What is new about this "New" generation of Business Partner Estimating Software?
To stay with one of the prime tenants of Business Partner software, simplicity has been enhanced throughout the new Navigation methodology, which has been completely reimagined. In the old version, we did the best we could to provide what today is referred to as a tabbed interface. We came pretty close considering the engine we had to work with, but there were times you had to go to the Main Menu, then to a particular database, then back to the Main Menu, then back to where you were.
Today, almost everything you do is done from the same place. Even adding a new Accessory, Trim or Molding can be done on the fly, right in the job. My best description of the new interface is that virtually everything is in front of you and available at all times.
Speed has been enhanced on several levels, the first being the FileMaker version itself, along with the fact that there are no longer multiple databases, just one data file. The tabbed interface itself utilizes less resources than the old multi-layout methodology of the old version.
The speed of a hosted version is less about your processor and more about your internet connection (most everyone has really fast internet connections now, and they will only continue to get faster and faster). The servers your file will be hosted on utilize Solid State Drives, the latest and greatest and fastest drives available.
So here are a few new features you will love:
To stay with one of the prime tenants of Business Partner software, simplicity has been enhanced throughout the new Navigation methodology, which has been completely reimagined. In the old version, we did the best we could to provide what today is referred to as a tabbed interface. We came pretty close considering the engine we had to work with, but there were times you had to go to the Main Menu, then to a particular database, then back to the Main Menu, then back to where you were.
Today, almost everything you do is done from the same place. Even adding a new Accessory, Trim or Molding can be done on the fly, right in the job. My best description of the new interface is that virtually everything is in front of you and available at all times.
Speed has been enhanced on several levels, the first being the FileMaker version itself, along with the fact that there are no longer multiple databases, just one data file. The tabbed interface itself utilizes less resources than the old multi-layout methodology of the old version.
The speed of a hosted version is less about your processor and more about your internet connection (most everyone has really fast internet connections now, and they will only continue to get faster and faster). The servers your file will be hosted on utilize Solid State Drives, the latest and greatest and fastest drives available.
So here are a few new features you will love:
- Version 6 takes advantage of the new wide format screens, thus a lot less crowded screens.
- Add On The Fly feature added to Accessories and to Trim and Molding.
- Additional finish process selection on the Material Selection pages (you can choose the finish for every item now, not just Interior, Exterior and Trim). This is most beneficial when you have something like a Decorative Laminate Veneer Doors and Drawer Fronts, but finished end panels, toe kick, etc.
- Password User Levels (you can allow a sales person to create Estimates and Proposals without exposing your secret sauce to the salesperson). They can't see or change Labor Rates, Markups or any of the Detailed Reports.
- Type Ahead Search Feature added to all List Views.
- Material Entry of Cabinets now includes door model and drawer model (no jumping back and forth between pages to see that info).
- Item Cost Detail page displays a list view that allows you to see the cost of many items without the need to return to the Material Entry page to select another item.
- The Math on the Item Cost Detail page is reformatted to correctly show the difference in an Outsourced item as opposed to an In-house item (depending on your states sales tax structure, the cost may change from In-house to Outsource).
- Face Frame Cabinetmaker's can now turn off Leg Levelers, Suspension Blocks and Suspension Rail (no more pesky error messages).
- You can now edit the Delivery Cost Description on your Estimates and Proposals.
- All Date fields now use a calendar to pick dates rather than having to type the date (you can still type the date if you want to).
- There is now a sort toggle that allows you to select your cabinet type, and you only see the type cabinets you manufacture when selecting cabinets to add to a project (ex: Face Frame verses Full Access).
- No Key or Dongle needed, and you can edit all the Company Setup fields with one exception. We hard code your company name into your version.
- A new Dashboard that only shows jobs that you have worked on in the number of days you choose to display. So if it is set to 120, you will only see jobs that you have opened in the past 120 days. Makes it quick and easy to find a job.
- True Multi-User versions available. All users can work in the program at the same time, and you will see no discernible difference in speed.
