Frequently Asked Questions

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How does the software operate in a network?

Is your software Y2K compliant?

Why should I consider moving from DOS to Windows based applications?

Can you transfer my data into your software?

What is pcAnywhere and how would I use it?

What is the difference between purchasing a software license & leasing software?

What is the value and purpose of the Technical Support  Network?

Couldn’t I write my own software for less money?

Does your software do recurring billing and contract monitored accounts?

Can you handle Canada's special tax needs?

What is your company's relationship to ADT?

How do I purchase the software?

How does the software operate in a network?
The software is loaded onto each local pc, and then each PC is pointed to a common data file. The data file can be located on any drive on a shared network (simple Windows "peer to peer", NT/2000 or NOVELL networks).  We have clients with networks with over 25 pc's accessing the software every single day. 

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Is your software Y2K compliant?

Yes it is.  This question may seem out-dated to some, but there are still companies struggling with DOS products that have this problem.  As you may already know, "Y2K" is not really a virus, or "bug", but a widely used and accepted programming shortcut that indicated years with two digits instead of four.  This shortcut did not provide a means for a computer to discern between "00" (1900) and "00" (2000) and so January 1, 2000, rendered two digit shortcuts for years obsolete.  Our software requires users to indicate years with four digits, such as "1999."  

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Why should I consider moving from DOS to Windows based applications?

Although there are still some good DOS based applications around there are many advantages to Windows based applications.  Windows based applications are much less "user dependent."  If you enter data incorrectly in a Windows based application, it may give you a message prompt, or reject the improper use of that field.  DOS based systems tend to require far more vigilance on the part of the user, and lack the "point and click" ease of Windows applications.  Workers entering the work force today handle Windows based programs with ease, and will likely find a DOS product far too cumbersome and difficult to master.

Lastly, DOS is becoming less and less integrated with Windows system upgrades, which is making it increasingly difficult to utilize DOS and Windows based applications cooperatively.

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Can you transfer my data into your software?

Yes.  Due to our partnership with ADT, we can assist you in importing all ADT created accounts over the last 12 months.  If you have other databases with lead or account information we can easily import all general lead/account detail if you have these files available as text or Excel files.  In addition, ADT Web Shell files can automatically be imported into our software on a daily basis to create the account in our data base EXACTLY as it was created on the ADT Web Shell.

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What is pcANYWHERE and how would I use it?
This is a software product sold by Symantec Corporation that enables computers to gain remote access to each other via a modem and phone line or internet connection. This allows Make Sense Software to do high quality installation, training and technical support of our products remotely, off-site.  In simple terms: If you own pcAnywhere, then our technical support staff can actually view you working on your PC's desktop, and can also work on your desktop (by moving our mouse at our location) and can demonstrate the operation of the software.  You will very likely find that this product will prove a valuable tool in your office beyond your use of it for technical support and training.

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What is the difference between purchasing a software license and leasing software?

Make Sense Software believes purchasing a software license is in our customer’s best interests. If you are leasing software you will not be able to use the software if you should decide to no longer pay monthly leasing fees. These leasing fees may be subject to periodic increases over which you have no control. In contrast, purchasing a license means that you own a permanent right to the software license (providing you do not violate the fair terms of the License Agreement, of course).

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What is the value and purpose of Priority Support ?

Monthly Technical Support fees are NOT leasing fees. Discontinuing this service has no bearing on a customer’s Software License. User's who choose to NOT participate in a Priority Support plan are billed at standard industry "Pay As You Go" rates for installation, training, and technical support incidents.  Priority Support clients receive up to 4 hours a month of technical support and ongoing training as well as frequent software enhancements and product upgrades.  For example, our Priority Support Network received the Version 3.5 software upgrade (a $1,200 value) which included two new modules for free and Version 4.0 introduced the ability to do embedded EFT/ACH billing within our software (thru our partnership with Electronic Funds Corporation), a graphical scheduling module, Power Scheduler, and many other improvements.  All Priority Support clients received an upgrade to Version 4 at no additional charge!  Members of our Supported User Network benefit from the ideas of other users’ suggestions that are provided as enhancements to the entire network.

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Couldn’t I write my own software for less money?

Probably not - but you could spend ten times as much and end up with an expensive failure!  We are constantly hearing from Dealers who have attempted that very thing, only to find that it is an extremely time consuming, highly technical, expensive, and frustrating process. Custom software developers who develop your program from scratch are not likely to fully understand your industry and business needs, and such a project can be extremely expensive to develop and maintain.  So unless like the prospect of spending $30,000 or more on developing a product that probably won't do half of what Power Dealer Suite does already, if it ends up working at all, please give us a call.  We want to free you up to do what you do best – manage your business and service your clients.  Some companies try to modify consumer products for their specific needs - but they are not generally designed to meet the complex and highly specific needs of specialized, vertical markets. Many consumer databases are not robust enough to meet Alarm Dealers’ needs, and are prone to fatal data corruptions. 

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Does your software do recurring billing?

Yes, you can assign TEN different types of recurring billing per customer!  Customers can be billed monthly,  quarterly, semi-annually,  and yearly.  Our recurring billing features will also handle Contract Monitored Account billing (for Funding network dealers, like ADT) with ease.  In addition, our software can also bill via EFT/ACH (direct deposit) thru our partnership with Electronic Funds Corporation.  Not only can you bill customers and have their payments directly deposited into your account, but our software will also automate the handling of the accounts receivable as well for a nearly "hands free" billing process that will save you countless hours and hassles.  In addition, Version 4.5, expected for final release in early Q2 2007, also handles Credit Card billing directly within Power Dealer Suite.

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Can you handle Canada's special tax needs?

Yes, our software can handle the two-tax code Canadian system and includes allowances for the different application of these taxes in the various provinces.

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What is your company's relationship to ADT?

ADT and One Accord, LLC/Make Sense Software are wholly separate companies.  We are proud to be an ADT Authorized Dealer Strategic Partner and ADT Dealers across the U.S. and Canada have enthusiastically received our products since 1998.  Power Dealer Suite is a software package that includes modules and functions designed specifically for ADT Dealers and some of the most successful ADT Dealers in the country own our products (including Top Ten Dealers!).  Our software has been in use at ADT locations for over 8 years, and our predecessor product, CSS, and "Super CSS", developed by Tom Schuck, were introduced to the Alarm Industry over 20 years ago. 

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How do I purchase the software?

ADT Dealers can apply to purchase our software through the Funding Financed Program, that enables qualified ADT Dealers to have their purchase financed interest free by ADT over 12 Funding weeks.  Make Sense Software also accepts payment by check and all major credit cards.  Please contact sales to be sure you have all the needed paperwork completed, of course, and upon receipt of payment or deposit by credit card, check, or Money Order, the Sales department will have Technical Support contact you to arrange your installation and training sessions.  

If you have further questions, or would like a live web demo, please feel free to contact our Sales Department Toll Free (not available for International callers) at 1 - 877- 447-3673, or contact the sales office directly at 215-329-4060.

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Copyright 1998-2009 One Accord, LLC / All rights reserved

Customer Service/Support: (615) 535-2422 Fax: (866) 868-9048

400 Watersedge Lane, LaVergne, TN 37086