What’s New List for Version 14.3
of Tabs3 and PracticeMaster Software

 

Improved Loading Time

• Significant improvements have been made to reduce the time it takes to load Tabs3 and PracticeMaster in a networked environment when multiple users are simultaneously accessing the programs.

 

PracticeMaster Outlook Plug-In

• Added new PM Calendar and PM Fee buttons to the PracticeMaster Toolbar in Outlook.
• Added the ability to create PracticeMaster Calendar Records and Fee Records from e-mail messages while using Outlook.
• Added the ability to track in Outlook which e-mails have been journaled and calendared as well as which e-mails have been converted to fee records for billing purposes. Added three new user-defined fields (i.e., columns) to Outlook. These fields make it very easy to determine whether an e-mail has been converted to a PracticeMaster calendar record, fee record, or journal record.
• When creating a journal record from an e-mail message, a streamlined window is now displayed that allows you to easily assign clients or related parties, modify or remove attachments, and save the journal record without having to open the journal file directly. A Details button provides quick access to the complete journal record.
• Added the ability to retrieve a PracticeMaster journal record, calendar record, or fee record linked with an e-mail message directly from Outlook. This only applies to records created in Version 14.3. Previously, the integration only allowed creation of new journal records.
• Added the ability to toggle whether a link is created between the e-mail and the Journal, Calendar or Fee record. PracticeMaster can maintain links for one Journal, Calendar and Fee record. However, by toggling the Linking On button to Linking Off, additional records can be created that are not linked, thereby allowing multiple records to be created from a single e-mail.
• Added the ability to define a default Calendar Code to be used when converting e-mail messages to calendar records.
• Outlook no longer needs to be closed when installing or updating the software. If it is open, it simply needs to be restarted for the new changes to take effect.

 

PracticeMaster E-mail Enhancements

• Added a graphical icon for e-mail messages that have been forwarded.
• Added a graphical icon for e-mail messages that have been replied to.
• Added a Move to Folder button to move messages to other folders when integrating with an extended MAPI e-mail program, such as Microsoft Outlook. Previously, this function was only available via a right-click menu option.
• Added buttons to the E-mail toolbar for creating calendar records or fee records from a selected e-mail message. Previously, these functions were available only via right-click options.
• Added the ability to retrieve (i.e., load) a journal record, calendar record, or fee record associated with an e-mail message. This only applies to records created in Version 14.3. Previously, the integration only allowed creation of new records.
• When creating a journal record from an e-mail message, a streamlined window is now displayed that allows you to easily assign clients or related parties, modify or remove attachments, and save the journal record without having to open the journal file directly. A Details button provides quick access to the complete journal record.
• Added the ability to track which e-mails have been journaled and calendared as well as which e-mails have been converted to fee records for billing purposes.
• Added three new user-defined fields (i.e., columns) to the PracticeMaster E-mail List and to Outlook. These fields make it very easy to determine whether an e-mail has been converted to a calendar record, fee record, or journal record.
• Changed the Create Journal Record, Create Calendar Record, and Create Fee Record right-click menus to Create/Load Journal Record, Create/Load Calendar Record, and Create/Load Fee Record to indicate that you can retrieve (i.e., load) previously linked PracticeMaster records directly from the PracticeMaster E-mail program. This only applies to linked records created in Version 14.3.
• Added the ability to toggle whether a link is created between the e-mail and the Journal, Calendar or Fee record. PracticeMaster can maintain links for one Journal, Calendar and Fee record. However, by toggling the Linking On button to Linking Off, additional records can be created that are not linked, thereby allowing multiple records to be created from a single e-mail.
• Added the ability to specify a default Calendar Code to be used when converting e-mail to calendar records.
• Changed sorting in the E-mail List to always sort e-mail in date order in addition to any other sort selection used.
• Added the ability to right-click any file listed in a File Type field and create a new e-mail with that file attached.
• The date and time the e-mail was Received is now shown on the Read E-mail window.
• The Carbon Copy (CC) field is shown on the Preview Pane while viewing an e-mail.
• Outlook no longer needs to be closed when installing or updating the software. If it is open, it simply needs to be restarted for the new changes to take effect.

 

Printable Entry Lists

• Added the ability to print the list shown at the bottom of the transaction data entry windows.
• The Print List icon is available in the following areas:
  • Tabs3 - Fees, Costs, Payments, and Client Funds
  • Accounts Payable Software – Invoices and Manual Checks
  • General Ledger Software – Journal Entries
  • Trust Accounting Software – Trust Transactions (checks, deposits, and EFTs)
• The list can be printed, generated as a PDF file in the DropBox, previewed to the screen, or saved to an HTML, TXT, or PDF file.
• Drill-down editing capabilities are available when the list is previewed.
• The printed list reflects the same contents displayed, which is filtered based on the View Options specified (i.e., Transaction Date, Entry Date, Timekeeper, User ID, etc.).
• The sort order of the records reflects the same order displayed.

 

What’s New Menu ***New***

• Added a What’s New menu to the Help | Internet Resources menu that takes you directly to a What’s New List page on the Internet.

 

 

Client Server Version Software (CSV)
Version 14.3

 

HotBackup *** New Feature - Windows Version Only ***  

• New HotBackup feature backs up data while other users are using the software.
• Schedule HotBackups to be performed as often as you like.
  • Easily schedule HotBackups on weekdays, every day of the week, or specific days at a desired time.
  • Easily suspend HotBackups temporarily.
• HotBackup Notification lets you optionally send one or more e-mail messages to anyone when a HotBackup fails or succeeds.
  • Powerful new Customized Description feature lets you design custom e-mail messages.
  • Includes the ability to use variables for the type of message (i.e., Success or Failure), HotBackup Name, User Name, and Start and Stop Times within the e-mail subject and body.
  • Configure and create as many messages as you like.
• HotBackup runs in the background.
  • The software does not need to be open for scheduled HotBackups to run.
  • The software can be closed after starting a manual HotBackup.
• HotBackup configuration options include:
  • Number of recent HotBackups to keep (up to 99).
  • Number of previous HotBackups to archive (up to 99).
  • Location for HotBackups. 
• Recent and Archive folders make it easy to include the most current backups and exclude the oldest backups when using a third-party backup program to back up to external media where storage space is an issue.
• New HotBackup screens:
  • Distinguish between tasks that can cause data loss if interrupted and tasks that are difficult to undo.
  • Utilize stop light images to indicate the few times when you will have to wait for a HotBackup to complete, and when you can proceed once a HotBackup has been started.
  • Indicate the date and time of the last HotBackup, and how long it took to make.

·         The HotBackup Vault tracks existing HotBackups and statistics. For each HotBackup, the following information is shown:  HotBackup location, whether it was a scheduled HotBackup or an on-demand HotBackup, which user made the HotBackup, the start time, end time, and whether it was successful or not. A separate detailed report can be run for any HotBackup in the HotBackup Vault.

• HotBackup allows you to back up an unlimited amount of data.
• HotBackup replaces the built-in Back Up Data Files program used by non-CSV software, but does not replace your secondary external backup program.
• A few infrequently used utility programs (i.e., exclusive tasks) still require no other users be in the software when a HotBackup is made.
• The HotBackup feature is not available for Novell NetWare Client Server Version users.

 

Restore HotBackup   *** New Feature - Windows Version Only ***

• The Restore HotBackup wizard is used to restore a HotBackup to either its original folder or an alternate folder.
• The software does not have to be running in order to restore. All data files and the restore program is included in the HotBackup folder, thus making it easy to restore from other media, such as a CD, DVD, tape drive, or USB flash drive.
• Restore HotBackup replaces the built-in Restore Data Files program used by non-CSV software.
• The Restore HotBackup feature is not available for Novell NetWare Client Server Version users.

 

Accelerators for Tabs3 and PracticeMaster   *** New Feature - Windows Version Only ***

• Tabs3 and PracticeMaster Accelerators work with STI Server to provide dramatic enhancements in report-generating performance.
• The Accelerators shift data processing workload from the workstation to the STI Server, thus further minimizing the network traffic between workstations and the STI Server. Less data is transferred across the network, thus taking less time. Furthermore, calculations and processing is performed using the STI Server, which typically has more sophisticated resources available−altogether providing truly superior report-generation performance. A detailed list of all reports that use the new accelerators can be found in our Knowledge Base in Article R11182, Tabs3 and PracticeMaster Accelerators.
• Accelerator processing occurs automatically; no user interaction is required.
• The Accelerator feature is not available for Novell NetWare Client Server Version users.

 

Transaction Processing

• New Transaction Processing feature provides even more reliability to users of Tabs3 and PracticeMaster Client Server Version Software (CSV).  Transaction Processing safeguards you from unfortunate events that would otherwise require you to restore your Tabs3 and PracticeMaster data from a backup. Transaction Processing and Auto-Recovery work together to greatly minimize any downtime due to computer failure, electrical problems, and fatal errors, which helps ensure your data is safe and minimizes data corruption whenever possible.
• With Transaction Processing, the new Auto-Recovery feature automatically recovers data from a safe point in the event the server is interrupted (i.e., shut down improperly due to power loss, hardware failure, etc.). If a non-exclusive task is interrupted, you simply need to rerun the task. For example, if the server is interrupted while you are running the Update Statements program, you simply need to rerun the task as opposed to restoring from a backup (which you would have to do when using standard multi-user software).
• Auto-Recovery also protects data on the server in the event a workstation is interrupted. For example, if a workstation is running the Transfer Transactions program and the power cord is disconnected, STI Server will detect that the process was not fully completed and will automatically undo the changes made by the workstation. The process can simply be restarted from any workstation.
• With Auto-Recovery, it is no longer necessary to create temporary backups before running various non-exclusive functions. When using Client Server Version software, the following functions no longer prompt for a backup before being run:
  • Tabs3 – Update Statements
  • Tabs3 – Reverse Write Off
  • Tabs3 – Undo Updated Statements
  • TAS – Void Checks
  • APS – Transfer Invoices
  • APS – Unpost Unpaid Invoices
  • APS – Void/Reprint Unposted Checks
• Transaction Processing works with all Tabs3 and PracticeMaster CSV software.
• Transaction Processing works behind the scenes, so there is no need to change how you use the software.
• Transaction Processing requires no configuration or setup – it is ready to go as soon as you install and start using the software.

• Read more about Transaction Processing and Auto-Recovery in our Knowledge Base on the Internet at www.support.Tabs3.com in KB Article R11175 - Transaction Processing.

 

Windows & Novell Versions

• Client Server Version (CSV) 14.3 is now compatible with Novell NetWare networks. However, the new HotBackup and Report Accelerator features are only available for Windows Client Server Version users.

 

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