Bring back PDF versions of user manuals, not just HELP screens, but actual in-depth manuals (like 3.71) that someone could read and understand how the software operates.
by: Larry E. | over a year ago | General Enhancements
Votes
406
Bring back PDF versions of user manuals, not just HELP screens, but actual in-depth manuals (like 3.71) that someone could read and understand how the software operates.
by: Larry E. | over a year ago | General Enhancements
Comments
The old users manual were great. If you go back in time they got better and better. The new Help system falls far short. Whose bright idea was it to put how to flow UDFs to history under "Map" and not as a topic under UDFs?
Did you know you can purchase training guides from an Authorized Training Center?
The user manuals were one reason I added State of the Art's MAS 90 Evolution/2 back in 1986. I especially the Tips section of manual. These were also great training tools as there were screens with ABC company data in them.
The help section of the old manuals were a great training tool. I still use various sections of them. I won't throw them away!
Dawn, I suggested that to several clients and the suggestion was not well received. Much resentment in that they had to purchase additional materials when previously quality manuals were provided that could be printed if required. This has been my number 1 complaint with existing clients who have upgraded and basically "lost" the ability to have true product "manuals".
If Sage spent the money, should they take the "old style" manuals and update them for today's software, outsource this to a third-party, or put out additional Anytime Learning that someone could watch for a subscription? Would videos be better than books?
If you are on versions 4.3 or 4.4, you can go to the main menu and go to 'Help'. Choose 'Help Topics'. Under the 'Contents' tab, scroll all the way down and expand the last topic 'Module PDFs'. This provides PDF documents for reading/reference. It basically takes the Help topics throughout the system, organizes them by topic & flow and will allow you to print them out.
You can also go to the Sage Support web page and download the manuals as PDF: http://www.sageu.com/mas90/home.html
We are looking at expanding the content provided through these PDFs.
Erik Kaas,
Thanks for your response. I believe that the majority of the voters for this request will welcome enhancement of the content.
I understand the need to charge for training, but good documentation included with the product will yield more satisfied customers.
To me this should be a no brainer for any software developer. The more detailed you make your help/manual the less tech support calls you get. I find it amazing that the digital help files aren't nearly as helpful as the printed manuals were back in 3.7 days. Back in the hard copy manual days you had to get it all right before they were printed. With digital manuals / help files it is so easy to keep adding more and more detailed and informative information for customers to understand. Even with 4.4 I still find things missing when I click on help "About this Window".
Your official response states "We are looking at expanding the content provided through these PDFs" I would like to add my voice to those calling for better documentation. In the process of moving my office I through away those 3.x manuals and I am often sorry.
I also found the module flowcharts in the old v3.7x versions to be VERY helpful, especially when training a new customer for the first time, or working with a customer who was creating ISO documentation.
you can get these off the internet and print to pdf and save on your computer.
If you go to Resources - Module Overviews within Sage 100 - you can access the pdf overviews by module and print/save.