Office 365, VOIP and Infoplex

Software has changed considerably in the 20 plus years we’ve been in business. In truth, it’s changed beyond all recognition. No more boxes with a succession of 3.5 inch discs to install a program; no more (multiple) CDs to install Microsoft Office; and no more complicated PBX telephone systems. Today, it’s all out there, up there and in the cloud.

That’s why Infoplex is looking at ways in which to help you make an informed choice about your software needs. As you know, we use the Microsoft Office suite of applications quite a bit (CSV imports anybody?) Over the coming months we’re seeing how best to integrate Office 365 – the latest version of Microsoft’s productivity suite – with MultiTAS and TASBooks. What does that mean? Well, to begin with, it may mean no more importing and exporting via CSV. It may mean that with a press of a button the data appears in either Excel or in MultiTAS as required. It may mean that reports are generated in Microsoft Word and populated with new graphical content. And it may mean that for the first time MultiTAS may be offered with a CRM (customer relationship management) facility.

But there’s more to it than just that. We’re looking at VOIP communications systems too. Instead of an old-fashioned telephone, a complicated PBX, multiple lines and extortionate bills, how about a phone system that works via the internet instead? How about a phone system that connects with MultiTAS so that when you click on a customer’s number it calls them directly and makes sure you have all of the information to hand?

That’s just some of the work in the pipeline over the coming months as we look to bring you new services that complement MultiTAS and Infoplex. Feel free to let us know what you think!

How to… series

Did you see that post? How to… set up MultiTAS Finance is the first in a (hopefully) long series of posts we’ll be publishing regularly. They are designed to help you out with some common issues and explain the basics of MultiTAS and the Infoplex suite of products. Think of them as… well, MultiTAS for Dummies (but without the bright yellow cover).

Our intention (yes, the road to hell and all that) is that we’ll have a new post in the How to… series every week. That sound you just heard, by the way, is Douglas banging his head on the table. But as we’re still writing down everything we (Douglas) knows it will take a few weeks to get up to speed. In the meantime, if there’s something you want/need/would like to know, you can always send an email to Support or call us.

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)

Further integration for TASBooks

We’ve integrated TASBooks with yet another great software system – Bgate Smart Business

Based in the Republic of Ireland, Bgate is a B2B e-procurement platform designed to streamline the buying and selling processes that take place each between businesses from all sectors of the economy.

Bgate says:

By utilising software from Infoplex, we are now able to integrate seamlessly with TASBooks.

Here at Infoplex, we would be keen to talk with other users of TASBooks who are interested in e-purchase ordering and e-invoicing systems. Please contact George Houliotis at Infoplex on +44 (0)1592 598100 for more details.

 

Infoplex expands service into Ireland

Infoplex are delighted to announce further expansion into Ireland. We have been successfully working with 1000s of TASBooks users both in the UK and Ireland for either support services or extended functionality with our MultiTAS suite of TASBooks Add-ons.

Due to the continued demand from Ireland, we have now extended our services and cover and now have local expertise to help in all aspects of developing TASBooks – support and training.  Please contact George on 01592 592100 for further information.

Automated Debt Collection for TASBooks

Infoplex today announced an automated debt collection (ADC) solution for TASBooks.

TAS Automated Debt Collection is a simple way of automatically identifying specific bad debts and passing them directly from TASBooks to a nominated debt collection agency. TAS ADC is ideal for businesses that wish to streamline their debt collection operations and realise time-management savings.

There are a number of alerts and safeguards in place to ensure that managers retain control over this process. The impact, however, on improved cash flow is substantial in terms of both bad debts identified and man-hours saved. Please call George on +44 (0)1592 592100 or use the contact section if you want to get more details.

Sales and support drive growth at Infoplex

The launch of new products, greater collaboration with third-party developers, and increasing demand for support has driven Infoplex to record levels of growth.

In the first six months of the year, Infoplex has forged links with a variety of third-party developersto broaden the appeal and awareness of TAS as an efficient and robust alternative to existing accounting and financial management packages.

Increasingly, the TAS user community is turning to Infoplex for advice and technical support on a range of issues. We’ve listened and in the second half of 2013 we will launch new support plans that can be tailored to the needs of each customer.

Infoplex brings TASBooks to Eureka MoveIT

MoveIT – the leading transport management application from Eureka Software – now integrates with TASBooks. Infoplex has worked alongside Eureka and its customers to integrate the functionality and tools of TASBooks with the flexibility and management tools of MoveIT.

Infoplex and Isys collaborate on GateHOUSE and TAS integration

Infoplex is delighted to announce a long-term partnership agreement with Isys Interactive Systems. Under this partnership, Infoplex has integrated TAS with GateHOUSE – the leading recycling and waste management application developed by Isys.

GateHOUSE can now retrieve customer data from TAS directly and import it into its CRM system. This eliminates re-keying data and helps to monitor account and credit limits.

MultiTAS Bankstream launched by Infoplex

A new edition of MultiTAS for use with Bankstream is coming next month.

MultiTAS Bankstream brings greater financial management and transaction controls to TASBooks. It gives users real-time access to transaction data and streamlines workflows.

BENEFIT OF MULTITAS BANKSTREAM

Using cutting-edge technology, MultiTAS Business Manager Bankstream can ‘push’ data between applications and virtually eliminates the need to re-enter data. MultiTAS Business Manager Bankstream increases profitability, saves time for practice management and offers the same level productivity when producing client accounts.

You can learn more about this exciting new service on our MultiTAS Bankstream page. It includes a case study telling how an accountant used Bankstream to turn days of reconciling his own accounts into less than one hours work per month.