Category Archives: General IT Advice

General IT Advice, Timeslips, Uncategorized

The True cost of “If it Ain’t Broke, don’t Fix it”

Recently I got a call from a colleague. He was running into an issue with a Timeslips conversion from version 10.1 to Timeslips 2019.  To give you an idea of the difference in versions, Timeslips 2019 is technically version 27, so this was a pretty big leap in time and data.

Unfortunately, there were data issues with the conversion which led to very ambiguous error messages.  Our first challenge was to scramble to find a copy of a 17 year old Timeslips version so a better diagnoses and repair could be made. To give a car analogy – finding an intact Timeslips 10.5 is like finding an intact model T-Ford. Parts are hard to come by, and repairs will be more expensive.

Did anyone have a copy, what about install codes? Do we actually remember HOW to fix this type of error, and were the specific corrupt records critical? Documentation for data repair on older databases is not always easy to find.

Ultimately there was a happy ending to this story – the database was repaired, though the repair/conversion process took over 12 hours to complete.

The reality, however, was that it could easily have gone a different way. If we hadn’t had the resources (and a bit of luck), this would have resulted in an even more time consuming and costly project for the client. As it was, the cost included an extra 12 hours of consulting, plus extra down time for the firm without access to their billing.

Our policy is to support our clients, whether they are using “supported” versions of software or not, and we continue to do so. At the same time, it’s also important that firms understand the risk they are taking if they let years go by without periodically investing in keeping up with technology. Given that this is mission critical software, something to consider!

Leave your commentPosted by on November 19, 2018No Comments
General IT Advice, Timeslips, Uncategorized

Is My Timeslips Outdated?

Is it time to Upgrade (or change) our Software… ?

We’ve had several clients recently contact us after receiving a call from Sage Timeslips salespeople telling them about upgrade promotions or that they now have an increased risk of corruption or data failure.  While having unsupported software does have risks (see below), it doesn’t mean that you suddenly have an increased risk.

What does it mean to be on an unsupported Version? 

Timeslips currently supports Timeslips 2018 and Timeslips 2019.  If you are currently using any other version, this is an unsupported version of Timeslips.  You cannot add additional licenses, use Timeslips E-Center, or purchase electronic billing module (i.e. LEDES). It also means that there is no official technical support available to you. If something changes in your environment (like upgrading to Windows 10, or some other program that links with Timeslips) there could be compatibility issues. Remember it’s always critical to make sure you have a good backup!  Borek Consulting is always happy to assist you with technical support, even with unsupported versions.

What are the new features?

Each version brings new features and fixes along with it. Some recent features include a faster database, enhanced security, Lawpay integration, and A/R improvements. We can send you a list of new features introduced since your version, and discuss which ones would be applicable to your firm.

What is the cost?

The software cost depends on the number of licenses you need. Find out your current number of licenses by going to Help, then “About Timeslips” from the menu bar. Let us know the number of licenses you have, and the number you need (it can be more or less). We’ll be happy to send you a quote with the software cost along with a budget for installation, conversion and training so you can take advantage of the new features.

What about the promotions? Is this a good time?

Sage periodically offers promotional discounts. Borek Consulting can always honor these discounts. Since we are approaching the end of the year, this is a good time to consider. However, it is also important to make sure that your hardware meets the minimum system requirements, and that you are ready for an upgrade. Give us a call to discuss. 

Leave your commentPosted by on November 4, 2018No Comments
Amicus Attorney, General IT Advice, Time Management, Timeslips, Uncategorized

My Toyota Saga.. and how it relates to Software & Consulting – Part 2

As many of you know from my previous post, I recently had some car troubles that put me in a strikingly similar situation to one my clients occasionally encounter: executing the best plan of action in an emergency situation. (Click here for Part 1)

Like our clients sometimes do, I had to decide: Do I go with a short term “patch” (or “workaround”), or do I make a costly decision under pressure?

Some background: Since I bought my car, I had all maintenance done at the same dealership. Even though other facilities offered marginally lower pricing, I felt that, in the long-term, it would benefit me to continue with the dealership. In fact, this was my second Toyota with the same dealership. So when I called Toyota Corporate and they reviewed my records, thanks to my long term relationship and history, they offered me a significant discount on the repair. Another positive – a new hybrid battery improved the resale value and gave me some time to breathe.

So, how does this relate to software support and consulting?
– My long history with the dealership helped me to negotiate a better deal, just as our relationship with software vendors helps us in negotiating on our clients’ behalf.
– Long term planning versus “wait until it breaks” – an expensive lesson to learn. I hadn’t even started looking for a new car when I had this crisis, but you can bet I’ll be looking now! Our clients also need to be aware of the options available to them, whether it’s an upgrade to existing software, or researching to see what else is available to satisfy their needs.
– A backup plan – I didn’t have one at the time, so had to scramble and take a lot of unplanned time to deal with this issue, between the negotiation and repair time. While I could borrow a car to get around, I can’t get back the down time and stress. Our clients need to make sure that they have rock solid backups (you knew I was going to go there) and backup plans for when the unexpected happens.

Moving forward, I plan to purchase a new car by the end of the first quarter of 2017. Feel free to check in with me and make car recommendations!

Leave your commentPosted by on January 11, 2017No Comments
Amicus Attorney, General IT Advice, Time Management, Timeslips

My Toyota Saga…and how it relates to Software Support (Part 1)

I have a 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid, which I love. Ok, to be honest the love (like the original paint) may have faded over time. But the car has been good to me, and before I knew it I had driven it about 2 years longer than I originally planned. As I watched the odometer inch towards 100,000 (and the end of my warranty) I thought to myself that it was probably time to start looking for a new car. With my busy schedule and dread of the car buying process, I decided to wait until the spring. The milestone came and went, and before I knew it my car odometer was at 100,882 miles.

Of course you know what happened next – without warning, all kinds of bells and whistles went off about a week ago. Danger, Hybrid Engine System Check? A quick look at the owner’s manual told me it was not good news, confirmed by the look on the car dealership service manager’s face when I brought it in. To make a long story a little shorter, there was over $4000 in repairs to replace the hybrid battery system. Now what ??? Do I repair the vehicle or buy a new one while I’m in a bind?

As I found myself contemplating the philosophical choices that I’ve made (buy vs. lease, keep just a few months longer vs. risk being out of warranty), I realized that there was a stunning parallel to the world of consulting and the software that we support.

Many of our clients are in the same boat. They often question how long they can stretch their use of existing software – the mission critical systems that keep your firm running (calendar and docketing, time tracking and billing, and even e-mail.)

Firms make do with what they have for many reasons – they fear the increased costs, learning curve, or even down time. We often field questions about upgrading, benefits of support plans, and defining exactly what “unsupported” means. Why should they upgrade? The software is paid for! It’s working fine, why should they change? Or, maybe it’s not working great, but we’d rather deal with what we have than deal with transition.

We have always continued to support our clients, whether the software vendor supports the version or not – for as long as we are able. We continue this commitment to our clients.

However, based on recent events with my car (and new trends in the software industry), we also realize that it is imperative that we are clear about the risks of using an unsupported version of your software.

Risks may include:

– Extra Costs for time spent researching issues and getting resources (since official technical support will not be available)
– Unplanned downtime if your program is not working
– Living with software bugs or workarounds
– Limited (or no availability) to add licenses
– Compatibility issues with new operating systems or 3rd party links (accounting, billing, etc)

– In the worst case scenario there may be a domino effect of needing to upgrade multiple systems – hardware, operating systems, practice management software, billing software, etc. at a most inconvenient time.

If you’d like us to review your options, please call our office to schedule a complimentary telephone conference. We’ll be happy to discuss your current systems and help you create a timeline that suits your budget – and your tolerance for risk.

And as for me, and my car – what did I do? You can wait until Part 2, or e-mail me to find out, and I’ll tell you the rest of the story…

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Leave your commentPosted by on December 6, 2016No Comments

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Amicus Attorney, General IT Advice

BCG Planning Software Upgrade Blog/Announcement

Planning a software upgrade involves more than convincing the powers that be and placing the order. And once you’ve placed the order – now what?

Join Shari Borek of Borek Consulting Group on Tuesday, December 16th at 3:30 pm for a complimentary webinar where she reviews the essentials to consider when implementing a software upgrade. As a veteran Amicus President’s Club member and consultant, Shari will highlight some key factors necessary for making a smooth transition. Whether you are considering an upgrade or are ready to begin, you will not want to miss this valuable session.

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/120875311

Leave your commentPosted by on November 26, 2014No Comments
General IT Advice

“New Year’s Resolutions” – Not just for diets and budgets anymore!

Have you resolved to change or upgrade your Firm’s technology this year? Is your Bookkeeping Department ready for 2012?

Perhaps you would like to upgrade your practice management software, link it to an accounting software, or just learn to use it more efficiently.

Closing out 2011, while moving into 2012 can be challenging. You might need or want to start the year out with a new database, or additional software licenses.

If you’d like to change your software program, you will need to convert your existing data to the format of the new program and, perhaps, get some training.
Now is the time to address those needs and set a plan to move forward successfully.

Please give us a call so that we can set up a time to discuss your goals for 2012 and determine and plan for your success this year.

Leave your commentPosted by on January 17, 2012No Comments
General IT Advice

Backups

The topic of this article is : Back ups!

There are several questions to ask regarding the need for backups:

1) Do you need the data?
2) How angry will you be if you lose the information – for instance, if you cannot contact or bill or clients?
3) How long will it take to recover and re enter the lost information – assuming that it can be recovered?

Some data programs are set to automatically back up on a regular basis. Oftentimes, the back up cannot take place if an application is open or in use..This is why it is very important that you properly close down all of your computer programs when you leave for the day.

If you have ever had to reinstall your software, or if you have upgraded your software, you might recall that we asked you to do a back up just prior to the work being done.
This means you stored all of your current data in one place – an exterior hard drive, a thumb drive, on a disc, etc.- as a “back up” in case the data is damaged during the exchange or upgrade. It is unusual that such an error would happen, but it’s not impossible.

“We’re all set! We back up automatically every night.”

Too many times we’ve discovered – too late – that our clients have a false sense of security. We have encountered situations where our clients had gone to great lengths to back up their information, only to find that when they needed to restore files, the backup had been directed to the wrong database or, worse, no database at all.

You do not want to lose a year’s worth of financial and billing information, or all of your contacts or file notes. Where would you be without your calendar?

Make sure to verify that your data is being backed up properly, that the correct data is being backed up, and that it’s being backed up to the right place. We suggest that you ask your network consultant or IT specialist to verify your back up and to do a sample restore of the data to be sure that, if you ever need that back up, the information is where you expect it to be! We also suggest that you talk to your software consultant to ensure that all critical data is included in that back up.

Leave your commentPosted by on January 17, 2012No Comments