New Remote Support System –

November 20, 2015 by

For many years, MasterLink Software has used Log Me In Rescue to provide remote support to our clients throughout the U.S. and Canada.  The system has allowed usf to maintain secure and reliable connections, solving problems and assisting our clients to have frustration free solutions.

When Microsoft Windows XP reached end of life status, it became a sercurity risk.  We have shared this fact with you repeatedly, and recommended that people move quickly to get away from it.  Some of our clients found out about the risk personally as their systems crashed irrecoverably. 

Now, Log Me In, has discontinued the connection capability of their system to XP machines.  In other words, if you have an XP computer, we would not be able to connect with it.  While we understand their position, we also know many of our clients still have these computers in their system and we still need to provide support services on them with Auto Shop Writer. 

As a result, we have contracted with Team Viewer and will use their services for future requests.  This will allow us to  continue to serve our XP clients.  The new agreement is in place, and we can handle your needs without any hesitation.

Some of you have IT pros who have already installed Team Viewer software on your computer.  You already know how it works.  For others, the connection process will actually be simpler.  There are two options:

1)  Some of you would like to have us setup a permanent connection so we can automatically sign on to your system rather than have you initiate any process.  This is especially useful if you might want us to do some support work after your normal business hours.  In fact, you can actually use the Team Viewer software to setup a service request, and we can handle it when it is convenient.  In other cases, you may want to send an email with a request.  You can also start a Chat with Team Viewer and we’ll be alerted immediately.

If you have Team Viewer Host already installed, you only need to email support@masterlinksoftware.com with the  ID and Password that the system displays.  We can then set it in our records, and be there for you whenever a need arises.

If you do not have it installed, then you can download it with this link:  https://get.teamviewer.com/gr56jgu  and proceed to perform the setup.  Again, email us the ID and password and we’ll add you to the database.

2)  Some of you prefer to only have us connect when you are in front of the computer.  Within a few days, we will be providing an update to ASW 9 that makes this quite easy.  Under the Help menu, you have a Tech Connect option.  In the new update that will download a QuickConnect utility that allows you to have us establish a remote control connection.  You will need to call first, and then provide the ID information so we can actually establish the connection.

Remember that Team Viewer can be installed on all of your computers, but must be running on the one you wish us to connect with for support.

We know this is a busy time, but hopefully this solution will prove to be very effective in continuing to provide valuable, and immediate, support should the need arise. 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Auto Shop Writer 10 Update

October 29, 2015 by

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 …

Filed Under: Bulletins Tagged With:
«Previous Page
Next Page»