Tag Archives: Timeslips

How and Why Firms are Switching from Timeslips to Clio

Shari was recently asked to participate in an Experts Panel about why Firms are Switching from Timeslips to Clio

Some key takeaways:

Adapting to a new system:
– Get buy in from key staff
– There’s no “overnight” solution, it takes planning, patience and commitment to the process
– Invest in training

Common Roadblocks
– Make sure that your data is in good shape prior to conversion (this applies to all types of conversions!)
– Do your due diligence and make sure all key factors (or deal breakers) are reviewed

If you have any questions, or would like to learn more please contact us: https://borekconsulting.com/contact/

Leave your commentPosted by Shari Borek on September 9, 2021No Comments

Timeslips, Uncategorized

Timeslips New Tiers FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

We only need one additional license for my existing Timeslips, can we purchase separately?

You cannot purchase a single license of Timeslips Premium and mix with older (Perpetual) versions, you must upgrade the entire installation/database. All licenses must be the same version and on the same Tier.

There are other methods that are possible to import time to Timeslips that may work for your firm. Contact us for more information.

Timeslips Premium is now subscription, does that mean that it is online (in the Cloud?)

No, Timeslips Premium is still on premise – installed on your workstations and not cloud based. The subscription includes periodic feature updates and maintenance fixes.

Is there a Timeslips Cloud (online) version?

Not at this time. However, there are many other options that may be worth exploring. Contact us to review options.

My firm uses Funds (Client Retainers) but I only have 2 or 3 users, can I upgrade to the Standard Tier?

The minimum tier level that offers Client Funds is the Pro Level

Can I move up from one Tier to another if needed?

Yes, you can move up from one Tier to another if features you need are in a higher tier.

We have a really old version of Timeslips, will it convert?

Yes! We can assist you if needed (very old versions of Timeslips often benefit from a phased upgrade)

We’ve been thinking about adding (or combining) our time and billing with other programs like accounting and/or practice management. Are there programs that can do this?

Yes! We’d be happy to schedule a call to discuss.

How can I get a quote, or get more details about the specific tiers when upgrading Timeslips?

Borek Consulting would be happy to provide additional information including quotes. Please give our office a call or Contact Us

Leave your commentPosted by Shari Borek on June 16, 2021No Comments

Timeslips, Uncategorized

Best “New” Feature in Timeslips

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.

Leave your commentPosted by Shari Borek on November 7, 2019No Comments

Timeslips, Uncategorized

What to do if you have an older version of Timeslips

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!

Leave your commentPosted by Shari Borek on September 18, 2019No Comments

Timeslips, Uncategorized

Timeslips Upcoming Changes

Sage Timeslips has announced some changes recently to their support and licensing policies. Following are some frequently asked questions and answers:

Timeslips has supported older versions in the past, what is the change? What will happen moving forward?

Timeslips has traditionally supported the most recent 3 versions of the program. As of August 1, 2017, Sage will now only support 2 versions (the current version and one prior). For example, once Timeslips 2018 is released, Timeslips 2017 and Timeslips 2018 will be the only supported versions. (Timeslips 2018 will be released in the summer.)

What does it mean to be using a supported version of Timeslips?

When you are using a supported version of Timeslips, you (or we) can get technical support, patches are available and updated, you can use E-Center, and you can purchase items such as additional licenses or electronic billing modules.

Can we still get support through Borek Consulting?

Yes, we will be happy to continue to support your firm, even if you are not on a supported version. Keep in mind if things change in your environment (changes to operating systems, 3^rd party programs, links, etc), there may not be patches or fixes available.

Does Subscription mean that Timeslips is in the Cloud?

No – Timeslips is still installed on your server/local workstations. Subscription means that technical support, patches, and upgrades are included in the annual fee.

Do I need to move to subscription? How much does it cost?

The cost is dependent on the number of users and from what version you are coming from. We will be happy to provide you a quote.

Is there anything else to know about subscription?

All of the benefits listed above are included with a subscription. It is important to know that if you choose not to renew your subscription, your data will become “read-only” and will not be able to be modified.

What if I don’t wish to go on subscription? Can I still own the software?

Timeslips 2017 and Timeslips 2018 will be available in both subscription and perpetual format (if purchased through a certified consultant such as Borek Consulting Group). Perpetual licenses are the “traditional” way that licenses have been issued in the past – licenses are owned by the firm and do not expire. Upgrades are encouraged but optional.

Do I have to change everything? Or just Timeslips?

If you are linking Timeslips to another program (such as Amicus, Time Matters, Quickbooks, etc), we will want to coordinate to make sure all programs are compatible with each other.

What if I currently have Timeslips 2017? Do I need to upgrade?

It depends – once the features of Timeslips 2018 are released, you should review and evaluate whether they will enhance your firm’s billing.

Are there billing programs other than Timeslips to consider?

We represent several case, time and billing management products that we would be happy to discuss with you, if you are seeking to make a change, or wondering if there might be a different solution available to you.

When is the best time to upgrade?

It depends on the firm – we’ll help you create a timeline.

What if I have more questions?

Please contact us and we will be happy to address your questions!

Leave your commentPosted by Shari Borek on May 31, 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…

Leave your commentPosted by Shari Borek on December 6, 2016No Comments