Mr Biggars. Can You Help Me Get An Improvement Implemented?

[NJAPRAZE]

I've input a time-saving suggestion over a year ago thru your tech support dept; I've phoned or emailed multiple times... no result or implementation... I feel tech support is useless as I'm not sure if what I'm requesting is being communicated effectively to your programmers, or even at all.

I realize there are priorities etc that the developers are working on... however - A YEAR is a reasonable period for this to have been addressed; I'm an advanced Excel / database user, have some programming experience, and know my request is not time-consuming and/or can be readily completed... especially since all of the "parts" are already in your system and it is essentially a field toggling/linking item.

My suggestion: clone the scanned/general document {graphic} addendum page and "re-toggle" the input field so that it may be linked to an excel field (to either an individual cell, or a group of cells that have been merged), rather than be a graphic-only, un-linkable field into which you need to cut/copy/paste from an external source.

For instance - one application in which this would save appraiser's time is: I work in 3 states and have 3 licenses... I want to paste JPEG copies of my 3 licenses into cells within the excel spreadsheet tabs - and utilize a formula {triggered by the input "state" of the subject} to auto-input the appropriate state license jpeg image into my appraisal form {into a scanned/general document addendum page}.

As a result - would not have to cut/copy/paste my license into EACH AND EVERY report... thus, saving time!

Other applications may be linking data analysis images, graphs, etc. when using the excel tabs... rather than do outside of TOTAL and then having to always cut/copy/paste EVERY SINGLE TIME.

Can you help get this implemented??????

Other appraisers.... would something like this be helpful to you?

Thank you in advance!

BF

 

[JTip]

Create a template with all attachments already included.

For example: A 1004 with your certification(s), MC form, additional photo pages, couple of black pages for tax cards, etc.

So when you get a 1004 order, open that template and everything is there.

At least that's the way it works with CF. Very simple.

 

[Tony V]

I have templates set up for each type of property I do, (1004, Land, UAD, GP, etc...). It is set up with what I will need for each type of assignment. Why not set up one for each State with your license already in it, along with whatever else you include in your reports. You can even set them up for client specific requirements. I use Aurora with no difficulties do this.

 

[Tom Woolford]

As a result - would not have to cut/copy/paste my license into EACH AND EVERY report... thus, saving time!

BF

Include a Generic map page in your templates. Rename it Appraisers License. Drag the image of your license into page. Simple, 2 second action once you get things set up.

 

[bnmappraisal]

I have templates set up for each type of property I do, (1004, Land, UAD, GP, etc...). It is set up with what I will need for each type of assignment. Why not set up one for each State with your license already in it, along with whatever else you include in your reports. You can even set them up for client specific requirements. I use Aurora with no difficulties do this.

Although I agree with JTip (although for some reason he prefers CF! ) and Tom, I do what Tony V posts. I have templates for each type. For your situation, I think it'd be easier for you to simply have a template for each state/each state license rather than trying to have an elaborate import formula. I think you're over thinking the problem.

I could easily see: URAR UAD STATEA, URAR UAD STATEB, URAR UAD STATEC, etc. Each would have the same content except for the state licensing info. No copy/paste/formula needed

 

[Mr Rex]

All I can say is that there is no wonder you have gotten no response. So many easy ways around this. You are wayyyy over thinking an answer to a simple issue.

 

[TRESinc]

Although I agree with JTip (although for some reason he prefers CF! ) and Tom, I do what Tony V posts. I have templates for each type. For your situation, I think it'd be easier for you to simply have a template for each state/each state license rather than trying to have an elaborate import formula. I think you're over thinking the problem.

I could easily see: URAR UAD STATEA, URAR UAD STATEB, URAR UAD STATEC, etc. Each would have the same content except for the state licensing info. No copy/paste/formula needed

i take it a step or two further. i have a folder for each calendar year and with that is a folder for each client. in that folder is my template for each type of report (1004, 1025, 1073, etc) which contains all the client specific forms and/or statements so i never forget to put them into a report. it not only makes it easier to start but i can also quickly view how many reports per year and per client when needed.

 

[NJAPRAZE]

Firstly - with the exception of Mr Rex... let me thank all who responded for your constructive input.

I already utilize many of the fine ideas that were shared - i.e. cloning, using state-specific templates, etc.

The reason I am asking for this specific feature/functionality is to save time - something which is of value to all of us!

I consider myself to me an "excel power-user" and significantly make use of the worksheets into which I cut/copy/paste data, auto-process/format the data, and then import directly into fields within my reports... {instead of having to re-type, a much easier option!). Rather than have to update every single template (10+ for each state) to make one change, it's much easier IMO to make one [universal change] that auto-updates or is auto-customized in every report

The solution I seek is to an "if-then" problem...

Given that I'm licensed in 3 states (PA, NJ & DE) - was hoping to use the subject data fields from the report (i.e. STATE) as the trigger... to create a link between report & worksheet to yield an output page within the report -> "if SUBJECT STATE = PA, then PA license..." --> link STATE field to a worksheet to import PA, NJ or DE (based on subject data); worksheet contains copies of each state license pasted within cells; then create an output cell (containing license image based on subject's domicile state) that is linked to the "picture field" page (formatted as cell field rather than a JPEG image) into which my license image is "auto-imported" from the output cell in the spreadsheet. The result is time saved and one less step required in every report!

Essentially.. I type in my subject property data and just by indicating the subject's state... my license page within the report is auto-filled with the appropriate license image!

Such a feature may also be expanded and used to import custom excel tables, charts, etc. -> appearing as "images" but functioning as linked cells.

I think such an idea is very worthwhile!

Your thoughts?

 

[Tony V]

My thought is that unless there are many other ""excel power users"" out there then the amount of time that it would take A La Mode to create the type of system that you are looking for would, most likely not be financially feasible to them. They are in the business of making software for the general target area more then shaping their software to suit each individual. If you could prove a wide scale need for the type of program that you are looking for, they might consider it.
These are my thoughts from the outside, I have no idea what they actually think, nor am I talking (typing) for them.

 

[Rick Stillman]

i take it a step or two further. i have a folder for each calendar year and with that is a folder for each client. in that folder is my template for each type of report (1004, 1025, 1073, etc) which contains all the client specific forms and/or statements so i never forget to put them into a report. it not only makes it easier to start but i can also quickly view how many reports per year and per client when needed.

Ding, ding - we have a winner! I even take it one more step than you do Tres - I use a master list in Excel, from which I can search or sort by any number of fields. My appraisals are designated by year, so I instantly know which year any appraisal was completed in. I can find and identify any appraisal, by multiple fields (customer name, address, zip code, lender, etc.) within seconds, and that is pretty impressive considering I track thousands of them. It's a system - and more importantly, it works quickly and flawlessly. I have also recently added three dates to it - date received, due date, and date delivered. In one worksheet of Excel I can see the parameters of every job I have done - grouped by year. I can assure you that this takes a lot more time than cutting and pasting an image - but I have unlimited power to search and/or scrub data at any time. It's well worth the effort.

Having worked as a system administrator for IBM for several years, I recognize critical thinking skills that over engineer a simple problem. This is a business - so what if you have to copy and paste an image or two every single time? Is your time so valuable that you can't spare an extra 30 seconds a report? If so, we are talking business and management skills as an issue here - not technical software design. Tres gave the perfect answer, and I refined it somewhat.

Don't complain, or if you do - pick your battles. When I was a beginner, we didn't even have forms to fill out - we had to chisel our results in stone tablets! Later, we used sheepskins. Translation; life is good. We have computer/software forms - internet MLS/data bases - digital cameras - email/uploading report delivery - ACH direct deposit payment systems - and pizza orders delivered to your door while you work! What's not to like?

Here is an interesting story that I learned a lot from. Many years ago, NASA spent millions to develop a pen that would write at any angle, and function in weightless conditions. They were successful, and their pen worked marvelously. The Russians used a pencil. What is the moral of that story?

One more thing... don't be so hard on Mr. Rex - I have learned a lot from him. He has a wealth of common sense - which is uncommon these days.