Tabs3 Software comes ready to train your newest team member the moment they log in. Two built-in tools, the Guided Tour and the Getting Started Checklist, walk new users through the software from day one – no manual required.
Guided Tour
The first time a new user logs in, the Guided Tour launches automatically. It walks them through the key areas of the software: the Quick Launch, the Dashboard, and how to access Help, so they know where to find things before they start working.
Getting Started Checklist
The Getting Started Checklist appears on the Home page and guides new users through the most important tasks for each application. Each item links directly to the entry window where the action is performed, so users learn by doing.
A progress bar at the bottom tracks completion so new users always know where they stand. Hover over any item to mark it complete, open the relevant Help topic, or launch a short training video, all without leaving the checklist.
Every application has its own checklist. A new user who accesses Tabs3 Billing, PracticeMaster, Trust Accounting, Accounts Payable, and General Ledger will see a tailored list in each one. All applications share the Firm Setup checklist, which covers adding an access profile and a user, and entering firm information.
The next time you bring on a new team member, point them to the Home page and let the software take it from there. See the Getting Started help topic for more information.
Our office will be closed on Monday, September 7, in recognition of Labor Day.
Here are some helpful Support resources that are available 24/7:
Tabs3 Connect can be installed as an app from tabs3connect.com and runs seamlessly on any device. No need to visit an app store – just open your browser, install the app, and experience Tabs3 Connect seamlessly on your desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. It’s fast, reliable, and the quickest way to access Tabs3 Connect.
Knowledge Base Article R11958, “Using the Tabs3 Connect App,” provides steps to install Tabs3 Connect as an app and frequently asked questions.
For steps to install Tabs3 Connect, as well as additional information, see KB Article R11480, “All About Tabs3 Connect.”
Our Knowledge Base can be accessed at support.Tabs3.com. You can also access our Knowledge Base in the Quick Launch by searching for and selecting “Knowledge Base.”
There are several ways you might handle billing for a contingency case, but in the end you must adjust the amount owed based on the outcome. So what options does Tabs3 Billing provide?
Contingency billing occurs when a firm performs work for a client and gets paid contingent upon a settlement. There are many variations for this type of arrangement, such as whether or not costs will be billed, percentage amounts of the settlement, etc. When billing contingency clients using Tabs3 Billing, you typically bill them after the matter is settled; however, you may also want to bill them during the course of the matter. When billing during the course of the matter, you may want to bill only expenses or advances. You may also want the client to see the services rendered for a particular period without actually billing the fees. Then, once the matter is settled, you can write the fees/costs up or down and send the client a final bill.
For example, let’s say that you have a contingency client and you want to bill them monthly for all costs incurred, but not include fees on the statement. You must first create a statement template that includes the desired information on the statement, and then assign it to the contingency client.
To create a statement template for costs only
- In the Quick Launch, search for and select “Statement Templates.”
- In the Template ID field, enter a name for your template.
- On the Fee Format tab, select a Fee Format of No Fees.
- On the Cost/Payment Format tab, select the desired Expense Format and Advance Format.
- Select any other settings as desired.
- Press Ctrl+S.
To assign a statement template to a client
- In the Quick Launch, search for and select “Client Information.”
- Select the desired Client ID.
- On the Statement Options tab, select the desired Draft Template and Final Template (e.g., the template we created in the previous set of steps).
- Press Ctrl+S.
Using our example, let’s say that the matter has been resolved with a particularly good outcome. You determine that you need to write-up the client’s fees by $5,000 in order to meet the agreed upon percentage of the settlement that your firm will receive.
To write-up fees by an amount
- In the Quick Launch, search for and select “Write-Up/Write-Down Fees and Costs.”
- Select the desired Client ID.
- In the Transaction Type section, select Fees.
- Click the Calculate Client Total button.
- In the Amount Adjustment Type section
- Select Amount.
- In the New Total field, enter the total amount in fees you want to bill the client.
- Click OK.
You can now change the matter’s Final Template to a statement template that has a Fee Format of Standard and generate a final statement for your client. (As an alternative, you can select the statement template via Generate Statements.)
When entering information into the software, have you saved an entry only to realize you needed to enter the same description into the next entry as well? If so, there is an easier and quicker way than going back to the last record to copy the information. When you are in Fee, Cost, Payment, or Client Funds, pressing F2 while in the description field will automatically replace the transaction code’s default description with the Description entered for the previous entry saved during the current data entry session.
Did you know that Tabs3Pay can help you get paid faster? Accepting credit cards helps make it easier for clients to pay their bills. Sign up directly from Tabs3 Billing or Tabs3 Trust Accounting; in the Quick Launch, search for and select “Tabs3Pay Web Portal.”
With Tabs3Pay, you can:
- Manage separate trust and operating accounts.
- Securely store payment information for future use.
- Accept credit cards and electronic checks, all from within Tabs3 Software.
- Include a payment link in email statements, allowing your clients to easily enter payment information through the secure Tabs3Pay portal.
- Include trust replenishment request links with email statements or generate email requests directly from the Tabs3 Billing Matter Manager using Request Trust Deposit.
- Schedule future or recurring payments for clients.
- Take advantage of the Surcharging feature, allowing you to minimize the expense of processing fees.
- Enable clients to pay their current balance from the Tabs3 Client Portal.
To learn more about Tabs3Pay, visit Knowledge Base Article R11871, “Tabs3Pay Frequently Asked Questions,” or R11869, “Configuring Tabs3Pay.”
With Tabs3 Cloud, all of the Tabs3 software is on a server in the cloud, offering you access from anywhere, and lightening your own server load. No need to hire IT to manage the software – backups are made automatically, updates are posted regularly by the Tabs3 team, and support is still just a phone call away with the same team you’re already familiar with! Tabs3 Cloud includes Tabs3 Billing and Financials, and PracticeMaster can be added for an additional charge.
To see how Tabs3 Cloud can benefit you and to get a quote, visit tabs3.com/cloud to schedule a demo with a product expert.