny. Of course, it’s being set so you should be able to utilize your own provider.
This actually involves extensive re-coding to make all of this happen, but these features are now fully implemented. There is a lot more we are working on, and you’ll learn about those in the coming weeks.
Finally, how easy, and safe, will it be to upgrade to MLS 2026. First, it is included in your subscription fee. When we are ready to release it, you will receive a notice. The install package will automatically be delivered to your computer’s server. To install it, you will follow a very simple procedure and it will be added to your workstation. It will be installed IN ADDITION TO MLS 12. There will be no changes to your database, or the server. You will have an additional icon on your desktop. We’re doing it this way incase you encounter any issues, you will be able to complete your work in the then current MLS 12 version.
There will be more info coming … but we wanted you to know we are making great progress, and think you will enjoy the result.