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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

A: Yes, our systems work with all desktop versions of Quick Books up to version 2023. It requires 2 additional software installs: QODBC ($199) and QBSDK (Free from us)

A: Not for applications with up to 25 users - it will run on your existing Windows server. It can even run without a server in a peer-to-peer mode with one user's machine acting as the server (3 or 4 users maximum).

A: PlateShop works with any version of Windows from XP to Windows 11 - we currently (July 2023) recommend Windows 11 for all new machines but don't recommend upgrading existing Windows 10 machines to Windows 11. In will run on Access 2010 and up.

A: We specialize in long-term relationships with our customers. We are always available - calls or Skype from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM CST, email 24/7/365 days per year.

A: We do! It's configured for large shops (more than 75 users) or shops with multiple locations. Please contact us if you are interested in this solution. You can also host our Access solutions in the cloud via third party providers.

A: PlateShop works any machine that has Office 2010 Pro(with Access) or higher (including Office 365). Quick Books-enabled versions require QODBC to talk with PlateShop ($199 per computer with Quick Books installed). We currently recommend Office 2016 or higher or Office 365 (Pro version with Access, NOT Home and Small Business editions) . If you have Office Home and Small Business Edition, you can get Access as a standalone product direct from Microsoft for $159 (Jan, 2023).

A: No. You own the software and can run it on as many machines as you like - we only ask that you not sell it to your competitors and inform us if you plan to use it in more than one physical location. Limits are normally up to 12 users with Access backends (50% light use) and 200 with SQL Server or MySQL server solutions. Note that Quick Books is separate and does require licensing.

A: Yes, all important printed forms have bar codes and you can setup bar code scanning stations to monitor the progress of jobs through your shop. Virtually ANY printed form can have barcodes. RFID solutions are also available for shops working with high value, sensitive items.

A: No. Our system (for the most part) can be made to work with any type of hardware you have as long as Windows printer drivers are available. This includes dot-matrix printers, special label printers, existing bar code scanners and image capture devices.

A: Absolutely. Our system is Open Source - you can do whatever you like with it including hire 3rd party programmers to work on it. Already know Access, VBA or Visual Basic? Great! You can make any changes you like and we will be happy to support you and answer any questions you might have about the code. We can usually make the changes for you less expensively time and dollar-wise. 15% to 20% of our users make direct changes to their software.

A: Our system works with Plating, Powder and Ecoating, Polishing and Refurbishing, Painting and any other appilcation wherein you take a customer part, modify or finish then return it to them or drop ship it to their customer. We also have a light manufacturing ERP solution called Job Shop.