Archive for category General

Version 19 Performance Improvements

We have been getting great feedback on Version 19. If you have customers holding back on updating to Version 19, we thought you may want to let them know about the various performance improvements in Version 19. Here is a condensed list.

Tabs3

  • The Client Lookup window now returns faster results when the Include Inactive Clients check box is cleared. This improvement applies to both Platinum and non-Platinum systems. Additionally, Platinum systems now use accelerated filtering Client Lookups.
  • The Update Statements process has been optimized. Firms that generally used an open (blank) client range may notice significant improvements in the time required to update statements.
  • The function that calculates accounts receivable balances has been optimized. As a result, multiple features in Tabs3 that calculate the current A/R balance (including reports) will load or process considerably faster.

PracticeMaster

  • The Active Only option when viewing the Client or Contact files is now accelerated, meaning that Platinum firms will see a significant performance boost. Additional improvements were made for non-Platinum systems to improve general performance of the Active Only option and reduce the possibility of PracticeMaster entering a “Not Responding” state while loading records.
  • A new “hideassembly” variable has been added to Word Document Assembly to hide the document assembly process. Adding this variable to your more complex document assembly templates could greatly reduce the amount of time to assemble the document.

All of these improvements are present in the most recent release of Version 19.

Version 14 and 15 Conversion Files to be Removed from Web Installer

A notification was recently sent to all users on Versions 14 or 15 letting them know that they should update before the end of next month. Beginning December 1st, firms on either of these versions will be required to send us data for conversion if they wish to convert to Version 19, just like they’ve had to do previously with Versions 12 and older. The conversion files which are necessary for these conversions will no longer be available from our web installer after that day.

I suggest using your QBR to see which of your firms are affected by this change and encourage them to update. It is likely to lead to sales and service work.

Saying Goodbye to a Longtime Friend

For those of you that haven’t heard, we recently lost a dear friend and colleague. Paul Mansfield passed away after a fierce battle with health issues. His relationship with STI spanned over 30 years. Paul was smart, lively, funny, caring, polite, and treated others like he wanted to be treated. Many of us had the fortunate opportunity to know Paul, and hear his impassioned speech about life during the forum just a few years ago. Paul was one of a kind and will be missed dearly by our STI family. Below is a Facebook post by Paul with Dan Berlin outside our office during his last visit.

Paul Mansfield

 

 

All Orders Version 19

Since our official release in July, firms upgrading timekeepers or users have been provided an option to update to Version 19 or remain on Version 18. Beginning today, placing an upgrade or new product sale for firms not already on Version 19 will require customers to update existing licenses to the most current version.

Deb Hilde Retirement

We are sad to announce that our most tenured staff member has retired. Deb Hilde has been a valued member of our STI family for over 32 years! Deb has managed the Documentation Department for numerous years, and she’s the primary reason our documentation is some of the best in the industry. Thanks to those of you that shared your kind thoughts about Deb as a person, and her impeccable work. We will definitely miss her. Enjoy retirement Deb!

 

Deb with sign Deb Scott and Dan

New Taskbill Resource

We are pleased to announce a new resource that makes choosing the correct Taskbill subformat easier for everyone. Knowledge Base Article R11769, “LEDES 1998B Subformat Information for Taskbill,” provides detailed information on the LEDES 1998B format, the fields it contains, and how those fields are modified by the numerous subformats. You can review this information by field (seeing which subformats modify each field) and by subformat (seeing which fields are modified by each subformat).

Be sure to refer to this article the next time a firm needs help selecting a LEDES 1998B subformat to use. You may be able to find an existing subformat that works for you.

New Subscription PDFs Available

As you know, we recently reduced monthly subscription costs and we’re already getting great feedback! PDFs with new pricing are available for you to share with existing customers as well as new prospects. Links to these updated marketing documents, as well as your commission structure are below.

Our best prospects for subscription sales have been solos and smaller firms, especially those interested in utilizing Tabs3 Connect. We’re also seeing interest from firms running old versions. You’d be surprised how many firms still use unsupported versions of Tabs3 software. I spoke with a person just this week running Version 15 of Tabs3 and Taskbill. Stephanie does all time entry and billing for her father who is a solo using Tabs3 and Taskbill. The quote to get these licenses current was $1,035. Since subscriptions already include Taskbill, it’s only $32 a month for them to upgrade to Platinum SQL. Given the fact subscriptions also include Tabs3 Connect, Report Writer and Device Interface, it was a slam dunk. That’s as close as I’ve ever come to getting a hug over the phone!

Use your QBR to target these old firms. You may be surprised with the responses you get.

Shipping Changes

We recently made minor changes to shipping costs to adjust for price increases by UPS. Below are new shipping costs for prepaid letters and packages. Most orders are delivered electronically, so this won’t affect very many. The few exceptions include ODBC Driver sales, some utilities, and Tabs3 Remote orders. Please add $10 to what appears below for any delivery going C.O.D.

Prepaid Letters (credit card, eCheck or prepaid check orders)
UPS Ground (3 – 5 business days) $16
UPS Blue (2 day air) $36
UPS Red (overnight) $52

Prepaid Packages (credit card, eCheck or prepaid check orders)
UPS Ground (3 – 5 business days) $16
UPS Blue (2 day air) $36
UPS Red (overnight) $82

Please contact a member of the Sales Department at 402-419-2200 to verify prices such as any order containing multiple CDs, Saturday delivery, or shipping beyond the lower 48 states.

Sunset of Version 16

As of June 1st, we are no longer supporting Version 16 of Tabs3 software. Please inform clients using Version 16 that they will need to update in order to receive support. You can use your QBR to locate who these firms are to generate sales and billable work.

Monthly User Newsletters have included reminders on the sunsetting of Version 16, and clients using Version 16 will be reminded of this when they speak with a Technical Support Representative.  Please contact the Sales Department or [email protected] for questions or update pricing information.

Collaboration Database Reminder

We want to remind everyone that a consultant collaboration database is in place so that we can connect you with suitable peers for assistance with various products, services, and of course, advanced expertise. A number of Tabs3 and PracticeMaster consultants completed the collaboration database covering dozens of different categories, and as you know, our channel offers a vast range of skills and abilities. We are happy to help you make a connection with a consultant offering assistance in the area(s) you need it most.

This database contains a list of experts for numerous products and services. Get help with software such as Worldox, Quickbooks and Outlook, services such as hosting, PracticeMaster customization, SQL query writing, familiarity with competitive products, and much more. If you wish to get added to the database, simply visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ResellerCollaboration and complete the online form.

Please contact Joe Abler in the Sales Department if you are interested in getting help with a specific service so he can put you in touch with an expert.