Design Ideas
Design Ideas
Embedded Files
With most software, users are limited to options based on the software offerings and the programmers who built the software.
More robust software offers more options, but that often results in bloated software that has a lot more than a user needs. That isn't necessarily a problem but it might feel like wearing a shirt or a jacket a few sizes too large to some people, and it often prevents engaging in "flow" with your software. ( Yes. We do believe you can do Zen with your software when it's a good fit ! )
With software like this you have a chance to customize it in ways that is not typical with other solutions and systems. Most people have never had an opportunity to really craft a software solution to their liking, as may be available with this. Oftentimes we find people actually get a little excited when they make some modifications that really makes the solution feel like it was built for them. It's the same kind of excitement we see when someone gets to customize their own living space.
As a software publisher, that's what we enjoy seeing. We also enjoy knowing each time you use your software successfully, you are reminded what it's like to own your very own custom software solution with no ongoing fees.
As a small utility company owner or manager, you will have a few decisions to make related to what your invoices are going to look like and how you want or need to deliver them. With our templates we should have gotten you to an elevated starting point. That should limit your customization needs. This page helps with understanding what the most common customization needs might be for most people.
Header Record Data
Header Record Data
Header Record Data is all data on an invoice "other than" the line item data.
Choosing fonts, colors, positioning, formatting and the information itself is all part of sofware design.
The data that shows up on a form, like the one to the right, is in fact all stored in a "data table" like the one below.
So the design changes itself typically start with he data table columns, to create the space to store the data.
Then the changes are made to the invoices that are produced.
Detail Record Data
Detail Record Data
Detail Record Data is the data on an invoice related to the individual line items that represent the products or services related to the transaction.
The line items in the data table can be modified to do math and calculations for you. Columns can be added and deleted in the data table easily.
However, changing the columns on the invoice itself can get tricky given we are working with spreadsheets and the columns widths you want for the line items affect all the information above those as well.
Modifying the layout to accommodate line item column changes is the hardest part about software modification in spreadsheets. It requres a combination of "artisitic thinking" with "futzing".
Invoice Formats
Invoice Formats
The system has been enabled with TWO invoice formats by default. One has a mailer section at the top the other does not. This was to allow you to pick from one of two common styles. This two invoice format also allows you to be customizing a new format while using an older one, so your system may not be down as you re making a new format. And actually, you could have 3 or more invoice formats if you'd like, but the email functionality only works with two by default, but that can be modified too.
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