Highlights

• New programs to reprint an updated statement, undo an updated statement and unbill a final statement.
• New program to automatically transfer accounts receivable from one matter to another.
• New program to reverse write offs.
• New Task Based Billing data entry and reporting capabilities.
• New Client Manager allows you to customize and launch up to 10 of the most commonly used client-related functions from the same window.
• New Statement Templates. Client billing codes have been replaced with Statement Templates in order to simplify the client data entry program. Statement Templates include pre-defined billing formats for draft and final statements.
• Additional Statement Notes. Statement templates can include statement notes that print on each matter's statement, on a cover statement or both.
• New Report Suites. Report Suites are groups of user-defined report definitions that allow a series of reports to be run after a specified period of time has elapsed or at a specific time.
• New Location field in the client file allows reports and statements to be generated for specific office locations.
• New Text Macros. Used to speed up data entry by automatically replacing the macro with user-defined words or sentences.
• New Pre-Bill Tracking. Used to track the status of individual draft statements, final statements and/or WIP reports. This feature makes it a snap to track which pre-bills have been finalized, which pre-bills haven't been returned, and which pre-bills are "on hold". You can quickly print a batch of statements for all clients whose pre-bills are marked as reviewed.
• New threshold billing option to prevent clients from being billed unless their work-in-process exceeds a specified amount.
• Improved Security. Clients can be designated as secure clients. Users can be assigned to TABS III timekeepers so the user can only access those timekeepers' clients and transactions.
• New Timekeeper Profitability Report.
• Write Off Reports were created by adding options to the Client Productivity Report, Client Ledger Report and Client Billing Summary to include write off information only.
• New Graphing capabilities. Up to 14 different types of graphs including pie charts, bar graphs and line graphs can be displayed or printed for selected productivity reports. (Note: Graphing capabilities are available only when using Windows 95/98 or Windows NT.)
• New text formatting features such as bold, italic and underline attributes can be used in descriptions, statement terminology and client notes.
• The Multiple button on the standard Client tab used for reports and statements now allows up to 50 client ranges.
• Added an Auto Dialer which also allows a user to automatically dial a client's phone number, open a fee entry window and start the fee timer. (Note: Auto Dialer capabilities are available only when using Windows 95/98 or Windows NT.)
• The Main Task Folder is now customizable for each workstation.
• Added Client Funds that can be used to maintain a separate accounting of client funds for retainers, trust funds, escrow funds, etc.
• Added an Apply Payment To Multiple Matters button in the Payment program that can be used to apply a single payment to all of a client's matters with outstanding balances.
• TABS III client numbers can be numeric, alpha or alpha-numeric (mixed). However, integration with CM-III, CDS and certain cost recovery systems require numeric client numbers.
• New program that can make a temporary backup of the data files. (There is also a restore option.)
• Added the ability to integrate with 3Com's PalmPilot in conjunction with Advanced Productivity Software's DTE InHand time entry software.
• Added several new startup options. A fee window can be opened automatically when TABS III is started. The Data File Integrity Check and Archive Integrity Check programs can be started automatically when TABS III is started. TABS III can be configured to start at a specified time. The latter options make it possible to set up a batch file that automatically starts TABS III after hours, runs the Data File Integrity Check, runs the Archive Integrity Check and then proceeds to start a tape backup if no errors are encountered.

STI System Configuration

• Added the ability to assign TABS III timekeepers to individual users. This feature adds an additional layer of security to TABS III so that a user can only access fee and cost transactions for specific timekeepers.
• Added the ability to allow or disallow rights for all functions in a group with the click of a button.
• Whenever Firm Information is changed, a form is printed that can be faxed to STI with the changed information.
• Added a Fax Phone field for the firm.

General

• Data files are ODBC capable (Open Database Connectivity).
• Data file names are now T3*.DAT and T3*.IDX as opposed to T3*.DTA and T3*.KEY. Verification files have been changed to store 1 file per type of verification list as opposed to 1 file per user per type of verification list.
• Added the ability to enter 4-digit years as well as 2-digit years. The date range allowed is still 01/01/1970 - 12/31/2069.
• Added shortcut menus throughout the software which are accessed by clicking the right mouse button. The menu that is displayed depends on where you click.
• Right-clicking in a client, timekeeper, category or transaction code field will allow you quick access to the client file, timekeeper file, category file or transaction code file.
• Right-clicking a date field will allow you to increase or decrease the date by one day, insert the current date, clear the date or access the Date Math window.
• Right-clicking a "rich text" field will allow you to add bold, italic, underline or statement comment attributes. You will also be able to clear attributes as well as insert and edit text macros. In the data entry programs, you have the option of inserting the description from the previous transaction.
• Right-clicking anywhere else will display a menu that allows quick access to the Client, Fee Entry, Cost Entry, Payment Entry, Client Funds or Statements programs.
• Added Close All and Minimize All menu options to the Window menu to close or minimize all open windows with the exception of the Task Folders window.
• Added a toolbar button and Ctrl+T keystroke to display Task Folders.
• Added a toolbar button and Ctrl+M keystroke to display the Client Manager program.
• The firm's name is now shown on the title bar of the Task Folders window.
• Lookup windows were changed so that the selected record is shown in the middle of the list if the list is longer than the lookup window thus showing records both before and after the selected record.
• Changed the functionality of various programs in the multi-user version of TABS III. Most noticeably, the Update Statements, Client Rate Tables, Renumber Clients and Change Client Options programs no longer require exclusive access.
• Users accessing a Single-Access function can access other functions (both single & multi access functions) at the same time.
• Added a Fast Access Mode that allows a user to access the TABS III data files using a special technique that reduces the amount of time it takes to perform disk-intensive functions. When a user accesses TABS III using Fast Access Mode, limitations are placed on the Fast Access Mode user as well as other users who attempt to access the software. (See Online Help for details.)

Printing & Preview Window

• Each workstation can now have a default report printer, default final statement printer, default draft statement printer, default APS check printer and default TAS check printer.
• Statements now show letterhead bitmaps when previewing.
• The Heading Font for statements is now used when previewing.
• Added a Fit to Window option in the Zoom dialog box allowing the software to automatically select the appropriate font size based on the report width and the current preview window.
• Added a Print button to the Preview Window for statements allowing you to print a single page or range of pages.
• Added a First and Last button to the searching capabilities making it easy to specify where the search should begin.
• Changed the printed output so that the Windows Generic or Standard printer drivers print dashes for underscores.
• Changed the print job order from "Last In-First Out" to "First In-First Out".
• Increased the minimum and maximum allowable Printer Offset Adjustment from -0.250 and 0.250 inches to -9.999 and 99.999 inches.
• Added the ability to configure a statement printer to suppress blank address lines. This feature eliminates blank address lines that may be necessary when printing on pre-printed stationery, using a bitmap, or using window envelopes.

Back Up Data Files and Restore Data Files

• Added the ability to make a temporary backup from within the software. The backup file is created in a "BACKUP" subdirectory below the program directory. The Restore Data Files program allows you to restore the temporary backup. Only one backup file is maintained. The backup procedure is a temporary backup and is not intended to replace but rather supplement existing backup procedures.

Timekeeper File

• Added profitability figures to track monthly overhead costs for each timekeeper. The overhead costs associated with an individual timekeeper (e.g., salary, benefits, etc.) are entered by the firm. The profitability figures are used by a new Timekeeper Profitability Report. The figures can only be accessed by members of the Manager group.
• When a timekeeper is deleted, the software checks to see if cost transactions have been assigned to the timekeeper. Previously, only fees and clients were checked.
• When a timekeeper is deleted, the information used by the "Productivity Report by Category for each Timekeeper" and "Productivity Report by Transaction Code for each Timekeeper" is deleted as well. Previously, only the information for the Timekeeper Productivity Report was deleted.
• Deleting a timekeeper removes the timekeeper from any client rate tables that contain that timekeeper number.
• Timekeepers with blank initials are no longer excluded from alphabetical Timekeeper Lists and Lookup windows.

Category File

• Each category can optionally be assigned a task code set used for task based billing. When a task code set is assigned to a category, only tasks from that task code set can be selected when performing data entry for a client assigned to that category. If the category is not assigned to a task code set, then tasks from any task code set can be selected during data entry.
• Deleting a category will delete the productivity information used by the "Productivity Report by Category for each Timekeeper".
• Categories that are assigned to clients or work-in-process fee transactions can no longer be deleted.

Transaction Code File

• Transaction Codes with blank alpha codes are no longer excluded from alphabetical Transaction Code Lists and Lookup windows.
• Type 7 (Retainer) transaction codes are no longer allowed and will be deleted during the conversion to Version 9. Retainers are now handled by a new Client Funds feature.
• Deleting a transaction code will delete the productivity information used by the "Productivity Report by Transaction Code for each Timekeeper".
• Transaction codes that are assigned to work-in-process transactions can no longer be deleted.

Timekeeper Levels/Cost Type Descriptions

• The TK Levels tab and the Cost Desc tab in the Miscellaneous data entry window have been combined on a single tab named Misc Desc. This tab can also be used to define descriptions for task code sets.

Billing Frequencies

• Billing frequencies are now defined on the Bill Freq tab in the Miscellaneous data entry window. Each billing frequency can be assigned an eight-character identifier and a 40-character description. You can specify the character that should be used to represent the billing frequency on reports. You can also specify the billing frequency that should be used as the default for new clients. There is no limit to the number of billing frequencies that can be defined.

Locations

• Individual locations can be set up on the Locations tab of the Miscellaneous data entry window. When locations are defined, each client matter can be assigned a location. Reports and statements can then be generated for clients assigned to a specific location. This option is useful for firms that have more than one office.

Task Based Billing

• Task based billing is now supported. Task based billing is often mandated by insurance companies and larger corporations that require billing information to be submitted in a uniform manner.

Client Information

• Added fax phone, cellular phone and E-mail address fields. Added extension fields to the Phone and Other Phone fields. Also added the ability to customize the terminology for all of these fields.
• Added auto dialer capabilities to all 4 phone fields.
• Added the ability to assign a location to each client. This allows reports to be run for an individual location, selected locations or all locations.
• Added an Inactive check box. The "I" billing frequency no longer indicates an inactive client. Reports can easily be generated with or without inactive clients.
• Changed the terminology for "Billable Client" to a Non-billable check box. Reports can easily be generated with or without non-billable clients.
• Added a Release To Bill check box. Statements cannot be generated for clients unless Release To Bill is selected.
• Added a Bill On Demand check box. When statements for Bill On Demand clients are updated, the Release To Bill check box is automatically cleared.
• Clients can be designated as task based billing clients. Budget amounts for each phase and/or task code can be entered in the client data entry program.
• Added the ability to designate a client as a secure client. You can specify which users can access secure clients.
• Added the ability to define billing thresholds for fees, expenses, advances or a total threshold.
• Added the ability to specify which timekeeper should receive the fee payment allocation for new clients with accounts receivable balances. This feature is useful for new firms that start using TABS III.
• Added the ability to view a client's Trust Account balances via a button on the A/R tab of the Client data entry program and via the Client Manager.
• Added the ability to have TABS III automatically change the courtesy discount type to "none" when a final statement is updated. This feature is used for one time discounts.
• Added the ability to specify which matter's address and cover statement format will be used for the cover statement.
• Added new cover statement options that allow cover statements for individual matters. Previous versions always combined information for matters on the cover statement.
• Removed the Archive Transactions option since archiving is now automatic.
• Removed the Reformat Descriptions option. Transaction descriptions are always reformatted based on the statement width.
• Increased the size of the Beginning and Ending Statement Notes in the client data entry program from 4 lines of 50 characters to a total of 511 characters. Bold, italic and underline attributes as well as text macros are now available in statement notes. Individual lines can be centered, left justified with the client's address or left justified with the transaction descriptions. Date codes can be embedded for the statement date, beginning fee date and ending fee date. Added the ability to automatically change a client's beginning and/or ending statement notes to blank after a statement is updated.
• Changed the Bill To address lines to use separate fields for name, three address lines, city, state, zip and country.
• The new Change Client Options program greatly simplifies the process of changing information for multiple clients.
• Courtesy discount information cannot be changed if a final statement has been run (but not updated) unless the statement is updated or unbilled.
• If the Name Search, Phone numbers, E-mail or Location fields are changed for a client who is the first client in a series of matters (i.e., 200.01 in the series 200.01, 200.02, 200.03, etc.), then you will be asked if you want the fields changed for all matters. (Note: The Name Search field will only be changed for matters whose Name Search was the same as the base client before the change.)

Client Rate Tables

• Client Rate Tables are now located in the Client data entry program.
• There is no limit to the number of timekeepers that can be included in the rate table. (Previously there was a limit of 24.)
• New matters for a client will automatically default to the previous matter's Source. This makes it easy to define a unique rate table for a client and automatically have all new matters for the client share the client's rate table.
• A Clear button is used to delete a client's rate table.
• The Change Clients program can clear rate tables as well as assign a Shared Client for a range of clients.

Client Notes

• Client Notes are now located in the Client data entry program.
• The F5 key can be used in Client Notes to automatically insert the current date, time and User ID.
• Added the ability to apply bold, italic and underline attributes to text. Text macros can also be used in Client Notes.
• Added the ability to designate client notes as Billing Instructions. Billing Instructions can be optionally included on work-in-process and accounts receivable reports.

Client Funds

• Added a new Client Funds feature for maintaining a separate accounting of client funds for retainers, trust funds, escrow funds, etc. Payments to the firm, deposits and withdrawals can be entered for the client funds account. Payments to the firm can be made manually or configured to occur automatically when a statement is run. Built-in flexibility lets you bill a one time retainer until it has been paid as well as replenish a pre-established minimum balance. Client Funds replaces the Retainers feature in TABS III Version 8.

Client Lookup Window

• Added the ability to include or exclude inactive clients.
• Added the option to list the last 20 clients accessed by the workstation.
• Added the ability to quickly list all clients with specified text in their Work Description or Name fields. This filtering can be done for all clients or limited to all cases for a single client.

General Data Entry for Transactions

• The title bar of each transaction window now includes the client's Name Search and a timer to help identify the window—particularly when multiple transaction windows are open.
• The ability to embed multiple transaction codes has been replaced by the text macros feature. Accordingly, the Embed button has been removed.
• Bold, italic and underline attributes can be applied to a description.
• Added the ability to apply statement comment attributes to text. Statement comments will not print on a final statement but will print on reports and can optionally print on draft statements. Statement comments are displayed in red but are printed with strikethrough characters. This feature replaces the ability to start a line of text with an asterisk.
• The F2 key can be used to duplicate the entire description from the previously saved transaction during the current data entry session. (Note: This feature was available in TABS III Version 8 for DOS but was not available in TABS III Version 8 for Windows.)
• Added a Reverse Case option which changes lowercase letters in the selected text to uppercase and vice versa.
• TABS III now allows a maximum of 4900 characters per transaction. Previously, the limit was based on a maximum number of lines (100) rather than a maximum number of characters. The ability to concatenate multiple transactions to allow continuous unlimited description is no longer allowed.
• The Description field can be accessed quickly using the Alt+D keystroke.
• In previous versions of TABS III, costs and payments were stored in the same data file. Thus adding a cost would increase the next available reference number for payments and vice versa. Because of changes to the file structure, reference numbers for costs and payments are now independent.
• Transaction reference numbers are not reset unless the new Reindex Files program is run with the Compact Selected Files option selected.
• Transaction lookup windows now display transactions in reverse order (i.e., the most recent transactions are shown first).
• The day of the week is now shown to the right of the date field.

Fee Entry

• When the timer is running, the Value is displayed with a green background. When the timer is paused, the background is changed to yellow. The elapsed time for the Fee Timer is now included in the title bar of the Fee Entry window.
• The default timekeeper is the timekeeper on the last fee transaction added. The default timekeeper for fees is saved in each workstation's STI.INI file.
• For task based billing clients, the Tcode field is replaced with Phase/Task and Activity fields.
• The Bill Code field was moved after the Rate Code field to accommodate the new Phase/Task and Activity fields used for task based billing.
• When value billing a single transaction, define the transaction code as a cost tcode. Whenever a cost tcode is used in the fee program, TABS III will automatically default to the predefined amount or rate.
• When the Status field is set to Save for a fee transaction with hours, the Recap of Hours Report will accurately reflect the original transaction as well as subsequent fee transactions created from the saved transaction. The Recap of Hours Report in Version 8 reflected only the original transaction.
• A warning is displayed whenever: 1) the Hours for a fee transaction exceeds the Budget Hours; 2) the Amount for a fee or cost transaction exceeds the Budget Amount; or 3) the Amount for a fee or cost transaction exceeds the task based billing budget amounts.
• Entering Hours greater than 320 or less than -320 will no longer invalidate the Recap of Hours Report.

Recap of Hours Window

• The Recap of Hours now includes a View button with drill-down capabilities. Clicking this button (or double-clicking a date) displays the fees for the selected timekeeper and date including both work-in-process transactions and transactions from the archive files. Double-clicking a work-in-process transaction will select the transaction and display it in the Fee Entry window allowing you to edit the transaction.
• The timekeeper name is now included in the Recap of Hours window.

Cost Entry

• For task based billing clients, the Tcode field is replaced with Phase/Task and Expense ID fields.
• The Status field was moved after the Bill Code field and the Sales Tax field was moved after the Rate Code field to accommodate the new Phase/Task and Expense ID fields used for task based billing.

Payment Entry

• Added a Select by Statement Number button that can be used to select a client based on a specified statement number. This can be helpful in situations where you receive a check showing a statement number, but don't know which matter or client the check pertains to.
• Added an Apply Payment to Multiple Matters button that can be used to apply a single payment to all of a client's matters with an amount due. If the payment is equal to the amount due, then payments are created automatically. If the payment is less than or greater than the amount due, then a window is displayed allowing you to allocate the payment to multiple matters.

Client Funds Entry

• New program that allows payments to the firm, deposits and withdrawals on the client funds account.

Client Manager

• The Client Manager allows you to customize and launch up to 10 of the most commonly used client-related functions from the same window. Work-in-process, accounts receivable, client fund and trust account balances can easily be seen. The client data entry program and various transaction programs can be launched as well as up to 10 other TABS III programs such as Print Statements, Detail WIP, Client Ledger, etc. Each workstation can customize which 10 programs will be shown on their respective Client Manager window.

Statement Notes

• This new file is used to maintain various beginning and ending statement notes that can be printed on clients' statements, the cover statements or both. Bold, italic and underline attributes can be used as well as text macros. Individual lines can be centered or left justified. Date codes can be embedded for the statement date, beginning fee date and ending fee date. Statement notes are created using the Statement Notes program and are assigned using the statement template program. These statement notes are in addition to the global message and the unique beginning and ending statement notes allowed for each client.

Statement Templates

• Statement Templates contain statement formatting information. Rather than have this information duplicated for each client, you can now set up one or more statement templates and assign default statement templates for both draft and final statements for each client. This greatly simplifies the process of adding clients as well as defining and maintaining statement format requirements.
• Added the ability to specify for each client which statement template will be used for draft statements and which template will be used for final statements.
• Added the ability to select a statement note to print at the beginning of a statement as well as a different statement note to print at the end of a statement. Statement notes are selected from the new statement notes file.
• Added the ability to specify whether statement notes should be included with each matter on combined statements and whether they should be included on a cover statement.
• Statement Comments in transaction descriptions can optionally be included on draft statements.
• Added the ability to subtotal fees by date.
• Added greater flexibility in specifying which columns are included in the optional fee recap. For example, you can now specify timekeeper and amount columns only.
• Added the ability to print detail expense and advance transactions on a statement sorted by transaction code with subtotals.
• Added the ability to subtotal payments by date.
• Added the ability to include hours in the optional billing history.
• Added a utility program to rename statement templates.

Statements

• Added the ability to specify billing thresholds for fees, expenses, advances or a total threshold.
• The Previous Balance Only/Active Only/All option has been split into two separate options: a Reminder Statements option and an Active Only option.
• When printing reminder statements, you can now specify whether you want a detail or summary format. The detail reminder statement includes the statement date, statement number, billed amount and due amount for each statement with an amount due. Statements with no amount due will not be included. A total balance due for all statements will also print. The summary format shows only the total balance due (like Version 8).
• Added the ability to specify the age of past due clients to print. For example, you can print statements only for clients with amounts due over 90 days.
• Added an option to update the pre-bill tracking information for a batch of draft statements.
• The Stmt Format tab has been replaced by a Template Options button that allows you to override any statement template selection for a batch of statements.
• Added the ability to reuse the original statement number when rerunning final statements.
• Added a new "Previous Balance Before Adjustments" line on the statement that shows the previous balance before write offs and payment adjustments. This line is then followed by the optional "Description Only" transactions created by the Payment Adjustment and Reverse Write Off programs. The Amount field on these transactions show the adjustment amount and cannot be edited. After these transactions print, the regular "Previous Balance" line prints.

Pre-Bill Tracking

• Pre-Bill Tracking makes it easy to monitor the status of individual clients' prebills and final statements. Pre-Bill Tracking information is updated when a Detail Work-In-Process Report or a statement is run for a client. The Pre-Bill Tracking window can then be used to mark individual statements as "on hold" or "reviewed". A Pre-Bill Tracking Report can be printed showing the pre-bill tracking information. Final statements can be printed from the Pre-Bill Tracking window for clients that have been marked as reviewed.

Unbill Final Statements

• Streamlined the unbilling process by adding a program to automatically unbill final statements. Zero amount client ledger records are no longer generated.

Undo Updated Statement

• Added the ability to reverse the updating process for one client at a time. Previous versions of TABS III required restoring data files in order to reverse the updating process.

Reprint Updated Statement

• Added the ability to reprint statements for an individual client after they have been final billed and updated.

Archiving

• Archiving is no longer optional. All transactions (including Type 4 "description only" transactions) for all clients are archived. Due to changes in the structure of the TABS III archive files, the files are no longer stored in an ASCII format. However, archive information is accessible via an ODBC driver from STI or the new Task Code Billing Report which includes export capabilities. In previous versions, separate archive files were maintained for fees and costs. Starting with Version 9, both fees and costs are stored in the same file (T3ARCH.DAT and T3ARCH.IDX).

Write-Up/Write-Down Fees and Costs

• The New Total Billable Amount for the client (including both fees and costs) is now displayed in this window.

Report Suites

• Report Suites are groups of user-defined report definitions that allow a series of reports to be run automatically with virtually a click of the mouse. Report suites can be run at a specified time, after a specific period of time has elapsed or immediately.

Verification Lists

• The verification lists for fees, costs, payments and client funds are now optional.
• The Cost/Payment Verification List has been split into two lists: the Cost Verification List and the Payment Verification List.

Client List

• Added the ability to include client notes on a Detail Client List.
• Added the ability to include secure clients or print a list of secure clients only. This option is only available for members of the Manager Group.
• Added a client count which represents the number of clients printed on the list.

Client Labels

• Added the ability to export label information as a Microsoft Word mail merge file.
• Added an "Avery Laser" option to print on standard Avery two-across laser labels.
• Added the ability to specify up to 9 different sort criteria and the ability to specify the order of the sort criteria. (Version 8 allowed only 1 sort criterion.)
• Additional selection criteria include Location, the new phone fields, and the non-billable, inactive, task based billing and progress billing status fields.
• Multiple selection ranges can be specified for each field. For example, you can now print labels for clients 300, 600-608 and 843 all at the same time.
• Added the ability to save the report parameters as a report definition.
• Added a Reset button to quickly clear all selection criteria and sort orders specified.
• When the Single Matter per Client option is selected and selection criteria has been specified, TABS III will check each matter until it finds the first matter that meets the criteria. (Version 8 checked only the first matter.)

Client Rate Report

• This report also includes the information from the Timekeeper Level Rate/Code Report.
• Optionally includes client rate tables, timekeeper level rates and codes and the default billing rate code assigned in the client data entry program. When all options are selected, a comprehensive rate report is produced making it easy to see exactly where the default billing rate information comes from.

Split Fee Billing Report

• Added an option to include the client's work description on the report.

Client Budget Report

• Added an "Over Budget Only" option that lets you include only those clients whose totals exceed the budgeted hours or amount.

Conflict of Interest Check

• Added the ability to use wildcards in search values. For example, "Jo*Smi" will find all instances of John Smith, Jon Smith, Jonathan P. Smith, Joseph J. Smirnoff, Johnnie J. Smith, etc.
• Added the ability to perform phonetic searching. For example, if you phonetically search for "Johnson", incidents of Johnsen, Jonnson and Jonson will be found.
• Added the ability to use the "[" and "]" characters to limit the search to specific characters or a range of characters. For example, searching for "Peters[oe]n" will be faster than searching for "Peters?n".
• Conflicts are shown with the matching search values underlined on the report.

Timekeeper List

• Added the ability to optionally include the Overhead figures from the new Timekeeper Profitability window. This option is only available for members of the Manager group.

Miscellaneous Reports

• The following lists have been added to the Miscellaneous Reports menu: Billing Frequency List, Location List, Statement Template List, Statement Notes List, Task Code List, Task Code Set List and Text Macro List.

Client Tab (common folder tab used by many reports and maintenance functions)

• Increased the number of client ranges allowed via the Multiple button from 10 to 50.
• Added the ability to select all or specific Locations.
• Added the ability to specify client status options including: 1) active, inactive or both; 2) progress, non-progress or both; 3) billable, non-billable or both; and 4) task based billing, non-task based billing or both.
• The ending client number will now always default to the beginning client number. Previously, the ending client number would do so only if the Tab key was used. If the Enter key was used (or you clicked the OK button or changed tabs without first moving focus from the beginning client number field), the ending client number would default to the highest client number.

Detail Work-In-Process Report

• Added an option to update pre-bill tracking information for clients included on the report.
• Billing Instructions (client notes) can be optionally included.
• Billing history now optionally prints when the report is sorted in working timekeeper order.
• Flat Amounts now print for flat fee clients.
• Draft and final statement template IDs print for each client.
• TAS heading lines now include the Report Date when the "\S" code is used.
• Includes the Client Funds balance for clients with a fund balance.
• Removed the options to include deleted clients only and billing codes.
• Statement comments are now printed with strikethrough characters.
• Progress WIP amounts now exclude tax. Previously, they included tax.
• The report prints the first two phone numbers entered for clients.

Summary Work-In-Process Report

• Added an option to include each client's previous balance, costs and payments when the report is printed in working timekeeper order.
• Includes the Client Funds balance.
• Billing instructions (client notes) can optionally be included.
• Flat Amounts now print for flat fee clients.
• Removed the option to include billing codes.
• Progress WIP amounts now exclude tax. Previously, they included tax.

Aged Work-In-Process Report

• Added an option to include each client's costs when the report is printed in working timekeeper order.
• The report now includes Progress WIP and Billed WIP Paid amounts.

Detail and Summary Accounts Receivable Reports

• Billing Instructions (client notes) can optionally be included.
• The detail report prints the first two phone numbers entered for clients.

Accounts Receivable by Invoice Report

• Added the ability to include detailed billed information which shows amounts billed by timekeeper and cost type for each statement. Also added the ability to optionally include detail information for each subtotal.
• Added the beginning and ending cut-off dates to the report heading.

Cash Receipts Report

• Reversed payments are now shown as a separate line item for each client and for totals.
• Added the beginning and ending cut-off dates to the report heading.

Pre-Update Statements Report

• The statement number and statement date shown on the final statement are now included for each client.

Client Funds Report

• This new report shows client funds activity with beginning and ending balances for a specified date range. A grand total closing balance is also included on the report.

Client Ledger Report & Client Billing Summary

• Added an option to generate a write off report that includes only write off records.
• Added the ability to include ledger detail for each statement, each client subtotal or both. (Version 8 included detail for each statement only.)
• Added beginning and ending cut-off dates to the report heading.

Client Productivity Report

• Added an option to include only clients with write off records which generates a write off report.
• Added beginning and ending cut-off dates to the report heading.

Processed Payments Report

• Includes Total WIP Payments as a separate item on the report for each client.
• Added beginning and ending cut-off dates to the report heading.

Receipt Allocation Report & Client Productivity by Timekeeper Report

• Added the option to include expense, advance and finance charge information when running the report by working timekeeper.

Task Code Budget Report

• This new report shows billed and unbilled amounts for expenses and activities for each task of each phase.

Timekeeper Profitability Report

• This new report shows billed fees, overhead and profit for each timekeeper for any range of months in the current fiscal year. Net profit and a percentage of billed fees is also shown. Only members of the Manager group can print this report.
• Bar graphs, pie charts and line graphs can be displayed and printed for various figures on this report.

Timekeeper Status Report

• Added the ability to save report definitions for this report.

Write-Up/Write-Down Report

• The billed information for this report is now retrieved from the archive file (Version 8 used the updated transactions for the billed information).
• Added beginning and ending cut-off dates to the report heading.

Timekeeper Productivity & Category Productivity Reports

• Productivity Report by Category for Each Timekeeper
• Added the ability to save report definitions for these reports.
• Bar graphs, pie charts and line graphs can be displayed and printed for various figures on these reports.
• Productivity Report by Tcode for Each Timekeeper
• Added the ability to save report definitions for this report.

Recap of Hours Report

• Added the option to exclude zero activity timekeepers.
• Added the option to start each timekeeper on a new page.
• Added the ability to save report definitions for this report.
• The report can be run for any date range at any time because the information is now retrieved from the archive and work-in-process files. (Version 8 tracked Recap of Hours data only for the last 12 reporting months and the next 2 reporting months in a separate data file.)

Transaction File List

• Added the ability to specify a third sort order in addition to the primary and secondary sort orders.
• Added the ability to specify whether a date range applies to the statement date or transaction date regardless of sort orders.
• Added the ability to export the report in the following file formats: fixed field, comma delimited, tab delimited and pipe delimited.
• Removed the transferred, deleted and updated transactions options.
• Added an index to the archive file for the transaction date field thus reducing processing time substantially for many reports.

Task Code Billing Report

• This new report can show both unbilled and billed task based billing transactions for a variety of ranges and sort orders. Transactions can be sorted by task code and activity/expense code. The report can be exported to a file in the following formats: fixed field, comma delimited, tab delimited and pipe delimited.

Select Client Billing Options/Change Client Options

• This program can now be used to change more than simply billing options. Accordingly, the program is now called Change Client Options. The fields and options that can be changed now include: Location, Date Closed, Billing Category, Timekeepers and Percentages, Non-billable, Progress Billing, Receipt Allocation by Invoice, Release To Bill, Bill On Demand, Task Based Billing Client, Billing Rate Code, Hourly Rate, Timekeeper Level options, Courtesy Discount options, Client Rate Tables, Billing Frequency, Statement Template for Draft Format, Statement Template for Final Format, Sales Tax, Finance Charge, Payment Allocation Method, Trust Integration, Combine Matters, Cover Statement options, Beginning Statement Notes and Ending Statement Notes. The Bill To option can no longer be changed using this program.

Edit Client Ledger

• Whenever a ledger record is added, changed or deleted, the user will be asked if receipt allocation information should automatically be adjusted. This automatic adjustment eliminates the need to use the Edit Receipt Allocation program in most cases.
• Amounts can now be allocated to specific timekeepers and cost types when adding payments and write offs. Previously, this information could only be allocated when adding statement records.
• When editing a payment record, any portion of the payment that has been refunded using the Payment Adjustment program will be shown.

Edit Receipt Allocation

• Negative hours and amounts can now be entered.

Create Validation Files

• The data file format for the TABS III Remote validation files changed in Version 9. However, the file format for the data capture device validation files remains the same. Accordingly, an option has been added so that you can now create validation files for a data capture device.
• Added an option to create CM-III validation files to allow Case Master III Version 2.2 to integrate with TABS III Version 9. Before using the Import Employee Information, Import Tcode Information or Category Table Maintenance programs in CM-III, the Create Validation Files program should be run to create the files in the format required by CM-III. This option will not be required for later releases of CM-III.
• Added an option to create CDS validation files to allow integration with STI's Critical Date System Version 8 for DOS.
• Changed the program name from Create Remote Validation Files to Create Validation Files because validation files can now be created for data capture devices and CM-III in addition to TABS III Remote.

Merge CM-III Client/Case Changes

• When merging a new client or matter from CM-III, the default options are the same as when adding a new client or matter via the Client data entry window. For new clients, these options come from TABS III Customization. For new matters, these options come from the last matter for a client.

Merge CM-III Time & Expenses

• Payments can no longer be merged into TABS III.

Merge Data Capture Transactions

• The merge data files (*.REM) are deleted only if all transactions are successfully merged with no errors. Each transaction that is sucessfully merged is marked as such in the merge files. This makes it easy to remerge the same files after resolving errors. Previously, Version 8 always deleted the merge data files.

Merge TABS III Remote Data

• The TABS III Remote data filenames have been changed to RMT*.*. Previously, the data files were named T3*.RMT.
• The TABS III optional validation filenames are still R3*.*. However, the file extensions are now DAT and IDX whereas the Version 8 file extensions were DTA and KEY.

Change Key Type

• This new program replaces the Change Key Length program and is used to change the Key Type or Matter Length.
• Changing the Matter Length no longer requires editing report definitions.

Write Off Client

• The entire balance due can now be written off for a specific timekeeper. After a timekeeper is selected, the billed and due amounts shown include only the amounts for the specified timekeeper.
• When writing off a specific statement, the default write off amounts are now $0.00. Previously, the default write off amount was the entire amount due for the statement.
• The optional Type 4 (Description Only) transaction that can be created for the write off now includes the write off amount and date. When this transaction prints on the statement, it is preceded by a new "Previous Balance Before Adjustments" line from Statement Customization followed by the "Previous Balance".

Reverse Write Off

• Added the ability to reverse a write off. Accounts receivable and receipt allocation information is automatically updated.

Change WIP Transactions

• This program can be used to change the Status, Date, Sales Tax, Bill Code, Category and Rate fields for a range of work-in-process transactions. It can also be used to change a range of Phase/Task, Activity and Expense fields for task based billing clients. Additionally, this program can be used to convert non-task based billing transactions to task based billing transactions.
• This program replaces the Set Hold/Print and Change Rates programs.

Payment Adjustment

• This program replaces the Reverse a Payment program found in Version 8. In addition to reversing the entire amount of a payment, you can now refund a portion of an unapplied payment.
• The optional Type 4 (Description Only) transaction that can be created after the adjustment now includes the adjustment amount and a date. When this transaction prints on the statement, it is preceded by a new "Previous Balance Before Adjustments" line and is followed by the "Previous Balance" line.

Transfer A/R and Transactions

• The Transfer Transactions program has been enhanced so that accounts receivable can be transferred. The entire accounts receivable history (including all client ledger records, receipt allocation information and archive transactions) is moved from one client to another.
• Added the ability to transfer fees, costs, payments and accounts receivable all at once. Previously, different transaction types had to be transferred individually.
• Added the ability to specify a range of timekeepers when transferring costs.
• If the category specified on a fee transaction is the client's default category from the client file, then the category will be changed to the new client's category when the transaction is transferred. Otherwise, the category on the fee transaction is not changed.
• If the rate specified on a fee transaction is the client's default rate, then the rate will be changed to the new client's default rate when the transaction is transferred. Additionally, the amount will be changed to reflect the new rate. Otherwise, if the rate specified on a fee transaction is not the client's default rate, then the rate will not be changed when it is transferred.
• If the sales tax rate specified on a fee or cost transaction is the client's default sales tax rate from the client data entry program, then the sales tax rate will be changed to the new client's sales tax rate when the transaction is transferred. Otherwise, the sales tax rate on the transaction is not changed.
• The Transaction File List can no longer be used to obtain a list of transferred transactions. Because of this change, the Transfer Transactions Verification List has been changed to a permanent list (i.e., it is not automatically deleted when the program is closed).

Text Macro Maintenance

• This program allows you to define text macros. Text macros consist of a Macro ID and associated replacement text. Whenever a Macro ID is typed during data entry, it is automatically replaced with the associated text.
• Text macros replace the Embed feature in transaction descriptions. During the conversion to Version 9, you will be given the opportunity to convert your existing transaction codes to text macros. If you elect to do this, you can simply type the transaction code's Alpha Code in your transaction descriptions and the alpha code will automatically be replaced with the transaction code description.

Customization

• The Key Length has been replaced by separate Key Type and Matter Length fields. The Key Type can be set to Numeric, Alpha or Mixed. The Numeric Key Type allows only numbers for the client number (like previous versions of TABS III). The Mixed Key Type allows letters and numbers to the left of the decimal point and numbers to the right of the decimal point. The Alpha Key Type allows both letters and numbers throughout the client number. The Key Type must be Numeric if you integrate with Case Master III or CDS. If you want to use an alpha or mixed Key Type and you use data capture interface programs, an updated data capture interface program is required. Call STI for pricing and availability of updated data capture interface programs.
• Since the Key Type can be alphabetic or numeric, the "Client Number" terminology has been replaced with the terminology "Client ID" throughout the software.
• The TABS III data path has been eliminated. All TABS III data files (with the exception of the archive files) must reside in the program directory. The conversion program moves files from other directories as required.
• The file limits have been eliminated. The maximum allowable limits are always used.
• The options to maintain category productivity for each timekeeper and transaction code productivity for each timekeeper have been eliminated. This information is always maintained.
• New Customization options have been added so that firms can define labels for all 4 Phone Number fields and the new E-Mail field.
• The Profession Customization labels are now used on all windows throughout the software rather than just on reports.
• The verification lists for fees, costs, payments and client funds are now all optional.
• The TAS Path has been eliminated. All TAS data files must reside in the program directory. The conversion program moves files from other directories as required.
• The GLS Path has been replaced by a GLS client number field. After specifying a client number, TABS III looks at the GLS data files and reads the appropriate data path for the specified client.
• The options on the Options tab that affect only statements have been moved to Statement Customization.
• Added the ability to specify default transaction codes used for automatic payments from Client Funds.
• Added the ability to configure whether clients with only a client funds balance should print on WIP reports and statements.
• All options on the Stmt Terms tab, Headings tab, Cover Stmt tab and Months tab have been moved to Statement Customization.
• Added the ability to use bold, italic and underline attributes in the headings and the optional message that prints at the end of statements.
• The Archive Transactions option has been eliminated. Transactions for all clients are archived in a detail format so that they are available for the new Undo Updated Statement program.
• Changed the sales tax rates on the Rates tab to allow four digits after the decimal point instead of just three.

Statement Customization

• The bulk of the Customization options that pertain to statements have been moved to this new program. Options in this program can be changed while other users are using TABS III.
• Added the ability to use bold, italic and underline attributes as part of the terminology used on statements.
• Added the ability to left justify or center the global heading and ending message.
• Added an option to combine all totals on a statement. When this option is selected, the total amount due for the current work, client funds and trust accounts are totaled on the statement.
• Added an option to exclude current work from the optional past due amounts.
• The Double space for X and Z formats option has been changed to read Double space fees for Summary Fee Format. Because of the implementation of Statement Templates, the "X" and "Z" Fee Formats Codes no longer have any meaning in the software.
• Added a Print Billable Amounts of Zero option that determines how the amount will print on the statement for billable transactions with an amount of "0.00". When this check box is selected, the amount will print as "0.00". When this check box is cleared, the amount will be blank. Previous versions of TABS III left the amount blank for transactions with an amount of "0.00".
• Added new terminology lines for Client Funds, Write Off Hours and Previous Balance Before Adjustments.
• TABS III Version 8 reserved space at the end of each statement for four optional lines of ending messages unless there was an asterisk in the first position of each line. TABS III Version 9 no longer reserves this space and no longer requires asterisks.

Data File Integrity Check and Archive Data Integrity Check

• Added the date and time the integrity check began and completed to the log file and Error Report.
• Changed the format of the Error Reports to include additional information regarding where errors were found.
• The Data File Integrity Check program now also checks verification list data files.
• The information from the Data File Integrity Check is saved to a different file name—T3DFICER.LOG. The information from the Archive Integrity Check is saved to a different file name—T3AFICER.LOG. Previously all error reports were saved to a file named T3ERRORS.DTA.

Startup Options

• Added a startup option to automatically open a Fee data entry window when TABS III is launched. This option is particularly useful for attorneys who only use TABS III to enter fee transactions.
• Added startup options to automatically start the Data File Integrity Check program and to automatically start the Archive Integrity Check program. When used in conjunction with a new option to automatically start TABS III at a specific time, you can have the system automatically start the Data File Integrity Check or Archive Integrity Check at a certain time. This allows you to start these programs automatically after all employees have left for the day. You can even include these command line options in a batch file that performs a backup.

Rebuild Files

• Removed the Rebuild Recap of Hours File program because the information for the Recap of Hours Report is no longer maintained in a separate file.
• The Rebuild Client Notes and Rebuild Archive Data Files programs have been eliminated. These functions are now performed as part of the Reindex Files program.
• Added a Rebuild Receipt Allocation program which recreates the receipt allocation information based on the client ledger and archive information. This program should not be used unless instructed to do so by one of STI's Technical Support Representatives.

Reindex Files

• The Reindex Files program replaces the File Reorganization program. The Reindex Files program is a utility program that can be used to recreate index files that have been corrupted by hardware failure as opposed to a required monthly utility program.

Purge Archive Data

• In Version 8, purging archive data was a two-step process: records were marked and then the file was rebuilt. This is a one-step process in Version 9.

Support Log

• The Support Log now maintains additional information including the last 10 times each of the following programs have been run: Purge Archive Data, Combine Client Ledger Information, Data File Integrity Check, Reindex Files, Final Statements, Unbill Final Statements, Update Statements, Undo Update Statements, Edit Customization, Backup Data and Restore Data in addition to the existing information for Client Ledger changes, Receipt Allocation changes and MTD/YTD Clear Dates.
• Added the ability to print the Support Log.
• Added the ability to assign access rights via STI System Configuration that will allow or prevent access to this option.

About TABS III

• Additional information is now shown in the About TABS III window including the firm name, whether the user has manager rights, whether the user has been assigned TABS III timekeepers, the Key Type, the Matter Length and the archive path. Additional information about the computer is also shown including the available physical memory, the amount of free disk space, the type of processor, screen resolution and printer driver information.