Starter Data

Last reviewed: 07/20/2009
Article ID: R10906

The information in this article applies to:

• Tabs3 Billing Software Version 15, 14, 12 & 11
• PracticeMaster Version 15, 14, 12 & 11
• Tabs3 General Ledger Software Version 15, 14, 12 & 11

Summary

During the installation of Tabs3 Billing Software, PracticeMaster and Tabs3 General Ledger Software (GLS), you will be asked if you want to install a starter set of data. Starter Data Sets simplify the initial setup process by predefining information in various setup files such as transaction codes, categories, text macros, etc. If you select this option, a partial set of data files will be installed. These files may then be modified as desired.

Note: If data for the product being installed already exists, you will not be given the option to install starter data.

STARTER DATA SET CONTENTS

Starter Data Sets include the following information:

Tabs3 Starter Data

• Transaction Codes - Codes used for entering fee and cost transactions (e.g., Office conference, Phone call, Photocopies, Filing fee, etc.).
• Categories - Used to classify fee services into groups (e.g., Trust Administration, Divorce, etc.).
• Billing Frequencies - Used to indicate how often a client is billed (Monthly, Quarterly, etc.).
• Statement Templates - Used to determine the format of the billing statement for each client.
• Text Macros - Used to expand a code to a phrase, sentence or paragraph (e.g., PNG could expand to Plea of Not Guilty or OL could expand to Online Research).
• Task Based Billing Codes - Used primarily by legal offices that represent insurance companies. The insurance companies require their statements/invoices to follow the Task Based method of billing.
• Timekeeper Levels - Used for grouping similar types of timekeepers (e.g., Level 1 could represent senior partners, Level 2 could represent partners, Level 3 could represent associates, etc.).
• Task Code Set Names - Used to identify a general classification of work in the Task Based method of billing (e.g., Bankruptcy or Non-Litigation Counseling).
• Cost Type Descriptions - Used to group similar types of costs into a "category" of costs. Categorizing costs makes it possible to track billed and paid amounts by cost type.
• Statement Notes - Messages that can print on a client's statement, cover statement or both.
• Statement Designer Layouts - Predefined page layouts for the Statement Designer that can be modified as desired.

Note: The task based billing codes, task code set names, timekeeper levels, and cost types are installed even if you elect not to install the Starter Data Set (unless the files already exist in either Tabs3 or PracticeMaster).

PracticeMaster Starter Data

• Transaction Codes - Codes used for entering fee and cost transactions (e.g., Office conference, Phone call, Photocopies, Filing fee, etc.).
• Calendar Codes - Used when creating calendar entries to describe a task or event that is to be performed (e.g., Deposition, Trial, Audit, Write letter, etc.).
• Categories - Used to classify fee services into groups (e.g., Trust Administration, Divorce, etc.).
• Text Macros - Used to expand a code to a phrase, sentence or paragraph (e.g., PNG could expand to Plea of Not Guilty or OL could expand to Online Research).
• Task Based Billing Codes - Used primarily by legal offices that represent insurance companies. The insurance companies require their statements/invoices to follow the Task Based method of billing.
• Report Writer Reports - Predefined Report Writer Reports that have been coded using PracticeMaster and are examples of frequently asked for reports that have been coded by our staff. If you choose not to install Starter Data and later decide you would like the sample reports, you can reinstall the program after you have began data entry. This procedure will not overwrite any of your current data, but will install any reports that are not currently in your system.

Note: Areas of Practice are not installed with the Starter Data.

GLS Starter Data

• Chart of Accounts - A listing of the general ledger accounts for a business entity including the account number and the account name.
• Journal Names - Each journal entry is assigned to a journal, allowing you run reports for certain journals only (e.g. cash receipts, check register, miscellaneous, etc.).
• Departments - Used to classify divisions within a business organization (e.g., profit centers or locations).

Additional notes

• The Sample Reports section of each program's manual includes printouts of each Starter Data file.
• If installing PracticeMaster over an existing Tabs3 installation, the mirrored data files will not be installed (i.e., categories, transaction codes, text macros and task based billing codes). However, calendar codes and PracticeMaster Report Writer report definitions will be installed.
• The tutorial uses its own set of data. Therefore, whether you install the Starter Data Set or not has no effect on the tutorial.

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