Author: chimp

Making Timeslips Tasks or Timekeepers inactive – AKA “They should Have a Warning Label for this!”

Posted on by chimp

I recently assisted a client who had made some Timeslips activities inactive.
There were several “a-ha” moments during our conversation:

1) When you make tasks or timekeepers inactive in Timeslips, not only do the tasks/timekeepers get removed from the list, ALL slips associated with those items also get made inactive. This means that the inactive slips are not available for billing, history bills and will not appear in slip lists. They may also not be available for reports depending on your criteria. This can have a big impact, especially if you have unbilled time or costs.

2) However, unlike with purging data or other critical functions, there is no Timeslips warning when making tasks or timekeepers inactive. So firms often try this to trim their list of activities or remove former staff and do not realize the repercussions.

3) Instead of making the items inactive, try the low-tech option of adding a “z” in front of the task/timekeeper name. Since Timeslips shows these lists in alphabetical order, this will force the items to the bottom of the list, where they are less likely to be noticed or chosen.

This client was very fortunate for two reasons – because the process had gotten stuck, they reached out to me and I was able to educate him on the consequences. Secondly, because he had made a backup prior to starting the procedure and the process freezing, it was very easy to restore the backup and resolve the issue. Always make a backup before making a big change to the database!

Last Call for Timeslips 2019 Additional Licenses

Posted on by chimp

Timeslips 2019 support will end as of April 30, 2019. While this does not mean that Timeslips 2019 will stop working, for those firms who own this Perpetual (non-subscription) version of Timeslips, this means:

No further maintenance support releases will be issued
Add-ons such as additional licenses, E-Center, or LEDES electronic billing cannot be purchased**
Sage technical support will not be available.

**Important Action**

If you believe that your firm may need additional licenses within the next 6-12 months and you would like to continue with Timeslips 2019, I would highly recommend doing an anticipated “head count” and purchasing the additional licenses before April 30th. Please contact our office to do so, as only certified resellers such as Borek Consulting are authorized to sell Timeslips 2019 additional licenses.

As always, you have options available:

Upgrade to Timeslips 2020. This is the last version of Timeslips that is perpetual (owned). However, it’s important to note that Timeslips 2020 support will also end within the next 6 months (September 2020). At best, this is a short-term solution.
Upgrade to Timeslips Premium, the subscription version of Timeslips. New features will continue to be released periodically (in fact, the most recent update is March 2020). This requires annual renewal.
Continue with Timeslips 2019. Work with Timeslips certified consultants such as Borek Consulting when needed.
Transition to a different product.

We are happy to discuss any of the above options with you.

Best “New” Feature in Timeslips

Posted on by chimp

Recently, I’ve been upgrading a lot of firms to the latest version of Timeslips (see my blog post: https://borekconsulting.com/2019/07/the-end-of-timeslips-perpetual-licenses-is-near/). As with all my upgrades, following the conversion, we have a training session which includes both new features, and features I typically call “New For You”. These are functions that may not currently be in use at the firm, but have existed in their older version of Timeslips. Examples might include streamlining processes, customization, reports, shortcuts, etc.

Last week, a firm I was working with was absolutely delighted with the Timeslips feature of Abbreviations, which allows staff to use shortcuts to expand words, phrases, and sometimes even full paragraphs. This is a big time saver, especially when using the same terminology over and over again. They had not used this previously, and considered this one of the best new features. While the reality is that Timeslips has had this feature for over 25 years, it was new to them!

Carving some time to review features and tweak your use of Timeslips can make you and your staff more productive (even without an upgrade). We’re happy to help if you want to schedule an appointment.

What to do if you have an older version of Timeslips

Posted on by chimp

I’ve had many conversations since Timeslips recently announced policy changes. After 30 years of being a “Perpetual” product that is owned by the users, Timeslips has announced that moving forward Timeslips Premium (subscription based) will be the only product sold through its direct sales channel. This has caused some confusion for folks. What are the options?

Here’s a quick summary:

Stay with your current version of Timeslips. Currently, Timeslips only supports Timeslips 2019, Timeslips 2020, and Timeslips Premium. Your older version will still work, however you cannot get additional licenses, purchase add-ons, or get official technical support. Timeslips Solution Providers such as Borek Consulting Group can still provide support for your older version. We can generally handle your issues (though there are exceptions, especially with newer Windows or servers.). And if the software breaks due to a Windows Update there may not be many options available.

Upgrade to Timeslips 2020. For a limited time, we can upgrade your existing Timeslips to Timeslips 2020 – the latest (and last) version that is Perpetual (owned) and not subscription. Only Solution Providers can offer this option (not Sage direct). Contact us with the number of licenses you currently have, and we can assist with a quote.

Upgrade to Timeslips Premium. This requires an annual subscription, it includes new features being added to Timeslips Premium several times a year (vs. the once a year upgrade). This is a good option for those who want to be able have a consistent budget each year for software, and/or those who like having the newest features available.

Consider Alternatives to Timeslips. If you are considering cloud based software, or would like to have an all in one solution that has both practice management, and time & billing or accounting, this is a great time for a software evaluation and selection. Borek Consulting provides software selection as a service and we’d be happy to review available options. The initial call is complimentary.
As always, feel free to reach out if you have any questions!

Timeslips Upgrade Frequently Asked Questions

Posted on by chimp

1. Will my current database and reports convert? Yes, the entire current database will be converted and new features and functionality will be added during the upgrade and conversion process. Nothing will be lost.

2. Do I have to purchase the Premium Annual Subscription? Not yet. Sage decided to extend the ability to purchase licenses another year if purchased through a Sage Solution Provider/Consultant like Borek Consulting Group.

3. Will my current 2018 or earlier software install on my new Windows 10 computer or new server? Probably, but there is no guarantee on an unsupported version. In fact, there are known issues with Windows 10 and versions prior to Timeslips 2014. Attempting to install a version that old frequently results in errors, data corruption or it may not install at all. Support will not be provided by Timeslips.

4. Which Timeslips version works with E-Center? Only the current and immediate prior year’s versions of Timeslips will support E-Center. Currently, E-Center will only work with Timeslips v2019 or v2020.

5. Can I still buy additional licenses for my current version of Timeslips? Additional licenses can only be purchased for supported products. Currently, additional licenses can only be purchased for Timeslips v2019 or v2020.

6. What is the Premium Edition? The Timeslips Premium Edition is largely the same product as the “perpetual license” version with additional features such as Day View, Bill Reminders and company logo watermarks on reports. The primary difference is that it requires an annual subscription which includes the latest updates, upgrades and features at no additional cost. Moving forward, new features will only be added to Timeslips Premium.

7. What happens if I stop paying the annual Premium Subscription? Timeslips will give you several warnings that the database will be put in read only mode and you will no longer be able to add or change information until the subscription is renewed.

8. Is the Premium Edition a Cloud product? No, the Timeslips Premium Edition is still a desktop product. A hosted server is required if you want access while remote or a remote desktop type access.

9. What if the firm has a current Business Care Plan with Sage? Existing Support plans will be honored. At renewal, customers will have the option to select Timeslips Premium.

10. Will Borek Consulting still support my older version if we decide not to upgrade? Yes, we will continue to support your older version. However, there are limitations with what we can accomplish, especially if there is a bug fix needed or environmental issue beyond our control. Our resources are limited on expired products since Timeslips support will not be able to provide assistance. If at a future point you wish (or need) to upgrade, you will have no other option other than Premium. Your firm must decide the level of risk they are willing to take.

To request pricing information for your firm, please email with your current Timeslips version (year) and the number of computers currently using Timeslips. You can easily find this information by selecting Help/About Sage Timeslips from your Timeslips menu.