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FAQ's about our programs: What is a database software program? What is the cost? Is it a one-time cost or is it priced by modules? What is the difference between Single User and Multi-User (Network)? What is the Full Design Version? Can I upgrade to Full at a later time and what is the cost? Can I upgrade from a Single User to Multi-User (Network) and what is the cost? What happens if I upgrade to a later version of Access? Can I support the program myself? Will PSTcorp.com customize the program for me? Are there any other hidden costs? What is a relational database? Do I need MS Access to run the program? Do I need to know MS Access in order to get the full benefits of the program? Can I import my current data into the program? Will it work in a network environment? Will the membership programs create dues invoices automatically? What type of data can I enter? Will the membership program manage my events? Can I use MS Word mail merge features with the program? Will the program work on a MAC? Can I integrate the data with my website? Can I easily export data for use in other applications like MS Excel? What major functions are included in the programs?
What is a database software program? A software program is a program that performs certain functions to meet the needs of a business, organization or at home. The business processes within the organization define these functions. Finance A/R and A/P is just one example. Contact management, prospect tracking, and inventory management are some others. What is the cost? Is it a one-time cost or is it priced by modules? All of our programs are priced as stand alone products; no modules need to be selected. All programs are $795 with the exception of e-Chamber which is free. The Full Design Versions (as if you built the program yourself) is an additional $995. Other charges are annual phone/email supprt at $295/year (includes 100 MB of online storage), Annual fees also apply for auto website update functions and these fees are discounted if annual phone/email support is purchased. What is the difference between Single User and Multi-User (Network)? A single user program implies that the program will reside on a single computer, sharing of the data with another computer on a network is not allowed. With a Network version, multiple users can use the program at the same time. Any data added or changed by one user will be seen in real time by the other user(s). What is the Full Design Version? The Full Design version allows the owner of the program full control over any design changes or customizations. Fields can be added to forms, colors changed, etc. When purchasing a full design version all software including code is provided. This allows the owner to truly own their program as if they built it themselves. The regular program version will not allow any design changes to forms or reports but does allow the owner to build their own reports. Can I upgrade to Full at a later time and what is the cost? PST customers can upgrade from the Single or Multi-User to Full Design at any time and pay the current price. Can I upgrade from a Single User to Multi-User (Network) and what is the cost? PST customers can upgrade from the Single to Multi-User version at any time unless you have annual plan/email support. Should you require assistance from PST there is a multi user setup fee. What happens if I upgrade to a later version of Access? PSTcorp.com will assist in the conversion of your data to the new version. This service is included with the annual support contract provided the client has not customized the program, in this case a conversion fee will apply. Installation can be performed by the owner and takes just a few minutes. The single user version is a straightforward installation and does not require any support. PSTcorp.com includes installation assistance for a multi-user environment user as part of the annual support. Support ranges from $295-$495 on an annual basis and is based on options selected (phone/email, website updates). If the user does not opt for support, PSTcorp.com will support any needs at $85 per hour. A payment is required in advance for this single instance support. Can I support the program myself? Intermediate Users of MS Access can support the program themselves provided they purchase the full design version. PSTcorp.com suggests that you purchase the first year of support to help in understanding the design and learn the program. Provided you purchase the full design version, you can customize the program yourself. Will PSTcorp.com customize the program for me? PSTcorp.com will customize your program for you; Non-Profit organizations are billed at a $60/hr rate, all others at $90/hr. Are there any other hidden costs? There are no hidden costs; the program is a one time fee (except for eChamber being Free) and the support costs depend on the option selected. Unlimited Phone/email support, the office is staffed from 9 AM to 5 PM Eastern standard time. In addition, support will cover conversions of your program when upgrading to a newer version of MS Access provided the program has not been customized. 100 MB of on line storage is also provided. You may use the storage for program backups or you can simply zip/email the data file on a daily basis to PST. MS Access is Microsoft's' Relational Database application. Relational databases are described in the next question. What is a relational database? A relational database provides for a relationship to exist between two tables of data. You have your customer table that relates to the invoice table. The invoice table will only contain a number that equals the customer number. This then provides a link to the customer for their specific information such as address, phone, email, etc. By using a relational database, information need only be entered one time yet used in other functions throughout the program. Do I need MS Access to run the program? Yes, MS Access is required to run either the Basic or Full Design versions. Do I need to know MS Access in order to get the full benefits of the program? No, you do not need to know MS Access in order to run the programs, however, over time you will gain an understanding of how MS Access works. In addition, you will utilize some powerful Access tools relative to searching and sorting your data. Can I import my current data into the program? Yes, provided it is an acceptable electronic format (i.e., MS Excel, Dbase, etc.). If no support is elected importing data at a later date is billed at $100 per table or spreadsheet. New client imports are billed with a one-time fee of $75. This import can be members, customers, boards/committees, equipment, and inventory. It does not include importing any past financial data, however, we can create a history table of past financials and provide access to this table from within the program. Will it work in a network environment? Yes, the program will work with either a server or PC-to-PC configuration. PSTcorp.com assists with this setup during program installation. Will the membership programs create dues invoices automatically? Yes, both e-Chamber and Association Manager have a function to automatically create invoices when they are due. Yes, by using either a copy/paste to Outlook BCC or by utilizing the MS Word merge to email feature. You merge the document to the set of data selected in MS Access. The merge to MS Word allows full personalization of your emails. Yes, provided you have WinFax 10.0 or greater that allows an ODBC link between WinFax and MS Access. What type of data can I enter? All of our programs have between 500-1000 fields for information that is configured in several tables based on functionality. Finance, Events, Inventory, Equipment, Tasks, Boards/Committees, Job Templates, etc. each have several fields of information. Will the membership programs manage my events? Yes, All Membership applications have both a Major Event function (Several different fees to setup) and a Networking Event function (Single fee event such as a breakfast meeting). We also offer an event/classroom only application for those only interested in managing their events/classrooms/conferences/conventions. Can I use MS Word mail merge features with the program? Yes, PSTcorp.com can assist customers in setting up their mail merge documents. Each program has well over 100 reports for Finance, membership, tasks, and inventory. Our Maintenance Management program ZUD also includes many SPC charts for tracking downtime hitters. Yes, MS Access includes a Report Creation utility (often called wizard). You simply select the data source be it a table or query and the utility walks you thru step by step. We include a link to the critical data for each user to aid in report creation. Will the program work on a MAC? Yes, but you must purchase a program called Virtual PC for the MAC. The MAC will then run MS Access based programs. Can I integrate the data with my website? Yes, PSTcorp.com has an option to automatically update a membership directory on your website, there is an annual fee for this as space is rented on a secure FTP server to store your data. Other clients who have different needs other than membership directories for web site integration should contact us. Can I easily export data for use in other applications like MS Excel? Yes, many exports to excel are included with our programs. What major functions are included in the programs? Membership Programs (e-Chamber/ Association Manager/ Greek Manager) includes: Finance, Members, Non-Members, Events, Inquiries, Board/Committees, Task Manager, Inventory, and Equipment. ZUD/ Fleet Manager includes: Equipment, Inventory, PM/Repair Work orders, Vendors, Documentation, Production Lines.
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