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Software Technology, Inc., the maker of Tabs3,
has released Tabs3 Version 11.2 of its time and billing software
program.
The Version 11.2 release of Tabs3 provides new
and enhanced features that range from the use of proportional fonts
in reports and billing statements and a new statement designer,
to a redesign of data entry interfaces and reports.
Version 11.2 also includes a complimentary license of STI's PracticeMaster
Basic to provide integrated case management functions such as built-in
calendaring, note taking, contact management and enhanced conflict
of interest checking from a single point of data entry. Tabs3 has
also improved the integration and functionality with its own optional
accounting programs as well as enhanced the connectivity between
the program and QuickBooks.
The task folder environment in Tabs3 is a straightforward
interface that makes it easy for a user to understand the process
of creating a client, recording time and disbursements and producing
a final bill. The software uses a context-sensitive help system
that has been updated with more screen shots of each topic presented.
Users can also load a multimedia tutorial that corresponds to many
of the help topics presented, further assisting users with understanding
a particular area the program.
The Client Program in Tabs3 has been redesigned
to further streamline the data entry of case information by reorganizing
the input screens and their titles to speed the file opening process.
Tabs3 also maintains a separate client notes area for internal purposes
and another notes section that can be printed on pre-bills, A/R
and WIP reports.
A firm can also create up to 60 custom fields in
the client file to store information unique to each firm or practice.
An added feature of this is the ability to create different sets
of fields for a particular client. This feature is particularly
useful for insurance defense law firms that need the ability to
create fields and track information based on each insurance carrier's
requirements. While the custom field function is helpful on the
screen the can only be printed on the Client List Report.
Assigning and managing billing rates for timekeepers
in the firm is easier in Tabs3 Version 11.2 because of a new feature
that allows you to add new billing rates before the rates become
effective. Just enter the new rate and the date it will take effect,
and Tabs3 automatically selects the rate that applies for the date
for which time is entered. A new Cost Rate Table Program is a good
feature for firms that need to assign unique cost rates based on
individual client requirements, such as charges for photo copies,
research, etc.
Current users of Tabs3 Version 11.2 will see that
changes have been made to the Fee, Cost, Payment, and Client Funds
data entry programs. Besides updated and more efficient data entry
screens, individual users can choose to suppress fields that are
not typically used by people in the firm who just record time and
disbursements. A user can optionally split the data entry screen
in the Fee Program to show work in process and/or previously billed
transactions by client, date, timekeeper, user, etc., with various
totals shown at the bottom of the list. This feature makes it easy
for users to edit transactions and get needed information without
running a report. On the other hand, there is no way to print the
transactions shown without running a separate report. Many toolbars
or text menus in the data entry screens have been replaced with
more intuitive graphical buttons for easier access. Additional fields
track the date and user that created the entry. The Fee Program
also includes two hourly fields that track how much time a timekeeper
actually worked versus the amount of time billed for each transaction.
Users of Tabs 3 can now benefit from integrated
case management functionality thanks to a complimentary single-user
license of PracticeMaster Basic that comes bundled with Tabs3 Version
11.2. PracticeMaster Basic gives a firm access to integrated calendaring,
note taking, e-mail integration, contact management functionality,
document tracking, and custom reports. Additional licenses of PracticeMaster
Basic are $50.
Tabs3 and PracticeMaster mirror data files, so
input related to clients, fees and costs can be added or maintained
from either application without the re-input required from separate
billing and case management systems. PracticeMaster also features
an enhanced Conflict of Interest Check Program that can locate virtually
any piece of case information in less than a second or two and offers
drill-down access to the records and fields containing the information
being searched.
Firms that need additional case management functionality
— such as customized area of practice templates, automated
document assembly, calendar plans, and integration with court rules
and document management — can upgrade to PracticeMaster Premier
at any time. Additional concurrent licenses for PracticeMaster Basic
and PracticeMaster Premier can be purchased for $50 and $150 respectively
for each additional license.
Looking further into Tabs3 Version 11.2, users
of the program will find that virtually all of the reports have
been redesigned and now include the use of proportional fonts, various
typefaces, black and grey lines, and shading of key information
that improves the readability of each report. Each user can individually
select from a menu of printing features that will be used at any
given time.
Many of the reports have "drill down"
capability from the print preview window to provide quick access
and editing capability to information contained on the report. Report
information can be searched and even refreshed while in any preview
window.
All reports can be previewed on the screen, sent
to a local or network printer, or even saved as a text or HTML file.
This functionality allows a firm to easily e-mail any report or
save the data for use in almost any word processing, or spreadsheet
program, or even electronically store the information to disk or
other media. Like prior versions of Tabs3, a firm can also create
a PDF (Portable Document Format) from Tabs3 reports using any PDF
writer software application such as Adobe PDF. (www.adobe.com)
It would be nice if Tabs3 added its own PDF driver to its report
engine to give users built in access to this functionality.
Reports in Tabs3 allow a user to specify which
information will be included on the report, whether to print the
report in portrait or landscape, or include an optional footer with
the date, time and the initials of the person who ran the report.
Furthermore, the data in Tabs3 and PracticeMaster
is ODBC (Open Database Connectivity) compliant through the use of
a data base driver from FairCom. (www.faircom.com)
Once the ODBC is driver is installed, the data from Tabs3 or PracticeMaster
is available for further custom reporting purposes in programs such
as Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access or Crystal Report Writer to
name a few.
Tabs3 Version 11.2 features a statement designer
program that gives a law firm the ability to customize the layout
for billing statements using varied fonts, headings, footers, and
desired placement of client addresses and firm information. Multiple
graphic elements including the use of bitmaps, lines, boxes, shading
and watermarks can be used in any statement design with separate
layouts for initial or subsequent pages including cover statements
and envelopes. Working with the statement designer does take some
skill and effort to master, and the design elements are restricted
to certain portions of the billing statement.
Overall Tabs3, Version 11.2 offers some improvement
over the existing version of its flagship product. The addition
of PracticeMaster Basic at no additional cost is an added benefit
of this upgrade.
Typical price ranges for Tabs3 begin at $295 for
a solo firm and $3995 for a 39 timekeeper firm running on a network.
Additional pricing structures for larger firms are available at
www.Tabs3.com. The company can
also be reached directly at 402423-1440 or by e-mail at sales@tabs3.com.
Harry W. Salavantis is President of Resource Advisors
Advisors for Computers Corporation located in Albany, NY. The company
specializes in the implementation of billing, accounting and case
management systems for law firms. He can be reached at 518-381-9244
or hsal@resource-advisors.com.
Tabs3 and PracticeMaster
Software Technology, Inc.
1-402-423-1440
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) are registered trademarks of Software Technology, Inc.
Tabs3
Billing
Software