CFS Version 8 Highlights

• Wire Panel Scratch Builder
• New Fluid User-Centric Interface.
• Standard Specification Tracking
• Inventory Level Report (current / used / left) in Scratch Builder Programs
• Customizable Work Order Report
• New Standard Proposal/Contract Format
• Expanded QwikNotes for Proposal/Contract
• Improved Electronic Pricing Import
• And more...

Wire Panel Scratch Builder

Long used throughout Europe and the rest of the world, Wire Mesh Panel fencing is a relative newcomer to the North American fencing market. Because of security concerns in this new and dangerous world we live in, Wire Panel fencing has become a growing market segment. Wire mesh panels, built with the correct gauge of wire and proper mesh size, are highly secure and can even resist intrusion with bolt cutters. We addressed this new fence product with its own Wire Panel Scratch Builder estimating program.

The Wire Panel Scratch Builder can add either barbed wire or a fence section type topper to an estimate using either a bent post or a barb wire arm. It can calculate the material needed with panels figured between posts or as continuous fence where the panels have connectors to hook them together. The Wire Panel Scratch Builder uses brackets to attach panels to posts – most commonly a tamper resistant U-Bolt assembly or a bracket similar to a tension band (depending on the different styles of wire panel). Because most of the brackets for Wire Panel fencing allow a certain amount of 'play' where they can be adjusted to make the section fit correctly the program has a fudge factor built in to accommodate 'play'. The program calculates either remainder or proportional spacing and can automatically set the On-Center spacing for a particular style of wire panel. Naturally, the Wire Panel Scratch Builder interfaces with QwikDraw.

We currently have inventory modules set up for Omega and Deacero brands of Wire Panel fencing. If you use a different wire panel product please contact us with your supplier's information and we will contact them and encourage them to participate in the program. A bit of pressure from you, their customers, also goes a long way in affirming that their investment would be worthwhile.

New Version 8 Reports

The new Work Order report in the Scratch Builder programs is customizable, allowing you to change the verbiage to suit your needs. The Job Sketch is displayed prominently. It can provide a quick review of the job and enables you to check off numerous details. Job Numbers can be entered and will print on the work order.

We have added a New Standard Contract format that has a large Job Sketch, editable checkboxes, and multiple pages. The totals print on the second page. Due to popular demand we have also expanded the standard QwikNotes to seven for the Contract/Proposal and added editing functionality to enter or review them. The text on the Top Message Line of reports can now be transferred to the Notes area of the Proposal/Contract with a single click.

A Material List Report, listing the item and part number without quantities has also been added by request. This report can be used as a specification sheet for the Vinyl and Ornamental Fabricator Scratch Builder programs.

E-Pricing Imports

CFS now supports imported pricing from vendors in simple csv (comma separated value) or txt (text) file formats. This format is native to Microsoft Excel and is one of the most common file formats is use today.

CFS also produces three csv Pricing Report files. The first is a report for items that were drastically different in price (3 times more then previous cost or three times less then previous cost). The second is a Priced Items report which has the previous price and new price for each item. A third report lists the items on the pricing file that were not in your Master File.

When running a pricing file we added an option to answer 'No to all' on pricing file questions so you can get through the process more quickly.

You can now import selling prices into the 'Retail Price' field in csv format.

We have also added an option for inputting multipliers instead of discounts in Master File records (using Update Master File - Change Pricing Factors).

view image   Computer Fencing System - Version 8

New V8 User Interface

The Computer Fencing System (CFS) Version 8 features a new, simplified and fluid user interface. Your time with CFS is enhanced with more control over processes and tasks. Version 8 improves workflow by grouping together similar features. In addition to the new, sharp, professional look, V8 supports user selected colors and background themes. This new interface is the latest step in bringing you, our customers, the best and most productive user experience.

New Version 8 Features

There is a new Inventory Level Report in the Scratch Builder estimating programs detailing the current inventory count of each item, the amount that will be used for that particular job and the amount that will be left if the job is deducted from inventory.

The Job Name on all saved jobs now prints on reports to make locating particular jobs or variations on a job easier.

We have added a gate frame option in Chainlink Scratch Builder that calls up a pre-built gate frame-only and adds the rest of the materials to finish the gate to the estimate.

Wood Scratch Builder now has Flex Menus for hinges, latches and gate accessories expanding the menu selections to up to 99 items per menu.

We have added an ‘S’ Flag to the inventory records to make items with a zero price print on Scratch Builder output.

In the Vinyl fabricator we've added a 'NONE' option on gate and latch post menus and the logic to accommodate 'opposite' pre-built gates.

Simplification to the customer input interface enables you to add or edit customers directly on that screen.

Ability to disable discounting thus preventing unauthorized discounting.

Enable multi-level access to program configuration and cost-plus functionality.

Search Estimates & Invoices

There is a new file lookup on the main CFS menu that will quickly locate and load estimates and invoices. This routine searches not only for filenames, it can also locate words, numbers and names inside each estimate and invoice file. You can now find and open files, no matter which program they were saved in, from the main CFS program menu.

World Class Tech Support

We will continue to provide unlimited, live, toll free tech support for Version 7 customers until December 31, 2008. Technical support is always free for customers on the current version.

Renew QwikDraw

QwikDraw is a free premium for customers on the current version of CFS. While CFS will continue to work for you, QwikDraw will expire early in the coming year for version 7 customers.

Upgrade to Version 8 today to renew QwikDraw and your free tech support and get all of these great new features.