The Data File Integrity Check (DFIC) and Archive File Integrity Check (AFIC) are important tools used to test data files for valid information and structure. The DFIC can be run from any Tabs3 and PracticeMaster program via Utilities | Data File Integrity Check, whereas the AFIC is run from Tabs3 Billing via Utilities | Archive Integrity Check.
If errors are found when the DFIC or AFIC is run, a report is available to preview or print out. The report provides information on the error(s), including the Error Code and where the error is located in the system (e.g., field, file, client, etc.). DFIC Error Codes can be found in Knowledge Base Article R11653, “Data File Integrity Check Errors,” and AFIC Error Codes can be found in Knowledge Base Article R10771, “Archive File Integrity Check Errors.” These articles provide links to information on what the error means, potential causes of the error, and how to resolve the error.
But when and how often should you run the DFIC and AFIC? We recommend running these checks at the following times:
It is very important that errors are taken care of right away. Ignoring errors in the data can compound into larger issues, making the original error more difficult to correct and in some cases not possible. Since some errors require restoring the data, ignoring these errors for long periods of time can lead to data loss, or the need to have your data repaired.
When was the last time you ran the DFIC or AFIC? You can easily see when each of these utilities has been run via the Support Log.
To use the Support Log to determine when a DFIC and/or AFIC have been run
The DFIC and AFIC can be set up to run when opening the program or at a specific time using a startup option of “/DFIC” or “/AFIC”. Using a startup option in conjunction with a batch file can automate your DFIC and AFIC to run at any time, including after regular business hours. More information on startup options is available in the program’s Help using “startup options” for the Index keywords. Information on automating tasks can be found in Knowledge Base Article R11034, “Automating Tabs3 and PracticeMaster Maintenance Tasks.” Take the time now to verify how often your firm is running the Data and Archive File Integrity Checks so that you can implement any necessary procedural changes.
Help keep your data error free by running the DFIC and AFIC regularly.
If you’re concerned about your current back up strategy, or if you do not have one in place, then join our new free 30-minute webinar, The Importance of Backing Up the Software! You will learn how to create a backup strategy that is right for your firm and learn about the built-in back up options in the software.
Did you know that you can access your client’s billing summary, documents, journal records, and Area of Practice (AOP) files via Tabs3 Connect? You probably already know that you can easily access client, contact, fee, cost, and calendar information from the standard Tabs3 Connect links as well as from within the Tabs3 Connect Matter Manager, but the Matter Manager provides access to much more.
From the Tabs3 Connect Matter Manager:
Tabs3 Connect goes beyond accessing simple client and contact information, and it’s more than just a quick way to enter fees, costs, and calendar entries. Take advantage of the Matter Manager in Tabs3 Connect while you’re out of the office to get all of the information you need, when you need it.
For more information on Tabs3 Connect, contact your reseller and consultant, contact Technical Support at (402) 419-2210, or visit Knowledge Base Article R11480, “All About Tabs3 Connect.”
We’re excited to announce that we now offer a new Tabs3 Connect subscription plan that allows firms with just PracticeMaster Platinum to access Tabs3 Connect, the best way for attorneys to review matter information and their firm’s calendar anywhere they can connect to the internet.
“This new subscription option will allow firms that do not need to bill for their time a way to be connected to their office and client information when on the go,” said Dan Berlin, President and CEO of Software Technology, LLC. “We hope that PracticeMaster Platinum clients will enjoy this new Tabs3 Connect subscription option, as it will allow them more flexibility and mobility on the go, in addition to the robust practice management software at their office.”
Tabs3 Connect is a Platinum-only feature that provides access to Tabs3 and PracticeMaster anywhere you can connect to the internet. Tabs3 Connect uses the same SSL protocol used by banks and financial institutions to allow firms secure access to their data. From Tabs3 Connect, attorneys can enter fees and costs, see all activity and a billing summary for matters, schedule calendar appointments and tasks for anyone in their firm, and send eNote instant messages to anyone at the office. Tabs3 Connect is available for no additional monthly fee to Tabs3 and PracticeMaster Platinum clients on maintenance.
Client lookup fields use the Name Search field to find clients. Reports sorted alphabetically are also sorted on the Name Search field. However, this field does not get updated automatically when the Client Name is changed.
A WorkFlow can be created to update this field automatically when the Client Name is changed in PracticeMaster.
To create a WorkFlow that will update the Name Search field
You now have a WorkFlow set up that will automatically update the Name Search field without user interaction any time the Client Name field is changed, provided the change is made in PracticeMaster.
Note: If the Client Name is changed in Tabs3, the WorkFlow will not be triggered to run. However, the WorkFlow can optionally be run manually via the Quick Clicks pane in PracticeMaster.
For more information on WorkFlows, refer to our new PracticeMaster WorkFlows Guide at Tabs3.com/support/docs.html or Knowledge Base Article R11307, “All About WorkFlows.”
If you use PracticeMaster, do you use Quick Clicks? The Quick Clicks pane contains groups of links that allow you to customize your view, and provides access to many other features. The Quick Clicks pane can be pinned for immediate access to its features or hidden to maximize workspace. The Using Quick Clicks video covers all of the available options in this great feature!
Watch this five-and-a-half-minute video here:
Training Videos can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at Tabs3.com/videos. You can also access Training Videos while in the software by selecting Help | Documentation and then clicking the See also link for Tabs3 and PracticeMaster Training Videos.