July  / 2008

 Speak Up and Be Heard !! This month we invite you to take a few minutes to complete our 2008 Customer Satisfaction Survey. In an ongoing effort to serve you better, Jonas Software reviews its products and services with clients, placing great value on customer suggestions and comments gathered from our annual survey.

Listed inside are all the dates and locations for the remaining 2008 Construction Tradeshows.  Check out what's new in your industry - HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, etc. This is an opportunity for you to discover new products and services and network with your peers. Team up the HVAC Comfortech tradeshow with the 2008 Jonas User Group in Atlanta, GA on September 11th, 2008.

Register by July 31st for the 2008 User Groups and Save!! This year we will be placing more emphasis on training and teaching you how to use your system more efficiently. Last year, the User Groups were geared more towards new products but this year we are shifting our focus to more training. You may not be using Jonas Software as efficiently as you could be, so this will be a full 8-hour day dedicated to teaching you different ways you can use the system more effectively, exploring what's new and demonstrating new and creative ways in which other clients are using Jonas Software. Click here for the information package.

General Ledger & Dispatch Board training is just around the corner. Learn how to control your dispatch board or how to create budgets and proper financial statements. Register now!  Are you a Jonas Expert? Test your knowledge using our frequently asked questions. We have new multi-level selling prices that can be used in Service Billing. Easily create preferred pricing for select customers and select parts.

Build your skills using our helpful hints section. Take advantage of new features including the configurable USA check design, task checklists for technicians, and J-mail parameters.  We have new tips that will assist you in maintaining your Jonas Software on a regular and ongoing basis.

Did you miss last month's edition of the Jonas Insider? Click here to quickly access important information about Jonas Software.

Your opinion matters!! We’d like to know what you think of our newsletter and how we can improve it to make it the best information tool possible. Please forward your suggestions to us via email.

Feature Article -  Customer Satisfaction Survey - Be Heard!!
Important Reminders- 2008 Tradeshows & 2008 User Groups
News & Events - General Ledger & Dispatch Board Training
FAQ’s
Helpful Hints  
Product Enhancements
Product Updates
Comic Relief
 

Here is a great opportunity for you to Speak Up and Be Heard!

Jonas Software continually reviews its product and services and places great value on customer suggestions and comments.
With this in mind, we invite you to take a few minutes to complete our
2008 Customer Satisfaction Survey. We use this feedback to add to our continuous improvement which we will focus on in the coming year. Thank-you for being a Jonas Software client.

2008 Construction Tradeshows
 
HVAC Comfortech
September 11th – 12th, 2008
Georgia World Convention Center
Atlanta, GA
Booth #438


 
MCA National Conference /Ciphex West/World of Plumbing  
September 25th – 26th, 2008
Hyatt Regency Hotel
Calgary, AB
Booth #647

ISH Trade Show
October 1st – 3rd, 2008
Georgia World Convention Center
Atlanta, GA
Booth #2052


 
NECA Trade Show
October 5h – 7th, 2008
McCormick Place Lakeside
Chicago, IL
Booth #764


 
ACCA Service Managers Forum 
October 9th - 10th, 2008
Doubletree Hotel Houston
Houston, TX


 
MSCA
October 13th, 2008
Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort
San Antonio, TX


 
IEC Electric Expo  
October 30th – 31st, 2008
Omni Hotel
Atlanta, GA
Booth #546

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A Sneak Peak at Version 11.9 teamed with high-level training to help you get everything you can out of Jonas Software!

Please join us at one of our 2008 Jonas User Groups. We will offer you expert insights on how you can use your system more effectively and give you an exclusive sneak preview of Version 11.9. Voice your opinion, share ideas and learn more.

Our annual one-day Conference will be held at six new and exciting locations. Based on your feedback from the 2007 User Groups, we will provide you with more training to accommodate all facets of your business. There will be separate sessions for service billing and job costing with a strong focus on high-level training for owners, controllers and project managers.  These sessions will be structured in a flexible fashion allowing those clients who operate in both industry types to attend both sessions.

This is your once-a-year opportunity to explore the new features coming in Version 11.9 AND learn about the many features available right now. Gain how-to knowledge of specific features and gather insight from customers who are also running the software.

The curriculum for our 2008 User Groups focuses heavily on process-oriented content and high-level reporting which will help you streamline workflow and integrate every area of your business.

This year we are introducing the “20 Things” series–designed to provide users of all skill levels a fun, rapid-paced rundown of some of the features you may not be using in your Jonas Software. Executives will find our Reporting Session essential for managing your projects and business.  Sessions such as Advanced Capabilities of Jonas Software and Custom Sharing 101 will outline key process that other companies are using that you may choose to implement.

Also, our industry-specific breakout session will give you the opportunity to provide valuable input on future Jonas Software enhancements and address any areas of concern.  Regardless of your Jonas Software knowledge or experience, you will come away with new tools and contacts to help you take full advantage of Jonas Software. As always, space is limited and we are expecting this event to sell out. Don’t delay! Register now and secure your seat at Users’ Conference 2008.

User groups are a great opportunity to meet fellow users and find out about the industry. Network with your peers in an informal knowledge-sharing environment.

We look forward to seeing you!

Dates & Locations

Select a User Group location and download the required registration form.  Please fill it out and email, fax or mail it to reserve your spot. 

Please remit full payment by check to Jonas Software.
IMPORTANT: Payment must be received or post-marked by the early registration deadline of July 31, 2008. Register early to qualify for the reduced rate.

Mail, fax or email completed registration form to:
Jonas Software 
2008 User Groups 
45 Vogell Road, Suite 500
Richmond Hill, Ontario
L4B 3P6

Phone: (800) 352-6647
Fax: (905) 886-8511
karoline.lapko@jonassoftware.com

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CLICK HERE TO MAKE A SUGGESTION FOR AN UPCOMING WEBINAR

JONAS is offering Webinar sessions led by well-known and experienced team members of Jonas. The upcoming Webinars are designed to help your business learn more about the Jonas modules, focusing on trouble-shooting procedures,  common questions and tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your Jonas software. Your specific questions about features and functionality are welcomed and always answered as part of the presentation. These courses offer valuable insight for experienced Jonas users as well as those who are new to Jonas.  Be sure to check back often, as new courses and dates are constantly being added. 

HELPING YOU GET
EVERYTHING YOU CAN
 OUT OF ALL YOU HAVE

General Ledger
Date & Location: Thursday, August 21st, 2008
Session Length:  2 1/2 - 3 hours
Session Time:  1:00pm EST
Location: Webex
Fee: $200 per connection
Trainer:  Jan Lech
Course Description: This course will cover everything there is to know about General Ledger. You will quickly learn how to trouble-shoot common problems including out of balance entries, G/L discrepancies, profit & loss issues, bounced cheques, recurring journal entries and much more. Also, we will teach you how to take advantage of our powerful reporting tools to generate budgeting systems, year end reports and financial statements. Spots are limited so register now. Spots are limited so register now.

Dispatch Board in Service Billing
Date & Location:  Thursday, August 28th, 2008 
Session Length:  2 hours
Session Time:  1:00pm EST
Location: Webex
Fee: $200 per connection
Trainer: TBD
Course Description: This course will cover everything there is to know about the dispatch board. It will take a look at the proper setup of your profile and teach you how to set up informative view codes and ticket views to help you save more time. Learn quick tips & tricks on how you can use the system more effectively. We will teach you how to use the scheduler, territory codes, the tool bar and how to design key reports and learn the overall movement and integration of the dispatch board.  Spots are limited, so register now.

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Service Billing - Multi-Level Selling Price
New Multi-Level Selling Price Tables can be established for Customers when a Service Billing is prepared.


Step 1 - Go to Inventory>Files>Parts/Invoicing Parameters and select "Sell Price Levels".


Step 2 - Establish a code for your different selling price levels. These will merge into the inventory for you to assign different prices levels for select parts.

 

Step 3 - Go to Service Billing>Files>Parts Markup/Travel Rate Tables Select the new codes you created and enter in the proper mark-ups for each.


Step 4 - In Inventory>Files>Parts Master, select "Sell Price" and enter the different prices for the new category codes for each part.

Step 5 - Once you have established the different price levels associated with each part, you can link the proper table to the Customer Master File. For example, customer "BARC" is a preferred customer.

Step 6 - When you create a work order, notice that the markup table will default to what is set up in the customer file.
 

Step 7 - When you prepare billings and you select an inventory part, the system will determine the proper selling price for that customer and work order. In this example, customer BARC has been established as a preferred customer (Step 5). The inventory part selected has a preferred price associated with it (Step 4. When charging that part to the work order, the system uses the preferred price associated to it.

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Tips for the Day
 
Tip #1
New Configurable USA Check Design
A standard configurable Payroll Check design (GJV22USA) has been created. A new Profile button is available in the Select Check Design program once the GJV22USA design is selected. The three standard "factory" profiles available can be copied and saved as a new profile, however the standards cannot be modified. Once a new profile has been created, the date format, amount, page alignment as well as many other fields can be customized.


Tip #2
Service Tickets - Print Task Check Lists
In the Service Billing System, users can now ensure accurate reporting by allowing your technicians to fill out detailed safety and warranty information regarding service requests on client's equipment. When this is bundled with Jonas Mobile, information can be entered on site and tied directly to a work order for later retrieval.


Tip #3
Parameters for J-Mail - New Mail Clients
Two more new mail clients have been added to the list of available clients that can be used to e-mail out of Jonas. The new 'C - Outlook COM' and 'P - PVX Email' mail clients both have the advantage of being able to CC and BCC multiple mail addresses in one e-mail. The PVX Email format uses the proprietary ProvideX e-mail function built into the Jonas platform. It requires the name of your SMTP server and CAN work with Mail Servers that require Password Authentication (click on the new Authentication button to configure this).

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New Jonas Software Website

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IS IT TIME FOR YOUR NEXT UPDATE???

It is important for Jonas users to perform Product Updates on a regular basis to ensure that you keep your Jonas Software current and problem-free. Check the website weekly as a new download is available every Tuesday.  It is advisable to install it immediately.

CURRENT VERSION
The current version for Jonas Software is 11.8.

HOW TO UPDATE??
There are two procedures to choose from to obtain the latest Release.

  1. Downloading from the Website.
  2. Installing the Product Update from a CD.

Before You Begin:

Determine the version of Jonas that you are currently running. If you are unsure, open Jonas and check the version number located in the bottom right hand corner of the screen. Ex. Version 11.6.034 (the release .034 indicates the release level).

 Downloading the Product Update from the Website

  1. Click on the Product Update that matches the version of Jonas software you are currently running. (Ex. 11.4 or 11.6) You cannot change versions via the website, only by loading a CD. Note that you might have to be above a specific Release level to be able to run a Product Update from the website. Notes at the side of the Product Update will tell you this.
  1. Choose the Save option. You will be presented with the SAVE AS screen display below.  Save the Product Update in the X:\GJCWIN\CUSTOM directory (where the X: is the logical drive letter that contains the Jonas programs - usually J:). Note: This is just a suggested directory, but not a mandatory location to save the Product Update. Then you can open and run it. After successful installation, log off Jonas and log back in order for the changes to take place.

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 Installing the Product Update from a CD

Advanced Release versions do require all users to be out of Jonas for the introduction of new data structures. Loading an update from a CD sent by Jonas will always require all users to be out of the system regardless of the version.

  1. Jonas recommends that if you are installing on a network that the Product Update be installed from a workstation. However, if installing the Jonas Product Update via Citrix or Terminal Server, it must be installed at the server console.

Note: Some operating systems, for example Windows 2000, may require you to log onto the server with full administrator / supervisor privileges.

  1.  Locate the Product Update using any technique (e.g. Windows Explorer or via the Run command on the Start button). Double click on the saved PUxxx.exe file.
  1. Wait 5 – 20 seconds and a window will appear. Step your way through the Welcome screens by clicking on Next.
  1. Choose the Destination Directory.  If the drive is not correct, please select browse and indicate the correct location. When the correct path is shown, click on Next.
  1. The Installation Complete screen will appear upon completion of the installation.
  1. Click on the Jonas for Windows icon. The program will automatically start rebuilding the screens and data files.

Version 11.8

We are currently releasing CD's to our clients for Version 11.8. This general release will help you grow and benefit from greater functionality with your Jonas Software by providing a seamless migration path. We anticipate a dispatch of 11.8 to all clients by the end of June 2008.

Your Jonas Software system update may include modifications, new or revised settings, key features and other items which will change your current system. We encourage you to check the release and enhancement notes from time to time for software updates and to always maintain your system to use the latest release of the software. (Administration>Release Enhancements)


Please visit the “Product Updates” section in the Jonas Insider for detailed instructions on installing a c.d. If you experience any difficulties, please contact customer support immediately.

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A husband with a computer addiction

My Dear Husband,

I am sending you this letter via this BBS communications thing, so that you will be sure to read it. Please forgive the deception, but I thought you should know what has been going on at home since your computer entered our lives TWO YEARS AGO. The children are doing well. Tommy is seven now and is a bright, handsome boy. He has developed quite an interest in the arts. He drew a family portrait for a school project, all the figures were good, and the back of your head is very realistic. You should be very proud of him.

Little Jennifer turned three in September. She looks a lot like you did at that age. She is an attractive child and quite smart. She still remembers that you spent the whole afternoon with us on her birthday. What a grand day for Jenny, despite the fact that it was stormy and the electricity was out.

I am doing well. I went blonde about a year ago, and discovered that it really is more fun! George, I mean, Mr. Wilson, the department head, has taken an interest in my career and has become a good friend to us all.

I discovered that the household chores are much easier since I realized that you didn't mind being vacuumed but that feather dusting made you sneeze. The house is in good shape. I had the living room painted last spring; I'm sure you noticed it. I made sure that the painters cut holes in the drop sheet so you wouldn't be disturbed.

Well, my dear, I must be going. Uncle George--err--Mr. Wilson, I mean, is taking us all on a ski trip and there is packing to do. I have hired a housekeeper to take care of things while we are away, she'll keep things in order, fill your coffee cup and bring your meals to your desk, just the way you like it. I hope you and the computer will have a lovely time while we are gone. Tommy, Jenny and I will think of you often. Try to remember us while your disks are booting.

Love,
Your Wife

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