Did you know that you can drag records to move or replicate them in the Graphical Calendar? This makes it easy to reschedule a meeting, or to schedule a continuance.
PracticeMaster has the ability to integrate Calendar and Contact information with Outlook. If your firm uses Microsoft 365 with Exchange Online, the Tabs3 Platinum edition makes integration even smoother.
Knowledge Base Article R11898, “Configuring the PracticeMaster Platinum Exchange Connector for Exchange Online / Microsoft 365,” walks you through configuration and provides frequently asked questions and troubleshooting information.
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.”
In PracticeMaster, you have the option of either showing each group calendar record as individual users, or to combine all users into one record on the graphical calendar. This setting can be toggled in Calendar Properties.
To change whether records are combined in the graphical calendar
In a law firm, there can be an overwhelming amount of information to keep track of and work with – case information, contact information, upcoming meetings, research, emails, and documents galore. PracticeMaster can help make you more organized than you’ve ever been before. PracticeMaster provides the tools you need to manage it all.
Calendar – View not just your calendar, but all appointments for everyone in your office. View appointments for a specific client or matter, an employee, or view appointments based on any information in the calendar record such as date, calendar code, and location.
Contacts – Don’t just search your list of contacts; see all the contacts for any matter at a glance, and every matter in which a particular contact is involved.
Document Management – Tell PracticeMaster how you want to name and sort your documents, and then let PracticeMaster do it for you! Quickly see all documents for a case, or different versions of the same kind of documents across all your cases.
Matter Manager – Tie everything for a matter together in one place: calendar records, contacts, email, meeting notes, documents, billing summary, and more!
Conflict of Interest – Determine any potential conflicts by searching files, documents, email attachments, and contacts for key words. Optionally limit results to certain files, and more.
Timers – Use timers to track your time, phone tasks, and research. Switch between timers as needed, and then process timer records into fees!
Filtering – Add filters to your files so that you can easily see only those records that you want to see.
QuickViews – QuickViews combine a filter, column layout, and sort option into a tab at the top of the List tab of any file, which allows you to quickly switch your view depending on the records you are working with. Add Smart tabs to provide an additional level of record sorting.
Integration – Integrate calendar records and contacts with Outlook. Install the PracticeMaster toolbar in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; Adobe Reader or Acrobat; Corel WordPerfect; and Ricoh ScanSnap to save documents and research to PracticeMaster, or to create journal entries, calendar entries, or fees from within the other software. Integrate with Tabs3 CRM, LexShare, NetDocuments, and CalendarRules.
Areas of Practice – Areas of Practice provide a way to save separate information for different types of matters, without having the clutter of everything all in one file or set of files.
Report Writer – Create custom reports using the data stored in PracticeMaster.
WorkFlows – Help automate your workload by creating WorkFlows to automatically start tasks or notify other users based on specified events.
Document Assembly – Help automate form letters by creating document templates that pull information from any file in PracticeMaster. Once created, simply select the client and the template, and it does the rest.
For more information about PracticeMaster features or to purchase a license of PracticeMaster, contact your local consultant, or contact our Sales Department at (402) 419-2200.
You can go to a specific date when you’re in the Graphical Calendar or on the Dashboard tab of the Home page.
To go to a specific date
The Microsoft 365 Exchange Connector has been enhanced in PracticeMaster Version 2023 so recurring events created in Outlook will synchronize with the PracticeMaster calendar. This makes it easy to add recurring meetings or events in either Outlook or PracticeMaster.
These events will synchronize as a series of individual calendar events in PracticeMaster. Edits to individual events can be made in PracticeMaster. However, modifying or deleting the entire series must be done in Outlook.
Important: Syncing recurring events created in Outlook with PracticeMaster is only supported when configured to use the Microsoft 365 Exchange Connector. See KB article R11898, “Configuring Platinum Exchange Connector for Exchange Online/Microsoft 365,” for more information.
Calendar codes let you specify multiple default values for calendar records, including a default alarm time. For example, you could have a calendar code for meetings with prospective clients that will display an alarm 30 minutes before the meeting. If you already use calendar codes, you can add an alarm time to any existing calendar codes that require alarms. You can also create new calendar codes for these calendar records.
To assign an alarm time to an existing calendar code
To create a new calendar code
With Tabs3 Connect, you can see your entire firm’s calendar, not just your appointments, wherever you are. Because Tabs3 Connect accesses the PracticeMaster calendar back at the office, you can schedule meetings while you’re away, link them to a specific client and matter, and include other people from your office. When others add something to the calendar, you can see it right away from your tablet or smartphone. You can even view your active alarms in Tabs3 Connect to make sure you don’t miss an appointment or critical task.
Tabs3 Connect can optimize your calendar layout based on your device’s available screen space. When viewing the calendar on your smartphone, use the Phone Layout to see entries using the Agenda or Task List view. When viewing the calendar on your tablet or computer, use the Full Layout to see entries using the Agenda, Task List, or Calendar view. The layout can be toggled by clicking the icon in the upper-right corner of the web page.
For more information on Tabs3 Connect, contact your Tabs3 Software consultant, call Support at (402) 419-2210, or visit Knowledge Base Article R11480, “All About Tabs3 Connect.”
Did you know that you can quickly get back to the current date in the Daily/Weekly/Monthly Calendar from any other date with a single keystroke?
While in the Daily/Weekly/Monthly Calendar, you could use the horizontal scroll bar to get back to “today” from any other date, or you could navigate through the months on the right. However, the easiest way to get back to the current date is to simply press the Home key.
To see a complete list of keystrokes available in the Daily/Weekly/Monthly Calendar, press F1 while in PracticeMaster. On the Index tab, enter “Calendar” and then select “toolbar” from the list.
PracticeMaster provides one predefined holiday venue: Standard Holidays. This venue allows additional days to be added to it on a yearly basis.
To add days to the Standard Holidays Venue
Note: Only the six predefined holidays in the Standard Holidays venue are perpetual holidays. Any additional holidays must be defined for each year.
Each user can customize their calendar font settings via Calendar Properties.
To change the font in the PracticeMaster Calendar
Scheduling meetings doesn’t need to be complicated.
With PracticeMaster’s Calendar features, you can easily view everyone’s schedules, add a meeting to the calendar, and notify all attendees with just a few clicks. And when using the Auto Email Notification feature, this process becomes even more streamlined, which can save you time.
Watch this three-minute video here:
Training Videos can be accessed at Tabs3.com/videos. You can also access the videos in the Quick Launch by searching for and selecting “Training Videos.”
Link text in the Comments field of the Calendar File (or any other Memo type field) will be clickable if it is in the correct format. Include the full URL, starting with “http:”, “https:”, or “www.” with the link text.
Alternatively, you can add a Web Page type field to the Calendar File to store these links. This field type allows you to add a clickable link to the calendar.
To add a Web Page field to the Calendar File
You can now add the new field to the Calendar file via Form Designer. Form Designer can be accessed while on the List tab of any file via Edit | Form Designer.
Did you know that you can quickly convert Journal, Calendar, and Document Management records into billable fees? Use the Convert to Fee option in PracticeMaster to convert emails, research records, timers, notes, meetings, tasks, documents, and more into fees. Converting records into fees helps make sure your clients are being billed for the time you spend on their matters.
Converting a record to a fee
When you convert a record to a fee, a Convert to Fee window is opened which shows the same fields as the Fee file. If the original record does not contain a Client ID, you will be prompted to select a client before the Convert to Fee window is opened. When applicable, the Date and Description fields are automatically populated from the original record. You can then enter any other information for the fee record such as the Timekeeper, Tcode, Hours to Bill, etc. and save.
There are multiple ways to convert a record into a fee.
When a record is converted to a fee, a new fee is created without removing the record from the Journal, Calendar, or Document Management file.
Convert to Fee Settings
Default settings can be specified for calendar, email, note, phone, research, timer, and document records via Convert to Fee Settings (In the Quick Launch, search for and select “Convert to Fee Settings”). Settings are saved per user, so each login user has their own default settings. Default settings are broken down by record type (e.g., timer, email, document, etc.) and provide defaults for tcode, timekeeper, description, time to bill, and more.
Make sure you don’t have billable time that’s slipping away. Start converting records to fees and see how much additional time you can bill for.
Time is money, and how long it takes for your firm to complete tasks affects the bottom line. So how will Platinum software speed things up for your firm?
For more information about Platinum Accelerators, see Knowledge Base Article R11182, “Tabs3 and PracticeMaster Accelerators.” For more information about Platinum features, see Knowledge Base Article R11379, “Platinum Overview.” If you have any questions regarding Platinum features, contact your local consultant, or call Technical Support at (402) 419-2210.
You can create a custom index to be used in the Task List via File Maintenance.
To create a custom index for the Task List
You can now select this index for the Task List in Calendar Properties.
Although you are more than likely using alarms on your calendar records, you may not be aware of the scope of how alarms can be set and snoozed.
When creating a calendar entry, you can select a preset value for an alarm, enter the desired alarm value, or use natural language, such as “tomorrow 3pm,” “next week,” “next month,” or “Monday.” Optionally select None if you do not want an alarm to be displayed.
Once an alarm becomes due, the PracticeMaster Alarm Notification window is displayed. From this window, you can mark tasks as completed, clear alarms, and snooze alarms. All alarms are displayed in this window, eliminating multiple alarm windows upon opening PracticeMaster. You can elect to snooze one of the alarms, some of the alarms, or all of the alarms at one time.
When snoozing, the PracticeMaster Alarm Notification window includes the same preset intervals as the Calendar record, but also includes “15 Minutes Before,” “10 Minutes Before,” “5 Minutes Before,” “2 Minutes Before,” and “1 Minute Before,” provided the interval does not exceed the amount of time until the record’s Start Time. Snoozed alarms are remembered – this means that once an alarm is snoozed, the alarm will not be displayed again until the snooze time indicated, including when you close and reopen PracticeMaster.
Make sure you don’t miss out on something important by taking advantage of PracticeMaster alarms.
The font, font style, and font size can be changed for the Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Calendar via Calendar Properties.
To change the font of the Daily Calendar
In Version 2021, we added the ability to go to a specific date when you’re in the Graphical Calendar or on the Dashboard tab of the Home page.
To go to a specific date
The calendar will change to include the specified date.
Did you know that the Tabs3 Billing software comes with a one-user “Try Before You Buy” basic license of PracticeMaster that is free to use? If you don’t already use PracticeMaster, this basic license provides the ability to try out PracticeMaster and see how much practice management software will benefit your firm. Think you don’t need dedicated practice management software? If you’re relying on programs not designed for law firms, you’re missing out.
The Try Before You Buy basic license includes:
Give PracticeMaster a chance to change the way your law firm runs by saving time and money using the free one-user “Try Before You Buy” basic license. You’ve got nothing to lose.
For more information about PracticeMaster features included in the “Try Before You Buy” license, also known as PracticeMaster Basic, see Knowledge Base Article R11548, “PracticeMaster Feature Comparison.” If you have any questions regarding PracticeMaster features, contact your local consultant, or contact Technical Support at (402) 419-2210.
Time Zones are here! Beginning in Version 2020, you can specify your time zone or set it automatically as per Windows settings (Calendar | Calendar Properties). Additionally, time zones can be changed for individual calendar records. Calendar records will be shown relative to the local time for each user. The PracticeMaster Calendar, PracticeMaster Dashboard, and Tabs3 Connect Calendar all utilize the time zone setting on the device where records are being accessed. This also provides a more seamless integration of calendar records with Microsoft Outlook.
Tabs3 Connect also now supports time zones for calendar events and tasks. Tabs3 Connect will display new calendar records relative to the local time of the device. Tabs3 Connect allows you to specify a time zone when adding an event or task to the calendar, allowing you to schedule something back at the office or for another location.
Note: Only users converting from previous versions of the software need to enable the time zone feature (Utilities | Time Zone Configuration). It is enabled by default for new systems.
Update to Version 20.2.6 to start using time zones.
Additional information on how PracticeMaster handles time zones for calendar events and tasks can be found in KB Article R11836, “PracticeMaster Time Zone Overview,” or the Help included with PracticeMaster. Click here to view the “Enabling Time Zones in PracticeMaster” training video.
Did you know that PracticeMaster has a new dashboard in Version 19? The dashboard makes it easy to see your calendar for the day, your upcoming tasks, and a quick recap of the time you entered.
My Calendar
The Calendar widget shows a list of your upcoming events, along with a calendar that can be used to pick a different date. Mouse over an upcoming event to see more details, or click it to open the calendar record for editing. You can quickly add an item and open the full calendar.
My Tasks
The My Tasks widget shows all of your incomplete tasks broken up into sections by due date. This makes it easy to see what needs to be done first.
Recap of Hours
The Recap of Hours widget shows your hours worked compared to your daily target hours. This makes it easy to see the status of your worked hours, including any unprocessed timer records.
Note: The Home page must be selected in the PracticeMaster Theme Settings (View | Theme Settings | Home Page) to view the dashboard.
This can be accomplished by creating a WorkFlow that will automatically trigger whenever a calendar record with a particular calendar code (e.g., “FC”) is marked as completed. The WorkFlow will create a calendar entry populated with field values specified in the WorkFlow itself. For our example, the calendar entry will include the following:
To automatically create the next Calendar entry every time one is completed in the set
You now have a WorkFlow that will create a customized calendar entry based on the completion dates of the prior task. This can be reapplied as many times as is necessary for the series to be completely automated as things are marked completed.
For more information on WorkFlows, refer to our PracticeMaster WorkFlows Guide at Tabs3.com/support/docs.html or Knowledge Base Article R11307, “All About WorkFlows.”
PracticeMaster has the ability to customize which fields synchronize with Outlook. You can select which PracticeMaster field values to display in Outlook’s Subject or Description fields for Calendar records. When synchronizing contacts to Outlook, you can select which PracticeMaster fields to map to their corresponding Outlook fields. These features make it easy to display custom calendar and contact information from PracticeMaster in Outlook.
To specify which fields are displayed in the Subject field of Outlook Calendar records
To specify which fields are displayed in the Description field of Outlook Calendar records
To specify which fields are displayed for Outlook contacts
Any changes to the field settings will trigger a Critical Synchronization. This process updates previously synchronized records to use the new settings.
You may already be set up to synchronize your calendar and contacts between PracticeMaster and Microsoft Outlook via your Exchange server, but using the Platinum Exchange Connector has so many more great benefits!
What makes the Exchange Connector a better option?
To set up the Exchange Connector, you must configure the Active Directory Domain Controller, the Exchange Server, the Tabs3 and PracticeMaster Platinum Server, and the Exchange Connector settings. For complete instructions on setting up the Exchange Connector, refer to Knowledge Base Article R11596, “Configuring the PracticeMaster Platinum Exchange Connector.”
For more information about Platinum features, see Knowledge Base Article R11379, “Platinum Overview.” If you have any questions regarding Platinum features, including the Exchange Connector, contact your local consultant, or contact Technical Support at (402) 419-2210.
PracticeMaster Reminders do not synchronize over to Outlook. However, a WorkFlow can be set up that will automatically create additional calendar records as “reminders” in PracticeMaster when a certain calendar code is used. Because we are creating separate calendar records, they will then synchronize over to Outlook.
To create a WorkFlow that adds additional calendar records based on Calendar Code
The specified user will now have an automatic reminder set up for one week prior to a record with a Calendar Code of “Hearing”.
For more information on WorkFlows, refer to our PracticeMaster WorkFlows Guide at Tabs3.com/support/docs.html or Knowledge Base Article R11307, “All About WorkFlows.”
Because the calendar entries were synchronized between PracticeMaster and Outlook, the Outlook Sync Log can be used to help determine if records were deleted. The Outlook Sync Log keeps track of every add, change, or delete that passes between Outlook and PracticeMaster.
Because the Outlook Sync Log records everything that synchronizes between PracticeMaster and Outlook, it can be quite large. Fortunately, we can create a filter to help narrow down the records we want to look at.
To filter the Outlook Sync Log for deleted records
Once the filter is enabled in the Quick Clicks pane, only those records that were deleted during the sync will be shown. You can then determine if records need to be added back into PracticeMaster based on record information in the Outlook Sync Log including the calendar Description, Owner (User), and Due Date/Time.
If you do not see the record(s) you are expecting, keep in mind that it’s also possible for records to appear deleted when they were actually changed (e.g., removing a User from the record, changing the Due Date field, etc.). If you want to look for changed records, instead of deleted records, simply change the filter’s Test Value from “D” to “U” in step 6b above.
For more information on PracticeMaster’s integration with Outlook, please see our Outlook Integration Guide.
There are a few reasons the “Outlook Synchronization Suspended” message can be displayed in the PracticeMaster status bar.
The specified confirmation threshold has been exceeded.
The Outlook Synchronization confirmation threshold is used to specify the minimum number of records that will require confirmation before synchronization can proceed. The purpose of this setting is to ensure that you are alerted when an unusual number of records are being synchronized (as this can indicate a problem with your synchronization settings), without interrupting more typical synchronizations. Therefore, the ideal value will vary depending on the user.
To change the threshold
A critical Outlook Synchronization setting has been changed and therefore a critical synchronization is required.
In order to ensure the accuracy of synchronized information, a critical synchronization must be performed before any synchronization can occur after changing the settings. All other synchronization for the user will be suspended until this synchronization is performed.
A synchronization exception has occurred.
A synchronization exception is a synchronization issue that PracticeMaster cannot resolve without user intervention. Exceptions are uncommon. Refer to the “Synchronization Exceptions” section of Knowledge Base Article R11368, “Troubleshooting Outlook Calendar & Contact Integration Issues,” for more information.
Resolution
To resolve the suspended synchronization, click the “Outlook Synchronization Suspended” message in the PracticeMaster status bar. You will then be prompted to perform the required action.
For more information on PracticeMaster’s Outlook integration, refer to our Outlook Integration Guide.
Do you manually add every calendar record individually for events that repeat on a regular basis? Save time by using PracticeMaster’s Recurring Dates feature!
PracticeMaster’s Recurring Dates feature allows you to quickly add multiple calendar records with the same information for different dates. This feature is quite useful for creating dates for repetitive tasks such as client review, filing deadlines, etc. You can even link a series of dates, making it easy to change or delete all records in the same series.
The Recurring Dates video walks you through adding calendar records for a meeting with a monthly recurring date. For this scenario, the video shows you how to create records on the third Thursday of every month for the next two years. The video then shows you how easy it is to change the date for all of the newly created meeting records to the third Friday of every month, instead.
Using PracticeMaster’s Recurring Dates feature makes it easy to create multiple linked calendar entries for a task or event that occurs on a regular basis.
Watch this three-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.
You can create WorkFlows so that each time you add a record to the Calendar with the Client ID field populated, the Primary Timekeeper’s name will be added to the beginning of the Description field.
To create a WorkFlow that adds the Primary Timekeeper’s name to the Description field
For more information on WorkFlows, refer to our PracticeMaster WorkFlows Guide at Tabs3.com/support/docs.html or Knowledge Base Article R11307, “All About WorkFlows.”
The way that calendar records synchronize between PracticeMaster and Outlook depends on whether you are using Microsoft Exchange, and how System Configuration is configured.
If you are not using Microsoft Exchange, or you are but do not have System Configuration set up to take advantage of Microsoft Exchange, then the following synchronization rules apply:
If you have Microsoft Exchange, there are two settings in System Configuration that can be used to immediately synchronize calendar records for other users. The first option, Use Microsoft Exchange to synchronize PracticeMaster and Outlook, is available in both the Platinum and non-Platinum software. The second option, Enable the Platinum Exchange Connector, is available only in the Platinum software.
Non-Platinum
If you do not have the Platinum version of the software, and the option to Use Microsoft Exchange to synchronize PracticeMaster and Outlook is selected, the following synchronization rules apply:
Platinum
If you have the Platinum version of the software, and the options to Use Microsoft Exchange to synchronize PracticeMaster and Outlook and Enable the PracticeMaster Exchange Connector are selected, the following synchronization rules apply:
Note: In order for synchronization to occur with other users, both users must have Outlook calendar integration and automatic synchronization enabled in PracticeMaster. For example, if Mary is creating events in Susan’s PracticeMaster calendar, and Mary is not set up to automatically integrate calendar records with Outlook, the events Mary enters will not be synchronized to Susan’s Outlook calendar until the next periodic or manual synchronization occurs for Susan.
For information on setting up and troubleshooting integration with Microsoft Exchange, see Knowledge Base articles R11373, “Microsoft Exchange Server Overview,” R11596, “Configuring the PracticeMaster Platinum Exchange Connector,” and R11597, “Troubleshooting the PracticeMaster Platinum Exchange Connector.”
Did you know that there are multiple calendar reports that can be printed in PracticeMaster? Different reports provide different ways to view your calendar entries and print them.
Daily Report
The Daily Report can include events, tasks, and/or reminders for the selected users and date range. You can select whether entries are listed by type and then by date, or vice versa, and specify what is appended to the description. This report automatically begins each selected user on a different page.
The Daily Report can be accessed via Reports | Daily Report.
Graphical Calendar Report
The Graphical Calendar Report mimics the look of the Daily/Weekly/Monthly Calendar. There are four ways to print the Graphical Calendar Report. Common settings include font, whether to include color, which users to include on the report, and the date range. Additionally, when the Graphical Calendar Report is accessed from the Daily/Weekly/Monthly Calendar, you can select to print a filtered calendar based on the filter selected at the time of printing.
The following selections provide additional options:
The Graphical Calendar Report can be accessed via Reports | Graphical Calendar Report or the (Print) icon in the Daily/Weekly/Monthly Calendar.
Graphical Task List Report
The Graphical Calendar Task List mimics the look of the Task List and includes the columns selected on the Task List tab of the Calendar Properties (Calendar | Calendar Properties). Options that can be selected include color and which User IDs to include. Additionally, a date range can be specified if Incomplete Tasks for Selected Day is selected on the Task List tab of the Calendar Properties.
The Graphical Task List can be accessed via Reports | Graphical Task List or the (Print) icon in the Task List.
Report Writer
In addition to the ability to create your own reports, Report Writer comes with many pre-defined reports that can be edited, copied, and/or deleted. The following calendar reports are among the reports included.
Report Writer can be accessed via Reports | Report Writer.
For examples of each of these reports, take a look at the PracticeMaster Report Pack.
Did you know that you can convert calendar, e-mail, note, phone, research, timer, and document records into fees? This allows you to easily bill your client for the time spent on their matter.
The Converting Records to Billable Fees video shows you how to convert records to fees via the Matter Manager, Calendar and Journal file, and the Process Timer Records utility. Additionally, this video walks you through the Convert to Fee Settings, which allow you to specify default settings to be used (e.g., Tcode, Minimum Time to Bill, etc.) for each type of record.
Watch this eight-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.
System Configuration isn’t a program you work in everyday like Tabs3 Billing, but is geared toward setting up certain features of the software. So what settings are controlled in System Configuration, and how do you access it?
Many settings in the software can be set up once and you’re done, but others may need to be updated such as when employees come and go, your server equipment changes, or your firm changes and grows. Although each individual program (Tabs3 Billing, PracticeMaster, etc.) has program-specific customization settings, many System Configuration settings affect more than just a single program.
Note: Manager Access Rights are required to access many of the settings in System Configuration.
System Configuration is used to set up the following features:
How to access System Configuration
You can open System Configuration via your desktop shortcut, if present, or via the Application Toolbar from any of the Tabs3 software. The Application Toolbar is typically located on the right-hand side of the main window and includes buttons for all Tabs3 software for which you have access rights. For more information about accessing System Configuration, press F1 while in the Tabs3 software and enter “System Configuration” on the Index tab.
A WorkFlow can be created that will add the User ID to the desired calendar records. This WorkFlow will not run automatically, but will run when you click the WorkFlow in the Quick Clicks pane. This allows you the flexibility of selecting only the records to which you want the user added.
Tip: Once the WorkFlow has been created, it can easily be updated for similar scenarios in the future. For example, if you need to add another new employee at a later time, simply edit the existing WorkFlow for the new User ID.
To create a WorkFlow to add a particular User ID to calendar records
To run the WorkFlow, simply open the Calendar file, select the desired calendar records, and then click the WorkFlow from the WorkFlows group of the Quick Clicks pane. All of the selected calendar records will be updated with the new user.
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.”
A WorkFlow can be set up for a particular Calendar Code so that whenever the alarm is cleared, PracticeMaster sets the alarm to a new value for you and updates the description to the next action item. For example, when a “1 day” alarm is cleared, PracticeMaster can set the alarm for “1 hour.” This can be desirable if you like the alarms but don’t want to create separate calendar entries for each action item of a task or event.
To create a WorkFlow that sets a new alarm when an alarm is cleared
You now have a WorkFlow set up so that when you clear the one day alarm on a record with a Calendar Code of “Trial,” it will reset the alarm to be displayed one hour before the trial time to remind you to leave.
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.”
There are a variety of options available to handle this. WorkFlows can be set up to copy any information from the originating record to another location. For example, if a calendar record is deleted, then the WorkFlow can be set up to copy the Due Date, Calendar Code, Description, Comments, Start Time, and more to the new record. The WorkFlow can even be set up to show who made the deletion.
Note: You can optionally set up access rights to only allow certain users rights to delete records. This can help alleviate issues with unauthorized deletions. Access rights can be set up in System Configuration via File | Open | Access Profile.
The following is a list of options where WorkFlows can help track deletions:
Regardless of which option you choose, a new record will be added to PracticeMaster. The goal is for the WorkFlow to record all critical information that was removed by the deletion. A WorkFlow will need to be added to each file in which you want deleted records tracked.
You can find more information and additional options for using WorkFlows to track deleted records in Knowledge Base Article R11732, “Using WorkFlows to Track Deleted Records.”
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.”
Are you using groups for calendaring, or do you enter each user individually in the record? A group is composed of various users, and can be a great shortcut when adding calendar records for teams, managers, or any set of users. For example, if you have regular partner meetings, create a group that includes each of the partners. When creating the calendar record, simply select the group and all of the users in the group will automatically be added to the record.
To create a new group
By adding users to groups, you can help streamline calendar entries and save time!
Everyone can view your public calendar records, but did you know that you can control who has rights to edit your public calendar records and who has rights to browse or edit your private records?
Calendar rights are assigned via the User Configuration program in System Configuration. Although any user can view public calendar entries, rights must be explicitly given to edit public entries, view private entries, and edit private entries. Although this may sound complicated, it’s easy to specify who has rights to whose calendars.
To specify calendar rights for a user
Configuring access for one user will automatically update the corresponding values in the Calendar Access Rights window for any other users affected by the change. For example, let’s say you currently have Cathy’s user profile open, and you specify that Robert has rights to edit Cathy’s public calendar records. Now opening Robert’s user profile will also show that he has rights to edit Cathy’s public calendar records.
Note: Keep in mind that while you can specify which users have rights to edit your public records, browse your private records, and edit your private records, only managers can specify what rights you have to other users’ calendars. Additionally, in order to browse, add, change, and/or delete calendar records, your User ID must be part of an Access Profile with those rights.
This can be done by creating a WorkFlow that will automatically trigger whenever a client is added with an Area of Practice (AOP) of Criminal Law. The WorkFlow will create a calendar entry populated with field values specified in the WorkFlow itself. For our example, the calendar entry will include the following:
To automatically create a Calendar entry every time a Criminal Law client is added
You now have a WorkFlow set up that will create a customized calendar entry every time a new client is saved with Criminal Law selected as the Area of Practice.
Did you know that when adding, changing, or deleting a calendar record, PracticeMaster can be set up to generate an e-mail with the record’s details in the body and the applicable users in the To field? This makes it easy to notify users of calendar additions and changes.
To enable the Auto E-mail Notification feature, from the Calendar menu, select Auto E-mail Notification. A to the left of the menu option indicates that this feature is enabled. Keep in mind that each user who wants to have an e-mail auto-generated must enable this feature.
Once the e-mail has been generated, make any additional changes as desired and click Send. It’s that easy!
When adding multiple calendar records, should you use Calendar Plan Templates or Recurring Dates? Both are great ways to create multiple records at once, but each option has distinct differences between them.
For example, Calendar Plan Templates provide the ability to enter custom information on records and are designed to generate a set of records relating to a specific job, court appearance, etc. On the other hand, Recurring Dates create a set of records with the same information with different dates, which is perfect for when you are scheduling repetitive records for meetings or tasks such as a weekly partner’s meeting.
For more information to help determine which option is better for your scenario, visit Knowledge Base Article R10692, “Calendar Plan Templates vs. Recurring Dates.” This article provides a direct comparison between Calendar Plan Templates and Recurring Dates in PracticeMaster in an easy-to-read table.
Our Knowledge Base can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at support.Tabs3.com. You can also access our Knowledge Base while in the software by selecting Help | Internet Resources | Knowledge Base.
You’ve probably seen the announcements that CompuLaw will no longer update or support CompuLaw Court Rules that integrate with PracticeMaster after December 31, 2016, and that we are now integrating with CalendarRules. But if you’re not yet familiar with CalendarRules, keep reading to see what all it’s all about!
CalendarRules offers general civil litigation-related court and agency Rule Sets for State, Federal, Appellate, and Bankruptcy courts across the United States. Currently, rules are available in all 50 states, with additional courts being added every month.
You can contact CalendarRules at CalendarRules.com to subscribe. Make sure to let them know you use PracticeMaster.
After purchasing a license from CalendarRules, integration is set up entirely through PracticeMaster.
To set up CalendarRules Integration
CalendarRules’ calendar plans are easy to generate.
To generate a CalendarRules plan
You can now preview the calendar plan.
Once you have clicked the Accept Plan button, the PracticeMaster View Calendar Plans window will be opened. Plans that have been generated via CalendarRules can be reviewed at any time via the PracticeMaster View Calendar Plans window.
For more information on CalendarRules, see Knowledge Base Article R11713, “CalendarRules Integration Overview.”
We want to let you know that Aderant informed us that they are not planning to update or support CompuLaw Calendar Rules that integrate with PracticeMaster after December 31, 2016.
In other words, if you currently use CompuLaw calendar plans, your plans will still exist within PracticeMaster, however Aderant will no longer update your court rules to reflect changes after December 31, 2016.
If you rely on court rules to keep organized and you are on the latest version of PracticeMaster, you can purchase a subscription from CalendarRules, our new calendar plans integration partner. You can read more about this integration in our KB article, CalendarRules Integration Overview.
We held an in-depth web session on the new CalendarRules integration on Wednesday, November 30. If you’d like to request a recording, you can do so here: forms.tabs3.com/cr
We added two great new features to Tabs3 Connect – the ability to stay logged in regardless of inactivity, and the ability to view all Calendar file fields!
For steps to download and install the latest version of the software, visit Knowledge Base Article R10154, “How to Download Files from Software Technology, Inc.’s Download Pages.”
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.”
PracticeMaster is capable of integrating with CalendarRules to create and maintain Calendar Plans using rule sets from CalendarRules.com! CalendarRules offers general civil litigation-related court and agency rule sets for State, Federal, Appellate, and Bankruptcy courts across the United States. Currently, rules are available in all 50 states, with additional courts being added every month.
Knowledge Base Article R11713, “CalendarRules Integration Overview,” provides everything you need to get started: integration requirements, steps for configuring CalendarRules integration, frequently asked questions, and troubleshooting.
Our Knowledge Base can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at support.Tabs3.com. You can also access our Knowledge Base while in the software by selecting Help | Internet Resources | Knowledge Base.
We’re excited to announce our new integration partner, CalendarRules!
CalendarRules.com offers general civil litigation-related court and agency Rule Sets for State, Federal, Appellate and Bankruptcy courts across the United States. Currently, rules are available in all 50 states, with additional courts being added every month.
CalendarRules makes updated rules available to the end user in real time. Courts generally announce updates in two ways:
CalendarRules can really add to the power of PracticeMaster for your firm. We would love to show you how it can save you time, and give you peace of mind. We recently had a webinar with Scott Davis, the founder of CalendarRules, and Bruce Policky, the Product Manager for Tabs3 Software, and had them demonstrate the new CalendarRules integration with PracticeMaster.
View the Recording here –> http://forms.tabs3.com/cr
Aderant, the company who makes CompuLaw Rules, has informed us that they are not planning on updating or supporting CompuLaw Rules that currently integrate with PracticeMaster after December 31, 2016.
As a result of Aderant’s decision, PracticeMaster Version 18 will be the last version of PracticeMaster that will generate or update CompuLaw Calendar Plans. Any CompuLaw Calendar Plans already processed with PracticeMaster will still be accessible.
In order to continue providing up-to-date court rules to our users, we have teamed up with CalendarRules.com, a provider of court rules for law firms. PracticeMaster integration with CalendarRules.com is available with Version 18.1.4, released August 11, 2016.
Did you know that you can add the PracticeMaster Toolbar icons to the Quick Access Toolbar in Microsoft Office 2007 and later? To add any of the PM Open, PM Save, PM Journal, PM Calendar, and/or PM Fee buttons to the Quick Access Toolbar, simply right-click the icon on the PracticeMaster ribbon and select Add to Quick Access Toolbar.
Tabs3 Connect has been around for some time now, but what exactly is Tabs3 Connect, and what can it do for your firm? Tabs3 Connect is a Platinum feature that provides access to Tabs3 and PracticeMaster anywhere you can connect to the Internet. No apps to download, simply go to Tabs3Connect.com and log in using your phone, tablet, laptop, or other internet-enabled device. Access client and contact information, enter fees and costs, use Matter Manager, access your firm’s calendar, receive alarm notifications, send and receive eNotes, and download documents and e-mail attachments via Tabs3 Connect. On smartphones and tablets, you can tap to create a fee, and flick to scroll through a list.
Keeping your data secure is top priority, and Tabs3 Connect was designed to protect attorneys’ sensitive information. The information you access using Tabs3 Connect is secure because it resides at your office, on your computer. It won’t be stored on someone else’s server in the cloud, or on a phone that you might lose. Furthermore, you choose who has access to Tabs3 Connect and who doesn’t, and access profiles affect users logged in to Tabs3 Connect as well. You can even keep track of Tabs3 Connect access and activity by reviewing the Tabs3 Connect Access Log and Tabs3 Connect Log.
If you already have Platinum, take advantage of this great feature and change the way your firm works! Don’t have Platinum yet? Now is a great time to explore the possibilities.
For more information on Tabs3 Connect, contact your reseller, consultant, or Technical Support at (402) 419-2210; or, visit Knowledge Base Article R11480, “All About Tabs3 Connect.” For more information on all of the great Platinum features, visit Knowledge Base Article R11379, “Platinum Overview.”
Did you know that if you want to change the date and/or time on a calendar entry, you can drag and drop the entry to the desired date/time via the graphical calendar? The ability to drag and drop calendar entries saves you the time of having to open the record and manually change the necessary fields. Knowledge Base Article R11294, “Drag-and-Drop Functionality in PracticeMaster Calendar,” provides information on enabling the ability to drag and drop calendar entries and performing the drag and drop.
Our Knowledge Base can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at support.Tabs3.com. You can also access our Knowledge Base while in the software by selecting Help | Internet Resources | Knowledge Base.