MIS Updates: what’s in them for you?
Regular software updates should be an important consideration for all integrated MIS packages. These updates may include: changes to screen styles, new functions in an existing module or area and increased ability for the user to modify the package to meet their needs. The December release of Q&P software included many changes. Dave Bell highlights some that are useful for growing companies:
Screen look and feel
We have selected a new look and feel for Q&P as the new screens now ship with a brushed metal finish as the default style. Additional styles can be selected or for those who would like their own stamp on the look of the screens, the style program (styler.exe) can be run to allow you to add or edit a particular style. Just as each user can have their own Windows desktop each of these styles can be selected on an individual basis within a company. Each users’ tastes are different, some now have wood grain paneling as their screen background.
Screen size
While screens default to 800 by 600 pixels, the default screen size for windows XP and all the characters are in the standard 8pt Windows sans serif system font, these too can be changed. If you have trouble reading these screens, you can increase the point size to 10 pt or 12 pt, and even change the font and colour.
Reduced screen clutter
While the Q&P command centre or main navigation area has changed, the user now only see the modules registered to the company. An additional security feature is that users who don’t have access to a module will no longer see the navigation buttons that give access to that module, eg general ledger or sales management.
Giving companies increased flexibility to work to their customers’ requirements is an ongoing process for MIS so now on the Q&P print preview screen the user is able to change document headings quickly. This is very useful when working for print brokers or in-house printers who want their own delivery dockets sent with the goods. A previous update enabled the design of quote letters in Micro Soft Word with Q&P merging the quote details with the quote letter. The quality requirements of different companies’ customers can be viewed easily from either the Quote or Job while multiple jobs can be put on the one invoice while still maintaining integrity.
Some clients have an insatiable need for reports and the Office Companion module meets their needs in a variety of formats.
So what is in an update for a MIS user? Check it out and see –there are several features that will make you more efficient or be better able to service your customers.
If these enhancements save you one minute per job that could be a week or more of your time saved each year.
Regular software updates should be an important consideration for all integrated MIS packages. These updates may include: changes to screen styles, new functions in an existing module or area and increased ability for the user to modify the package to meet their needs. The December release of Q&P software included many changes. Dave Bell highlights some that are useful for growing companies: