Convert Zap Files

[ScottH]

I have finally decided to leave A La Mode and use Bradford's cloud computing options. Does anyone know a work around for converting A La Mode's .zap files? The tech guy at Bradford said that those are proprietary files and even if I create .xml files from each one, those .xml files will not have the pictures. There must be a way to have a xml file with photos.
Help!

 

[Brian W Street]

This worries me a lot, 5-7 years worth of appraisals is significant work to convert but the only way I can think of is to print to pdf or print the file and work folder stuff. One of the reasons that I don't make the switch. I hope that you find a better way, if you do, keep the post updated.

 

[ScottH]

Two thoughts:
How can I send XML files to lenders and they not have photos connected? I’m not sure if it is correct that these are data only files.
A back up option is to keep a current copy of A La Mode running on an older computer, just for those times that I need to access an older file.
I suppose, if I was in need of files for a court situation (it hasn’t happened yet since I opened my business in 2006) , then the XML/PDF files that I have for each report would be sufficient.

Bradford and Clickforms is definitely better the best cloud, computing choice that is out there. They will allow my trainee appraiser and two data-entry employees can all access the system, under my license name, at the same time from any location and with any computer or mobile system! $1,100 / year instead of the $2,000 + I’m paying for my license and three others to Alamode.
Alamode says that this is something that they are talking about and should have available in a year, or so...ACI has taken their cloud option down and they are in the process of reconfiguring it. I called them 6 times, about an hour or so apart each time yesterday, before I was able to find someone to talk to me.

 

[VegasWayne]

Zap files are compressed folders exactly like .zip files. You can open them as you would open a .zip file to get some of the associated files in the folder. The actual appraisal is in a proprietary format within the .zap folder and you are stuck with using Wintotal to read it.

 

[Flakey]

If you are not keeping a PDF or hard copy of your reports in separate files that you control, start today. I would not put my business in jeopardy by having to rely on some proprietary format when asked by the state to produce a workfile. It will also allow you to chose any appraisal software, any time.

 

[mike32716]

The XML file you send to the lender has the PDF of the appraisal embedded it it. The XML text fields are just the form (and some of the commentary).

alamode has a free xml viewer that can view the pdf and extract it:

Open, read, and securely deliver your appraisal files

UAD Reader is the only way to view and verify UAD appraisals in XML format. Eliminate the hassle, and make it easier for everyone to open, read, understand, and share XML appraisal reports.

www.alamode.com

alamode dot com/appraiser/uad-reader/download/

If push comes to shove you can import the XML into a Clickforms file, and then use the windows snipping tools to copy/paste the addenda/photos.

You can use any "cloud" option with Bradford (and any of the vendors if you do some work arounds). I use iCloud for the Clickform databases, settings, and quick comments so they can be shared/modified/updated with all the installed programs (office pc, home pc, laptops). I keep the appraisal files for the past few months on iCloud too, and then archive them offline. This makes it easy to work from anywhere, and is free unless you need/want to keep all your files online (need more space. About 99 cents per 50 gigs.).

alamodes premium service has the TitanDrive (aka Vault) which is a proprietary cloud. It's strength is that you can use the online web based forms to access and modify forms created on your desktop from any web browser. You don't need the software. However, it's expensive as you mentioned, and I personally do not like the idea of proprietary cloud systems.

FWIW all the vendors now encrypt their appraisal files. I think Bradford finally did it in 2016, so there are no more conversions with newer appraisal files contrary to what you might see on some websites.

PS the alamode advertisement that mysteriously appeared in the middle of this text is not my text.

 

[ramrcdk]

If you are not keeping a PDF or hard copy of your reports in separate files that you control, start today. I would not put my business in jeopardy by having to rely on some proprietary format when asked by the state to produce a workfile. It will also allow you to chose any appraisal software, any time.

Every report for always I have saved a pdf copy on each of my working computers. I also flash drive & even CD for retro-viewing & additional future backup. Start Today saving 2-3-4 past reports each day OR /and until you have a sufficient inventory. I also must look for other providers. OFF point: i understand google is in a vast pot of hot water, investigations soon = stay away from Google as best you can.

 

[Elliott]

Zap files? Are those anything like a Zap Drive.....which were used by artistic types 20-years ago?

 

[Dale Smalley]

I print a xml and pdf as a secondary backup in my work file. Just in case I have to recreate the file.

 

[Sid Holderly]

With the right PDF program, you can copy anything off of an old PDF. Takes some time but can be done. I think easier than using xml data.
After a several months the likely hood of reusing an old appraisal for data becomes less necessary.