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Announcing NEW improved bank input interface
ChrisMollan
posted this on Jan 12 23:23
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When you first load the 'Money In/Out' page or view a transaction using the new screen please ensure you hit F5 on your keyboard to re-load the page. You only need to do this once and is essential to ensure you are not using old, saved settings that IE, Google or Mozilla have memorised. |
New Bank Input Interface
We are all excited to announce that we will be shortly introducing a new interface on the bank input screen e.g. money in & money out functions. We have taken lots and lots of feedback over the past couple of years from many users (positive and negative) to enhance the functionality.
One of the main problems with the old screen was the lack of 'in page' saving - it was all well and good entering 20 transactions in one go, but if the computer or internet crashed then you'd have to start again. Furthermore, because it was using older internet technology some of the validation failed occasionally on certain versions of browsers
So, not only have we upgraded the interface, we have also fully rewritten the validation (or checks) the system does when you enter a transaction. This means that there is a greater chance that the transaction is posted without any issues, in the right year, with the right details.
Because not every internet browser (Internet Explorer, Google, Firefox) works the same and not every version is consistent with the previous version, we have had to spend many, many hours in checking and cross referencing every single 'in-page' validation on the transaction when it is posted and when is is edited. For example, we have spent time on the function surrounding editing a transaction - when, how and any consequence of editing all needed to be re-written from scratch.
New Input Format
You will immediately notice when you use the page that you enter transactions singularly before saving. This at first may seem a slower way of posting. However, once you get used to the new way, you should notice that it is probably just as quick. For example, you do not have to wait for the whole page to re-load upon clicking on 'update'. Clicking on 'update' will quickly save the transaction and you can carry on instantly without any disruption.
This way, you will never lose a whole list of transactions again.
You should also notice there is a slight change in the format of the fields. The first row of fields represent the higher level details of the transaction e.g. date, top level reference, cheque number. The second level represents the actual details of each item or items e.g. sub category, location or amount.
Checking / Validation
When using the old way, you only found out if there were any errors in your entry when you click on submit. This was a slow and cumbersome method of checking. Therefore, we have decided to include helpful warning signs next to each field providing information based upon the data you enter. For example, it will show a discreet warning message if you enter a date in the future or previous year.
This 'in-field' checking is the first layer of checks that we do. The second layer is when you click on update. If there are any further errors, the system will inform you and point you to the error. Here's a few things that might have been fixed with this update:
- If a year end has been processed, then it correctly stops a transaction from being entered into that year
- It warn when a future date is entered
- Will not allow blank sub-categories to be posted
- Read only fields where transaction has been reconciled or year end processed to prevent changes
Better Splits
Splits have had a big improvement in the release. Not only have we improved posting splits in a new transaction but you can now create a split in a transaction already posted in the system.
As splits are added 'on the fly', it means an unlimited number of splits can be entered. Other new features include:
- Splits can be deleted no matter where they are in the sequence
- Splits can be added to previously singular transactions
- Better validation on amounts when adding new splits to already posted transactions - especially if they have been reconciled.
- Cleaner interface on split entries
Audit History
One of the new and exciting features is the audit history. This is shown when a transaction is viewed.
Some of the items the audit will record will be:
- Date an entry is posted and by whom
- Records the actual change within a field e.g. 'Reference is changed from 'Weeky Cash' to Weekly Cash'
- Date of reconciliation and statement details
- When the transaction has been claimed for gift aid
Other improvements
- We have overhauled the cheque numbering system. You can now use the system with multiple bank accounts and it will ignore entries on other 'types of payment'.
- We have included a 'header' box to include details of the bank account e.g. reconciled balance, system balance, how many transactions are unreconciled. This will be rolled out across other bank pages.
- A new notes field has been added below the transaction featuring more space to enter information. Even if a transaction has been completely locked down e.g. if in a previous year, the notes field can still be updated with information
Recurring entries
We are currently overhauling the recurring entry interface to move it in line with the new interface. The major benefit this will produce is the ability to add splits into recurring entries.
Stay tuned for this update
Comments
NOT A GOOD TIME TO INTRODUCE UNTESTED VERSIONS WHEN WE ARE TRYING TO DO YEAR END RESULTS !!!!!!!
1) I normally use Mozilla which has worked fine BUT
tried to edit a transaction which all looked OK but refused to respond to update command !!!
So tried Chrome which did the above OK but
2) When trying to set up Repeat entry - allowed amount to be entered - but refused to recognise its presence!
We do not release untested versions of software. In fact, this update has been tested thoroughly by us for a number of months with access given to a major Diocese for their feedback.
With any new software release there is always an element of minor bug fixing afterwards usually concerned with different versions of browsers - that's the nature of software. Look at Microsoft Windows.
I have seen the recurring entry problem so we will get this fixed ASAP.
I cannot replicate the Mozilla problem - maybe you can explain clearly where you are updating, which fields and what the problem is.
I too use Mozilla and have just tried to make an entry and already found two difficulties/irritations. Firstly, the system seems to insist on a reference where previously one was able to leave that blank when the payee makes the reference obvious which it is in many of our payments. (In the example on the referenced 'Age UK' is surely superfluous). Secondly the system seems not to allow one to override the cheque numbering system to enter other than the next number - there are times when one wants to enter payments in other than the obvious order or to change the cheque number. Am I missing something obvious? (I also tried this through Internet Explorer without success so it doesn't seem to be a Mozilla problem). And I have to agree this is not a great time to put a new (exciting or not!) system in place when we are trying to sort out the accounts for the end of the year (I accept that it has been thoroughly tested but there can still be gremlins and the testers are familiar with the system, we aren't!). I do however appreciate the need for progress and thank you for the work put into this. Mike Sauvage Parish 145
There are two reference fields. The top reference represents the overall reference which will be displayed on the bank ledger. The reference on each split is the sub-category reference and this will be displayed on the various reports. When entering a transaction you would need to enter the main top level reference. However, this reference should populate through to the split reference fields as a duplicate. You are free to edit this reference field also.
Unfortunately, we have had to tighten up some of the inputting to enhance the validation and error checking.
The cheque numbering should allow you to post a different number as the warning message is for information only. Carry on and post the entry and this should be ok.
Whilst I appreciate the timing of the update may have been better (although sometimes there is no good date as not everyone has their year end now). However, there was a number of reasons why we thought it was good time to release. The main two being....
Hi Chris,
One request is could we have the drop down box when choosing a sub category widened as you can't see which sub cat you're choosing and then have to go and find a paper copy of the sub categories to ensure the correct one is chosen which defeats the object and I'm sure is not what you intended.
Thanks
Julie
Hi Julie
This drop down was always going to be a problem. Because there is no restriction on the length of a sub category name then there are instances of codes where it's very, very long. Unfortunately, having such long fields causes design and layout problems on the page.
We tried hard getting this in place at a good width but was never going to be able to fit some of the longer codes in due to the space restrictions.
However, we are looking at redesigning the drop down to allow for a search type input e.g. you type the code you want and it filters and finds it....
In the meantime, we'll see if we can't look at doing something to make it easier....
Thanks Chris. I have now managed to input a cheque outside the default number and also updated a transaction so that seems OK (and both in Mozilla). One minor further point - in Mozilla - when clicking the 'Money Out' option in Bank Account drop down menu, one is taken to Receipts, NOT Payments as one would expect. Although one is likely to realise the problem before completing the transaction, it still wastes valuable time. Incidentally, unless I am misunderstanding the point, Julie's problem doesn't seem to occur in Mozilla.
Hi Mike/Julie,
Thanks for the update. We'll check the navigation - It'll be a quick, simple change.
I've looked at all internet browser versions of the drop down and although you cannot see the full code name in the field, if you click on the drop down it will expand to give you the full width and full name.
Is the issue that when you navigate to the field you might start typing in the numbers representing the first part of the sub category code and then use the arrows to scroll up or down - therefore, the drop down is never actually opened? This would mean the full name of the code is never revealed?
Regards
Chris
Thanks Chris. I cannot replicate any problem with the sub-category drop down menu but I have checked the Money In/Money Out issue in both Internet Explorer and Mozilla and it is the same in both; when one first clicks on either Money In or Money Out in the Bank Account drop down menu the 'Add Bank Receipts' page opens. If one then opens the drop down menu again and clicks Money Out the correct Add Bank Payments page opens. Not really a big problem when one knows it is happening but...! Having now done a few transactions, I have to say that taking away the ability to enter multiple receipts or payments on the same page does not feel like progress although I accept the arguments about losing a lot of entries if something goes wrong. Was it not possible to include a 'save' mechanism? - improvements usually mean less work rather than more! Best.. Mike
I have tried to work on it today and it is not updating the system. Pressed F5 key and it still does not work. Got a financial meeting tomorrow and it is the worst time to have a hic-cup in the system. Please can you sort this out urgently as we need to the the year end. I appreciate that you could be working on it at the same time as I am so I will give it a few days before I check again. Many thanks.
Hi Christine,
Could you send me an email to help@3rdsectordigital.com and let me know the following details:
Diocese, Parish Name, which transaction if specific one or exactly what it is doing e.g. are you updating an already posted transaction or adding in a new one etc. Please also provide details of the internet browser and version number
We will take a look
Regards
Chris
Dear Chris
When using the money in, the splits the sub category suddenly lost the arrow for the drop down menu of categories. I was still able to enter subcategories by entering numbers. After i submitted it and went back into edit a bank receipt i noticed the categories were not those i had entered! and there were still no drop down menus.
Regards Rheann Byrne
Hi Rheann,
We have made a small improvement to this field - please see here
Regards
Chris
I have just put in all my entries for the month of December but when I come to reconcile to the bank statement the dates are missing from some of the money out entries on the reconciliation page. Why?
@callan - this has always been the case - the missing dates all represent the same date from the last known date on the ledger.
Hi, Chris,
I've just tried imputting a series of cheques I'd sent. When I had saved the first transaction, the screen took me to money paid in instead of withdrawn, which meant I had to go to the correct category I wanted, which meant I had to begin from scratch, including the date. It makes it much more burdensome & irritating. Kevin
Hi Chris, just letting you know that I have used our laptop computer and the system is now working! Still don't know what the problem is on the main computer, but I will look at it another time. thanks.
Hi Chris Kevin's problem seems to be the same one I have pointed up before ie that clicking Money Out takes one to the Receipts page instead of Payments. This still seems to be the case. The 'Read More...' button for the 16 Jan note doesn't seem to be working. Mike
Hi I have tried to update/change a figure ie Commercial Card figure and it is not updating the figure, using Mozilla.
Clare
Hi Clare,
Can you ensure that you have pressed F5 on the new page to refresh Mozilla settings - this needs to be done from the new add/view page.
Once done, please retry. If still not working, then please send an email to help@3rdsectordigital.com with details of your parish and the transactions you are trying to update.
Regards
Chris
Dear Chris
Just to let you know I am having same problem as Kevin Kavanagh ie when i input a cheque and submit, i can not input a second cheque as i am in money in page. When i click money out i am in money out but after submitting first transaction i am in money in page.
Thank you
Hi Rheann,
This is strange as I cannot replicate this as we made a few tweaks last couple of days to rectify the previous problem. Can you please let me know which internet browser and version you are using as I can only think it relates to this.
Regards
Chris
Hi Chris
I am in the process of moving offices and so have not had a chance to review this is detail, but from the feedback I have received from Parishes so far is "bring back the drop down menu for sub-categories" please. Not all Treasurer 's rememeber all the codes and the exact subcategory heading can't always be found by just using a letter. So the sooner the drop down menu or similar is brought in the better. Many thanks.
Kind Regards
Aimee
Hello Chris
I believe we are using internet explorer 8.
Regards Rheann
Hi Aimee,
Thanks for the feedback. I just want to be clear that parishes are not limited to one letter or one number to search for a code now. They can now type in a string of characters into the field for any part of the name. So for example, if they know the amount relates to, say, 'Samson Appeal' (presumably they know what it relates to but not the code number) then they could just start entering 'Samson' or 'Appeal' or even 'Sam' and the system would bring up the correct code for them to select.
If you want to see all codes you can press the space bar whilst in the field (note we are updating this to reduce the height of the list as it can be quite long)
Let me know if this helps.
Regards
Chris
@rheannbyrne, @kevinkavanagh - we have found the issue and have released an update to correct this.
Let me know if this helps
Hi Chris Not sure if I should be talking to Steve Roche about this but the 'Trial Balance' and 'Sub Category Reports' are not currently working under he Reports Drop Down Menu in either Mozilla or IE. Not sure how long this has been the case as I don't use those functions ll that ofter.
Mike Sauvage
Sorry that should be 'Sub Category Activity Report' and 'Trial balance' under the 'Reporting' DD Menu. Mike
Hi Mike,
I've just had a look and it all seems to be working ok as far as I can see. I've tried it in Mozilla and the last 3 versions of IE.
What is it doing or not doing? What version of the browsers are you on?
Chris
Thanks Chris. It's very peculiar; having looked a bit more, it's only on first entering the site that the problem occurs. As indicated when I first log on, and attempt to go to either 'Sub Category Activity Report' or 'Trial Balance' on the Reporting drop down menu I am getting directed to the usual Microsoft 'The page cannot be found' page (HTTP Error 404 etc). However after then accessing other pages - bank account etc - and going back the same way it is working OK (so, in that sense, it is no longer really a problem for me but ...). I'm afraid (and this illustrates the limitation in my computer skills!) that I do not know which version of Mozilla and IE I am using - how do I check? Mike
Hi Michael,
Try it now, we've pushed a small fix to this.
Regards
Chris
Thanks Chris. That seems to be fine. Mike
Dear Chris,
Just to let you know I am finding the new system extremely helpful, and in fact, have just used the "add a split" function to my great joy, as previously I would have had to delete the entry and re-enter it! Many thanks,
Kathryn
Hi Chris
Why have you changeed the word from "Gift Aid" to "Envelope" on the Money In section?
Parishes are going to find this veyr confusing because not all envelopes are Gift Aided and we as a Diocese do not want planned giving envelopes shown in the Gift Aid Module.
Please therefore can you change the name back to "Gift Aid" for the Plymouth Diocesan Trust as soon as possible.
Many thanks
Aimee
@aimee: We've had feedback back on this that has resulted in us changing the text back to Gift Aid. An update should be released shortly to change this back to 'Gift Aid'
Hi Kathryn,
Thanks for your feedback. Glad you like it!
Regards
Chris
Hi Chris
Thanks for the space bar tip, that is brilliant and will provide the info that the arrow down option gave.
Certainly the Plymouth Diocese is happy with this as it is and does not what any update the would stop the whole list of sub categories being shown. The length is not a problem to our parishes.
Aimee
I could not find the income code for Christmas offerings, when posting a late donation in January.