Auto Shop Writer Bulletins

Your system likely updated to MLS 12 version 12.43.31.  This update includes a number of performance fine tuning, an updated core engine, and more.  Most of the features are transparent and will occur during your normal operations.

We do have one addition you MAY want to use.  By default it is turned off.  We were asked by a client to add the TIME to each labor item.  In this case we show the flat rate hours ( not actual, which is strictly for analysis ).  IF you wish to turn this feature on, go to Tools -> Setup -> Invoices and you will show the checkbox for the option to display the time on invoice printouts.  It will add that item between the description and the technicians name.  You will be able to turn it on or off in the Setup.  

Due to the large variety of contact numbers entered into the system, CARFAX has asked us to add both the client home and work numbers in addition to the cellphone numbers.  This is done in the daily submission of data you send to CARFAX.  This is ONLY for those shops using the CARFAX LOYALTY PROGRAM.  If you are in the program, please call and allow us to install a new auto update program on your server.  You do not need to stop working, and it will take only a few minutes for us to do this.

Our core developers have been working on many new capabilities to take advantage of the new AI services available, and new Windows features.  As we see stability, and value, in these capabilities we will be adding them to future releases of Auto Shop Writer.

Finally, just an observation:  We sometimes get asked if we have an internet based version of ASW.  We absolutely have the ability to release one, but we have refrained from doing so for several reasons.  First, you would need high speed internet, that is ALWAYS up, and a bandwidth large enough to accomodate all of your workstations.  Secondly, web programming works with smaller bits of data on each screen then our clients want to view.  Third, our system is actually much faster handling the amount of data you process.  The most important reason, however, is SECURITY.  Take some time to view articles on current day hacking.  You have probably received numerous alerts about accounts you have that have been compromised, and your data is now in the hands of thieves.  If large banks, and corporations, with billion dollar budgets cannot safely store your data, what about the much smaller companies that host your work data on the web.  Do you really want people stealing all of your business data and selling it to those who wish to steal your clients, and/or assets ?   A local based server, as we are using, assures the privacy of your data.  You may have a thriving business, but no big players in the hacker industry are going after the small businesses.  Of course, having your data shared is not limited to hackers.  Many companies providing online systems make additional money with “data mining” where there bots go through all of yoru data, and then sell what is appropriate.  We really appreciate our clients and want to protect them in this technology industry.

This last issue leads to the question “How can I access my data when I’m not at the shop?”  Did you know that many of our clients have employees who work offsite ?  We can tell you how they do it, and you can do it yourself, safely.

We do appreciate your input.  We also seek to implement your requests quickly.  This last request came in Thursday morning, was implemented in the software by Thursday evening, fully tested, and put out two days later along with a number of other updates.  Your needs matter, so feel free to email ( in detail so we can do it right ) to support@masterlinksoftware.com and we’ll respond right away.

Thanks.

Version 12.43.10 will be released to our servers at Noon ( PDT )  on Wednesday, July 24.  Your systems should all have downloaded the version to your server within 3 hours of that time.

This update contains resolutions for any / all issues or refinements that have been requested in previous weeks.  Some of these may not have been an issue for most users because they are for features not universally utilized ( though beneficial ).

 

There is one important feature that we have added.  Due to increased problems with those who won’t “work for a living”, and elect to become thieves instead, banks are seeking ways to protect your assets more carefully.  One issue has to do with checks you write.  They sometimes can be stolen and altered.  To protect you, many banks now use a program called Positive Pay.  With this, you submit info on the checks you write through software they provide to you.  Of course manually entering that data is an extra chore, but we’ve automated that.  Their software will “import” data from a “CSV” file.  Auto Shop Writer can now create that file for you, eliminating the duplication of data entry.

Setup:

In Accounting, under Banking, select the Tools button.  From that list, select Format.  This is where you enter the format for the check you print.  Leave that data alone and select OK to save it.  Next you will be asked if you want to use Positive Pay.  Answer Yes, and your setup is complete.

How To Use It

When you write checks from now on, it will create a record in a special file.  This is transparent.  The data is only the date, check number, payee, and amount.  That’s what the bank wants to see.  

At some point during the day, go to that same Tools menu, and at the bottom you will see Positive Pay.  Click  on it.  It will take all of the checks you have written and put them in the CSV file your bank wants.  It will save that file in the MLS12c\checks subfolder on YOUR computer.  That makes it easy to find.  It then clears all of the checks included in that file so they won’t be duplicated to your bank.

Finally, go to the banks software, and use their procedure for importing and sending the file.  Be sure to select the right file ( it will be “CK” plus numbers for the date and time ).  Once sent, you can delete them to keep the folder clean.

That’s all there is to it.  Your bank will show you how to use their software.  Just remember, for most people, those CSV files are in the folder. C:\MLS12c\checks on YOUR computer.