TABS III / TIMESLIPS INTERFACE PROGRAM
Version 1.1

OVERVIEW

The TABS III/Timeslip interface program (CONVASC1.EXE) is used to convert time and expense transactions from a TIME.TXT file created using a word processor to be compatible with the TABS III Import Data from Data Capture Devices program.

The Timeslip data must be exported to a file named TIME.TXT. The TIME.TXT file must be copied to the directory where the TABS III
programs reside.

INSTALLATION

The TABS III/Timeslip interface program (CONVASC1.EXE) must be transferred to the directory on your hard disk where the TABS III program files reside. This is done by using the INSTALL program.

To install the Timeslip Interface program on your hard disk:

1) Insert the Timeslip Interface program disk into floppy disk drive "A" and enter the following commands:

        A:
        INSTALL

2) Follow the on-screen instructions to install the software onto your hard disk. The Install program will locate your TABS III software on your hard disk so that the interface program can be transferred to the same directory as TABS III. After the installation process, the message "Installation Complete" will be displayed.

EXECUTING THE TIMESLIP INTERFACE PROGRAM

First, the Timeslip data must be exported to a file named TIME.TXT.  Then the TIME.TXT file must be copied to the directory where the TABS III data files reside.

After transferring TIME.TXT file to the directory where the TABS III data files reside, enter the command "CONVASC1" to prepare the Timeslip data in the TIME.TXT file to be merged with TABS III. You will be asked "Is it OK to continue? (Y/N)". If you enter "N" the program will be aborted. If you enter "Y" the program will look for the TIME.TXT file containing Timeslip data. If the TIME.TXT file is found to contain data, the program will display the message "CONVERTING TRANSACTIONS" followed by a "." for each transaction read from the file. As the transactions are being read, they will be converted so they will be compatible with the TABS III Import Data from Data Capture Devices program.

When the CONVASC1 program is done, the following files will exist: T3FEEKEY.REM, T3FEE.REM, T3FDESC1.REM, T3EXPKEY.REM, T3EDESC1.REM and T3EXP.REM. You must then execute TABS III and run the Import Data from Data Capture Devices program. This program will merge the REMote data files created by the CONVASC1 program with your main TABS III data files.

NOTE: If you are not using a demo version of the program, the TIME.TXT file will automatically be deleted when the CONVASC1 program is done to avoid double- posting of the data.

CREATING TIMESLIP DATA

The Timeslip data created via word processing must be exported to a file named TIME.TXT.

Each transaction must begin with the key word "CLIENT" and end with a line of dashes (i.e. - - - - ). The transaction description must be entered following the key word "AMOUNT" and before "HOURS". The description should not exceed 12 lines of 50 characters per line.  Description lines over the 12 line limit will be ignored.

A fee transaction will be created if the "ATTY" entered is greater than zero. The "RATE" and "AMOUNT" fields are optional and can be entered or left out as desired (if entered, they will be used). If AMOUNT is not entered, then the TABS III Import utility program will compute the amount based on the HOURS field multiplied by the RATE. If RATE is not entered, then the TABS III Import utility will use the default rate for the client which will be determined using the same criteria that the TABS III Add/- Change/Delete Fee program uses.

A cost transaction will be created if the "ATTY" field is left out or is zero. The "RATE" and "HOURS" fields will be ignored.

Sample fee and cost transactions are shown below:

CLIENT: Miller Accounting Service (sample fee transaction)
MATTER: General
NUMBER: 200.03
DATE: 10/03/88
ATTY: 1
TCODE: 1
RATE:
AMOUNT:
Review file; Telephone conference with Susan
Miller re: status of this case.
HOURS: 1.2
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
CLIENT: Jarrar Systems, Ltd. (sample cost transaction)
MATTER: General
NUMBER: 200.03
DATE: 09/30/88
ATTY:
TCODE: 1
RATE:
AMOUNT: 15.00
Filing fee paid to the County Clerk.
HOURS:
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -