PST Newsletter

1. ManagePro 10.5 & Outlook 2010 Addin & MProLite on the iPad

We have been hard at work not only speeding up ManagePro, but adding several new features.  But the bulk of the work has been on integrating with Outlook 2010.  Both our primary vendor for components of the synchronization code and Microsoft have been pointing the finger at each other, without getting a resolution in place. 

We've finally been able to solve the outstanding issues, with one caveat todate, that being if you edit a recurring series, you'll need to do the edit in Outlook 2010 for it to sync over to ManagePro.  If you edit or change a recurring series in ManagePro, and then sync to Outlook, Outlook tends to ignore the update and replace it with the original values.

We're expecting to release ManagePro 10.5 and the Outlook 2010 addin as well as a new Outlook 2007 addin on Friday, October 7th.  If you are an annual maintenance user you will receive an email from us two days before confirming whether or not we will make that date.  Then on the release day you'll be sent a link to use to upgrade your copy or your organization's copy of ManagePro.  That being said let's go over some of the new features, and we'll explain in more details with screenshots in the email blast in October.

New Features in ManagePro 10.5
1. The program has improved in speed roughly 20% or more overall, in some windows up to 40%. 

2. ManagePro now generates a unique record ID for every new record entered, and when you add a new record, checks to see if a record with the same title has been entered previously and advises you of such, so that you don't inadvertently create a duplicate.

3. ManagePro now offers database admin users the option of designating fields as read-only.  That way if you have financial or performance indicators displayed in columns for previous years, they can be "frozen" or locked in and you don't' have to worry about someone altering them.

4. ManagePro now correctly formats tables in the email form, so that if you have pasted in tables from Word or copies of Excel, they are correctly sent out via email.

5. We've also:
- fixed a number of display range issues when in the todos and event views,
- rounded duration displays to days, not hours, and
- the Score Weight field found in the Record Details/Scorecard tab now supports two decimal places.

Please note that 10.5 involves a database upgrade.  Once we make the cut-over to 10.5 on our production server, you will not be able to synchronize your copy of plus, run your copy of Smart or use the new Outlook 2010 addin without upgrading to 10.5.

MProLite on the iPad.  Yes, if you weren't aware, MProLite works on the iPad.  You need to remember to use the Show Details button at the top, instead of double clicking to get the details, but otherwise it works the same.  And yes it also runs on your iPhone and Android phone.  Pretty cool!

For more information about new features and known issues in the new ManagePro and Outlook Add-in click here.

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2. Make ManagePro Easier for Your Users - do it Today

One of the most common concerns we hear from new users is that the program looks "too complex" even "overwhelming."  They find the outline presentation difficult for them to adapt to, difficult to find things, and certainly difficult to know what to do today!

You can change all that with the features in ManagePro.  In fact you can customize the program for each user, dialing it back to very simple or in steps up to fully comprehensive.

If you don't know how to dial it down to "ultra-simple" and you have users feeling overwhelmed, you should change the program today.  Don't wait any longer.  Take a look at the screen shots of what ManagePro looks like fully configured, versus simplified.  Big difference isn't it?

I'll write out the steps to dial ManagePro back, but if this looks a little over your head, call us and buy some tech support time, we can typically set up what I'm going to show you in 20-30 minutes.

Here's a picture of ManagePro dialed up for all of its comprehensive features.

Click here for a larger, clear picture:

Here's a picture of ManagePro dialed down to create just the basics for a user, identifying what's priority today or for this week, when things are due, what needs to be updated, and what the individual's todo list looks like.

Click here for a larger, clear picture: Or click here for a picture with the ribbon added back in.  Big difference isn't there?

Prescription:  How to dial it down (or up) 

1. Create a Calculated field that subtracts the last update from today, calculates the number of days in-between and sets the color to green if greater then -7 days, yellow if greater than -30 days, and red if less than or equal to -30 days.
2. Create a new view, suggest labeling it as Daily Priorities, in the Configure window check the box for flat list view, and add the columns Title, Who, Start Date, Due Date, Status, Priority, Last Updated and the calculated field you just created.
3. Position the new view you've created as the first available tab in the sub-tabs for the Main WorkSpace.
4. Select the user from the People and Meetings tab, right click and choose User access.
5. Uncheck the Map, Gantt, Scorecards and Analytic views, as well as the People Resource Allocation and Meeting tabs so they no longer display and uncheck all of the other views in the MainWorkspace, except for the Daily Priorities view you just created, and the general outline view of all goals that ships with the program.
6. Make sure you have color coded the Status and Priority lists, and consider emphasizing two business rules:
    6.1 Don't have dialed down users add main workspace records, have their supervisor build out the work plans for them, and they just add todos if they need to track additional items.
    6.2 If you do allow a dialed down user to add records, make sure they switch to the 2nd view or All goals before adding a record so they can position it correctly in the outline schema.
7. This one is optional.  To hide the ribbon display, click within the ribbon options and click the "Minimize Ribbon" checkbox.

 

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3. A Consultant User Checks in

Sometimes it can be a lot more interesting to hear from a fellow user than us, so when we were recently speaking with Tim Truman, a consultant in booming Calgary, Alberta market we asked him to write us and share with you what it's like for him to work with ManagePro.  BTW, here's his website - http://www.scs4u.ca

Question from us:  Tim how do you use ManagePro with your clients, what do you do in the first 90 days?

"My simplified “Top 3 in 90” are:

1) Map Priorities (1-2 weeks) – explore their organizational “mission” and make sure they have the proper context established to demonstrate and report their performance against expectations and requirements.

2) Organize Activities (2-4 weeks) – build a tactical framework that aligns their current processes and deliverables within the context built in Step 1. If something doesn’t cleanly align, then either re-visit Step 1 or evaluate dis-continuing the activity.

3) Develop Accountabilities (3-6 weeks) – assign ownerships at the tactical levels from Step 2. Develop performance/ success criteria for the processes that require it. Train and familiarize Users with MPro, and how the new system will work. Communicate, assign and track work/ deliverables as needed to ensure performance and quality objectives are being met. Track performance via updates, and manage flat or downward trends."

Why use ManagePro, there's lots of better known tools out there?

"Make no mistake… this is NOT “another project management” app.  ManagePro is a Business Management tool that can absolutely help you better organize, operate and improve the way you run your company, division or department. Quite simply, there’s no one application that can do for you the things MPro can do as quickly, easily or cost effectively. 

I’ve been a ManagePro user since 1994, and I continue to be impressed by the capabilities of this product. MPro is my secret weapon: I use it in my business, I recommend it to my Customers and I conceal it from my rivals.

If you’re looking for that mythical shortcut to improve effectiveness and efficiency… look no further. ManagePro is a 5-star product with a great support team that delivers a full complement of consulting services, training, support and product updates."

 

Remember, you'll receive an email from us on Wednesday the first week of October if you are a annual maintenance user advising you of our final release date for 10.5 and the 2010 Outlook addin, and the link to get both./p>

 

 
Rodney Brim,  Ph.D.
CEO Performance Solutions Technology
Blog - http://www.PerformanceSolutionsTech.com/Blog
Twitter Account - http://www.twitter.com/RodneyBrim

PS. Enjoy the new features in  ManagePro 10.5! and check out my new website at http://www.RodneyBrim.com and the work being done in Strategic Planning and Managing Meetings.