Formula Training Video on INPUTBOX() Function

I added a new training video to the web site this morning that shows how to use the INPUTBOX() function in a formula if you have a calculation that requires additional input from the user. I was helping a customer set up some fees and they had an oddball permit that required information they don't normally store in the database so I showed them how you could use a special function to prompt for that information inside the formula itself.

Big Help File Update

I just put a lot of effort into adding more information in the Help file for users who want to customize their documents. It is now much easier to find out field name information for adding new fields to documents. Most of the field description screens in the Help file now also include the internal field names so that you know what you need to type into the Report Expression dialog. All of the Document Screen help sections how include extra information about the specific databases that are open and available for inclusion in custom documents. Let me know if you see other areas where I need to flesh out the Help files.

Bulk Processing Owner Discrepancies in Compare

The Compare Module has a feature that reads in a new property data set and looks for discrepancies between the owner information listed in that file and the owner information already in your ZonePro system. I have long maintained that you should manually review these discrepancies to see if the new info is really better than the information you already have. My customers, however, have always preferred to save time by just accepting whatever changes there are. So I have added a button back into the ZP SQL Compare Module that lets users auto update any owner discrepancies found. The old Owner record is retained in these situations but its relationship is changed to "Ex-Owner." The new info is inserted with an "Owner" relationship.

Fire Inspection Count

Just added a new field to the Fire Inspection Screen to keep track of the number of inspections. The Inspection Count field fills a need if you wish to use the same record to keep track of re-inspections after the initial inspection has failed. This way you can reuse the Last Inspection and Next Inspection fields while still keeping track of the total number of inspections involved.

Speed Feedback Needed

I am trying some experiments with database sorts in ZP SQL to see if I can improve the speed with which it can retrieve data. I need to know where existing customers are experiencing delays when using ZP SQL. Please send me your feedback. I need very specific information including the screen you are on, and the specific task you are trying. For example, if you notice long lags using the Locate Screen, I need to know whether it is on a street name search or a parcel search, etc. I want to recreate the lags here at my office so I can get a feel for whether a new database sort can help.

PDF Shortcut in Output Options

I find that I am printing to PDF files more and more these days. I like it for two reasons. One it is easy to send as an attachment to an e-mail. And two it is easy to archive and retrieve without me having to stuff a paper document in my file cabinet. ZonePro SQL users have always had to option to print documents or reports to PDF files but it was hidden away in the Toolbox Option and seldom used. I've made it a lot easier to print to PDF files now though by adding a "To PDF" option to the Output drop-down box on every document screen and report screen in ZP SQL. Using this option automatically creates a PDF file in the \EXPORT folder and displays the new file on the screen. You can rename the document or save it to a new location right from that screen. There are other ways to get a PDF in ZP SQL but this is now the quickest and easiest. The updates are available for downloading.

New Conversion Document for ZP 32 Customers

I just posted a new document on the Tutorials page of our web site called "Converting From ZP 32 to ZP SQL." This document is designed to help explain some of the issues existing ZP 32 customers should be aware of when switching to ZP SQL.