Auto Shop Writer Bulletins

Your system now has AutoShopWriter Version 9.32.41 intsalled on the server.  Likely it also transferred to your workstations and you will see it there.  There are many features you will want to know about that are included in this update:

1)  In your \asw9s\mls folder is a file called ASWRun.exe.  You will want to copy and paste this file to the \ASW9c folder on each workstation.  Use the standard windows functions to perform this.  If you don’t know how, you can call for assistance.  Your updates will still work unless there is more than one update in a day.  This resolves that issue.

2)  In your \ASW9s\MLS folder on the server, you will find an MLS93.exe and an MLSRun.exe .  These are built with pure Microsoft tools ( not compatible ).  The functions are identical although the performance may be a bit better.  IF you wish to use these, perform the following steps:

a)  DO NOT do this if you are using the Advantage Database Server version 7, or 8.  If you are using single user, peer-to-peer, or ADS 9, 10, or 11 it will work.

b) Copy the two files to your ASW9c folder on a workstation, using the standard Windows Copy and Paste functions.

c)  Point to the MLSRun.exe file, right click the mouse, and select Send To > Desktop ( create shortcut ).  Use the new shortcut to run this version. 

d)  Both ASW92.exe and MLS93.exe can co-exist on a workstation, but only use one of the programs at a time one each computer.

3)  In previous versions we activated the Royalty Rewards system.   That has undergone continuous live testing.  You can email sales@masterlinksoftware.com for more information on how this system may help increase customer loyalty for your shop.

4)  In this version, we have release the Carfax Service History.  You will see the new icon on workorders, the vehicle edit screen, and appointments.  If you have been using CARFAX then you need do nothing to have this work for you.  Just click the button and you will see the complete history for a vehicle that has been reported to CARFAX.  See gaps ?  That’s because some shops, or systems, are not reporting.  Use this for a bit and you will see just how valuable the service can be for your clients.

5)  This version also contains the ServiceIntelligence CRM 360 integration.  It is FULLY implemented.  You can get details at www.eAutoClub.com and if it interests you, you can contact the company for a free trial.  Not only is this a marketing follow up system ( with cards, letters, emails, etc ) but it also includes social media marketing.  Add to this a comprehensive analysis of the vehicle for what factory recommended services have/ have not been performed, and recommendations that need to be completed, and it provides a lot.  In addition, it also allows customers to request appointments and if you accept them, they go right into the ASW calendar.  SI can then follow up on appointments with reminders.

6)  We are still surprised at how many people do not know that we have credit card processing built into ASW, or just how convenient that is.  Charge It Pro is our recent addition and they are a wonderful, and very secure, company to work with.  If you would like info, send an email to sales@masterlinksoftware.com with the contact info, and they will call you.  There is no pressure from them, but remember … you will have rates that are likely better than your current vendor, and excellent service, plus the convenience of doing everything in ASW quickly.

There is more, but this is likely enough for now !  Always remember, you can call for assistance at any time, and if you don’t understand how to do something, you need to get in touch by email or phone !

First, our deepest apologies for this mornings MESS !  We had tested 9.32.33 for two days in a shop with absolutely no problems, but that didn’t translate to the release you received today.   The problem was in our “API”.  This is what translates our “code” to Windows code.  The update was built with the May release, and in our testing it was working fine.  However, there was a global breakdown so I reverted to the April code which ran fine elsewhere.  That is version 9.32.37.

Some of you may have had a problem because it won’t update to .37.  That revealed another issue.  We started using a date comparison to move the file to your workstation, but will need to update that to do a date and time comparison ( it should have been automatic … drats ).  So, it was only allowing the workstations to update once per day !  If you have a problem, email support@masterlinksoftware.com and we will send back specific instructions on how to get to .37.

So why was this update so important ?  There are 3 things:

1)  We wanted to introduce Voice control.  Some of you noticed that your computer greeted you when you started the program.  That might have had its own issues.  It was just the beginning of what we hope to do in that area.

2)  On Monday we want to follow up with a release that turns on the new CarFax capability.  Essentially, you can click a button in a workorder, Vehicle edit screen, or appointment scheduler and get a CARFAX report on the services that have been performed on the vehicle in the past.  YES, it is installed, tested, and working, but we can’t turn it on until June 15th.

3)  We have included a new capability that is called ServiceIntelligence.  This has been in the works for over a year.  Live testing starts today.  What is it ?  Well, this company installs a program on your computer that tracks the services performed on every vehicle.  It compares that to industry standards and can show what has been performed, and what needs to be performed.  It will provide a nicely formatted report for the client, which you can review before, and after, the service.  AND they do complete followup, pro-active marketing, social media, text messaging, and online appointment scheduling.  We will refine the interface over the next few weeks, and then provide you with information on how to get the system installed on your computers.  This product does meet the requests that many people have sent us for a 3rd party service.  More details will be available soon.

There are more items coming … so hopefully the API problems will be resolved shortly.  Again, my sincere apologies for the inconvenience this morning.  I do realize how much it impacts your work.