http://www.martechsys.com/features/ en-us Nucleus CMS v3.24 © Weblog http://backend.userland.com/rss http://www.martechsys.com/features//nucleus/nucleus2.gif http://www.martechsys.com/features/ http://www.martechsys.com/features/index.php?itemid=15 • Equipment planning for 2008
• Words of Wisdom from the Blue Ribbon Genie
• 2007 Incremental Update
• Blue Ribbon Support Tip sheets
• Beat the Summer Heat
• Summer Support Hours
• Increase your computing power with extra workstations

Greetings:
July is National Ice Cream Month. President Ronald Reagan designated July as national ice cream month in 1984 to recognize the popularity of ice cream in the United States. 90% of the nation's population consumes ice cream.

The International Ice Cream Association (IICA) encourages all retailers and consumers to celebrate July as National Ice Cream Month and National Ice Cream Day on the 3rd Sunday of July. The ice cream industry provides thousands of jobs and generates approximately 20 billion dollars annually in sales. The economic well-being of the nation's dairy industry relies heavily on the sales of ice cream; about 9% of all the milk produced by dairy farmers is used to produce ice cream.
From the Wikipedia

We are at the peak of summer support. More fairs are running between the 3rd week of July and 2nd Week of August than any other time of year. At times our support call volume is very high, but on average the number of calls we’ve fielded this year is lower than in previous years. If our phone lines are busy, please be patient and try again; or try contacting support by email at www.martechsys.com/support/contact.php. Also check out our support knowledgebase at www.martechsys.com/faq-pro. Many common questions and answers are posted there.
Equipment planning for 2008
2008 may be six months away, but it’s never too early to start making equipment plans for next year. The recent release of Microsoft’s Vista operating system marks the demise of Microsoft’s older operating systems. As a software developer it has become extremely hard for us to support the newest operating systems and still maintain backwards compatibility with the older ones. Starting in 2008 with version 2.9 of the Fair Management System, we will no longer be able to support running it on Microsoft Windows 98, 98SE, and ME. The operating system for these computers is outdated and our software installation utility will no longer work properly on them.

Windows 98 computers are almost 10 years old and ME computers are up to 7 years old. If you purchased one of these machines and are still using it, congratulations for getting a long useful life out of it; but now its time to retire this older equipment and upgrade to a more modern computer.

Rather than face the headaches next year, develop a plan now to upgrade your computers. You will then be prepared when fair time rolls around next year. If you have questions about your current equipment or about purchasing new equipment, give our Help Desk a call or email. They will be very happy to give you advice.

Genie Tips Once Again Flow from the Magic Lamp:
The cork is has been removed from the lamp of wisdom and Genie has more tips to share with you. Share these with your staff and helpers.

• Genie says – If you have your Fair Management program on a new computer this year and you plan to print Exhibitor Back Tags, you must install the special fonts on your current computer. They can be found in C:\Program Files\Windows Fair Management\Documentation. The fonts file must be unzipped and the fonts installed into Windows. There is a Tip Sheet on our website that will step you through the process.

Remember, these fonts are needed to print the Back Tag numbers correctly. The fonts do not install with the Version 2.8 upgrade. It is a separate Microsoft procedure. If you are using the same computer as last year, you are okay.

• Genie says – To speed up data entry of Judging Results, scan all entries into the judging results file first. Just before you start entering Judging Results, go File|Scan for Entries. You can scan all departments at once or each department individually. Now when you open the Judging Results file to enter placings, the exhibitors display much faster.

• Genie says – If you want to use the imprinted signature on your Premium checks, a how-to Tip Sheet can be found on the website. I have been asked if this option can be used without using a password. The answer is no. The password is used for security reasons.

• Genie says – If you are using the ‘Design Check’ option to make adjustments to the print layout of the check, please refer to Chapter 5-1 in the User’s Manual. This is your guideline for using the designer. Never highlight and delete a field from the check layout. This will generate a printing error. If you wish to prevent a field from printing, select the field, right click on it, and take the checkmark off the ‘Visible’ option.

• Genie says – If you re-designing your check layout and you are printing both premium checks and market sale checks, you will have to make two separate layouts. Different information prints on each of these checks so the check design can not be used interchangeably.

• Genie says – The logo file for the Display Entry Tags is ‘Fairlogo.bmp’. This file is stored in the C:\Program Files\Windows Fair Management folder. If you are printing Display Tags and get the default logo, you need to create your own logo file. A Tip Sheet for this is also found on the website.

The logo is stored in the programming folder. If you have installed the program on a new computer, your old logo file must be transferred from the old computer to the new computer. I suggest that you save a copy of your logo on a CD and put it away for save keeping. This way, you will always have it when you switch computers.

• Genie says – Remember that tip I gave you a couple issues ago about putting in General and Descriptive Entries? Some people have forgotten. Here it is again in a nutshell. Go to the entry screen. Click ‘Add’ to put the screen in the Insert Mode. Enter all the entries. When done, simply click ‘Cancel’ to exit the Insert Mode. You are now ready to move on to the next exhibitor or next entry screen. Simple as that!!

• Genie says – At this time of year many of you forgetton how to force those Championship classes to print on Judging Sheets. Use the ‘Add No Entries’ utility. Go Utility|File Utilities. In the File Utilities screen, go Utility|Add No Entries. Make your department selection and it will mark those classes to print.

2007 Version 2.8 Blue Ribbon Fair Management update released June 12, 2007:
We released an incremental update to version 2.8 of the Blue Ribbon Fair Management System last month. If you have not downloaded the update yet, you should go online to www.martechsys.com/support/update.php to download this update. This update MUST be installed on all computers if you are networking or sharing the Blue Ribbon Fair Management System data files on multiple computers.

Note: The full 2007 upgrade (April CD) must be installed on your computer before this incremental update can be added. Placing this incremental update over the 2006, version 2.7 program, will make your program unusable.

People receiving this message via email may click on this link to get to the Incremental Update download site.

http://www.martechsys.com/support/update.php

If the link is not highlighted in your email program, then cut and paste the link into your web browser’s Location field. To install the update, follow the install instructions on the Fair Management System update web page. If you received a disk in the mail, please follow the install instructions on the enclosed instruction sheet.

To check the version build date of the Fair Management System, go Help|About. Use the drop-down file listing. Find expert.dll. It should be dated June 11, 2007 or later. This verifies that the update has been properly installed. Also, if you are running the program on a network with multiple computers, the update MUST be installed on all computers. All machines must display the same system date.

A lot of fairs don’t have an Internet connection on the fairgrounds, or the connection is slow. If this is the case for you, just download the update at home, work, or a friend’s house and put it on a CD or portable jump drive. Then take the CD or jump drive to the fair computer and install the update.

More details and a list of features for the update can be found on the Martech Systems, Inc. blog at www.martechsys.com/features.

Tip Sheets are your source of Blue Ribbon Knowledge
Are you looking for step by step instructions on how to accomplish a task in the Fair Management System? Then you will want to check out the library of tip sheets located on the Fair Management System Support site at www.martechsys.com/support/tipsheets.php.

Tip sheets are concise, step by step instructions on a wide variety of tasks. There are over 28 tip sheets located on the site and new ones are being added weekly. Need help with a backup, there’s a tip sheet for that. Want to design a logo for your Display Entry tags, a tip sheet will help you out. Do the features of the market auction part of the system have you overwhelmed? We have a large selection of tip sheets that will demystify the process.

Don’t forget to check out our latest tip sheet: Backing up the Fair Management System onto a Flash Drive: www.martechsys.com/support/tips/Flash_Drive/Backup.pdf.

Beat the summer heat
Up until now we’ve had a cool and dry summer in Northern Wisconsin. But Mother Nature has turned on the heat and now we are battling daytime highs in the upper 80’s. I know in more southern climates, the heat has been on for several weeks now. Hot weather brings on some important considerations when working with computer equipment.

Keep your equipment cool. Computers can generate a tremendous amount of heat. If you office isn’t air conditioned, use fans to move air across the computer in an effort to keep it cool. Make regular data backups; if the power goes out or your computer overheats, you will have the backup safety net. Invest in an Uninterruptible Power Supply; a UPS will provide your computer a consistent amount of power and smooth out any brown outs or surges. Finally, heat waves are often broken with violent thunderstorms. If the weather turns bad, make a backup and disconnect the computer from the power source. It’s better to wait out a storm than to have your valuable equipment and data zapped by lightning.

Summer Support Hours:
Our weekend support hours continue through September.

Weekdays : 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Central Time
Saturdays: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Central Time
Sundays: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm Central Time

After hours, an on-call pager is available for urgent support until 10:00 pm Central Time. Call our normal office phone number at 715-845-2794. When prompted for an extension number, press 1 for Urgent Support. Leave your name, fair name, telephone number where you can be reached, and the problem you are experiencing. Speak clearly and repeat your telephone number slowly. This will aid our support staff in returning your call.

Increase your Computer Power with Extra Workstations
Your current user license for the Fair Management software system allows you to network up to four computers for use at your fair. A lease option is now available to allow you to network additional computers during the fair. Each additional license is $75.00 per month. You pay no additional support fees for these temporary licenses. We will issue you new Access Codes for the amount of time and number of users you have purchased. When the time limit expires, you simply enter your old Access Codes for the four user licenses. If you need more information or wish to purchase additional temporary licenses, please call our office at 715-845-2794 and ask for Jennifer or email her at jenl@martechsys.com.
]]> General http://www.martechsys.com/features/index.php?itemid=15 Wed, 25 Jul 2007 09:25:03 -0500 http://www.martechsys.com/features/index.php?itemid=14 • Version 2.8 Incremental Update
• Words of Wisdom from the Blue Ribbon Genie
• Summer Support Hours
• Brand New Training DVDs Available
• Increase your computing power with extra workstations

Greetings:
Did you know that Mr. Potato was the first toy advertised on TV; more Monopoly money is printed daily than real money; Barbie’s full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts; and finally, a Chinese checker board has 121 holes?

The summer fair season is starting to heat up. July is traditionally our busiest month, peaking at the third and fourth weeks. The good news is that version 2.8 is extremely stable and our support call volume has been less this year than in years past. If our phone lines are busy, please be patient and try again; or try contacting support by email at www.martechsys.com/support/contact.php. Also check out our support knowledgebase at www.martechsys.com/faq-pro. Many common questions and answers are posted there.
2007 Version 2.8 Blue Ribbon Fair Management update released June 12, 2007:
We released an incremental update to version 2.8 of the Blue Ribbon Fair Management System two weeks ago. If you have not downloaded the update yet, you should go online to www.martechsys.com/support/update.php to download this update. This update MUST be installed on all computers if you are networking or sharing the Blue Ribbon Fair Management System data files on multiple computers.

Note: The full 2007 upgrade (April CD) must be installed on your computer before this incremental update can be added. Placing this incremental update over the 2006, version 2.7 program, will make your program unusable.

People receiving this message via email may click on this link to get to the Incremental Update download site.

http://www.martechsys.com/support/update.php

If the link is not highlighted in your email program, then cut and paste the link into your web browser’s Location field. To install the update, follow the install instructions on the Fair Management System update web page. If you received a disk in the mail, please follow the install instructions on the enclosed instruction sheet.

To check the version build date of the Fair Management System, go Help|About. Use the drop-down file listing. Find expert.dll. It should be dated June 11, 2007 or later. This verifies that the update has been properly installed. Also, if you are running the program on a network with multiple computers, the update MUST be installed on all computers. All machines must display the same system date.

A lot of fairs don’t have an Internet connection on the fairgrounds, or the connection is slow. If this is the case for you, just download the update at home, work, or a friend’s house and put it on a CD or portable jump drive. Then take the CD or jump drive to the fair computer and install the update.

More details and a list of features for the update can be found on the Martech Systems, Inc. blog at www.martechsys.com/features.

Genie Tips Once Again Flow from the Magic Lamp:
The cork is has been removed from the lamp of wisdom and Genie has more tips to share with you. Share these with your staff and helpers.

• Genie says – If your fair merges the 4-H Blue Ribbon Youth Enrollment data base into Fair Management program and you have not yet done it for this year, here is a tip. Get the complete Youth Enrollment database folder from the Extension Office. This data can easily be copied to one of those small Flash Drives. Then you know you have all the files necessary to do the merge.

If you have attempted the merge and get a ‘Cursor Handle’ error, you are missing a file, Youth2a.mb, which is now required to open the Youth2a.db file. If you have the entire database, you automatically know you have all the files you need and will not get this error.

• Genie says – If you have not purchased one of the Flash Drives for your data backups, go out to Wal-Mart or Best Buy and get one today. They are ultra simple to use, require no special software, and will save you the agony of lost data. Genie is writing a Tip Sheet on how to copy your data to the drive. This sheet will be on our website within the next week.

• Genie says – The Premium Points report titles have changed slightly because an additional report has been added. The report you use will depend on the ‘Type’ of premiums you have set in your fairbook file and what you want to accomplish with the report.

ProRate/Points Report – The report will tally exhibitor points, but only works if you have marked the Fairbook records as either ‘ProRate’ or ‘Points’.

Weighted Points – This report allows you the assign a point value to each placing. It can be used with any premium ‘Type’. The weighted points system allows you to reward first place winners with a higher percentage of points than third place winners. It is used to determine awards like ‘Premier Exhibitor’.

Exhibitor Points – This report will tally exhibitor points for Fairbook records marked as ‘Straight’ premium type. The ‘Summary’ report style will rank exhibitors ‘high to low’.

• Genie says – Have you noticed the new Fairbook Report that can be printed from the Fairbook Explorer? This is a condensed style that is an excellent reference for your entry staff. Reading Fair staff danced a jig when they saw this new report. Take a look for yourself.

• Genie says – Times are changing and Genie says, ‘Now is the time to plan for 2008’. If you are still using a Windows 98, Windows ME, or Windows 98SE computer, Martech Systems will no longer be offering support for it next year. The operating system for these computers is outdated and our software installation utility will no longer work properly on them. Rather than face the headaches next year, develop a plan now to upgrade your computers. You will then be prepared when fair time rolls around next year. If you have questions about your current equipment or about purchasing new equipment, give our Help Desk a call. They will be very happy to give you advice.

• Genie says – As you start to do data entry, plan ahead and inform all your staff as to where they should be entering the exhibitor entries for various departments. If market entries are placed in the livestock entry file, they can not just be copied to the market entry file. The file formats are completely different and different information is required for each style of entry. This means they have to be re-entered in the market file.

Save your staff time and frustration by planning ahead, informing them clearly as to where the different departments should be entered.

• Genie says- Just a tip on completing market entries. Each market entry in the file should have a unique ‘Show #/ID’ and a unique ‘Sale Order #’. This does not mean unique within each department. It means unique in the entire file. This will save you data entry errors during the auction and will aid you in balancing Market Auction Reports.

Genie’s experience with market auctions has proven this is a tip worth its ‘weight in gold’. Market auctions have their own brand of frustrations, so keep your data clean and organized and your frustration level in control.

• Genie says – Here is a reminder if you are calling the office for after hours support. If you have a question that can wait until the next business day, leave a message on one of phones in the list of employee extensions. These are three-digit extensions ranging from 200 – 210.

If you have an immediate emergency, press ‘1’, and leave clear, distinct message. Please repeat your telephone number twice so the person retrieving the message can get it written down. The better you leave your message, the quicker you will receive a call-back!

• Genie says – We have had a high number of returned entry tags this year because fairs have ordered the wrong style. When you place an order by phone or write out your order, please indicate whether you want the ‘6 per page – Laser Tags’ or ‘4 per page – Display Tags’. This will eliminate confusion and save you the return shipping cost.

Summer Support Hours:
Our weekend support hours continue through September.

Weekdays : 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Central Time
Saturdays: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Central Time
Sundays: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm Central Time

After hours, an on-call pager is available for urgent support until 10:00 pm Central Time. Call our normal office phone number at 715-845-2794. When prompted for an extension number, press 1 for Urgent Support. Leave your name, fair name, telephone number where you can be reached, and the problem you are experiencing. Speak clearly and repeat your telephone number slowly. This will aid our support staff in returning your call.

Order Training DVD’s Now!
If you are looking for an easy way to learn the Blue Ribbon Fair Management System, why not check out our all new instructional DVDs. The Blue Ribbon Instructional DVDs take you through the Fair Management System step by step. All of the segments are indexed and chaptered so that you can easily access any instructional component. You can play the DVDs on a conventional DVD player or play it from the DVD drive in your computer.

Each DVD is over 60 minutes long and is packed with valuable information. Your host, Jennifer Loucks, shows you how to take full advantage of the Fair Management System, and highlights many of the new features and capabilities found in the system this year.

Volume 1: Introduction to the Fair Management System
Volume one takes you through the Fair Management System process; from setting up the preferences and the premium book, to making entries, printing reports and generating premium checks. Volume one is perfect for users of the Lite, Lite+Fees, and Standard Editions of the Fair Management System.

Volume 2: Blue Ribbon Fair Management Livestock,Market Animals and Auction
Volume two spends time on the market animal show and sale part of the system, from entering animals and weights, breaking them into groups, and performing the show and sale. Volume two is great for users of the Market Sale and Standard Editions of the Fair Management System.

Each volume is $30.00, but you can order the set of two for $50.00. More details and sample clips our on our website at www.martechsys.com/dvd.

Increase your Computer Power with Extra Workstations
Your current user license for the Fair Management software system allows you to network up to four computers for use at your fair. A lease option is now available to allow you to network additional computers during the fair. Each additional license is $75.00 per month. You pay no additional support fees for these temporary licenses. We will issue you new Access Codes for the amount of time and number of users you have purchased. When the time limit expires, you simply enter your old Access Codes for the four user licenses. If you need more information or wish to purchase additional temporary licenses, please call our office at 715-845-2794 and ask for Jennifer or email her at jenl@martechsys.com.

]]> General http://www.martechsys.com/features/index.php?itemid=14 Thu, 28 Jun 2007 09:56:18 -0500 http://www.martechsys.com/features/index.php?itemid=13 · Version 2.8 Incremental Update
· Increase your computing power with extra workstations
· Words of Wisdom from the Blue Ribbon Genie
· Summer Support Hours
· Brand New Training DVDs Available


2007 Version 2.8 Blue Ribbon Fair Management upgrade:
We've released an incremental update to version 2.8 of the Blue Ribbon Fair Management System. You should go online to www.martechsys.com/support/update.php to download this update. If you receive our 'Updates by Mail' subscription, please install the CD that you received with this support bulletin. This update MUST be installed on all computers if you are networking or sharing the Blue Ribbon Fair Management System data files on multiple computers.

Note: The full 2007 upgrade (April CD) must be installed on your computer before this incremental update can be added. Placing this incremental update over the 2006, version 2.7 program, will make your program unusable.

People receiving this message via email may click on this link to get to the Incremental Update download site.

http://www.martechsys.com/support/update.php

If the link is not highlighted in your email program, then cut and paste the link into your web browser's Location field. To install the update, follow the install instructions on the Fair Management System update web page. If you received a disk in the mail, please follow the install instructions on the enclosed instruction sheet.

To check the version build date of the Fair Management System, go Help|About. Use the drop-down file listing. Find expert.dll. It should be dated June 11, 2007 or later. This verifies that the update has been properly installed. Also, if you are running the program on a network with multiple computers, the update MUST be installed on all computers. All machines must display the same system date.

A lot of fairs don't have an Internet connection on the fairgrounds, or the connection is slow. If this is the case for you, just download the update at home, work, or a friend's house and put it on a CD or portable jump drive. Then take the CD or jump drive to the fair computer and install the update.

What's new in the Update
· The calculation error in editing exhibitor departmental fees has been corrected.
· The 'Range of Dates' option for printing Exhibitor Fee Receipts has been set to work from the payment date and will print a comprehensive receipt.
· A 'Data Export' option has been added to the Processor Loading List to provide customization of the report.
· Buyers' names have been added back to the Auction Summary report. They had mysteriously disappeared.
· The 'Restart' option on exhibitor market checks has been refined.
· Entry forms with 4-H projects listed have been set to print 'Active' projects only.
· State specials which were not complete in the April update are now all finished. This includes the following:
- Pennsylvania - added the ability to add records from multiple computers to the state file.
- Illinois - Refund check option refined.
- Dixie Classic - Check file includes the unencrypted social security number.
- Michigan - Check file includes all exhibitors.
- North Carolina State Fair - New check file.
· On-line entries upload and download utilities have been included in the Fair Management program.


Increase your Computer Power with Extra Workstations
Your current user license for the Fair Management software system allows you to network up to four computers for use at your fair. A lease option is now available to allow you to network additional computers during the fair. Each additional license is $75.00 per month. You pay no additional support fees for these temporary licenses. We will issue you new Access Codes for the amount of time and number of users you have purchased. When the time limit expires, you simply enter your old Access Codes for the four user licenses. If you need more information or wish to purchase additional temporary licenses, please call our office at 715-845-2794 and ask for Jennifer or email her at jenl@martechsys .com.

Words of Wisdom from the Blue Ribbon Genie:
The cork is again removed from the lamp of wisdom and Genie has a few more tips to share with you. Share these tips with your staff and helpers.

· Genie says - I am often asked about using the 'Duplicate Key' to speed data entry for General and Descriptive Entries. I counted and it required fewer keystrokes to use the 'Auto-Save' feature and forget the Duplicate Key. Data entry errors are also reduced. Go to Utilities|Preferences|Entry Options. Place a checkmark in the option 'Automatically Save on Final Tab of Entry'. Now try this:
1. Go to the General Entry Screen. Click 'Add' to put the program into the 'Insert Mode'. The cursor is position in the 'Dept' field.
2. Enter the Dept, tab, enter the Section, tab, enter the Class, tab. If no 'Entry ID' is used, tab through the field. The record is saved. The cursor is positioned in the Dept field, ready for the next entry.
3. You do not have to take you hands off the keyboard to click 'Save' and 'Duplicate'. Fast, isn't it?
4. When the entries are complete, click 'Cancel' to exit the 'Insert Mode'. Move on to the next exhibitor.
5. Try it! You will like it.

· Genie says - Here is a tip for speeding up the data entry of Judging Results. Scan all the Judging Results in at once instead of waiting for them to scan in as you open the screen for each new class. Here is how you do it. Imagine you have just received the Judging Worksheets for Department 14 and you are ready to enter the results.
1. Go File|Scan for Entries.
2. Scan all entries in for Department 14.
3. Go File|Judging Results - Dept/Section/Class.
4. All entries for Department 14 are already in the Judging Results file. The screens display quickly, without the need to do an additional scan.
5. Data entry is much faster.


· Genie says - If you still hate making 'Backups' because you forget how to use Winzip or your zip drive has complicated software, get yourself one of those fancy little 'Flash Drives'. Everyone is using them. Best Buy, or other similar stores, is now selling 1 gigabyte drives for $19.95. This is how you use it.
1. Plug this little device into the USB port on your computer.
2. Open 'My Computer'. Go to the location of your Fair Management data.
3. Click on the folder to select it. Go Edit|Copy.
4. Click on the Flash Drive to open it. Go Edit|Paste.
5. Right click on the folder as it displays on the Flash Drive. Select 'Rename', giving the folder a name that includes the date. This will allow you to store multiple data folders on the same Flash Drive.
6. Backup is complete!


· Genie says - Here are a few tips to help genie provide A+ support to all of you:
o When you call and leave a message, make sure you speak slowly and clearly, giving your name, fair name, phone number, and question. Repeat the phone number a second time; saying is slow enough so Genie can write it down. Sometimes Genie has to repeat a message several times just to get the phone number.
o If you call for after-hours support, stay by the phone to receive your call-back. Many times Genie has returned a call within five minutes of receiving it, only to be told, "Oh he/she just went out to check the fairgrounds". If the problem is important enough to make an after-hours call, please stay by the phone, or have someone else stay by the phone, to take the call- back and work with the problem.
o If you are using a cell phone, please make sure you have good reception at your location. It is very hard to provide assistance when Genie can only hear part of what you are trying to say.
o If you are installing the program on a new computer or setting up a network, don't wait until after- hours to call for assistance. The Genie on call may not always be a network guru. Plan those events ahead and call during regular hours when all the gurus are available. This makes life easier for you and us.
o Just as another 'Bit of Wisdom', setting up a network an hour before your auction starts or an hour before you start taking entries is never a good thing. This is a plan-ahead project. If you do need assistance from our office, you need extra time available to work with our staff.

· Genie says - If you are new to the Fair Management program or new to doing the Market Auction, consider purchasing the training DVDs. They are an inexpensive way to learn the basics. Many people call and ask, "Where do I start?" Our support staff cannot spend two hours on the telephone giving an impromptu training session when another fair may have a computer down during their auction.

The DVD and training manual is the answer. View it in parts and call Genie with specific questions as they come up. The primary duty of the Help Desk staff is to answer questions and solve problems; not on- demand, in-depth training.

Summer Support Hours:
Weekend support hours start Saturday, June 2, 2007 and extend through September.

Weekdays : 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Central Time
Saturdays: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Central Time
Sundays: 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm Central Time

After hours, an on-call pager is available for urgent support until 10:00 pm Central Time. Call our normal office phone number at 715-845-2794. When prompted for an extension number, press 1 for Urgent Support. Leave your name, fair name, telephone number where you can be reached, and the problem you are experiencing. Speak clearly and repeat your telephone number slowly. This will aid our support staff in returning your call.

Order Training DVD's Now!
If you are looking for an easy way to learn the Blue Ribbon Fair Management System, why not check out our all new instructional DVDs. The Blue Ribbon Instructional DVDs take you through the Fair Management System step by step. All of the segments are indexed and chaptered so that you can easily access any instructional component. You can play the DVDs on a conventional DVD player or play it from the DVD drive in your computer.

Each DVD is over 60 minutes long and is packed with valuable information. Your host, Jennifer Loucks, shows you how to take full advantage of the Fair Management System, and highlights many of the new features and capabilities found in the system this year.

Volume 1: Introduction to the Fair Management System
Volume one takes you through the Fair Management System process; from setting up the preferences and the premium book, to making entries, printing reports and generating premium checks. Volume one is perfect for users of the Lite, Lite+Fees, and Standard Editions of the Fair Management System.

Volume 2: Blue Ribbon Fair Management
Livestock,Market Animals and Auction Volume two spends time on the market animal show and sale part of the system, from entering animals and weights, breaking them into groups, and performing the show and sale. Volume two is great for users of the Market Sale and Standard Editions of the Fair Management System.

Each volume is $30.00, but you can order the set of two for $50.00. More details and sample clips our on our website at www.martechs ys.com/dvd.

Online Entries:
Blue Ribbon Fair Online is up and running. We've had several fairs already go online and take their entries over the Internet. Its not too late for you to get online if you have an August or Fall Fair. If your fair is earlier, you can still consider online entries for next year. Check out our online demo at www.blueribbon fair.com or call (715)845-2794 or email mikem@martechsys.com to get a free online entry information packet. Visit Our Website at www.blueribbonfair.com

]]> General http://www.martechsys.com/features/index.php?itemid=13 Wed, 13 Jun 2007 16:21:00 -0500 http://www.martechsys.com/features/index.php?itemid=12 • Fair Management System Incremental Update.
• The Genie returns.
• Blue Ribbon Support Survey Winner.
• Fall Support Hours
• Help us Celebrate Our 20th Anniversary.
Fair Management Incremental Update
The latest incremental update for the Blue Ribbon Fair Management System was posted on August 23, 2006. If you have not already downloaded the update, we recommend that you do so. You can get it online at www.martechsys.com/support/update.php. If you receive our ‘Updates by Mail’ subscription, you should have received an update CD in the mail. This update MUST be installed on all computers if you are networking or sharing the Blue Ribbon Fair Management System data files on multiple computers. To check and see if you have the latest update installed, start up the Fair Management System, go Help|About. From the About screen scroll through the list of files until you see Expert.dll. The date on Expert.dll should be August 18, 2006.

This is a very important update because:
• Premium checks, reprint from a file. The file structure has been changed to improve printing.
• Corrected the premium checks so that $0.00 checks do not print.
• Reports can now be printed in Duplex.
• Display entry tags can be printed from the Exhibitor Entry Screen.
• Plus all the incremental update items from the previous updates.

Note: The full 2006 upgrade (April CD) must be installed on your computer before this incremental update can be added. Placing this incremental update over the 2005, version 2.6 program, will make your program unusable.

A lot of fairs don’t have an Internet connection on the fairgrounds, or the connection is slow. If this is the case for you, just download the update at home, work, or a friend’s house and put it on a CD or portable jump drive. Then take the CD or jump drive to the fair computer and install the update.


Even More Words of Wisdom from the Blue Ribbon Genie:
Its official! The Blue Ribbon Genie is the favorite part of the Blue Ribbon Support Bulletins. As a thank you, we’ve rubbed the genie’s lamp extra hard and received a new batch of tips and answers to your most frequent questions. If you got a question for the genie to answer you can email it to staff@martechsys.com. You can get more answers to common questions and problems at the Blue Ribbon Knowledge base located at www.martechsys.com/faq-pro.

• Genie says – The end of the fair means printing premium checks. The biggest problem users have encountered this year is starting to print checks without having a clear plan in mind as to how they plan to print them. Decide whether you plan to print checks by exhibitor or by department. If some checks are printed by department, all the checks have to be printed that way. Also, never start printing checks without first printing and proofing either the pre-check report or exhibitor statements for the set of checks you plan to print. Don’t start printing checks and then decide some judging results are missing. It is all a matter of Thinking and Planning Ahead!!

• Genie says – If you want to create a file of the printed checks to import into QuickBooks ledger, go Premium|Check Register Reports. Select ‘Create QuickBooks compatible ASCII file’. Before attempting to create the file, make sure you know your QuickBooks credit and debit accounts. You may have to refer to your QuickBooks user’s manual to complete the import process.

• Genie says – Your fair has just ended. Now is the time to review your fairbook. Are there changes that can be made to make the fairbook easier to use in the computer program? Can numbering systems be changed to make printing your reports easier and more logical? Suggesting changes now will give your superintendents plenty of time to review the changes. It is always easier to talk about changes when the past fair is still fresh in everyone’s minds.

• Genie says – Take some time to review what you did this year. Make notes on what worked, what needs changing, and ideas for improvement or your procedures for next year. Remember, you only do this once a year. By next summer, those notes will be a valuable resource for you.

Ask your superintendents for input. This makes them a part of the procedure. When they feel a true part of the team, they will be more open to changes. They will also understand the amount of work you have to do to make the complete entry process happen.

• Genie says – Inventory your supplies now. You will need entry tags and checks for next year. A special ‘Early Bird Offer’ on entry tags will be sent out in December. Place your order early and save money. You do not have to pay for them until the tags are actually shipped. Genie likes the early orders because it gives us a better idea of the amount of inventory we need to have on hand.

• Genie says – Do you have ideas for improving the Fair Management program? Send those ideas to judym@martechsys.com. If it is an idea that is unique only to your fair, it probably will not be incorporated into the program, but if it is an idea that would benefit many of our fairs, we want to hear it. Just remember, changes to input screens and reports affect all of our 850 fairs. Therefore we can’t make a change that pleases one fair and upsets 500 fairs.



• Genie says – Review your computer equipment now. Those Windows 98 computer are going to have to be replaced. Genie can no longer guarantee that the Fair Management program will work properly on the outdated equipment. Computer prices have never been better. Work with your budgets and prepare now for the 2007 fair season.

• Genie says – 2.8 upgrade notices will be sent in December. The software will be shipped in March. Consider this - if you do not have any access to a high speed internet connection, either at the fairgrounds, your home, or a place of business, please sign up for updates by mail. This will ensure that you will receive incremental updates on CD as they are release though out the fair season.

• Genie says – Have you considered taking ‘Entries On-line’ next this year? As part of our 20th anniversary special, we have a special offer available. Contact mikem@martechsys.com for more details.

• Genie says – On-line training classes will be offered again this year, starting in February. The schedule will be included in the 2.8 upgrade notices that will be mailed in December. If you do not ordinarily see this notice, send an email to jenl@martechsys.com and asked to be included on the on-line training schedule mailing.

• Genie says – You have faithfully listened to Genie. Now it is your chance. Send your very best ‘Genie Tip’ to judym@martechsys.com. We will publish these tips and place all of them in a drawing for a Flash Drive that the winning fair can use as their data backup system next year.


Blue Ribbon Survey
Thank you to everyone that participated in our recent Blue Ribbon Support Survey. The winner of the August Survey drawing is Teena Munsell of Livingston County 4-H in Howell, MI. Teena won a $50.00 supply credit from our catalog. You could be a winner too; watch your email for the next survey. Every month we take a survey we will randomly draw a name from the respondents and that lucky person will receive a $50.00 supply credit.

Fall support hours:
Please note the change in our office hours
Weekdays: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Central Time

After hours and weekends, an on-call pager is available for urgent support until 10:00 pm Central Time. Call our normal office phone number at (715-845-2794). When prompted for an extension number, press 1 for Urgent Support. Leave your name, fair name, telephone number where you can be reached and the problem you are experiencing. Speak clearly and repeat your telephone number slowly. This will aid our support staff in returning your call.

Online Entries:
Blue Ribbon Fair Online is up and running. We’ve had several fairs already go online and take their entries over the Internet. It’s not too late for you to get online if you have a Fall Fair. If your fair is earlier, you can still consider online entries for next year. Check out our online demo at www.blueribbonfair.com or call (715)845-2794 or email mikem@martechsys.com to get a free online entry information packet.

Blog:
Our online web log (Blog) is a new part of the martechsys.com website. You can get the lowdown of what’s happening at Martech Systems from news, tips, product information and system updates. Check our blog frequently as new information will be posted there first. Also, if you miss an email, the text of the email will be found in the blog. Check it out at www.martechsys.com/features.

Emails:
Thank you everyone who has supplied us with an updated email address. Unfortunately 12.6% of our support bulletin email messages still don’t reach their destinations. If this message is getting caught in your spam filter, please set the filter so that it allows messages from martechsys.com. Let us know if your email changes or if you aren’t receiving any messages from us. Email any changes or additions to mikem@martechsys.com.

Help us Celebrate Our 20th Anniversary:
We’ve got some great promotions going on right now to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Martech Systems, inc. If you have the Lite, Lite+Fees, or Market Sale Editions of the Fair Management System, you can upgrade to the Standard Edition for a substantial discount. Plus all upgrades will receive support and updates for 2007, saving you even more. If you already have the Standard Edition of the Fair Management System, we’ve got some great discount prices for the Blue Ribbon Fair Online. If you are interested our anniversary promotions, please email Michael at mikem@martechsys.com or call (715)845-2794. But hurry, these special prices end on December 31, 2006.

]]> General http://www.martechsys.com/features/index.php?itemid=12 Tue, 3 Oct 2006 11:09:29 -0500 http://www.martechsys.com/features/index.php?itemid=11 IAFE Fairs and Expos

Blue Ribbon Fair Online

magazine for our latest advertisement of Blue Ribbon Fair Online. Blue Ribbon Fair Online is the best online entry solution for users of the Blue Ribbon Fair Management System. Its fast, easy, and affordable. To learn more about Blue Ribbon Fair Online, please visit our demo at www.blueribbonfair.com or email Michael.]]> General http://www.martechsys.com/features/index.php?itemid=11 Thu, 24 Aug 2006 11:15:32 -0500 http://www.martechsys.com/features/index.php?itemid=10 • Fair Management System Incremental Update.
• Even more wisdom from the Blue Ribbon Genie.
• Blue Ribbon Support survey.
• Check Out the NEW Blue Ribbon Fair Management Blog!
• Check your Supplies.
• Coming soon: Our 20th Anniversary.

Fair Management Incremental Update
We’ve released an incremental update to version 2.7 of the Blue Ribbon Fair Management System. You should go online to www.martechsys.com/support/update.php to download this update. If you receive our ‘Updates by Mail’ subscription, please install the CD that you received with this support bulletin. This update MUST be installed on all computers if you are networking or sharing the Blue Ribbon Fair Management System data files on multiple computers.

This is a very important update because:
• Premium checks, reprint from a file. The file structure has been changed to improve printing.
• Corrected the premium checks so that $0.00 checks do not print.
• Reports can now be printed in Duplex.
• Display entry tags can be printed from the Exhibitor Entry Screen.
• Plus all the incremental update items from the previous updates.


Note: The full 2006 upgrade (April CD) must be installed on your computer before this incremental update can be added. Placing this incremental update over the 2005, version 2.6 program, will make your program unusable.

People receiving this message via email may click on this link to get to the Incremental Update download site.

http://www.martechsys.com/support/update.php

If the link is not highlighted in your email program, then cut and paste the link into your web browser’s Location field.

To install the update, follow the install instructions on the Fair Management System update web page. If you received a disk in the mail, please follow the install instructions on the enclosed instruction sheet.

To check the version build date of the Fair Management System, go Help|About. Use the drop- down file listing. Find expert.dll. It should be dated August 18, 2006 or later. This verifies that the update has been properly installed. Also, if you are running the program on a network with multiple computers, the update MUST be installed on all computers. All machines must display the same system date.

A lot of fairs don’t have an Internet connection on the fairgrounds, or the connection is slow. If this is the case for you, just download the update at home, work, or a friend’s house and put it on a CD or portable jump drive. Then take the CD or jump drive to the fair computer and install the update.

Even More Words of Wisdom from the Blue Ribbon Genie:
Our help desk has been working hard to answer your questions. Fortunately, the Blue Ribbon Genie has appeared and they used their wishes to get answers for the most common questions that have come across their desks. You can get more answers to common questions and problems at the Blue Ribbon Knowledge base located at www.martechsys.com/faq-pro.

• Genie says – If you have not downloaded the August 21st incremental update from the Martech Systems website, do it now. It contains a very important update for Premium Checks. If your checks should happen to jam in the printer, a file is created so you can restart the print process. An important change was made to this file. Download and install the update now.

• Genie says – If you are removing a computer from a network to either move to the barn for judging or back to the office, make sure the data is copied to the C drive on that computer and the BDE is configured back to the C drive before the computer is disconnected from the network. Sometimes the computer will continue to search for the network drive after it is removed from the network, making re-configuration of the BDE tricky.

Also, if you bring that computer back from the barn and plan to reconnect it to the network, you may have to remap the network drive and then re-configure the BDE back to the network settings. Disconnecting and reconnecting is not just a simple unplugging and plugging in the cable.

• Genie says – For those of you who feel challenged by the task of doing backups and the rest of you as well, the USB Flash drive is your salvation. These are small, mass storage devices the plug directly into the computer and can be ‘copied to’ exactly as you used to copy to diskettes, except they hold much more information. These devices can be purchased at stores such as Best Buy, for as low as $29.95 You can store multiple, incremental copies of your data on one of these devices.

• Genie says – Do those backups! We have had multiple fairs that have either completely lost their data or had their data damaged by power failures this year. Some of them did not have backups. This means starting over with re-entering the data. Don’t let this happen to you!

• Genie says – Have you gone to our website and checked out the Tip Sheets that are available? Go www.martechsys .com. On the website, select Support|Windows Fair Management|Tip Sheets. There are valuable Tips Sheets on Market Entries, the Market Auction, entering Judging Results, etc. If you are in the state of Illinois, the information on completing the year-end state report is also available here. Check it out!

• Genie says – Here is a great trick for speeding up data entry of Judging Results. Before you start entering the results for a new department, Go File|Scan for Entries. It is at the bottom of the File Menu. This utility will check all entry files and add them to the Judging Results file. Now as you move from class to class, entering the judging results, the computer does not have to rescan entries each time. The entries are already in the Judging Results file. Give it a try!

• Genie says – If you print Display Entry tags and have designed your own fair logo, please copy this logo file (Fairlogo.bmp) to a CD and store it safely away. The fair logo is stored in the programming folder, not the data folder. If you install your program on a new computer, you have your data from your backup, but the logo file is gone with the old computer. Save yourself a copy so you can put it on the new computer.

• Genie says – If you want championship classes printed in order on your Judging Worksheets, use the ‘Add No Entries’ utility. First, these championship classes must be in the Fairbook file and marked as a ‘Championship Class’. Then go Utilities|File Utilities. Under the Utility menu in File Utilities, select ‘Add No Entries’. Select ‘Champ Classes Only’ and the entry file type. Enter the range and click ‘OK’. This will write a phantom entry to each championship class. Those classes will now print on the Judging Worksheets.

• Genie says – If the Departmental Premium report and/or the Premiums Offered and Paid Report are not showing the total exhibitor and number of exhibits accurately, check your Fairbook records. If a Fairbook record is marked as a ‘Championship Class’ by mistake, the exhibitors and exhibits are not added into the department totals on those year-end reports. Championship classes do not count as additional exhibitors or exhibits as those would have already been counted in their regular classes.

Blue Ribbon Survey
We are still collecting the results from our Blue Ribbon Support survey. If you haven’t filled out a survey yet, there still is time. You can go to www.martechsys.com/survey to complete the survey. We will be drawing for a $50.00 credit from all surveys received this month, so hurry and get your survey in.

Summer support hours:
Weekdays: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Central Time
Saturdays: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Central Time
Sunday: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm Central Time


After hours, an on-call pager is available for urgent support until 10:00 pm Central Time. Call our normal office phone number at (715-845- 2794). When prompted for an extension number, press 1 for Urgent Support. Leave your name, fair name, telephone number where you can be reached and the problem you are experiencing. Speak clearly and repeat your telephone number slowly. This will aid our support staff in returning your call.

Check Your Supplies:
Now’s the time to get your supply orders in if you haven’t ordered your supplies yet for this year. Entry tags and index cards are usually in stock for immediate shipment. Premium check stock takes about 10 days to process and ship. Save on the rush charges and overnight shipping by getting your orders in now. Call (715)845-2794 and talk to Amy to place your order.

OnLine Entries:
Blue Ribbon Fair Online is up and running. We’ve had several fairs already go online and take their entries over the Internet. Its not too late for you to get online if you have an August or Fall Fair. If your fair is earlier, you can still consider online entries for next year. Check out our online demo at www.blueribbonfair.com or call (715)845-2794 or email mikem@martechsys.com to get a free online entry information packet.

Blog:
Our online web log (Blog) is a new part of the martechsys.com website. You can get the lowdown of what’s happening at Martech Systems from news, tips, product information and system updates. Check our blog frequently as new information will be posted there first. Also, if you miss an email, the text of the email will be found in the blog. Check it out at www.m artechsys.com/features.

Emails:
Currently 11% of our support bulletin email messages don’t reach their destinations. If this message is getting caught in your spam filter, please set the filter so that it allows messages from martechsys.com. Let us know if your email changes or if you aren’t receiving any messages from us. Email any changes or additions to mikem@martechsys.com.

Coming Soon: Our 20th Anniversary:
This winter marks the 20th anniversary of Martech System, Inc. We will be celebrating with special prices and discounts for our products and services. Plus we will have a 20th anniversary retrospective and some other surprises. The 20th anniversary celebration kicks off in September and will last through all of 2007. Watch your email for more information.

]]> General http://www.martechsys.com/features/index.php?itemid=10 Wed, 23 Aug 2006 16:21:09 -0500 http://www.martechsys.com/features/index.php?itemid=9 Check out the following information in this newsletter
• Fair Management System Incremental Update
• More wisdom from the Blue Ribbon Genie
• Fair Management Incremental Update
• The Knowledge Base is Growing!
• Check Out the NEW Blue Ribbon Fair Management Blog!
• Check your Supplies.
• Coming soon: Our 20th Anniversary


Fair Management Incremental Update
We’ve released an incremental update to version 2.7 of the Blue Ribbon Fair Management System. You should go online to www.martechsys.com/support/update.php to download this update. If you receive our ‘Updates by Mail’ subscription, please install the CD that you received with this support bulletin. This update MUST be installed on all computers if you are networking or sharing the Blue Ribbon Fair Management System data files on multiple computers.

This is a very important update because:
• Printing premium and market checks – The check file, created when a check run jams in the printer, has been corrected for the encrypted social security number. This check file is needed to restart the check run.
• The ‘Date Range’ option in printing fee receipts has been changed.
• The Exhibitor/Fees report has been speeded up which is critical for large databases.
• The miscellaneous fees on the exhibitor fee screen will accept fees under $.50.
• Departmental fee amounts can be adjusted.

Note: The full 2006 upgrade (April CD) must be installed on your computer before this incremental update can be added. Placing this incremental update over the 2005, version 2.6 program, will make your program unusable.

People receiving this message via email may click on this link to get to the Incremental Update download site.

http://www.martechsys.com/support/update.php

If the link is not highlighted in your email program, then cut and paste the link into your web browser’s Location field.

To install the update, follow the install instructions on the Fair Management System update web page. If you received a disk in the mail, please follow the install instructions on the enclosed instruction sheet.

To check the version build date of the Fair Management System, go Help|About. Use the drop- down file listing. Find winfair.exe. It should be dated August 1, 2006 or later. This verifies that the update has been properly installed. Also, if you are running the program on a network with multiple computers, the update MUST be installed on all computers. All machines must display the same system date.

A lot of fairs don’t have an Internet connection on the fairgrounds, or the connection is slow. If this is the case for you, just download the update at home, work, or a friend’s house and put it on a CD or portable jump drive. Then take the CD or jump drive to the fair computer and install the update.

More Words of Wisdom from the Blue Ribbon Genie:
Our help desk has been working hard to answer your questions. Fortunately, the Blue Ribbon Genie has appeared and they used their wishes to get answers for the most common questions that have come across their desks. You can get more answers to common questions and problems at the Blue Ribbon Knowledge base located at www.martechsys.com/faq-pro.

• Genie says – A problem you may have tomorrow could have already been resolved yesterday and put on the website as an upgrade.

Keep your updates current. We continually and diligently test the Blue Ribbon software system to ensure that it is working properly. But, because of the vast number of options available in the program, Murphy’s Law says we are going to miss something. Anything that is reported to our office, is fixed and released in updates. We feel this is a vital part of our support policy, but you have to install the updates to receive this valuable benefit.

If you have subscribed to updates by mail, we will send you periodic incremental CD’s to install. To keep the cost of support within range for you the user, we send email messages about available updates. If you do not have internet access at your fairgrounds, the updates can be downloaded at home, your business, or any place that have available internet access. Write the upgrade to a CD, take it to your fair computer and install it.

Please remember, installing an upgrade will not affect your data. But we always stress making a backup before installing any upgrade. This is only a precaution and it also gives you another good backup of your data.

If you are not receiving email messages about backups, send us the proper email address or addresses that the messages should be sent to. You can have multiple addresses.

You can also periodically check our website to see what the date on the most recent upgrade. If it is newer, download and install it. The most important thing is that you stay current with upgrades.

• Genie says – If you plan to network computers for your Market Auction or for entering data during your fair, have it setup and fully tested well before the designated time that they will be put to use.

Now listen up – this means more than ½ hour before your auction is slated to begin. Again, Murphy’s Law is set to haunt you. If anything can go wrong, it will, especially when everyone is under pressure to get things going and the mind is not always following clean logic.

Also, have a person with sufficient computer knowledge and networking experience there to assist you. If you are moving a working network system from one location to another, this does not always mean it is going to work instantly at the new location. Cables have been removed and reconnected, etc. Include this factor in your game plan.

If you feel you will need networking assistance from our office, please call during regular office hours. Our after-hours, on-call staff rotates. When genie is on duty, he can answer virtually any question about the program, but networking is definitely not his forte. During office hours, staff is available to answer those questions. This will give you the best support we have available.

• Genie says – Entry and pen fees have been moved from the Section Description screen to the Fairbook File screens. To facilitate entering fees into the fairbook records, go Utilities|File Utilities. Under the File Utility screen, go Utilities|Fairbook Utilities|Update Fairbook Fees. This will speed up the process.

• Genie says – If you will be using the market auction option of the fair management program, go to www.martechsys.com. Select Support|Blue Ribbon Fair Management|Tip Sheets. Under the Livestock and Auction tip sheet listing is a pdf file called ‘Check Sheet for Market Animal Entries’. Download and print this report. It is a handy guide for you to use as you work through your auction. It serves as a reminder of steps that can not be skipped.

• Genie says – With the Market Auction program, each animal that is sold must have a UNIQUE Sale Order #. This is important, even if you have more than one sale, do not repeat the same range of numbers. If you do not have unique sale numbers on each animal in the file that will be sold, you can experience some reporting discrepancies that make balancing the sale very time consuming.

• Genie says - If you are using the livestock and/or entry file, always click on Add button to put the screen in insert mode. This pulls the default settings from Preferences. The sign to look for is the ‘Scratch’ field. That checkbox must be white. If it has a grayed-out checkmark, that entry will not print on reports. If you click on Add before you type in the entry, this problem will not occur.

• Genie says – Keep your checks stored in a cool dry place. Also, fan your checks well before you place them in the printer. This helps to prevent them from sticking together and causing printer to jam as they pass through.

• Genie says – During the hectic days of your fair is not the time to let up on making frequent backups of your data. You are in the process of entering a major portion of your data at this time. If a fast thunderstorm should come up, you stand to lose very important data that would have to be re- entered. It is worth taking a few minutes at noon, mid-afternoon, and evening to backup data.

• Genie says - The heat wave that is crossing the country is causing computer concerns. If your office is not air conditioned, place fans around the computers and printers to keep air circulating. The power supply on either an over-heated computer or printer will cause a computer to shut down or the printer to stop printer. Either of these circumstances can have detrimental affects on your data. Keep your equipment and yourself as cool as possible.

• Genie says - Some fairs are reporting ‘brown out’ situations because of the extensive use of air conditioner and fans on the fairgrounds and surrounding areas. To protect your computer and your data, its wise to purchase, rent, or borrow a UPS battery powered backup. This will keep a constant flow of current going to the computer. It will also give you a warning and a chance to shut down the computer, if the power situation becomes worse.

Summer support hours:
Weekdays: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Central Time
Saturdays: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Central Time
Sunday: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm Central Time


After hours, an on-call pager is available for urgent support until 10:00 pm Central Time. Call our normal office phone number at (715-845- 2794). When prompted for an extension number, press 1 for Urgent Support. Leave your name, fair name, telephone number where you can be reached and the problem you are experiencing. Speak clearly and repeat your telephone number slowly. This will aid our support staff in returning your call.

Check Your Supplies:
Now’s the time to get your supply orders in if you haven’t ordered your supplies yet for this year. Entry tags and index cards are usually in stock for immediate shipment. Premium check stock takes about 10 days to process and ship. Save on the rush charges and overnight shipping by getting your orders in now. Call (715)845-2794 and talk to Amy to place your order.

OnLine Entries:
Blue Ribbon Fair Online is up and running. We’ve had several fairs already go online and take their entries over the Internet. Its not too late for you to get online if you have an August or Fall Fair. If your fair is earlier, you can still consider online entries for next year. Check out our online demo at www.blueribbonfair.com or call (715)845-2794 or email mikem@martechsys.com to get a free online entry information packet.

Blog:
Our online web log (Blog) is a new part of the martechsys.com website. You can get the lowdown of what’s happening at Martech Systems from news, tips, product information and system updates. Check our blog frequently as new information will be posted there first. Also, if you miss an email, the text of the email will be found in the blog. Check it out at www.m artechsys.com/features.

Emails:
Currently 11% of our support bulletin email messages don’t reach their destinations. If this message is getting caught in your spam filter, please set the filter so that it allows messages from martechsys.com. Let us know if your email changes or if you aren’t receiving any messages from us. Email any changes or additions to mikem@mart echsys.com.

Coming Soon: Our 20th Anniversary:
This winter marks the 20th anniversary of Martech System, Inc. We will be celebrating with special prices and discounts for our products and services. Plus we will have a 20th anniversary retrospective and some other surprises. The 20th anniversary celebration kicks off in September and will last through all of 2007. Watch your email for more information.

]]> General http://www.martechsys.com/features/index.php?itemid=9 Thu, 3 Aug 2006 13:29:53 -0500 http://www.martechsys.com/features/index.php?itemid=8 Illinois Department of Agriculture report can be found on the Blue Ribbon Support tip sheet page www.martechsys.com/support/tipsheets.php. The Declaration of Intention, Grand Summary, 10- 75, and other reports can be printed directly from the Fair Management System. This tip sheet will take you through the steps necessary to complete the reports.

To download the report, click on either of the above links. You will need the Adobe Acrobat reader to view or print the reports. If you need a copy of the Adobe reader, the latest version of the is on your Blue Ribbon Product CD you received in April. Please let us know if you have any trouble downloading the report, and we can fax or mail a copy to you.

Any questions can be directed to the Blue Ribbon Help desk. You can contact them via email or phone (715)845-2794.
]]> General http://www.martechsys.com/features/index.php?itemid=8 Thu, 6 Jul 2006 10:35:36 -0500 http://www.martechsys.com/features/index.php?itemid=7 http://www.martechsys.com/support/news/ubm06062 9.pdf

Check out the following information in this newsletter
• Wisdom from the Blue Ribbon Genie
• Fair Management Incremental Update
• Important Information for Windows 2003 Server users
• On-line Training Courses (Train your data entry personnel)
• Independence Day office hours
• The Knowledge Base is Growing!
• Check Out the NEW Blue Ribbon Fair Management Blog!
• Check your Supplies.

Words of Wisdom from the Blue Ribbon Genie:
Our help desk has been working hard to answer your questions. Fortunately, the Blue Ribbon Genie has appeared and they used their wishes to get answers for the most common questions that have come across their desks. You can get more answers to common questions and problems at the Blue Ribbon Knowledge base located at www.martechsys.com/faq-pro. • Genie says – When inputting livestock and market entries for an exhibitor ALWAYS click on the ‘Add’ button to put the screen in the ‘Insert Mode’. The screen defaults will read from Preferences and the ‘Scratch’ field will not contain a grayed checkmark. This causes report problems.

• Genie says – With general and descriptive entries, also click ‘Add’ to begin inputting entries. This positions the cursor in the ‘Dept’ field and places the screen in the ‘Insert Mode’

• Genie says – Use the ‘Scan Judging Results’ option under the file menu to speed up the process of entering ‘Placings’. Once a department has been judged and you have the judging worksheets, go File|Scan Judging Results. Select the department and let the program check the entry files and pull all entries for that department into judging results. This saves the time used for scanning as you open each new class screen.

• Genie says – When using the ‘Check Design’ option on the Premium Check screen, ‘Do Not’ delete any of the fields on the check. This will cause a report error. If you have a field of information that you do not wish to print, right click on the field and unselect the ‘Visible’ option. The field is still there, but it will not print.

Also remember, Market Checks and Premium Checks have different print layouts. You can not use the same check design for both check options. If you need more the dollar amount field to fit your check, you will have to create a different Check Design for both Market and Premium Checks.

• Genie says – Departmental Fees pull dollar defaults from the corresponding fairbook records. To set fees easily and quickly in the fairbook file, go Utilities|File Utilities. On the File Utility screen, select Utilities|Fairbook Utilities|Update Fairbook Fees. Check your User Manual for more details.

• Genie says - If you have updated your program and upon opening reports such as Exhibitors/Entries or Entry Count, you receive and error, here is the culprit. Go Utilities|Preferences. On the Fair Settings screen, write down the entire path that is listed in the ‘Winfair Temp Folder’ field. Highlight and retype the path exactly as you have written it down. Click OK. Now try the report. This should fix the problem. The ‘Temp Path’ just needs refreshing.

• Genie says – To speed up data entry, you can display all your menu icons on the left Tool Bar of the Exhibitor screen. Open the Exhibitor Screen. Hold the mouse in the Tool Bar area. Right Click. The option ‘Organized+Alt+O’ will display. Select it. All icons will display.

When the screen is closed, the icons will close. Just re-select the option again when you open the screen.

• Genie says – If you need ‘After Hours Assistance’, for a situation that cannot wait until the next business day, call our office using the regular office phone number 715-845-2794. You do not need to listen to the entire message, just enter ‘1’ for the emergency voice mail box. Leave a complete message, giving your name, your fair name and state, summary of your problem, and a clear and distinct telephone number. Repeat the phone number slowly and clearly.

This will activate our beeper. Our on-call person will return your call as soon as possible. Be patient. Sometimes they may be on a call with another fair, so it may take 15-20 minutes for a return call. Stay by your phone so you are there when the call is returned.

Fair Management Incremental Update
The latest update of the Blue Ribbon Fair Management System is on our web site at www.martechsys.com/support/update.php. Our ‘Updates by Mail’ subscribers should have received the CD in the mail a few weeks ago. Otherwise, go to the web site and download the update. The latest update on the web site is dated June 21, 2006, but most fairs can get by with the May 31, 2006 update. The only difference between the May 31 and June 21 updates is an additional report for Illinois fairs and the ability to manually adjust the auto calculating fields on the Exhibitor Fees screen. So unless you are an Illinois fair or use the Fees screens, the May 31, 2006 update should be sufficient. Our next scheduled incremental update will come out in about two weeks and we will issue a CD at that time for our Updates by Mail subscribers.

If you have not downloaded or installed the May 31, 2006 update or later, please go to our website at www.martechsys.com/support/update.php and download it. Installation instructions are on the web site.

To check the version build date of the Fair Management System, go Help|About. Use the drop- down file listing. Find winfair.exe. It should be dated May 31, 2006 or later. If you are an Illinois Fair, scroll down and check the file Formsdll.dll. It should be dated June 13, 2006 or later. This verifies that the update has been properly installed. Also, if you are running the program on a network with multiple computers, the update MUST be installed on all computers. All machines must display the same system date.

A lot of fairs don’t have an Internet connection on the fairgrounds, or the connection is slow. If this is the case for you, just download the update at home, work, or a friend’s house and put it on a CD or portable jump drive. Then take the CD or jump drive to the fair computer and install the update.

Microsoft Windows 2003 server settings
We’ve run into a couple of problems with offline files for users of Windows 2003 Server. The Offline Files setting allows you to cache and synchronize a shared folder on the network to a local machine so that you can have access to your data if you aren’t connected to the network. The only problem with this is that it can cause severe data error problems in the Blue Ribbon Fair Management System. Like other database applications, the Fair Management System is file intensive and doesn’t work well when the data files are cached. If you are running Microsoft Windows 2003 server at your fair, you must disable the offline files setting. Instructions on enabling and disabling the setting can be found here:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/ mobility/learnmore/offlinefiles.mspx

If you have any questions about this setting, please call our help desk at 715-845-2794.

On-Line training courses winding down:
Our online training is winding down for the summer. We have one class yet scheduled for July; the Market Auction course on Thursday, July 13 at 6:00pm central time. If you are interested in taking this class, please call Jennifer at (715)845-2794 or email jenl@martechsys.com

NOTE: You do not need the Fair Management software loaded on the computer that you will be doing the training on. All you need is an internet connection (preferably high speed) and a phone line for the voice portion of the training.

We will again offer online classes in September. Watch for a new online training schedule to be released in late August.

Summer support hours:
Weekdays: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Central Time
Saturdays: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Central Time
Sunday: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm Central Time

After hours, an on-call pager is available for urgent support until 10:00 pm Central Time. Call our normal office phone number at (715-845- 2794). When prompted for an extension number, press 1 for Urgent Support. Leave your name, fair name, telephone number where you can be reached and the problem you are experiencing. Speak clearly and repeat your telephone number slowly. This will aid our support staff in returning your call.

Independence Day hours
Our offices will be closed for the 4th of July so that our staff can enjoy Independence Day. If you are in need of urgent technical support during the holiday, please page the on-call support person by dialing 715-845-2794 and press 1 at the voice menu. Leave a message with your phone number and someone will get back to you quickly.

The Knowledge Base is Growing:
We’ve been busy adding new documents to our online Knowledge Base. You can check out the knowledge base at www.martechsys.com/faq-pro. The five newest and five most popular documents are on the first page. You can also search for individual articles or browse through the categories. If you can’t find what you are looking for, drop us an email and we’ll help you out.

Check Your Supplies:
Now’s the time to get your supply orders in if you haven’t ordered your supplies yet for this year. Entry tags and index cards are usually in stock for immediate shipment. Premium check stock takes about 10 days to process and ship. Save on the rush charges and overnight shipping by getting your orders in now. Call (715)845-2794 and talk to Amy to place your order.

OnLine Entries:
Blue Ribbon Fair Online is up and running. We’ve had several fairs already go online and take their entries over the Internet. Its not too late for you to get online if you have an August or Fall Fair. If your fair is earlier, you can still consider online entries for next year. Check out our online demo at www.blueribbonfair.com or call (715)845-2794 or email mikem@marte chsys.com to get a free online entry information packet.

Blog:
Our online web log (Blog) is a new part of the martechsys.com website. You can get the lowdown of what’s happening at Martech Systems from news, tips, product information and system updates. Check our blog frequently as new information will be posted there first. Also, if you miss an email, the text of the email will be found in the blog. Check it out at www.martechsys.com/features.

Emails:
Currently 11% of our support bulletin email messages don’t reach their destinations. If this message is getting caught in your spam filter, please set the filter so that it allows messages from martechsys.com. Let us know if your email changes or if you aren’t receiving any messages from us. Email any changes or additions to mikem@martechsys.com. Visit Our Website
]]> General http://www.martechsys.com/features/index.php?itemid=7 Thu, 29 Jun 2006 14:35:19 -0500 http://www.martechsys.com/features/index.php?itemid=6 www.martechsys.com/support/update.php. If you subscribed to our Updates by Mail Service, a copy of the update will be automatically mailed to you. Otherwise please go to the update page and download the file. Instructions for installing the update are on the update page.]]> General http://www.martechsys.com/features/index.php?itemid=6 Mon, 5 Jun 2006 13:40:09 -0500