Introduction.
Welcome to the first issue of this newsletter aimed at keeping you informed of all aspects relating to the use of the New Dimension range of products. Industry trends and changes will feature predominantly along with various tips and software usage issues. Please forward any comments or suggestions about this newsletter to admin@orionsoftware.com

New web site overview, functions and features.
The new web site, www.orionsoftware.com, is up and running. Registered channel partners, consultants and end users can utilise the login feature to access the Orion Software database and manage their own contact details. Please note that a login is also required to access any of the support and download pages. For more information visit the login page at www.orionsoftware.com/Logins/Login.asp. For username and password requests please email admin@orionsoftware.com.

Development schedule.
The following modules have been completed and have been released;Payroll, General Ledger, Cashbook, Sales Ledger and Purchase Ledger. Our development team is currently concentrating on completing the Stock Control and Point of Sales modules. Announcements will be made periodically as to the progress and anticipated release dates.

Telephonic support
Telephonic support is included in the annual license fee for the software. The contact number to use is currently (041) 581 8305.

Web updates
The web update process is designed to allow for hassle free updates of the system. You will be notified of any updates available as well as a short description and or explanation of the updates via email. These emails are generated via our database and it is therefore essential that all details, especially email addresses, are up to date. Please see the section above about maintaining these details on our web site.

Shortcut keystrokes
The following keystrokes denote shortcuts to commonly used functions. These will also be posted on our website.

1. Holding down the CTRL key while clicking the select button on pick lists will remove all characters from the like field showing all available items.

2. Typing the first character (or more) of the ID and pressing the F11 key will display a list of all items with the ID starting with the characters typed. This applies to all ID input fields on all forms.

3. Typing the first character (or more) of the Description and pressing the F12 key will display a list of all items with the Description starting with the characters typed. This applies to all ID input fields on all forms.

4. The following applies to input fields with a maintain button next to the select button.
   F5-Opens the applicable maintain form in ADD mode.
   F6-Opens the applicable maintain form in EDIT mode.
   F7-Opens the applicable maintain form in DELETE mode.
   F8-Opens the applicable maintain form in VIEW mode.

5. Amounts can be toggled between vat inclusive and exclusive by pressing the F3 key or the SHIFT and F3 key simultaneously.
   Pressing F3 will change the amount in the field to being exclusive of vat.
   Pressing SHIFT F3 will change the amount in the field to being inclusive of vat.
   i.e. F3 deducts the vat amounts while SHIFT F3 adds vat.  
    

IRP5 / IT3A Comments
Note that these reports first need to be generated before they can be printed. The generation process creates the required text file that needs to be submitted to SARS in electronic format. The online help covers this process in detail. Refer to the section titled "Employees' Tax Certificates [IRP5-, IRP5(A) and IT3(A)]" in the Guidelines for Employers manual (EMP 10) issued by SARS for instructions on creating the electronic media to be submitted.
The generated text file is stored in the installation directory (by default C:\Program Files\Orion Software\New Dimension Accounting Series...).
The DO IT button will process the file and check that all the required information is present. Errors will be listed in the view panel. These can be printed by selecting the print button for easy reference. The file will only be generated once all the errors and omissions have been rectified.
It is important to note that if changes are made to the data, then this file will have to be generated again prior to printing (This ensures that file data corresponds to the printed reports).