PST Newsletter

1. Updates on ManagePro and MProLite

A quick status update on the next release of ManagePro, which we have now bumped up from 9.7 to 10.  We are pushing back the release date for a couple more weeks, here's why and what's happening:

We took the deep dive and are converting the entire database long text fields from Rich Text Format to HMTL.  We've made two runs at this in years past, but always turned back because it was such an immense job and the development of sub-components wasn't adequate to make for a good user experience.    The speed increase when accessing records with lots of progress updates and todos with the new version is enormous.  Some of my screen display times have dropped from 40 seconds to 4 seconds.  Yes a 10x improvement on larger databases.  Note: this means upgrading to version 10 next month will require converting your database as well.  We'll explain how to do that when the time comes.  We're waiting on two more patch updates from a vendor before we can release this.  They have advised us it will be ready within the next 30 days, and we hope sooner.

We decided to add more visually pleasing attributes to some of the standard actions of opening and closing records and views, and think you will find that the program is more entertaining to use.   We've also arrived at a new format that keeps the layout you are familiar with intact, but makes things simpler at the same time.  You can actually configure your existing copy of ManagePro (if you have admin rights) to get close to matching what you will see in the new design layout in version 10.  I'll walk you through the steps to do that below, but first an update on MProLite.

MProLite has a new online help file.  You can access it when you are within the program by clicking on the (?)icon just to the left of the "Change password" link.  Or you can log into it directly from your browser at any time by going to http://www.ManagePro.com/MProLite/Help.pdf

Steps for updating your 9.5 structure to the precursor for 10.0

1. Pin your Related Data view, User list view and Calendar views in place (click on the pin to make it move from vertical to horizontal orientation).  At this point they should all be showing on your screen.  If you need a quick 7 minute refresher on how to work with the pinning and unpinning of ManagePro views, review this video: http://www.managepro.com/mpro8/Tutorials/NavPart2/Part%202%20Configuring%20the%20ManagePro%20Window%20Layout.html

2. Point your cursor at the headline of the Related Data views, hold your left mouse button down, and drag that view to the right side of the screen until you see the 4 part blue design in the middle.  Point your cursor at the right blue box, the program will show where it will position that view and release your left mouse button.

3.  Next point your cursor at the User List view's header, hold your left mouse button down and drag it to the center of where the Record Related data view is, pointing at the center blue square that emerges.  Let go of your left mouse button to position that view and then repeat the process with your Calendar view.

4.  When you finish, you'll have a convenient 3 tabbed view that you can quickly move back and forth between your calendar, overall todo list, as well as the specific details for any record selected in the left hand side of the screen.  Your configuration should look like the one below.

We'll send you a letter to advise you when to upgrade for all of those current with your Annual Main-tenance contract... and you can always contact our office for instructions or updates (707) 487-3000.

2. User Tip: A Great Model for Prioritizing from KP Oncall

Have you ever thought about applying more rigor to how you prioritize projects?  Have you ever thought that it would be nice to use a system that would take inputs from multiple areas and derive a value that is tied to what's important to your business, versus a general hunch on what's a priority 1 versus 2 or 3?

Well, one of our customers, KP Oncall, has set up a really neat system for expanding on the prioritization theme, such that it is tied into 10 key business data points.  It makes for a very impressive and fact based way to approach what you decide to spend time and money on.  I asked if I could share their system with you, and they agreed, so follow along and I'll make this short and sweet.

1. First of all they created a table across 10 business categories to apply to any project and then set up a simple system to assign a score of 3, 2,1 or 0 to each of the business categories.  When applied to a single record or project it generates one summary (Prioritization Total) score.

2. Secondly, they created a custom tab in Details view which displays customized number fields to capture the rating across each of the 10 business categories for each project.  They also added a calculated field to sum the total of the ratings automatically.

3. Finally they added the "Prioritization Total" field to their view in the Main Workspace.  Now they can click on the Prioritization Total column title to sort all the projects based upon their priority setting.  What a great system for carefully assigning value and focus.  One which you can apply as well.

Note:  If you need some help setting up this system we can help you set it up in an hour. 
Call us at (707) 487-3000 if you would like some help.  It's a great way to use ManagePro, and a big high five to Ian and Dan and the rest of the staff at KP Oncall for business excellence and being willing to share it with the rest of our users.

3. Three Simple Questions that Separate Good from Bad MPro Deployments,

Thinking about who gets lots of value from using ManagePro (like KP Oncall) and others who don't, I wondered if you are aware that we have an informal set of questions that quickly tell us if you have or will have a successful deployment, versus an unsuccessful one that will flop as soon as whoever purchased it backs off.

Let me run through the 3 questions while you have a moment.  I promise it will be worth your time to consider:

1. Do most users define the software as something for their boss... not as a better way to work for themselves?  E.g. If the boss stopped using the program or checking on others, would everyone else stop, and return to old,  previous habits for managing information, tasks, updates, etc?

2. Does whoever launched the deployment hope that people will naturally gravitate to the extra work and benefits of improving their performance (by using MPro) without incentives and a strong persistent push?

3.  Are most people pretty comfortably insulated in their approach to their job from survival threats... e.g. they don't have to work like improving is equivalent to surviving?

If you answered Yes to any of these questions, chances are you don't have an effective deployment.  Put another way, you're using ManagePro, but leaving a lot of value and dollars on the table.  Take a look at the following two document links, for some practical suggestions on how to position and deploy ManagePro in your organization or work group - and give us a call, we can help:

1. A working definition of ManagePro and it's deployment in your organization.
2. How to avoid keeping yourself from having a very successful deployment. 

Thanks for your patience with the extensions of our release date.  It's in your best interest.  Hope you're finding new ways to improve your business and help your people be more effective with ManagePro and MProLite.

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

PS. Be sure to stay in touch with us through Facebook!

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