After some opening remarks and a review of the day’s agenda the history of the TOM products was reviewed and how the language, database, applications, customization and data all related. Since we were going to talk about upgrading this formed a basis for understanding the upgrade process. Jim Palladino then gave an overview of the new graphical abilities and features of the new FourD Version 4. One interesting feature is the ability to change from graphical to character-based screens in the middle of an application. This pointed out the fallacy that the TOM software is not “Windows”. In fact it is a full 32-bit language that up until now only had a character based display. Now it sports both, something that no “Windows accounting system” can do.

After seeing what the system could do the history of how TOM got this graphical project done was covered. This is not some simple project – it actually has been a project since 1991. Hampered by a lack of tools in the programming language, it took many turns and dead ends along the way.

Next the decision of Genesistems to support the Kerridge version of the language was reviewed. Genesistems will only sell the Kerridge version of the basic language for all upgrades and new systems due to the lack of compatible graphical tools in the Niakwa language. Having been the oldest Niakwa dealer this change was not taken lightly.

After lunch the steps involved in converting a system were detailed. Older systems take more steps and time, thus costing more, while newer systems can be as simple as converting the data and updating the programs.

Jim Palladino then covered all the application enhancements that when added to the graphical version gives users some great productivity increases. Things like drill-down to the source transactions from the General Ledger, unlimited financial history, journal reprinting, and posting by user while not interrupting others on the system.

Jim followed that by showing the new graphical printing enhancements using KPrint to eliminate preprinted forms and using accounting data in external applications seamlessly.

Wireless was almost a non-demo because it is truly Plug-and-Play with the new accounting system. Using the Sprint Wireless adapter you can be on you accounting from any place you can get a Sprint cell phone signal. Salesmen with notebooks can take real-time orders from customers in the field as if they were at their desk. In addition handheld integration and the ability to set up the system for E-Commerce were demonstrated.

As a result of the seminar a number of customers immediately decided to explore upgrades citing immediate cost savings.

Genesistems will run this seminar again in the Fall. Watch for the date. If you want to find out more how your system can be improved before then, write to eric@genesistems.com or call Genesistems at 585-475-9180 x212.