All projects: 9.0 SM (Major Release)

This release includes more than 9 enhancement and new functionality cases, 238 bug fixes, 2 Informational cases, 7 Inquiry cases, and 2 Research cases. Over 2,200 hours are devoted to this major release.

NEW:  1200: Database Conversion - FB 1.5 to 2.5

SMARTer Manager's database conversion consisted of migrating to Firebird 2.5.x and updating the database Dialect to Dialect 3.  All databases must be Dialect 3 and upgraded by SMe Software, Inc. to continue functionality improvements, enhancements, and the ability to interact/sync easier with data from other programs.

SQL dialects were used for migration between InterBase 5.x and Firebird 1.x. Dialects allowed for older versions of SMARTer Manager to continue to function along with newer versions of SMARTer Manager using Firebird. SMARTer Manager no longer supports any version using the old Dialect 1.

Why migrate the database to a new version of Firebird? While the end user may not see all the upgrades, better database management, better database integrity and other developer-friendly tools, the example information below will give the end user an understanding of the improvements they may experience.


EXAMPLE
-----------------

• The prior version, 1.5.x, Old (2004), no professional support
• Bad memory management for huge queries means it was slow.
• Slow garbage collection (1.5 hour+) on a 75Gb database.
• Slow backup (2 hours) on a 75Gb database.
• Firebird Classic 1.5 does not use more than 6 CPU cores

The old Firebird was much slower at all levels.

With Firebird 1.5.x

• 75Gb database,
• 564 tables,
• 5000+ database stored procedures,
• 813 database triggers
• Connections are 24x7 with ~400 users

With Firebird 2.5.x

• Better performance in queries
• Fast garbage collection (20 minutes instead of 1.5 hours)
• Backup time reduced (1.5 hour instead of 2 hours)
• Better use of multi-CPU hardware
• 64-bit version of Firebird available
• More availability of other SQL features

For more information on Administrative features, Command-line utilities and changes to the Firebird API visit: https://www.firebirdsql.org/
Database statistics example is modified from a Firebird Community Powerpoint presentation which closely resembles a SMARTer Manager user environment.

1285: Customers - Clicking on Object Manager icon to add a file

Adding images to the Object Manager returned messages that the file was too large or resulted in an access violation.

This issue is resolved in version 9.0.x

1286: Customers - Clicking on Object Manager icon to add a file

This issue is related to Case 1285. Attaching images through the Object Manager returned messages that the image was too large or generated an access violation.

This issue is resolved in version 9.0.x

1288: GL - Setup Wizard - Error when finishing setup

When running the General Ledger Setup Wizard some may experience an error at the end of the setup: DoOpenSQL Invalid modify request. conversion error from string "xxxxx"

This issue is related to Case 1290

This issue is resolved in version 9.0.x

1451: Popup Notification when Auto Pilot completes

In previous versions, it wasn't clear when the Auto Pilot scheduling had completed.

More visible queues have been added to the screen. A 100% and Completed label was added along with a more prominent Close button.

Implemented in version 9.0.x

1291: GL - Fast Start Wizard - second error when finishing the Fast Start Wizard - relates to case 1290

This issue was a result of Case 1290 and Case 1288. Running the General Ledger Wizards for accounting years resulted in DoOpenSQL Invalid modify request. conversion error from string "xxxxx"

This issue is resolved in version 9.0.x

1210: Help Icon

A new Help icon was introduced to SMARTer Manager.

NEW: 1176: Object Manager Enhancements

• Files can also be stored in subfolders with no limit on folder depth.
• A new folders view allows the user to navigate folders and subfolders.
• The file listing displays the files contained in the current folder.
• The folders and file list displays look and behave similarly to the Windows File Explorer.
• A new Include Subfolders checkbox allows the user to see all files in the current folder and all of its subfolders, regardless of folder depth.
• Annotation files are now named using their unique database row IDs. This allows creating different annotations from multiple locations that apply to the same image file, which was not possible in previous releases.
• Annotations performed in the Object Manager Library create a file named general_<xxx>.ANT, where <xxx> is the IMGMAIN.IMG_ID value for the IMGMAIN row of that file.
• Annotations performed in the Object Manager Instances create a file named instance_<xxx>.ANT, where <xxx> is the IMGLIST.IML_ID value for the IMGLIST row of that file's instance usage.
• Annotation files using the old naming convention will continue to be recognized. However, if they are ever saved then they will be renamed to our new naming mechanism.
• The object list (file types) icons can now be rearranged via dragging.
• Many behavioral improvements.

File Storage

1. As with previous releases, the Object Manager files are stored in these folders:

   1. Demo Database: <program files>\SMARTer\Data\Images\Img0
   2. Smart001 Database: <program files>\SMARTer\Data\Images\Img1
2. The annotation files continue to be stored in the same locations as previous releases.
   1. Demo Database: <program files>\SMARTer\Data\Images\Img0\Annotate
   2. Smart001 Database: <program files>\SMARTer\Data\Images\Img1\Annotate
3. The user cannot have more than one annotation for the same file within the same usage (library or specific instance). This can easily be worked around by copying the file and creating the added annotation on this new file.

Object Manager Library (Main Module)

• This dialog is accessed from SMARTer Manager's main menu. The Object Manager Library allows the user to manage their object files.
• Several window view states are saved.
• Folders can be created, deleted, renamed, and moved. Note that only empty folders can be deleted, forcing the user to explicitly delete the files first. This reduces the chances of a user accidentally doing a large scale delete.
• Files can be added, deleted, renamed, copied, and moved.
• Copied files may or may not include their annotations (user's choice).
• By default deleted files go to the Recycle Bin. Holding down the shift key during delete will permanently delete the files.
• File properties can be entered and edited.
• File multi-select is supported when not in subfolder view.
• Drag-drop is supported, including from external sources like the Windows File Explorer.
• Only the admin user can modify file filters.

File registration

• Files are no longer officially "registered".
• The program automatically adds a file's entry on an as-needed basis, and only if it does not already exist.

Adding files

Files can be added by clicking the Object Manager's Open button. Files can also be added outside of SMARTer Manager and they will immediately be seen and recognized. However, this is discouraged because users might also move files around outside of SMARTer Manager, breaking our database links.

File Resync

If a file were to come unlinked from its database entry, this will unlink it from all instance assignments. The resync option will attempt to reestablish this link for the selected files. This option is available for selected files. It can also be chosen for entire folders.

Annotations

• Image files can be annotated. These annotations are entirely independent of any item-specific annotations. If a user wants to create a second annotation on a specific file, they must copy that file and annotate the copy.
• Annotations on an image can be mass-deleted via a new delete button. If there are both saved and unsaved annotations, the button will allow the user to choose whether to delete only the unsaved, or all.

NEW: Object Manager - Module Level Access

• This module is accessed from many modules throughout the SMARTer Manager program. The Object Manager module dialog allows the user to assign (or attach) object files to specific data items from the main Object Library.
• Object Library files can be added and removed.
• Folders cannot be added, deleted, renamed, and moved while accessing the Object Manager from a module other than the Object Library.
• File properties can be viewed, but not entered or edited.

NEW: Adding [attaching] files

Clicking the Object Manager's Open button opens the Object Selection dialog. One or multiple files can be selected to add/attach to this item. If the desired files are in different folders, the user can check "Include Subfolders" and multi-select the files they want to add.

NEW: Copying files

Files can be copied from within the Instances dialog, with or without their annotations. File renaming can only be done with the Object Manager Library.

NEW: Annotations

Image files can be annotated. These annotations are specific to only this data item and cannot be viewed elsewhere. If a user wants to create a second annotation on a specific file, they must copy the file and annotate this new file.

 

504: Object Manager Annotation To Remain Unique to Each Module

NEW: In the previous version of SMARTer Manager, annotations to an object were also displayed across all modules and added to the original. In some instances, this was an undesirable behavior.

• Annotations created for a particular item (order, estimate, etc.) are now specific to that item. They are not shared or viewable anywhere else.
• Similarly, annotations performed in the Object Library itself (accessed via main menu Toolbox) cannot be seen anywhere else.
• This enhancement was implemented in version 9.0.x

693: "Create Master Assembly" Sub Jobs / Costing

NEW: Closely related to Case 660. The functionality of how SMARTer Manager handles shipping sub-jobs and component jobs before the Master Assembly job is greatly enhanced with this update.

The Shipments window now displays shipments of child production orders that were created via BOM window's Create Master Assembly. This allows them to be
individually shipped instead restricting shipping to the master assembly order only.

The Shipments window option, Include Sub-Assembly and Components option, gives the user the ability to roll-up cost when shipping the item to inventory.

1437: Make Tree Level references consistent

Previous versions referred to the BOM Item Tree Level in various areas as Item Level and Tree Level.

To maintain consistency and continuity all references to Item Level have been renamed to Tree Level.

This issue is resolved in SMARTer Manager 9.5.x

1459: Add Lot Information to PKG Slip

NEW: 
The inventory lot information is available in the data options for the forms in the Printer Form Designer.

Implemented in version 9.0.x

1160: Ability to Resize "Process Plans" Window

The ability to resize the Process Plan window was lost when the new look was implemented in 8.5.8 This issue has been resolved with version 9.0.x

NEW: 644: Read Only User

Read-Only User - no concurrent license, available to all SMARTer Manager users.

Setting the read-only user

Any user can be set to read-only by the ADMIN in the System Preferences window. The exception is the ADMIN user itself.

The read-only user is limited using the same approach as SMARTer Manager's Advanced Security Administration.

Adding a Read-Only User Log In

1. Log into SMARTer Manager as the Admin user.
2. Open the System Preferences
3. Add a new user Access Code and Password.
4. Post the data.
5. On the User Interface Options tab click the Read Only check box and click apply.

The Read-Only user can now log in.

Logging in

When the read-only user logs in, they will be taken directly to the custom tab which will have displayed the handful of menu options they are allowed. These options are also available via the main menu itself.

 

NEW:  1179: Quickbooks Import SDK

QuickBooks for Payroll Wizard

The QuickBooks Payroll Wizard operates in much of the same manner as other SMARTer Manager payroll wizards.

SMARTerQB Payroll Wizard allows integration between SMARTer Manager and Quickbooks. Currently, supported versions of QuickBooks are 2013 and the latest release of Quickbooks although the functionality may work with older version of QuickBooks.

The SMARTerQB Payroll Wizard is used to bridge SMARTer Manager with QuickBooks Payroll. 
The Payroll Wizard makes it simple as 1-2-3!  A brief outline of this simple process:

Step One: Export payroll-related information from SMARTer Manager.

Step Two: Run the QuickBooks Payroll program.  The entire QuickBooks Payroll cycle should be executed.

Step Three: Import the checkbook records.  All checkbook records for the current payroll will be imported, and the appropriate General Ledger journal entries created.

Initial release, version 9.0.x

988: Potential 64bit Speed Issues

Data registered within the Object Manager that exceeded 2GB caused a speed issue across networks.

Subfolders are now supported to any folder depth. This allows users to distribute their attachment files, improving performance.

The issue is resolved in version 9.0.x

1038: Synchronize Schedule Causes Bumped or Unscheduled Jobs

Running the Synchronize Schedule option is leading to already scheduled jobs getting moved to the Bumped or Unscheduled status.

Numerous major improvements and enhancements have been done to the scheduling module and this issue has been remedied.

This issue is resolved in version 9.0.x

382: Views won't run under Firebird 2.X

All data views are upgraded to work with Firebird 2.5.x dialect 3

Implemented in version 9.0.x

1171: Work Center order can cause Schedule failure

Certain jobs with multiple resources assigned to the first process caused the job not to schedule.

The issue is resolved in version 9.0.x.

NEW: 1191: Object Manager Annotations on a per transaction level.

NEW: Annotation files are now named using their unique identification in the database. The unique identifier allows creating different annotations from multiple locations that apply to the same image file, which was not possible in previous releases.

• Annotations performed in the Object Manager Library create a file named general_<xxx>.ANT, an example would be my-annotation_1234.ANT.
• Annotations performed in the Object Manager Instances create a file named instance_<xxx>.ANT, an example would be my-annotation_1234.ANT.
• Annotation files using the old naming convention will continue to be recognized. NOTE: However, if saved, then they will be renamed to the new naming mechanism.

NEW: To rearrange icons by file type, just drag the icon to the desired location.
Many behavioral improvements.

1221: Error qryShpMain: Field' SHP_COMMENTS' not found

A new field, Shipment Comments, was added to the Inventory Activity grid. The comment field updates when an item is transferred to inventory from production.

In some instances, the new field couldn't be located during a transaction.

This issue is resolved in version 9.0.x

1232: Error starting QuickBooks Payroll Integration

With the integration of QuickBooks and SMARTer Manager for payroll if the user moved the installation files an error occurs.

This issue has been resolved in version 9.0.x and the files relocated to a new directory.
 

1403: ABRA Payroll wizard Error

Running the ABRA Payroll Wizard generates a message, "Invalid variant type" when a default checkbook hasn't been selected in the Facility Table.

This issue is resolved in SMARTer Manager 9.0.x and the variant error message is now replaced by this error message:  "Please assign the GL Account for the Payroll Checkbook in SMARTer Manager."

1452: Scheduling Issues in Auto Pilot

There are situations that can create a date queue type with extremely small and
even zero queue values, (e.g. paste all fields). This can cause the scheduling
engine to schedule operations with dates in years 1899 and 1900.

This issue is resolved in SMARTer Manager version 9.0.x

NEW:  and UPDATED:

• Multiple resources on the same operation are now handled better by scheduling entirely together, even if they span over multiple days.
• Improved Job Conflicts windows displayed information while running and when it completes.
• Added popup menus to Job Conflicts' grids to jump to that shipment's process plan data.
• Job Conflicts window executes more quickly.
• Miscellaneous internal bugs fixed the scheduler should better operate as intended.
• AutoPilot can no longer run with Job Conflicts window open.

1486: Business Manager - Script errors

Using SMARTer Manager's Business Manager module for web browsing caused Javascript errors to appear for some websites.

This issue is resolved in version 9.0.x

1501: Error when printing a check and other default forms

Printing forms stored in the Printer Form Designer module returns a message: General SQL error.
Column unknown @1 At line @1, column @2

This message occurs when the user is attempting to print a form that is deprecated in this version. The user forms, Estimates, Purchase Orders, Invoices, and others need an update.

The new updated format exists in the current version of SMARTer Manager. Open a default NEW VERSION form, and add modifications if necessary or set the form to default.

If the term NEW VERSION is not visible when opening the Printer Form Designer than forms available to print, have been updated and no further action is needed.

For assistance or further explanation contact SMe Software's CEB department - +1-877-255-8221 or via Live Help available in SMARTer Manager.

1354: QB Payroll Wizard error when default Checkbook balance is $0.00

Error: Could not convert variant type of (NULL)into type (String) occurs when trying to launch the QuickBooks Payroll Wizard, SMARTerQB.

This issue has been resolved in version 9.0.x and accepts a $0 balance in the default checkbook.

1139: Auto Pilot doesn't show the Close button

Operating system settings caused the Close button to be out of the users' view.

This issue has been resolved in version 9.0.x

1362: Master Schedule - Privileged Instruction error

Selecting a date range that surpassed a single year, 1/1/2015-12/31/2016, would cause an error.

This issue is resolved in SMARTer Manager version 9.0.x, and the date limitation does not exist.

1408: What If Scheduling Operation Reorder Buttons Error

Trying to reorder the operations in What If Scheduling caused the message, " A user transaction is already in progress.", to display to the user.

This function is not relevant to the What If scenario because it is a temporary schedule created for management and delivery purposes. The reorder operation buttons are no longer available in What If Scheduling but remain available in relevant modules.

This issue is resolved in SMARTer Manager version 9.0.x

1479: Object Manager - No Drag and Drop

The drag and drop function of the Object Manager is available. The drag and drop function is controlled by Microsoft Windows and varies depending on the operating system version. SMARTer Manager does not control this.

1237: Customers - "Customer Since" field not in tab sequence

NEW: Updated the tab sequence of the Customer Since field in the customer module on the Financials Tab and the Vendor Since field on the upper portion of the main screen.

This issue is resolved in SMARTer Manager version 9.0.x

1190: Reattaching objects in the Object Library displays the wrong message

The message, "Item is not a registered object" is displayed to the user when the currently selected object is already attached to the record the user is working with. This is an incorrect message.

The message is corrected to read, " Item is already attached.", When the user attempts to reattach an item to the record.

This issue is resolved in SMARTer Manager version 9.5.x

1366: BOM Reservations Window

NEW:  Added the ability to maximize the Bill of Material Reservations window for ease of use.

This issue is implemented in SMARTer Manager 9.5.x

1450: BOM - creating order from BOM screen covering up tax checkboxes

The Create Order from BOM data entry screen covered up tax field checkboxes.
The screen size is increased to accommodate all Windows operating systems without covering up any controls.

This issue is resolved in SMARTer Manager version 9.5.x

1240: Customers - "Bill To" tab doesn't automatically populate.

NEW:  The Company Name field on the Bill To tab in the Customers module was not automatically populating when adding a record.

The Company Name field on the Bill To tab is automatically updated with the data entered into the Company Name field located at the top of the screen in the Customers module.

This issue is resolved in SMARTer Manager version 9.0.x

1325: BOM - Create Master Assembly - Selection screen refresh

In the previous version, the Create Master Assembly button in the Bill of Material module wasn't refreshing when the user changed the default selections.

The visual selection and the creation of MRP items or Productions Orders could be affected.

This issue is resolved in SMARTer Manager 9.5.x

1462: Right Click to open Process Plan very slow.

Opening the Process Plan module from the Job Conflicts screen is slow. The load time is between 10-15 seconds.

This issue is resolved in SMARTer Manager version 9.0.x
 

1391: Estimates - "What If" scheduling window

The What If scheduling window appeared with scrollbars on some operating systems.

This issue is resolved in SMARTer Manager version 9.0.x