This Frequently Asked Questions area is provided as an insight to our business, sure its not a complete list, however if you can think of a question we have missed please click the link below and we will answer ASAP! Thank you.
KiM software is designed in Filemaker. This key consideration offers users the opportunity of running dual platforms…at once! BOTH Apple ® and PC operating systems simultaneously. Or just say what you use and when you need to switch between operation systems or run in parallel…KiM software is the answer for you.
In Mac or Apple no problems and for Windows operating systems including XP, Vista, OSX etc.
Can I use KiM Software over a network?
YES, IS THE SIMPLE ANSWER.
We offer several software options in style and size of users, features and ability.
For multiple licenses over a network you will need a suitable network. Your IT guy may suggest a peer to peer environment or a dedicated server or a PC or network drive to store the data. KiM Software will work in any configuration. KiM will provide a software solution from a single user to a network of up to 250 users using Filemaker Server software.
Choosing Peer to Peer or server networks to suit KiM Software?
Once you chose what KiM Software you need to talk to your IT consultant in house , contractor or consult the manuals to see just what you need to set up an acceptable network. Internet access is useful for accessing updates but is not required.
How many computers does my business need in order to use Kim Software?
Many businesses will be happy with just 1 user running KiM SignSense or Horizon versions on 1 computer. Both SignSense and Horizon can be supplied with a runtime licence which enables you to run them without using a current version of Filemaker Pro. Of course Filemaker enhances the operational features like, PDF, automatic emailing and a host of other features, however if your budget is tight…try one of our runtime versions.
We recommend doing an analysis of your needs and consider how your business will greatly benefit by having a computer available to each department in all the various phases of the end to end process. If you have a very basic production and small staff then you may only need one point of data entry. In businesses with more people and larger premises to fully harness the power of KiM sign and graphic software consider multiple KiM user licences. Just like your existing design stations and vinyl and digital network KiM sign and graphic quoting and business management software will leverage your business information by providing Information when and where you need it. KiM software provides you constant feedback, communication and control over all your departments. If your looking for control, communication and information access then have Kim Software running on a computer in each department.
Do I need special training?
We strive hard to make our software intuitive and easy to use. This answer is completely up to you!We have had clients invest in the software and days, weeks or months later be completely up and running without ever talking to us! Of course training is available to all clients!
Do we recommend Training?
Our observations show us it's more about “people changing” than learning software. The software provides a method and process where everyone can be “ on the same page”. Ask yourself “who better to teach you the software that the people who designed and built it"? Training is recommended.
Is support and training provided with the software?
Specifically we sell software however, we understand the need to offer support and training in a form which limits additional costs to our clients. Training and support are additional however taining videos are available for 3 months via www.kim.net.au
Can KiM help my business grow and be more profitable?
YES, all businesses can achieve better profits. Systemizing, developing your people, building process are all part of the steps you need to consider and form your options from. Why not downlaod the Questionnaire below? Read it, fill it in and send back to us for a FREE reply.
* We provide software support for error reporting and fix, in any software design error in KiM. * Filemaker Inc have great help and support online and email support worldwide www.filemaker.com * We supply an introduction manual called “The getting started guide” * EVERY version has options for software training videos * Horizon, Vision and Enterprize Software systems are provided with 90 days free web based training videos support. * Sign Sense Software has an optional 4 hour training and video package at a very reasonable cost and we are happy to help you with any problems you encounter.
What skills are need to use KiM Software?
Basic computer proficiency would be required and training is always available on-line 24/7 with our over 100 tailor made training videos. We suggest the higher your computer knowledge the quicker you will leverage this existing knowledge into KiM software.
Can I transfer data from KiM to MYOB ®, Quick Books ® or other accounting packages?
Yes, absolutely! All versions of KiM have this ability.
In fact you can transfer data both ways (from KiM to MYOB® and from MYOB® to KiM) and you can do the same with any accounting package that imports and exports csv (comma separated variable) text files, which is most accounting packages currently on the market (check with your accounting software supplier for confirmation).
However unlike other software vendors we’re not going to pretend it’s easy. After all we’re only responsible for 50% of the transfer. You’ll need an MYOB® high level user or expert to help you with the other 50% (ie the MYOB® side). You will also need an advanced KiM user to make sure you are selecting the right information (fields data) from within KiM.
People with FileMaker experience probably already know how to transfer data out of KiM since KiM is 100% pure FileMaker code. There are no plug-ins and no 3rd party solutions to worry about. You can transfer data into and out of KiM from day one.
If you’re unfamiliar with FileMaker we have develop a KiM_MYOB ® module for your system that makes the process a whole lot easier. The module will be created from one of our templates and will come with a built-in training program that includes a 100-point checklist and over 10 videos to help you along the way. We even have a FREE demo video so that you can see it in action.
Remember, before you can transfer any data you need to have KiM up and running. The biggest returns from KiM come from managing your sales leads, quotes and jobs more effectively and therefore more profitably (see our ROI calculator). You’ll be able to print pro-forma invoices from day one and use your existing (manual) methods to enter invoices into MYOB®. Once KiM is up and running and you have a few advanced users you can look into transferring data with other systems.
Please note: KiM has no affiliation with MYOB® and therefore no control over their development lifecycle, therefore we can in no way guarantee any of the associated data transfers, systems and/or processes. You can however purchase a KiM_MYOB ® module at the same time you purchase the KiM Software and test it for 30 days. If in those first 30 days you find any of our claims of being able to transfer data to MYOB® to be false we will give you a full refund … how’s that for confidence!!
Can I create my own management reports in Excel® ?
You bet!! You can transfer data from KiM to Excel and back again if you want. Once the data is in Excel you can build graphs and tables to your hearts content. You could even create forecasts off the reports and then transfer them back into KiM.
In fact you can even build a management dashboard or get stuck into business intelligence. Luke Rochester, developer of the KiM software and co-founder of the KiM Business runs a Business Intelligence consulting company called Biznet. Go to www.biznet.com.au or email Biznet’s Sydney office (Sydney@biznet.com.au ) for more details.
Final note: before you can conduct any Business Analysis on KiM you need it to be filled with good quality data. So we recommend you first concentrate on getting KiM up and running before looking into Excel driven management reports.
What if we need help using the software?
KiM sells software. Once your initial support is complete. There are several options you can choose from:
We will take Issue Requests from clients and charge a standard administration fee. For that fee we will talk to the relevant expert to resolve your issue (this could be an expert in hardware, networks, operating systems, a KiM training issue, a KiM developer issue … and the list goes on). This service is offered as a no fix no fee option. Its based on a “quick fix” scenario. We reserve the right to assess any issues and offer a quote when above a reasonable time assessment.
If the issue is the result of an issue in our software we will of course refund you the fee. Although the refund is at our discretion we will provide full details of the assessment. In many cases what clients think is a “bug” is actually a lack of training however we will explain this to you if it is the case. KiM is 100% FileMaker without any plug-ins or 3rd part coding. So you can check with any FileMaker developer to confirm our response in the case of a dispute.
KiM sells several training products if you want to become more advanced in KiM &/or FileMaker. See our website or contact us for details.
Can I change things in KiM?
Yes, you sure can. Each system comes with an “Unlimited” account which can be used to create an unlimited number of reports, layouts or scripts. For instance say you want to change the way an invoice looks. You can simply log in as unlimited and change the way the invoice looks. Of course you’ll need to have the FileMaker skills to do this. However you can hire your own FileMaker developer or else get training for yourself. Check our website for details on training courses and material on offer for both KiM and FileMaker. You can:
Create an unlimited number of reports
Create an unlimited number of layouts
Create an unlimited number of scripts
Modify reports and layouts
Change the fields that show on layout
Add entirely new FileMaker modules**
**This is a small but very important point. We chose FileMaker because it’s the easiest and yet most powerful database program on the market (and we’re not the only one’s that think so … see their website for details and awards they’ve won). www.filemaker.com You can actually build an entirely new program using FileMaker and link it directly to KiM in such a way as to ensure that users don’t even realise they’re using two different systems. The possibilities are endless.
Can I change everything in KiM?
I’m afraid not. In 99% of cases this is purely to protect you from doing damage to the KiM engine. In 1% of cases it is to protect our Intellectual Property just like you would. However you can purchase the KiM engine and have 100% access and control over the entire system. Out of the hundreds of users we have, not one has found this necessary, however you can contact us for details and pricing for the KiM engine.
Here’s an example of the kinds of things you can and cannot do.
You can:
Create an unlimited number of reports
Create an unlimited number of layouts
Create an unlimited number of scripts
Modify reports and layouts
Change the fields that show on layouts
Add entirely new FileMaker modules**
**This is a small but very important point. We chose FileMaker because it’s the easiest and yet most powerful database program on the market (and we’re not the only one’s that think so … see their website for details and awards they’ve won). You can actually build an entirely new program using FileMaker and link it directly to KiM in such a way as to ensure that users don’t even realise they’re using two different systems. The possibilities are endless.
You cannot:
Add a new user to the core KiM system
Change the registered company name, logo and letterhead on the core KiM system
Add new tables, fields or relationships in the underlying database structure of the core KiM system
I cannot access something (e.g. staff details), what do I do?
Using the “Unlimited” account mentioned above you can access all of the layouts. Layouts like Staff Details are protected because they contain privileged information like hourly rates of staff. The password for the “Unlimited” account would have been supplied when you purchased KiM. You can raise an Issue Request if you’ve forgotten it or lost it.
I have a specific request to develop or change KiM software can you build it for me?
Yes. We can provide custom modifications however you will need to provide a Functional Specification before we can quote you for the work. However modifications range from the very small to the complete re-writing of parts of our engine. If you put together the Functional Specification we will provide a quote to do the work. Often on larger projects we will first quote to build you a prototype so that you can play around before committing to the full project. You can also purchased an unlocked engine and do the modifications yourself.
I have a problem with my printer, can you help me?
Unfortunately we cannot help with network or hardware problems like printers. We have hundreds of users operating KiM without problems however we cannot account for all the different types of equipment that are on the market. We give customers time to test KiM on their hardware / network. If they comply with our technical specifications but find a problem with KiM (and can demonstrate the problem only happens with KiM, not any other software on their network) we will give refund their money (please see terms and conditions for details).
How long does it take to get KiM up and running?
You can start using KiM as soon as the software is installed however to get useful reports you will need to load your own data like customers, suppliers, employees, projects, products, materials etc. Our fastest companies have this up and running in a matter of days or weeks however some companies take months. It really is a function of how skilled your users are and how much time they can dedicate to KiM, especially in the early days. As an example you may find that a project takes twice as long to run through KiM the first time you do it. However the second time you use KiM you will be able to save 90% of your time since you can simply copy the original project and all the times, materials, information, tasks etc will come across literally at the click of a button.
Do you offer high-end solutions for larger companies (for instance with over 20 users)
We ABSOLUTELY do. We have worked with multi-national companies all over the world and whilst the range of KiM products are aimed at small to medium sized businesses we can (and do) offer customised solutions for larger companies.
55 Holt Street Suite 401/ Level 4 Surry Hills 2010 NSW ph: 1300 KIM BPM (1300 546 276)
