Version 2.3.903 of OnTime has been released today and introduces several new features and enhancements that OnTime users are certain to enjoy. What’s new and how can you access these new features? First, head over to the OnTime download page and get the new versions here:

http://www.ontimesystem.com/download.aspx

Here’s what you can expect to see:

• Initial log in for both Management Suite and Dispatch is much faster, sometimes 3 times faster than before.
• Enhancements have been made to the underlying database to make your data much faster to access. Many users will see a 4 to 5 times speed increase. In order to take advantage of this feature, you’ll need to rebuild your data file. This only takes a couple of minutes and should be done on each computer that has OnTime software running on it. Follow this link for more information on rebuilding your data file: http://vesigo.com/Support/Community/blogs/ontimefeatures/archive/2009/09/03/how-to-rebuild-your-data-file.aspx
• Synchronization speed with the server is significantly increased. Most users will see a 60 to 90% decrease in sync time for large amounts of data and a 20X decrease in the time it takes to perform smaller, incremental synchronizations.
• Synchronization with the OnTime service is now automated so you don’t need worry about clicking a button to sync all the time. Of course if you prefer to manually control how your computer synchronizes with OnTime, you have that choice. To configure this, go to the program options and choose the Synchronization tab as shown here:
  
  
  
  In addition to automatic synchronization, OnTime now allows you to optimize communication for slow or fast internet connections. If you have a slow connection, such as dial-up or service via your cell provider, choose the slow option to increase the reliability of your connection. All other users can make use of the fast option.
• Audio queues are now available to help you know when different activities happen in OnTime. For instance, OnTime will play a musical note when new data comes in from the server. This is handy for those that run OnTime constantly, but are not always watching the screen. If you don’t want the sounds to play, you can turn them off via the program options.
• OnTime Dispatch is now available directly from OnTime Management Suite. This also means that if you are a manager that also dispatches, you no longer need to install both programs. In such a case just install Management Suite and then access Dispatch through the tool bar as shown here:
  
  
  
• You may also quickly access your OnTime Mobile WAP Edition site by clicking the mobile phone button on the tool bar. This will launch a web browser so you can access the same site your WAP enabled drivers do.
  
   
  
• If you are using the Enterprise subscription plan and make use of the Customer Web Portal, there are some enhancements you’ll be interested in. Now you Customer Web Portal information is tied to your OnTime account, meaning you no longer need to configure it within Management Suite. Additionally, you can now right click on anyone in your customer list and choose Send a Link to the Customer Web Portal. This will automatically create an email in your email program that has everything filled out and ready to be sent. If you want to do this for more than one customer at a time, just select as many as you want in the list and have OnTime quickly create individual emails for every selected customer. This is a fast and easy way to tell your customers about how to make use of your portal.
  
  
  
• Would you like to know details about shipments from a particular customer during a certain time period? Not to be confused with a billing report or invoice, OnTime Management Suite now allows you to right click on a customer, choose Reports, and then All Shipments by Date Range. This will generate a report showing all shipments during that time, regardless of billing status. What’s great about this feature is that it’s available to every OnTime account, no matter your subscription level.
• If you have issues with your internet connection or want help with diagnosing such networking issues, you can now make use of the built in tool. From Management Suite, you can find it on the Help menu under Troubleshoot Network Problems. You will also find it in Dispatch under the Application Button and the Resources menu. For more information on how to use this feature, click here: http://vesigo.com/Support/Community/blogs/ontimefeatures/archive/2009/09/03/help-with-troubleshooting-networking-and-internet-issues.aspx
  
  
  
• A significant new feature in this version of OnTime Management Suite is the ability to see your account’s balance and payment information. You will be able to view usage on your account, invoices, and payments listed in real-time. This is available from the Help menu by choosing Account Center.
• Make a payment using a credit or debit card and have that instantly applied to your account. Even sign up for auto-pay.
  
  
  
• Make changes to your subscription plan or payment method without contacting Vesigo Studios. This is a great way to adapt the payment structure of OnTime to fit your changing company needs. You can make such changes to your account once a month.
  
   
  

As always, if you have any questions about features and how to use them, feel free to contact us.