Rich Internet Applications

Most of us have experienced the convenience of using web-based applications and their ability to be accessed anywhere, anytime.  We do however miss some of the power that desktop applications (i.e. Windows based applications) provide.   The debate between desktop versus web-based has been well explored among development circles since the inception of the internet.

Imagine being able to access sophisticated Windows-like interfaces via your web browser.  It is called Rich Internet Applications or RIAs.   An RIA ia web application that has many of the characteristics of a desktop appplication, only to be delivered via your browser.  Many online gamers are already familiar with RIAs.

ELMS Software has been looking to the future and has been working to bring you this technology.   The July 2010 software release included an upgrade in our server architecture needed to support Microsoft Silverlight and Rich Internet Applications.  The November 2010 release will include production scheduling inside ELMS Advantage Online.  The production schedule is the first of many ELMS  RIA implementations.

You are currently viewing this blog via a standard web interface.  Now look at this sample patient/doctor application to see how a Rich Internet Application may be presented.  A rich user experience makes for a better application experience.  Let us know what you think.

October 2010 Software Release

A new month has arrived and that means another update from ELMS Advantage Online.  The ELMS application and Customer Portal Application will be unavailable this evening from 11:00 A.M. E.S.T until 12:00 A.M. E.S.T. to install the updated for the October 2010 release of ELMS Advantage Online and Customer Portal.    The User's Guide is being updated today to support the changes addressed below.   I also be sending out video updates throughout the day that make note of some of the included changes.  The updates will also be available on the Video Library.  The October release contains the following updates, enhancements, and new features:

October 2010 Updates for ELMS Advantage Online

• User Interface updates to accommodate full browser screen.  This will allow more information to be displayed on single page
  
  
  
  • minor changes in menus
  
  
  • left side navigation pane
  
  
  • minor changes to some data pages


• Updates to address speed issues on estimating page


• Bug fix for error received on Lead Web Entry


• Define Custom Data fields for Lead Entry Page


• Prospects moved to Contact Database to reduce confusion between prospects and leads


• Fix for creating appointments in timezones outside Eastern Standard Time


• Email sent from ELMS system reflect the correct sender


• Consistent sorting of tasks, sub-categories, and categories on Estimate screen


• Ability to quickly search contact database at point of inserting new lead.  This will help prevent duplicate contact entries


• Return URL applied to Lead Entry screen - The ELMS lead web entry screen will return back to your website after submission of new lead


• Estimates Exported to QuickBooks contain the specified markup at each line item


• Jobs exported to QuickBooks will contain the identified job type.   Job type inserted if not found as valid item


• Customer view of Customer Portal viewable from inside ELMS

October 2010 Updates for Customer Portal

• Dashboard photo will automatically resize


• Email message or notification sent when customer leaves bulletin board message


• support view of portal from ELMS side


• Allow for multiple projects for single customer


• Allow single project to have multiple users and sign-ons


• Logoff button and process

Please contact me if you have any questions.   The November release is filling up and includes the release of our Production Scheduling feature.   Premier customers receive this update at no extra cost as stated by the ELMS Advantage Guarantee..   Now is the time to get your requests in for updates and suggested changes.  Below is what is currently planned for next month.   November release is currently scheduled for 11/22.   December will be used primarily for bug fixes and minor updates

Scheduled November Updates 

• Production Scheduling - Gantt chart added to the project folder,   Track projects, % complete, and resources


• Multiple cost/task book database support.


• Enhanced Lead Tracking - Dates for created, assigned, proposal, acceptance, and complete - with respective reports


• Enhancements to Customer Specification and Detailed Estimate Reports


• Customer Portal - Change Order can be denied


• Fully integrated professional help system and online documentation


• multiple file upload into online files & photos

Below are some new ideas and features being discussed.  Let us know what you think and what you want to see.

• User role based security - Pick and choose functions available to non-admin users (January 2011)


• business dashboard - showing financial overview and project overview


• integrated with google applications including ELMS Google gadget


• Vendor portal where information shared between you and vendors/subs


• punch-out section including mobile application 


• Time entry (mobile support) for field persons

Thank you for your support and making ELMS Advantage a better product.  I look forward to hearing your new ideas and priorities.  Look for video updates

ELMS Integration with QuickBooks

It is common knowledge that QuickBooks has a large market share when it comes to remodelers and contractor.  This is also the reason why so many industry software solutions, including my competitors, will integrate with QuickBooks.  "How does ELMS integrate with QuickBooks?' is routinely asked during most demonstrations and presentations.  I finally made a commitment to a potential client that I would make a quick demonstration video showing this integration.  The video can be seen here. I now wonder why we don't see more examples of how software integrates with QuickBooks.