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Opas 9 | |
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OPAS Version 9
OPAS version 9 is in release and your orchestra should plan to update at any time.
Who can update and what is the cost?
An update to OPAS 9 is free for all North American clients who have paid technical support
How do we update?
Updating to OPAS 9 is a three-step process:
- Update the OPAS application (done on the server)
- Update the OPAS database (done on the server)
- Run a quick Update file on each computer in the office that uses OPAS
See below for more detailed instructions
What's new in version 9?
The most prominent changes are in the program's 'look and feel' -- the user interface has been improved and updated; you should find OPAS more intuitive and easier to use and learn.
The top changes between the version of OPAS you are using now and the new version are summarized in this PDF document and on this web page. More details about what is new in OPAS 9 are here.
How do we get the update files, how long will it take, when can we do it?
Steps 1 and 2 - Updating the OPAS application and database. If we already have remote access to your OPAS server, we can do this part for you. If we don't have remote access we can temporarily set it up using TeamViewer. If you would rather do steps 1 and 2 yourself, we will send you the download location and password for the update files - you'll run an update script to update the application, manually copy in a few files, and then update the database.
Steps 1 and 2 take anywhere from 10 to 45 minutes.
Step 3 - Updating workstations. Each computer that uses OPAS (a 'workstation') needs to have a separate update run. This file is called WorkstationSetup.exe. We can't do this part remotely for you. We will send the download information for WorkstationSetup.exe and you'll just run that file, pointing it to the main OPAS installation on the server.
Step 3 takes about 2 minutes for each computer
Schedule - please note my schedule for the coming weeks - I will be available for standard tech support and emergencies but will not have my remote access tools. Aug. 31 - Sept. 2 (out for OPAS training); Sept. 8 - 15 (working vacation).
Can we get a little more detail on the improvements in version 9?
In addition to the key changes outlined in the PDF and web page, links in the left border of this page show the primary screen changes in several OPAS areas.
Inputting dates and numbers has been improved and is more intuitive.
There are several 'under the hood' changes and improvements to data handling, particularly if you use OPAS with a FoxPro database. The data engine for version 9 should go a long way to eliminating the 'too many subqueries' errors that would appear from time to time.
We have a new report writer -- this will allow us to create reports faster, with a greater degree of accuracy and create reports that allow for user interface. For example, when running a performance history report you can dictate the date range and any projects that should be included/excluded. We will start to use the new report writer for new custom reports and gradually update the library of stock reports. For the technical-minded, more information can be found here.
You can customize screen layouts in all main program areas - customizations are set for your own user name and password. We don't advocate doing this right away as all new documentation will assume you are using the default (new) layouts that come with version 9, but you are welcome to redesign screens to meet your personal or company's needs.
Depending upon which version of OPAS you are currently using, you will see improvements and new features such as:
- General - a new 'find and replace text' function
- Date-Program area - when 'loading data from Works' you will be able to specify with information is updated
- Address Book - each entry's cell phone number and email address has been added to the List view
- Service Attendance - the attendance grid layout has been improved and you can select combined sections (all woodwinds, all strings, violin 1+violin 2)
- Tours - improvements to the Management screen and a new Management screen for Transport Cases