Why has Billing been released as a Public Beta? (back to top)
The new Aurora Desktop Billing feature is a project that we're committed to doing right the first time. Quite honestly, the scope of the project was initially under estimated. At this point, many of the core pieces are done and ready for use. We want to get appraisers using them as soon as possible. This gives you the opportunity to try out the Billing module, suggest changes/additions, and point out areas where we just missed the target.
That is not to say that this public beta version of Desktop Billing is for everyone. It is still a beta and has a ways to go before being deemed ready for full public release. Also if you currently use Athena or the XSite for billing, we caution against making the switch at this point. We are still developing the migration paths specifically for Athena and XSite customers.
How often will there be updates to Billing? How do I get updates to Billing? (back to top)
Updates to Desktop Billing will be released in two ways:
Every time an update to Aurora is released via the Instant Customer Updates, it will contain updates to Desktop Billing. We generally release updates twice a month. Check the Aurora Status web site for details concerning the update schedule.
In between the Aurora updates, we will post an alpha version of each update on the Billing Status web site. At any time, you can install the latest alpha If you're experiencing an issue that will be fixed or are anxious to see the latest and greatest. An email will go out to each Desktop Billing customer when an update becomes available to download.
I use an XSite now. Should I switch to Aurora's Desktop Billing? (back to top)
Before switching from your XSite to Desktop Billing, there are some things you need to know:
No Data Import: We do not have a utility that will move all your XSite invoice information into Desktop Billing. This is still in development. You will either need to start from scratch, or you can use the Desktop Billing Import Wizard (see the Billing help manual for more details).
Invoice Information Will No Longer Sync to XSite: Once you choose Desktop Billing, the invoice information from your reports will no longer go up to your XSite. We do not have a solution to use both Desktop Billing and XSite Billing at the same time. You will have to choose one or the other.
Reports Started in WinTOTAL Cannot Be Converted to XSite Orders: To avoid confusion and to illustrate the fact that report data will not sync up to your XSite, we've removed the ability to start a report in WinTOTAL and mark it as XSite Integrated. To continue to use your XSite for order tracking and client statusing, the order will need to be started on your XSite.
Switching Back to use XSite Billing: If you choose to try Desktop Billing and decide it's not for you, we currently do not have a utility to move all the invoice data you created in Desktop Billing up to the XSite. Therefore, if you think there's any chance you want to go back to using the XSite Billing, we recommend not enabling Desktop Billing until this utility becomes available.
Can I move all the billing information from my XSite into Desktop Billing? (back to top)
Not yet. This piece is still in development. A possible work around would be to use the Desktop Billing Data Import Wizard which lets you add invoice information from reports stored locally on your machine or on your network. See the Billing help manual for more information.
Can I use both Desktop Billing and my XSite at the same time? (back to top)
No. The choice is to use either Desktop Billing or XSite Billing. We will not be supporting use of both at the same time. This does not affect XSite orders. If you own an XSite and want to use Desktop Billing, you can continue to create, status, and deliver orders started on your XSite.
I use Athena and have been waiting for Desktop Billing to upgrade. Should I upgrade now? (back to top)
Our recommendation is to wait and not update yet. The upgrade process specific to Athena's billing data moving gracefully into Aurora's Billing module is still in development. Keep checking the Billing Status web site to track progress of this feature. If you are an Athena customer and would like to test the upgrade process for us, please send an email to BillingSupport@alamode.com.
What parts of Desktop Billing are still in development? (back to top)
Here's a list of the items still in development:
Utility to move XSite Billing invoices to Desktop Billing when switching from XSite to Desktop.
Utility to move Desktop Billing invoices to XSite Billing when switching from Desktop to XSite.
Report Delivery option to attach the invoice as a separate pdf.
Ability to automatically send a report via email.
Ability to set up custom products and fees.
Ability to quickly merge duplicate contacts to fix reporting issues.
The reports from within Desktop Billing are still constantly under scrutiny with changes being made frequently. Updates to reporting will be included in each release.
You can obtain support for Desktop Billing the same way you get other support. It is a supported feature inside of Aurora. However, realize that the likelihood of finding issues not working increases because this is a beta of the product. At any time, if you find an issue but don't feel it's urgent, please email the details to BillingSupport@alamode.com, and we'll make sure it is on the list to be fixed.
Should I rely on this beta version of Desktop Billing to run my business’ financial information? (back to top)
While we believe this beta is solid, it is still a beta. That means that we’re giving you an advanced peek into the final release. We want you to use it. We want to get your feedback. However, remember that it is a pre-release. Our recommendation would be to continue to maintain your existing accounting system as a backup until final release.
I've enabled Desktop Billing, why can't I see any of my invoices? (back to top)
In order to populate Desktop Billing with invoices, you will need to run the Desktop Billing Import Wizard. This wizard lets you select the reports that contain your invoices and automatically add them to Desktop Billing. See the Billing help manual for more information.
Help Manual: Consult the Billing help manual to see if it contains the answer to your question.
Desktop Billing Forum: By choosing to test this feature for us, you gain access to a forum where you can interact with other beta testers as well as a la mode employees working on the Desktop Billing project. To get information on how to log onto the forum, send an email to BillingSupport@alamode.com.
Email Support: For the length of the Billing beta program, we will be offering email support. If you'd simply like to send an email asking a question, feel free to contact us via email at BillingSupport@alamode.com.
I have a problem or a suggestion. How should I submit it? (back to top)
We're very excited to get feedback from those of you testing Desktop Billing. Please send all suggestions and non urgent issues to BillingSupport@alamode.com.
What are ad hoc contacts and why do I need them? Why do some of my contacts have a yellow flag next to them? (back to top)
With Desktop Billing, we've released a new type of contact called an ad hoc contact. These contacts come from the need to have an entity assigned to an invoice. If we didn't require this, we couldn't provide reports showing you who owes you what. We realize, however, that sometimes you simply want to type information into an order form or report and not create a contact ahead of time. For that purpose, we've created ad hoc contacts. It means the contact was added, but we couldn't verify the contents of it. It could be a duplicate to an already existing contact. These ad hoc contacts will not be included in your contact drop downs on the order form. Because of that, another useful purpose for ad hoc contacts may be for those entities you only use once in a while. In other words, it's a way to clean up your contact drop down entries. To learn more about ad hoc contacts and how you manage them, please visit the Billing help manual.
Very soon on the horizon will be a utility that allows you to quickly identify and merge multiple contacts that all belong to the same person or company. This will be especially useful for those that have a large number of ad hoc contacts.
I don't want to use Desktop Billing anymore? How do I remove it from my system? (back to top)
This is no problem. Simply open your Appraisal Desktop, click on Options and then click on Configure WinTOTAL Settings. Click on the Billing icon and select the appropriate Billing option (either XSite or None). Click Save. Close and reopen all WinTOTAL windows at which time Desktop Billing will be gone. Keep in mind that switching away from Desktop Billing will remove all your local invoice records. Also, at this time we do not have a utility to automatically move these records up to your XSite.
