ASW 11 Progress Report

Although we hoped to release ASW 11 during the first quarter, we have received great input on desired features. Therefore it will be just a bit longer. Here are some things we have included:

+ We’ve enhanced some of the windows to help better understand the purpose of the function buttons.

+ We’ve enhanced the error reporting system to be more precise.

+ We added the ability to close a year’s payroll until a later date, excluding the new years data.

+ We added new reports, and enhaned others. For example we now have a Sales By Category ( With multiple part type options ), and we’ve added new filters.

+ We’ve done extensive optimization of our code to make it more efficient ( faster ).

+ We’ve simplified our installer processes and eliminated the need for Datamanager. All file work, and settings, can now be done from any computer.

+. We’ve added the option to set printer outputs by default on each computer, to any printer visible to that device ( including network printers ). This allows for centralized printers for checks, estimates/invoices, and tech worksheets.

+. We are adding a printer option that will allow you to have invoices where parts are listed directly below the labor item on which they are used. Of course, you can stay with the traditional output if you prefer.

+ We are adding some options for color in print output.

+ We are adding an option for an alternate database system that provides more security and encryption.

+ We are adding an automated Business Health Report drawn from your daily operations data.

We are also adding in the core and hooks for many additional features to follow including:

– More integration to services, and parts ordering
– Enhancing the email system with full login of everything sent out, connected to the client or vendor to whom they are sent
– Adjustable length of invoice printouts for pre-printed forms
– Electronic signatures for work orders
– Simplified process for images on all inventory items

In addition, we are steadily studying the ability to provide reliable web based services ( not practical unless you have awesome internet connectivity with 99.99999% uptime ) for full remote operations. ( Of course you can remote in via the internet now through multiple means, so call for details ). In addition, we always evaluate viable options for interfacing with other operating systems ( devices ) like Apple and Android. Of course, our decisions are based on reliability, connectivity, and efficiency of the interface capability of that operating system.

If you would like to be a test site for ASW 11, please email timstone@masterlinksoftware.com. The program will be mounted alongside your existing ASW 10, and if you encounter any problems while testing in ASW 11, you can simply perform that work in ASW 10.

First Quarter 2019 Overview

For the past months we have been working on the release of ASW 11. This is a FREE … and IN PLACE … update from ASW 10. Instructions will be sent later this quarter when it is released.

Our developers have been working to accomodate the many new features in the Windows operating system. We are using these to enhance the display of information you see while working with Auto Shop Writer.

We are also fine tuning our interface to make everything more intuitive and easier to input data properly.

Data Security is always a concern to many businesses. Although you may have your systems secured, we will offer an optional ( no cost ) opportunity to use encrypted databases with ASW that provide one more step of protection.

Many of our clients know how to use our File Editor. We are enhancing it to be even more powerful, and to perform more quickly. We have some concerns that it performs more slowly than the rest of ASW.

Finally, we have wanted to include a custom report writer so you can create and run your own summaries of the rich collection of data. We are aggressively working to make this available, and to write documentation that allows you to use it fully. This is a complex project and many people are working to make it useable at the shop level.

So … that’s what we are doing. Of course all of these things are included in your DPP membership at no extra charge.