Did you know that you can print a report that provides various settings specific to users? In addition to the User ID, User Name, and Email address for each user, the User List (System Configuration | Reports | User List) can optionally include the following information stored in the user file:
- Logon User Status
- Tabs3 Connect Access (new in Version 20.1.8)
- Only Include Tabs3 Connect Users (new in Version 20.1.8)
- Users’ Access Profiles and Calendar Rights
- Users’ Timekeepers
Did you know that you can press Ctrl+Shift+F to open the Fee file and Ctrl+M to open the Matter Manager or Client Manager? Most people are aware of standard keystrokes, such as Ctrl+S to Save, Ctrl+C to Copy, Ctrl+V to Paste, etc. However, there are many more shortcuts to help save time in Tabs3 and PracticeMaster without your hands leaving the keyboard!
Tabs3 and PracticeMaster provide two lists of keyboard shortcuts and keystrokes to help speed up your data entry. These can each be found via Help in any of our software by pressing F1 and then entering “keyboard shortcuts” and “keystrokes” on the Index tab. We recommend printing these lists out as a reference until you get used to the ones you need most.
Going between keyboard and mouse to access everyday tasks may not seem very time consuming, but the time it takes for those extra clicks can add up. Check out which keyboard shortcuts and keystrokes will save you time today!
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:
- Users and Groups, including Calendar Rights and Tabs3 Connect settings
- Access Rights
- Firm Info
- Outgoing E-mail Configuration
- Microsoft Exchange Integration
- Platinum settings
- …and more!
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.
Firm information can change for many reasons, such as when you move, add partners, or the firm splits. Updating the software with your new information is important so that your firm is accurately represented on statements, checks, and more. Informing Tabs3 is also important so that information regarding changes to the software reaches you in a timely manner.
The main changes to firm information are made in System Configuration; however, other changes may also be necessary depending on your use of the software and are outlined below.
System Configuration
You can change your firm’s name, address, phone, website, and Federal ID # in System Configuration’s Firm Information window (File | Open | Firm). Changes to the firm’s name, address, Federal ID #, or phone will prompt you to print and send us a form with the changes. This is so that we can update our records.
Making changes to the Firm Information will automatically change the following information in the software:
- Heading of all reports in Tabs3 Billing, PracticeMaster, Accounts Payable Software (APS), and Trust Accounting Software (TAS).
- Firm name displayed on APS and TAS 1099 Forms.
- Firm name printed on TAS checks to FIRM.
- Statement Designer layouts that use a variable for any of the fields that have changed.
- Document Assembly templates and report definitions that use any of the fields that have changed.
Note: When a change to the firm name is made in the Platinum version of the software, all users must exit the Tabs3 software before the change will apply to the Tabs3 and PracticeMaster report headings or the TAS Payee of “FIRM.”
Tabs3 Billing
The following changes to statement information may need to be made in Tabs3 Billing for changes to your firm’s information.
- If your firm uses the Headings tab in Statement Customization (Statements | Statement Setup | Statement Customization) to enter up to nine lines to be printed as a heading on each statement, these lines may need to be updated.
- If your firm uses Statement Designer layouts that provide firm information manually entered, instead of using variables, these layouts may need to be updated.
- If your firm uses bitmaps on statements that include the changed firm information, the bitmaps will need to be recreated.
General Ledger Software (GLS)
In GLS, the Client Name field in the Edit GLS Client program (Utilities | Edit GLS Client) prints as a heading on all GLS reports.
Tabs3 Remote
In Tabs3 Remote, the firm name is saved in Customization (Utilities | Customization) and is printed as a heading on all Tabs3 Remote reports.
Trust Accounting Software (TAS)
In TAS, you must change the FIRM payee’s information (File | Open | Miscellaneous | Payee tab) to reflect changes to your firm’s address and/or Federal ID #.
If your firm information changes, make sure you update all of the necessary areas to help make the transition smooth.
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
- Open System Configuration.
- From the File menu, point to Open and select Group.
- Click the
(New) button. - Enter the desired Group ID and Group Name.
- In the Users in Group section, select the users you want to have included in this group.
- Press Ctrl+S.
By adding users to groups, you can help streamline calendar entries and save time!
