Multi-Currency Purchase Orders now available – MultiTAS 6.2 released

Multi-Currency Purchase Orders are not on everyone’s Christmas list. But for those select few whose list it is on, Christmas has come early. MultiTAS v6.2 has been released this week after 7 months of work and the odd sweary word. This blog post has a wee rundown of features and improvements that it contains. Inevitably there is probably also a bug or 2, if you find any please report to Support.

Multi-Currency Purchase Orders (Entry/Receiving/Invoicing)

 You can now create a multi-currency purchase order (P/O) in any of the currencies that TASBooks supports (which is most of them). You can then receive the goods from this P/O and invoice the P/O – all in the currency of the Suppliers Invoice, and these amounts together with the base currency values are what are posted to the Suppliers Account.

This ‘closes’ the multi-currency (multi-currency sales orders and multi-currency purchase orders) adventure Infoplex has been on for a number of years. Initially we added these features to Sales Orders and now they have been added to Purchase Orders.  As a reminder, we added support for Supplier Pricelists and Multiple Stock Locations to Purchase Orders in v6 and v6.1 so those adventures have green ticks against them too.

Other Improvements

  • 95% of customers use Outlook for emailing documents from MultiTAS. But there are the hardcore 5% who for whatever reason do not. We’ve made improvements for these customers by changing the component used to MailKit which appears to handle the security requirements of modern email systems better than the component built into Windows that we were using.
    • For this same subset of customers, when emailing the cc and bcc fields now handle multiple addresses separated by a semi-colon.
  • When entering Sales Orders, if you remove a product from Back Order MultiTAS will check to see if the Cost Price of the product has changed. If so you’ll be asked what you want to do (keep existing/update).
  • When producing Sales Order documents, if there are no lines to be shipped then MultiTAS will not produce a document.
  • The Location Stock Report now has a ‘Negative Stock Only’ option.
  • When receiving a P/O and GMVs are not used, the database transactions involved are wrapped into a single one. This means if one part of the process (e.g. invoicing) fails then the receiving part will not be committed to the system.
  • A new system has been introduced that allows MTADIF.dat Journal Import files to contain foreign currency values that MultiTAS converts to base currency values when importing. For this to work your journal import file must be called MTADIF-E.dat. MultiTAS will look for that file first, if not found and a MTADIF.dat file is found that will be imported instead. If neither is found then Error Town here we come.

 

Notable Bug Fixes (not all!)

  • Fixed issue when emailing multiple P/O’s to the same supplier.
  • Fixed various issues with VAT when entering Purchase Orders and producing P/O documents.
  • Fixed issues with discounts on Purchase Order lines (who even gets a discount from suppliers?)
  • When entering a Purchase Order, the Suppliers outstanding orders value was not updated – it is now
  • Fixed an issue when posting Credit Notes where the ‘Update Stock’ flag was ignored

 

So, there you have it. MultiTAS 6.2 is available for download now.

If updating from v5 (or – gulp – earlier) you will need to remove the existing version of MultiTAS you have before updating to v6. If you already have v6 then you can skip this step and install over the top of your version. Please remember you will need to have a valid support contract to update to this version that adds Multi-Currency Purchase Orders. If you do not currently have one please get in touch as we may have a Christmas offer available to help you out.

 

via GIPHY

MultiTAS 6 released with new features

After 15 months of hard work, MultiTAS 6 has been released.

This is a major update to MultiTAS, building upon a lot of the work that has gone on previously, and includes key new features that have long been on our roadmap. It finally ‘closes the loop’ in terms of Purchase Order functionality.

Here is what’s new:

  • Purchase Order Receiving. This has been on our to-do list since version 1 and we’ve finally finished it. With this first release, there are no bells and whistles (for example: multiple locations, foreign currency).  Yet. These will follow in subsequent updates.
  • Purchase Order Invoicing. Goes hand in hand with Purchase Order Receiving. As with receiving goods, we want to allow this basic version to settle before adding multiple locations and foreign currency support.
  • Document Names. This has some customers’ wish list since, well, forever. With MultiTAS 6 you can now use our new drag and drop feature to set what you want exported Order document filenames to be. Choose from type, date, document number and others.
  • Improvements to Installers. For customers with multiple solutions (e.g. MultiTAS, Infoplex SDK, Tax Manager) whereby when an update was applied to one solution it broke the other(s). We’re pleased to say that MultiTAS 6 resolves this issue from hereon.
  • Sales Order Entry. A new Stock Level check when you convert a quotation to any other type, previously no check was carried out. If there isn’t enough stock then you have the standard options (go negative or on back order)
  • Bug Fixes. There are minor bugs and glitches that appear from nowhere and never disappear.  Well, we’ve fixed the ones we know about. If you find any others, please don’t be shy in letting us know…!

So, there you have it. MultiTAS 6 is available for download now.

As this is a major update (and due to the improvements to installers) you will need to remove the existing version of MultiTAS you have before updating to v6.

Subsequent updates to v6 (e.g. from v6.0.1 to v6.1.1) should not require this extra step.

Making Tax Digital (MTD) and TASBooks

UPDATE – Infoplex announces Tax Manager for TASBooks

Infoplex has announced the development of its own easy-to-use VAT submission system for TASBooks. Click here to find out more about Tax Manager for TASBooks.


The deadline for Making Tax Digital (MTD) is on the horizon. With any significant overhaul of the tax management system, there’s been a lot of concern, speculation and contradictory information. At Infoplex, we’re committed to ensuring that you have the most accurate information available at all times so that you can make informed business-critical decisions.

What is Making Tax Digital (MTD)?

Making Tax Digital (MTD) is the cornerstone of HMRC’s move towards digitising the tax system. From 1st April 2019, any business that is VAT-registered will no longer be able to file its VAT submissions using the HMRC gateway. In its place, VAT-registered businesses will need to use commercial accounting software that has MTD submission capabilities.

Is TASBooks suitable?

The simple answer is yes, but there’s a big twist.

All of the information that you need when your business files a VAT submission is in the TAS database. It is – literally – at your fingertips. Unfortunately, there’s no in-built way to access this information and send it to HMRC.

Is there a solution available for TASBooks?

Yes. In the last few months you will have seen an email from Sage about MTD. It sets out the steps that Sage are taking to help VAT-registered businesses. They have built a special module for TASBooks which will let all VAT-registered businesses file their submissions online and meet HMRC’s compliance requirements.

Can I buy a solution directly from Infoplex?

Yes. We’re working with a company to develop an easy-to-use, low-cost solution.  We’ll have an announcement on our plans in the New Year. In the meantime, if you’d like to discuss your requirements, then feel free to get in touch with George by calling 01592 598101

MultiTAS 5 released with new features


After months of hard work (and more than a little shouting at the computer), MultiTAS 5 has been released.

This is a major update to MultiTAS, building on a lot of the work that has gone in 4, and includes a raft of new features that have long been on our customers’ wish lists. We really were listening.

So, what are those new features? Here are some…

  1. Purchase Order Entry. This has been on our to-do list since version 3.5 (at least) and we’ve finally added it. Now… a little bit of expectation management.  There are no frills and fancy bits. There are no bells and whistles (for example: multiple locations, supplier specific price lists).  It’s purchase order entry, pure and simple.  The bells and whistles and whatnot will follow in subsequent updates.
  2. Address Lookups. This has been on most customers’ wish list since, well, forever. With MultiTAS 5 you can now search a database of addresses and automatically populate fields with the correct data. It mostly goes in the correct places!  It’s only available for UK addresses at the moment. We hope to add Irish addresses in a future update.
  3. Improvements to Purchase Order Printing. There have been some issues with this in some releases and many of our customers have been in touch with requests (compatibility for this or that, additional information, etc.) We’re pleased to say that MultiTAS 5 addresses these issues and a few others besides.
  4. Product Movements Report. Our revamped report now offers greater clarity, functionality and insight for users.
  5. Improvements to Customer Statements. With MultiTAS 5, we’ve added the ‘Remember these settings’ marble you see elsewhere in the software. So set your filters then double-click the marble and they will be saved for the next time!
  6. Bug Fixes. This goes without saying that there are minor bugs and glitches that appear from nowhere and never disappear.  Well, we’ve fixed them. Most of them. Oh, ok. We’ve fixed the ones we know about. If you find any others, please don’t be shy in letting us know…!

You’ll also notice that we’ve refreshed the look and feel of MultiTAS. Out with the old multi-coloured (and slightly distorted) logo and in with a new logo in keeping with Infoplex’s branding. We’ve also given the toolbar icons an overhaul to keep things “on point” and “on message”. Yes, we’ve been reading a book on buzzwords.

So there you have it. MultiTAS 5 is available for download now.

New MultiTAS GDPR add-on

No doubt most of you (if not all) will be tired of hearing about GDPR and what it means for your business. We’re sure that, by now, your business has followed the rules to the letter and all of your data is safely and securely managed in a GDPR-compliant way. No? Well, read on. We may just be able to help…

The way in which your business can obtain and use sensitive data has changed. Your business now needs solutions for assessing, implementing and maintaining GDPR compliance everyday. To help TASBooks users, Infoplex has developed an essential GDPR add-on for TASBooks.

Data Compliance Manager

Our Data Compliance Manager can help your business handle sensitive financial and personal data efficiently.  The add-on will search the TASBooks database and ‘wipe clean’ any data that is no longer needed. If a customer wants to be ‘forgotten’, the Data Compliance Manager can locate any records associated with that customer and remove their data securely.

With Data Compliance Manager, your business can safeguard customer and supplier data but retain business-critical information. This includes contracts, transaction data and VAT records. You can search the TASBooks database using in-built filters – such as customer, supplier or marketing codes – and make changes individually or in bulk.

We know what you’re thinking. Why now? Is it necessary? How much is this going to cost? Well, to help you out and explain things a bit more, we’ve put together a quick list of the most common (obvious) questions and some answers.

Why aren’t TAS doing this? Surely this means that TASBooks will be mothballed?

Not at all. Sage and TAS are under no obligation to update their software to make it GDPR-compliant.  Under the GDPR legislation, the burden for compliance shifted from software developers (like Microsoft or Sage) to the consumer (your business).  It is now your responsibility to make sure that your business and your software is compliant.

What does that really mean for you and your business?

Well, you could ask TAS to develop a solution for you. They will either say no or attach a pretty hefty price tag to it, along with a new support contract.

So why Infoplex and why now?

We’ve been the official TAS development partner for some years now. As such, a number of businesses reached out to us before the GDPR deadline asking for advice and help.  We explained the situation to them.  We’ve had time to look into the issue and work out how we could best help TASBooks users.  The Data Compliance Manager is our solution to the problem.

I thought GDPR was done and dusted at the end of May. Why are you asking me about this now?

If only. If only… It’s not as clear cut as that, we’re afraid.  Your business needs to identify, analyse and manage the data it holds everyday.  Data that was relevant to your business last week may no longer be so next week.  Your business needs a way to manage that change as quickly and as easily as possible. To put it simply, GDPR is for life, not just for 25th May.

How much is it?

We don’t know. We’re still working that out. It’s based on a lot of different factors, including the amount of time that we’ve spent developing it. What we can tell you is that not only will there be a one-off charge but there will also be an annual recurring fee too.

Why is there a recurring fee?

We want you use the latest software.  Every so often, we will let you know that there’s an update to the GDPR add-on and you can download the latest version.

Why will there be an update?

First, the GDPR rules will change.  At the moment, ‘personal data’ is anything by which a person can be identified.  The problem is that we can be identified in lots of different ways, not just our name or our address.  The definition of ‘personal data’ will change and we want to update your software to reflect that.

Second, there’s a new law called the ePrivacy Regulation.  It will complement the GDPR and offer individuals control over all their data and ensure that businesses handle data with care. It will be approved by the end of 2018 and come into effect next year.  To make things easier for your business, we’re going to update our GDPR add-on when the ePrivacy Regulation comes into effect.

Third, there’s Brexit.  We don’t yet know how data protection requirements will change after Brexit.  During the transition, we expect there to be ‘regulatory-alignment’ and ‘divergence’.  We want to help you stay in control and will be updating GDPR add-on as appropriate.

When is it available?

Soon. We’re testing it out at the moment. We’re seeing how easy it is to break (we’re experts at breaking things). Once we’re certain it’s ok, we’ll release it.

In the meantime… if you want to know more about it, why not give George a call on +44 (0)1592 598100 or send him an email at sales@infoplex.co.uk

June 2016 Briefing: MultiTAS v4; Documentation site

MultiTAS v4

MultiTAS v4 has been generally available for a while now but hasn’t yet had a blog written about it, so lets fix that. With v4, the installation routine has been revamped completely – you now no longer need to install (our old pal) System Integration Manager first. Everything can be handled via MultiTAS – from choosing which companies to use the software with to setting up users and access rights. There is a short Installation Guide available which explains how to deal with updating computers that already have MultiTAS on and installing MultiTAS on a fresh computer.

The software is available from http://support.infoplex.co.uk and follow the links for downloads.

Queries can be emailed to support@infoplex.co.uk – the update is free for our awesome users who keep their Cover Plus subscriptions going.

A limitation: this version will not work with Windows XP (which is unsupported by Microsoft anyway so if you are still using XP, well, good luck to you)

(Geek note: the new installer was built with WiX, the same technology Microsoft Office uses for its installers. Quite a steep learning curve!)


New Documentation

Pleased to also let you know we’ve been working hard on our documentation. At present, our documentation consists of more Microsoft Word files than you would believe. These are stitched together into PDFs. The whole process is frustrating, time consuming and a task I generally dread hence the lack of updates.

Meet our new mini site: http://docs.infoplex.co.uk

At the moment, it consists of two items – the MultiTAS Data Transfer File Specifications and the TASLink reference manual (newly updated!). Gradually all our documentation will appear on this site. As it uses simple HTML its much easier to update and we make use of version control so changes can be tracked effectively.

(Geek note: it uses Github Pages, markdown and Jekyll. Very straight forward, gentle learning curve)

New MultiTAS update

We released a new update (v3.5.80) for MultiTAS last night and it’s now available for download.

Changes incorporated into it include a rewritten Stock Adjustment form (521) plus the following bug fixes:

  • Fixed an issue in Sales Order Entry (611) that produced an error when products had been created in TASBooks rather than MultiTAS
  • Fixed an issue in EDI Order Import (683) where the specified price of the first line of an EDI order was overridden by the TASBooks price no matter what
  • Fixed an issue in Build Assembly (565) where an endless loop was encountered when building the last assembly of the assembly list (sorry Suzy!)
  • Fixed an issue in the Product Report (531) where the extended description was not being exported

If you don’t already have it you’ll need to download and install SIM v4.65 first.

Finally – we’ve created a public Trello board to map out future MultiTAS development and allow customers to up/downvote ideas. See https://trello.com/b/1rbfVEjV/multitas-development – you’ll need a free Trello account for voting!

TASBooks v6 info

The changes in TASBooks v6, released 6th March 2015, include:-

  • New feature to allow the customisation of the text when email(s) are sent via TAS
  • New Foreign Currency Transactions settings in Program 0.1.2 > System > Miscellaneous
  • New option to customise whether inactive/discontinued records appear in Lookups (Program 0.1.2 > System > Lookups/Mapping)
  • New ‘Update Profit And Loss Account’ setting (Program 0.1.2 > Purchase Orders > Entry/Costing Options)

There are bug fixes too which include:-

  • Fixing a Runtime error 380 when running Program 4.4.4
  • Enabling Order Acknowledgements to be printed for Sales Orders where the order number is 7 digits long