June  / 2008

 Register now for our 2008 Annual User Groups!! This month's featured article presents the dates, locations and detailed agenda for this informative one-day event. Take advantage of the industry-specific breakout sessions, product development and networking opportunities with fellow users and Jonas Software experts.

Gary Jonas Computing is excited and pleased to announce the acquisition of Vertical Market Software (VMS), a leading provider of software to the Service-Oriented Contractor. VMS brings to Jonas its vast experience and achievements for evolving products. The collaboration between Jonas Software and VMS will accelerate the introduction of new and innovative convergent services for industry specialized software.

Payroll Deductions Formulas for Computer Programs - 87th Edition - Effective July 1, 2008. Take a look at our important reminders to view the new changes for payroll.

Job Cost Report Generation & Service Billing training is just around the corner. You have been asking and finally it's here! Learn how to create useful job costing reports using our report generation module. Register now for one of our WebEx on-line sessions to ensure that you consistently achieve rapid and sustainable results using Jonas Software. Our exceptional customer-focused training will enable you to get the most from your Jonas Software.

General Release Version 11.8 is being dispatched to you!! Don't be left behind. We are currently releasing CD's to our clients for Version 11.8. Look inside to view the General Release version features, greater enhancements and improvements.

Are you a Jonas Expert? Test your knowledge using our frequently asked questions. We have solutions to common questions on website security and how you can view notes for inventory parts. Build your skills using our helpful hints section. Take advantage of new features for the dispatch board and in report generation. We have new tips that will assist you in maintaining your Jonas Software on a regular and ongoing basis.

Are you a Homebuilding Subcontractor? Take a look at our new Homebuilder module designed for Residential, Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing and Carpentry Contractors. Learn how this new module handles complexities associated with tracking trades and billings for multi-lot projects.

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 -  2008 User Groups - Register before July 31st, 2008
Important Reminders- VMS Acquisition
News & Events - Job Cost Report Generation & Service Billing Training
FAQ’s
Helpful Hints  
Product Enhancements- Homebuilder Subcontractors
Product Updates
Comic Relief
 

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

Jonas Software Acquires Vertical Market Software

We are pleased to announce that Jonas Software has acquired Vertical Market Software (VMS) as of June 2, 2008. VMS is a Pensacola, Florida based company that develops and supports an integrated accounting, job cost and service solution. VMS has over 250 clients operating in the HVAC, Mechanical, Petroleum Equipment and other construction-related markets.

We are very excited to be working with the VMS team and will be continuing to support the existing client base and sell new systems. There will be limited crossover between VMS and Jonas staff as we plan to keep all but our administrative activities completely separate. In Jonas and VMS, we have two very strong products and we will continue to invest in both of them over the long-term and the two companies will continue to compete with each other for new business.

Over time we will look to share some newer applications (Mobile, Document Management, eService) to increase the amount of resources we have available to work on these projects. Beyond this there will be no impact on the day-to-day operations of Jonas or our client base.

If you have any further questions regarding the acquisition, please contact Will Anderson.

An important announcement regarding your July 1, 2008 Canadian Payroll Update

There are no changes to the federal tax rates, income thresholds or personal amount required for the July 1, 2008 Payroll Update. Changes announced in recent 2008 Provincial Budgets influence only Newfoundland and Labrador, British Columbia and Ontario. All other provinces have no changes to provincial/territorial tax rates or other areas relating to payroll.

Important Note:
The Canadian changes still are not finalized from CRA. They are currently still in draft form. Jonas Software has created a calculation program which will be posted on the website next week.

The changes only really affect clients in BC and NL. Please be advised that if you are using the calculation program for any pay periods that fall between June 20 and June 30, a message will prompt asking you if you would like to use the July tax tables. Please answer No unless you have the July tax tables and want to use them.

2008 Provincial Budget Highlights
Newfoundland and Labrador – Changes have been made, as follows, to the provincial tax rates and tax brackets:

• 7.7% (formerly 8.7%) on income less than or equal to $30,215;
• 12.8% (formerly 13.8%) on income greater than $30,215, but less than or equal to $60,429; and
• 15.5% (formerly 16.5%) on income greater than $60,429.

British Columbia – Changes have been made, as follows, to the provincial tax rates and tax brackets:

• 5.13% (formerly 5.35%) on income less than or equal to $35,016;
• 7,81 % (formerly 8.15%) on income greater than $35,016, but less than or equal to $70,033;
• 10.5% on income greater than $70,033, but less than or equal to $80,406:
• 12.29% on income greater than $80,406, but less than or equal to $97,636: and
• 14.7% on income greater than $97,636.

Ontario – The provincial labour-sponsored funds tax credit (factor LCP) has been changed. Retroactive to January 1, 2007, the maximum investment that can qualify for the tax credit has been increased to $7,500 (formerly $5,000).

Note: Listed are the draft numbers which may be subject to change. Please confirm accurate figures on the Government website.

In mid-June you will be able to download the July 1, 2008 Canadian Payroll Update through the Support section of our Jonas website.

Downloading the Payroll Update ensures that your company has the latest published government payroll changes when you need them, without the frustration of mail delays or the possibility of receiving a damaged CD. The Jonas system is date-sensitive; thus we recommend that you load the update immediately.

To access the Jonas Support section of the website you must have a User Name and Password for your company. User Names and Passwords are assigned by Jonas. If you need one, please email Jonas Software.

If you’d prefer to receive a Payroll Update by mail, please email Jonas Support. Unless we hear from you, we assume you will be upgrading your payroll via the Jonas website.


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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

Job Cost Report Generation
Date & Location: Thursday, July 10th, 2008
Session Length:  2 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 creating job cost reports using the report generation module. We will present task-based, real-world scenarios covering the design, coding, and implementation of reports. You will quickly learn how to use the data fields, set conditions and understand the coding and secure key reports. We will teach you the fundamentals of reporting which will ensure your jobs are profitable. Spots are limited so register now.

Service Billing
Date & Location:  Thursday, July 31st, 2008 
Session Length:  2 1/2 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 Service Billing. It will take a comprehensive look at the setup of cost types, cost items, sales categories and GL rules. This will help you better understand the overall integration of service billing which serves an important purpose when generating reports.  Emphasis will be placed on key flags, common phrases, territory codes, various billing methods and how to effectively use labour, material and equipment and parts mark-up tables. Spots are limited, so register now.

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How can I control user access to the Jonas website?


It is advantageous to allow your users access to the Jonas website. There is a lot of information available there that can enhance users’ facility using Jonas and increase their knowledge.

However, most clients would not want all users access to their Jonas account, product updates, etc.

At Jonas, we initially set up one user with a password with full access to the Jonas website. If you do not know your login and password, please contact Jonas support.

The primary support contact or system administrator can log into the Jonas website using this login and setup individual accounts for each user or group of users in their organization controlling their access.

Upon logging in, select the first tab My Account > User Account Administration.


This opens a screen where the user ID can be setup. To add a user, click on +Add a New User
 


A new screen opens allowing you to input a user name or group name, and pertinent information including e-mail address. There is also a field for selecting an access level – Management, Support or View only. Management access has full access to everything on the website. Support can log a call and also see all previously logged calls as well as access to the Knowledge Base.

View Only cannot log support calls but can see the status of previous calls and has access to the Jonas Knowledge Base
 

 
When you have completed setting up the user, click on Submit changes. When you have finished setting up your users, click on Return to Main Account Administration to finish.

How can I view the notes for a specific part number?

Select the part number in the F2 look-up and and click on the blue toggle button located at the bottom right hand corner of the screen.
 


This will automatically populate the notes associated with this part number.

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Tip of the Day

Tip #1
In 11.8 a new flag "Display open time segments when tickets are removed" has been added to show tickets on the Dispatch Board if there are incomplete time segments on current work orders.

 
Tip #2
 A new code has been added to Job Cost Report Generator when designing user defined reports. @JAD will report on Job Address information found in the Job Master file. ie.@JAD1, @JAD2, @JAD3 will show first three fields indicated in the Job Address.
 

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HOMEBUILDING SUBCONTRACTORS

Benefits

  • Designed for residential Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing and Carpentry Contractors
  • Handles complexities associated with tracking trades and billings for multi-lot projects
  • Customer Focused with easy to use pre-defined selection screens for showroom sales

 
Features
  • Easy to create each job lot, including model templates and tracking the extras for each model
  • Lot status screen shows dispatcher and status of each model and is able to assign work as required
  • "Certificate of Completion" information received from the field and status reports are processed through the Billings
  • Warranty inquiry screen allows you to retrieve information pertaining to specific civic address
  • Setup areas, fixtures and accessories for intuitive sales selections
  • Progress bill invoices
  • Visually see task schedule and material requisition status from billing screen

Please click here to request more information.

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IS IT TIME FOR YOUR NEXT UPDATE???

It is important for Jonas users to be performing 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 and 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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