CARFAX SERVICE – You could lose it !

September 7, 2023 by

For many years, you have enjoyed the services of CARFAX for free.  You get VIN decoding, plate decoding, service histories, and even loyalty services, all for free.

As you are aware, security is becoming a critical issue for all companies that provide data online, as is the case with CARFAX.  They are implementing a new data server, and coding system.

First the good news.  If you are a rental, or DPP, subscriber, AND you are on MLS 12 ( Auto Shop Writer ), then your next update will implement this new connection, and everything will continue to be provided to you just as it has been.  You will still get ALL of these services at no cost to you.

Now, the bad news.  If you have not yet upgraded to MLS 12, your data connection to CARFAX will not work in the future.  Of course, it’s hard to understand how, after a full year of work, improvements, added features, etc, all provided at no cost to our subscribers, your shop has not upgraded to MLS 12.  IT COSTS YOU NOTHING, there is no learning curve, and we do the whole install in a very short period of time.  

There is no way to make this change to ASW 11.  It’s time to call and set up a time for this upgrade to be installed.  You will have no regrets.  Look at some of the previous bulletins and you will see many of the new features.  In fact, some features were strong requests from our clients, and yet, a year later, they still have not had us upgrade their program.

SO, if you like the Carfax benefits, and want to continue to receive them, call now and setup a time.

 

A WORD ABOUT OUR PHONE SYSTEM:

Programming takes a lot of concentration, and being interrupted throughout the day by solicitors just doesn’t help.  So a few months back software was installed to block out spam, or to have unknown callers identify themselves to be connected.  IF you have provided us with a list of your active phone numbers ( shop, cell, etc ), then they were added to our contacts and your call sailed right through.  If you do call and ask to identify yourself, please do, and your call will be connected.  Thereafter we can add you to the list and you will always come right through.

We do not want obstacles for communicating with our clients, but it’s really tough to handle the daily onslaught of unwanted calls.  If you want to get ahead of this, send an email to support@masterlinksoftware.com with your phone numbers, and you will never have a delay in connecting for immediate personal service.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

MLS 12 Update

July 15, 2023 by

We have just distributed a new update for MLS 12.  Here is an important note:

CHECKS:
Do you print checks from MLS 12 ?  A client requested that we automate printing two copies of each check.  They place a sheet of plain paper behind each check sheet, and retain that in their files.  We were happy to add that ability.

Your system, by default, should continue to print just one check at a time, but to be safe, please go to 
Accounting -> Banks -> Tools -> Defaults.  You will be asked to select the bank account for each type.  Just accept those.  Then you will be asked if you want to auto print 2 copies.  Most of you will say NO, but if you do want this feature turned on, say Yes.  PLEASE DO THIS TO BE SURE YOU DON”T WASTE CHECKS.

APPOINTMENT SCHEDULER:
When setting up an appointment, you had the ability to set the background color for each one.  It was noted that the color selected, and the one displayed on the calendar, did not match.  That was annoying for those using the feature.  It was also a pain for us because the provider of the calendar control did not provide documentation.  It was a long process, but finally, we found a fix, and now the color you select should match the color displayed for each appointment.  

VERTICAL TOTALS:
Some people still print the invoice totals vertically.  Most don’t because it takes more space.  We noticed with the new fonts the output didn’t line up.  That was understandable, but we’ve now fixed it so the appearance is great.

TEXT EDITOR:
Adding the ability to format the text at the end of invoices, etc. was great, but that bar with the controls liked to hide.  We didn’t like that, and also it got in the way of editing the top line.  Now it is locked in place, and will be much easier to use.

These are just some of the things included in this update.  Now it’s back to work … more to come.

Filed Under: Bulletins
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