Q: How do I get a demo of the software?
A: You may download a free demo from the web site in the Free Demo section. Simply click the link on that page to download either Dispatcher 2000 or Dispatcher 2000 Enterprise. Both are full programs, complete with all features. Simply follow the easy instructions on the page and you¹ll get a fully enabled program to use for 30 days.

Q: What is the MapQuest™ feature?                                                                                                      A:  A map of your customers address and driving directions can be viewed and printed using the MapQuest™ feature. A internet connection of some type is needed. Using DSL, Cable, or a high speed broadband connection is recommended.  

Q: What are the Dispatch Wizards?                                                                                                                       A: This version contains the first release of the service order writing Dispatch Wizards. All wizards gather information to write the service order automatically. Some of the wizards will quote the order by using default setting that must be entered when setting up your defaults.

Q: What is the difference between Dispatcher 2000 and Dispatcher 2000 Enterprise?
A: This product has been discontinued since the release of Dispatcher 2004.

Q: How do I purchase the software?
A: The software is sold exclusively through National Locksmith Publishing Co. You may call us to purchase at 630-837-2044. You may fax us at 630-837-1210. You may e mail us at dispatchersales@aol.com. Our snail mail address is National Publishing Co., 1533 Burgundy Parkway, Streamwood, IL 60107.

Q: What payment options do you offer?
A: Since the price has been dropped for the release of Dispatcher 2004, no payment plans are available at this time. If you would like to pay in 3 equal payments with a major credit card, this option may be available to you. Ask about this option when ordering. Please see the Prices Page for more information.

Q: How do I get updates and technical support?
A: The software comes with 30 days free technical support from the date of sale. Technical support is done by Diamond Software Systems directly with the registered user. If you wish to purchase additional support, the annual fees are listed on the Prices Page. The technical support fee also includes any updates created during the year. Updates will come out as needed, and will not be sold separately without a support agreement.

Q: I want to be able to track the jobs that come in to our shop, and the time it takes to complete?
A: On the Dispatcher control screen, you will see a tab marked "user defined." You may assign that tab the name "In-Shop status." Assign a service call to the job and flag it as In-Shop status. When a tech starts to work on the project, put the call in process, and go ahead and time stamp it arrived on call. When your tech has completed the project, update it to the clipboard. This will give you the correct time for billing. Also you can print the call to put with the project from the start.

Q: I've deleted a service call accidentally from the Dispatch Control Screen. What do I do since I've discarded all the information that I have?
A: Select File from the main procedure, then select Data Maintenance and then Recycled Bin. From here you can select the record and press the Restore Selected button to restore your Service call to the status you want.

Q: How many customers will Dispatcher 2004 hold?
A: As many as your hard drive will hold.

Q: What are the Gold, Silver and Basic selections for when setting up a customer file?
A: These can be used in different ways. Some companies may want to use it for dividing their customers up by money spent per year, others may use it to separate customers by type.

Q: If the directions field is used when the customer is setup, what happens when the address is changed and we forget to change the directions?
A: If the address field is changed in anyway, you will be prompted with a message to Change directions or Ignore the changes.

Q: When I pushed the scanner button, nothing happened.
A: First you must setup the directory path to the imaging software of your choice in the defaults setup. If using Windows 95 or better, the latest versions come with their own Imaging software installed. The default path is for this software. You can execute your own selection by adding the directory path.

Q: I don't understand how the locator works on the browse screens. Why can't I click on the field?
A: The Locator is a viewing field only. When trying to locate a record, you can view what you type as you type. To remove the characters from the locator field, use the backspace key.

Q: I like to keep the Call Entry screen up and ready for entry most of the time, but I noticed that when I first go to the call entry screen the date and time is inserted. What happens when I don't enter a call until later on ( Approx: 30-45 min.) It seems to me that the incorrect time would be entered on the service call .
A: When you save the service call, the date and time updates itself.

Q: What is the File Manager for?
A: Doing maintenance on your data files if they become corrupted or damaged. Contact tech support before using this. (recommended)

Q: What is the Problem Helper for?
A: The Problem Helper was developed to enable the dispatcher to aid techs in the field when calling in for small problems. As these problems get solved, you can add the solutions to the system and look them up later on when the same problem occurs. This is basically a large note pad with search features. You use the system as much or as little as you like. But it is a very convenient feature for industries in which certain problems reoccur from time to time on similar jobs.

Q: If I am entering a service call, how can I see what is scheduled for a certain date without canceling from the call I'm already entering?
A: Press the view schedule button to view any date.

Q: If my technician is not finished with his last service call before it is time for me to close the office, how can I update the In-Service date and time when I come in the next morning?
A: First, contact your technician before leaving and tell him to write down the time he's back In-Service. Then, when you update the In-process record, the date and time fields can be selected for editing to make any changes needed.