It's About Time

Timeslips 2012 Service Release Issues

While the Timeslips 2012 Service Release does fix a few annoying issues, it creates a new "annoying issue".  We have found that after installing the Service Release for Timeslips 2012, all the bill layouts and reports have a right margin of approximately .25".  It's only a problem if you are printing a hard copy directly to the printer.  If you print to PDF and then print a hard copy of the PDF the margins are correct.  The other solution is to not install the service release.  Hopefully, Sage will issue another service release for Timeslips 2012 that addresses this issue.

Timeslips 2012: Install Now?

My rule-of-thumb with all new software is to purchase now (or when prices are low) and install after the first service or maintenance release.  This is also the case with Timeslips 2012.  There have been a couple of issues that could be problem for some users.  Timeslips has issued "patches" for both problems.  I recommend that you contact Timeslips to get one or both patches if you need to install your Timeslips upgrade before the first service release comes out.  If you can wait for the service release, both patches will be included along with other minor program changes.

One thing to keep in mind if you are waiting for the service release before you install your software:  Timeslips free 30-day technical support starts on the day you place your order.  By waiting for the service release, you may forfeit your free 30-day support. 

 

Bye-Bye Timeslips Remote

Sage has just announced that Timeslips Remote will no longer be sold after May 1, 2011.  If you are currently using Timeslips Remote, it will continue to work with your existing version as well as the new Timeslips 2012 when it is released later this year. 

Timeslips Remote is being replaced by eCenter, the web-based time and expense tracking system.  Most users find this product much easier to use than the Timeslips Remote.  We have been recommending Timeslips eCenter to most our clients with remote users for the past few years. 

If you would like to try it out, click here to be connected to the test version

Timeslips 2011 - Electronic Payments

Does your firm accept credit cards for payment?  Did you know that you can now process those payments right from your Timeslips payment entry screen.  It's a huge timesaver.  Please contact me if you would like more information on how to get set with Sage Payment Solutions and start processing your credit card payments the quick and easy way.  (561) 416-9288 or email joanh@compuaid-inc.com. 

Timeslips 2011 - Better Performance

A new Timeslips 2011 feature can be found under Setup, Performance Settings.  You can now choose to en able to disable certain features on specific workstations.  In the past, one of big performance hogs was the interface to Microsoft Outlook.  Now you can let each user choose whether or not they want the feature turned on.  The Accounting Link was another issue.  Usually only one person needs access to the accounting link.  Now you can have that link active on only the workstations that need it. 

Nice new feature!

 

 

 

Help with Electronic Billing for Law Firms in the U.K. as well as the U.S.

We can now provide assistance to Timeslips users in the U.K. as well as the U.S. with our flexible hours and remote, on-line support options. 

More and more of your clients are requiring you to submit your bills electronically using the LEDES or one of several other electronic billing formats.  It's as simple as purchasing the electronic billing option for Timeslips.  Let Compu-Aid help you with the set up and transmission.  Call (561) 416-9288 or email me at joanh@compuaid-inc.com.

Save Money - Enter Your Time Daily

Did you know that people that enter their timesheets once a month spend more than twice as much time on the process as those diligent souls that enter their time every day?  Not to mention the loss of accuracy when entering time just once a month. 

Timeslips has the TS Timer option that allows you to "start the clock" instantaneously from the system tray on your desktop. Use the TS Timer if you want to capture more billable time as well as save time on data entry.  

If you are interested in reading more about timesheet entry statistics, click here

Timeslips 2011 - Process Credit Card Payments

Another one of my favorite new features in Timeslips 2011 is the ability to process credit card payments directly in the payment entry portion of Timeslips.  It's a huge time saver for anyone that accepts credit cards for payment.  You don't need to purchase credit card swiping devices.  You can use Sage Payment Solutions Virtual Terminal.  However, it will also process your entry if you swipe credit cards.  

The payment entry process begins just like a check deposit entry, however, the payment entry screen has some new fields and options.  

  You can now choose the type of payment:  check, cash or a variety of credit card and debit card options.

Once you have selected one of the credit card options, a new button , "Card Options" appears

Clicking on the Card Options will allow you to process the payment.  The next screen that appears will allow you to manually enter the credit card number or swipe the card. 

That's it!  You've now processed the credit card with the merchant account as well as entered the payment in Timeslips.  It couldn't be easier.

Call or email me if you would like to learn how you can get set up with Sage Payment Solutions.  (561) 416-9288 or email joanh@compuaid-inc.com.

Timeslips 2011 - A Favorite New Feature

Some of you may have already installed Timeslips 2011; others are waiting for the announcement of that coveted first service release.  Either way, I thought now would be a good time to review some of my favorite new features, which I will do over the coming weeks.  If you haven't ordered Timeslips 2011 yet, this might give you some motivation.

List Views

You can now change what appears on your Time and Expense List as well as the Accounts Receivable List.  Following are some ideas:

Time and Expense List:

  Right click on any of the column headings and choose Customize Fields .

There are a variety of things that you can now do.  You might simply want to re-order the columns.  Just select the column heading from the "First Row" or "Second Row" group and use the up and down buttons to move it to the desired position. You can also remove an item by positioning your cursor on that item and pressing the left arrow button that appears in the center of the screen.  In my example, I am going to remove the Bookmark indicator, Notes Indicator and Jobs from the "Second Row".  In their place, I'm adding the "Billed Value" and "Profitability" as well as the "Slip Hold Indicator".  Remember, these can be moved around to position anywhere you want.  There are many more field options that you can experiment with.  Here is what the Time and Expense list looks like now.

 

Accounts Receivable List:

The standard accounts receivable list view has just one row.  You can now add a second row to your view.  You begin the selection process the same as you do with the Time and Expense list.  In my example, I'm adding a lot of credit card payment information.  If you are using Sage Payment Solutions with Timeslips (another favorite new feature), you can process your credit card payment directly in Timeslips.  Ive added the Authorization #, Credit Card #, Electronic payment indicator and VAN Reference to the second row of the Accounts Receivable List.  Here is how it looks:

If you have not upgraded or ordered your Timeslips 2011, you can still take advantage of the discounted prices.  There is even FREE shipping during the month of August.

Click here for a price list and ordering information or call (561) 416-9288.

Timeslips Installation and Reinstallation Codes

When you first install your Timeslips program or upgrade, You are prompted to print and save the installation and reinstallation codes.  I've know some people who do exactly as told.  They print out the installation codes and place it in the case or box with the original Timeslips software.  However, that doesn't always happen.  The only time this becomes super important is when you need to reinstall your Timeslips:  hard drive crashes or the computer gets replaced.  What's the alternative?

Now might be a good time to do this:  Open Timeslips, click on Help, About Timeslips.  Click on the Support button at the bottom of the screen.  This will bring you to the statistics screen.  You will see your installation code, reinstallation code and serial number.  You can view this in text mode and print it out; put it in a safe place and/or save it on your hard drive.  If you save it on a hard drive, I would recommend saving it both on the server as well as a local hard drive.  In the event the server crashes, you will have a copy on the local drive.  

There is one other place you can find the installation and reinstallation codes if you can't open your Timeslips program, but can still access the Timeslips program folder on the server.  Look for a file called TSCODREIN.TXT.  This file has the same information that can be found in the data statistics in your Timeslips program. 

Bottom line:  print a copy and keep it with your software CD.  You won't be sorry.