Auto Shop Writer Bulletins

This update includes adjustments for ASW 9 as requested by clients.

Please remember that feature updates are placed in ASW 10, which is a FREE upgrade to all DPP subscribers.  However, we must do an install of that on your computers.  Please contact us to arrange a time for us to transition you to the new version.

VIN DECODER:

We have uploaded the latest VIN decoding files to your \ASW9s\MLS folder on your server.  The files are EVECFX.dbf and EVECFX.cdx.  With everyone out of ASW, you will want to use the Windows Explorer to go to that file, and highlight both files.  Click on the right mouse button.  Then select Copy.  Next, highlight the ASW9s main folder, right click, and select Paste.  Answer Yes to overwriting the file, then it will copy both files.  You will then have the latest VIN data effective 12/10/2016.

Yes, ASW10 is a significant upgrade to ASW 9, and yes, all DPP subscribers ( including rentals ) can get the upgrade, and have it installed, FREE … but we didn’t stop there.  Here are some things you may not have know about:

Welcome Infusionsoft CRM – While other follow up systems have built their systems and tell our clients to adapt to their way of doing things, a new company worked with us to build a follow up system that is different.  They have focused on the needs of the individual client, and done the design in response to their specific needs.  It’s been a pleasure working with them.

Take Photos Within ASW 10 -  Now you can take your photos within ASW 10, and save them to the proper folder on the server.  This can be done using a tablet computer with a built in camera, or with a USB cable connected camera.

Take Photos From The Viewer – In the past you needed to store all your photos from the main menu, and apply them to parts, vehicles, clients, employees, etc.  Now, any place you view photos can also be used to take, and store, photos, so you don’t have to leave where you are currently working.

We’ve also done smaller enhancements, a lot of fine tuning based on input from our clients, and laid the foundation for the following new features which will be added before the end of the 1st quarter 2017:

Revised P/M Scheduler – Currently the PM Scheduler limits you to 8 services which can be tracked by mileage or days passed.  The new PM Scheduler has no limit to how many services it can track.  In addition, a new button in labor makes it very easy to add items for tracking.  Simply press the button, a new PM record is created, and you will be asked for the mileage and days intervals.  The system automatically projects the date and mileage when the service is due, and saves the data.

Auto Follow Up – Enhancements – For over a year, many of our clients have been using the fully automated, auto follow up system.  This sends emails to the clients automatically, and of course is FREE to use.  The first follow up goes out the night the service is completed, and is a thank you letter.  Then, auto follow ups are sent 30, 60, 90, and 120 days after the service.  Soon, auto follow ups will also be generated to remind clients of appointments.  They will go out 48 hours in advance, giving ample notice.  Also, the auto follow up system will be linked to the new PM Scheduler, and will automatically send follow up reminders as the services approach their due dates.  These reminders will be service specific.

And that is not all  Many people have realized that we have internal links to Office 365 programs like Word ( word processing ), Excel ( spreadsheet ) and Outlook ( extended email capabilities ).  These are all to be enhanced to provide greater functionality in there integration features.  You can do a lot now, but even more is coming.

Finally, there are some videos at www.AutoShopWriter.com specific to ASW 10, and more will be added shortly.  They are short training videos but you can see how the program will work for you.  Our experience so far shows shops can successfully make the transition from 9 to 10 without delay.  Those who have made the move are fully functional right after the update is performed, and most have very few questions.