KeithC

Why do I Want Business Manager? What exactly does it do?

JordanC

Originally Posted by KeithC

Why do I Want Business Manager? What exactly does it do?

For a single user, not much really.

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BlakeV

For a single user not really!?
John had a client come up to him at the EH Expo to tell him he had d-tools on a laptop and desktop (lansync). He had a project or two loaded on the laptop but then the laptop for what ever reason never made it back to the shop.
Sorry to say that project (s) is gone for ever. With Business manager the project is always on the server even when checked out to a local drive of a laptop.
There is also a Work Order tied to a Sales order that gives you great job costing reports.

JordanC

I know Kieth, and I was assuming a couple things. He is using a PC stationed at his office, using Text version of DT with LanSync with a seperate server with it's own backups. He is probably storing all his projects and client information on the server, which will most likely, have it's own backup operations. From how I believe he is opperating DT's I don't see him getting much out of it.


Keith - our 'Client Files', is no longer what it was. Pretty much, I am now maintaining 3 locations of data. My "local projects" (holds projects until I sync it with the project on), the "server's projects" (a separate location on the server which bizman points to), and "client files" (holds basicaly programming files, engineering docs and pictures). I though about storing the "client files" in the same location as the "server's projects", however, all the extra directories and files dramatically slows down everything. The local and server projects folders are for the most part, maintenance free, so there isnt much to interact with them except when I need to backup a project in a particular time in the job. Read the details that D-Tools provides for you on the website. Just know, the more jobs you build up, the harder it will be to make the transition like I am doing right now.

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TrikinCurt

Sorry, I am a bit confused (new here). Isn't business manager required to sync with QuickBooks? For that reason a lone I would think a lot of people would want this, even with a single seat?

Thanks,

Curt
Trikin

KeithC

Originally Posted by TrikinCurt

Sorry, I am a bit confused (new here). Isn't business manager required to sync with QuickBooks? For that reason a lone I would think a lot of people would want this, even with a single seat? Thanks, Curt Trikin

I am running D-tools text with quickbooks interface so you do not need to add business manager. I was wondering if I would get additional features in the quicklinks interface if I ran business manager as well.

KeithC

Originally Posted by JordanC

I know Kieth, and I was assuming a couple things. He is using a PC stationed at his office, using Text version of DT with LanSync with a seperate server with it's own backups. He is probably storing all his projects and client information on the server, which will most likely, have it's own backup operations. From how I believe he is opperating DT's I don't see him getting much out of it. Keith - our 'Client Files', is no longer what it was. Pretty much, I am now maintaining 3 locations of data. My "local projects" (holds projects until I sync it with the project on), the "server's projects" (a separate location on the server which bizman points to), and "client files" (holds basicaly programming files, engineering docs and pictures). I though about storing the "client files" in the same location as the "server's projects", however, all the extra directories and files dramatically slows down everything. The local and server projects folders are for the most part, maintenance free, so there isnt much to interact with them except when I need to backup a project in a particular time in the job. Read the details that D-Tools provides for you on the website. Just know, the more jobs you build up, the harder it will be to make the transition like I am doing right now.

I have a similar arrangement now that I am running SI4. I use "construction office" to create and organize documents and keep non-d-tools files on a server. I store all of the d-tools projects separately on the server. I don't use business manager so there is need for me to sync...

My primary server backs up to a secondary server so I am covered pretty good. Good thing too because the power supply in my primary server took out all my raided hard drives recently, so I was very happy that I was able to keep the business going on the backup server while I replaced some hardware on the primary.

This is a lesson for everyone. My primary server is top of the line kick ass etc..but shit happens. Backup server was a raided P3 piece of crappo, but it saved my ass.

Just because you have a raid array it does not mean that your data is safe.

JordanC

You just have an uncanny ability to kill PC's!

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Reed Phillips

The main reason we purchased BizMgr was to keep people from stepping on each other. Example: We had installers scanning in serial #s for 50 pieces of equipment in the warehouse while at the same time someone was printing labels and drawings. The scanning finished first and saved the project, the drawings completed later and the person saved the project and wiped out the serial#s. This cannot happen with BizMgr. Projects move quickly between sales and engineering, it has saved out butts many times.

SenoS

Originally Posted by KeithC

I am running D-tools text with quickbooks interface so you do not need to add business manager. I was wondering if I would get additional features in the quicklinks interface if I ran business manager as well.

There is one difference in QuickLinks (QL) functionality when you are using Business Manager (BM). Without BM, a seperate Purchase Order must be created in QL for each job. Before doing anything in Business Manager, you create a Sales Order. When creating a Purchase Order in QL, you add items by selecting Sales Orders. You can choose any Sales Order from any job to add to a PO so you can order equipment for multiple jobs in one PO.