Explorer Software FAQ's

Below is a list of our most common facts & questions regarding our range of software.

Basic System Requirements

Which operating systems are supported at the server level?
Microsoft Windows 2003 Small Business Server (up to 50 computers), Microsoft Windows 2003 Server, RedHat Enterprise Linux A/S v4, IBM Linux are all supported by Explorer Contract Manager
Which databases are supported?
Explorer Contract Manager supports the included ProvideX PVX database at a minimum. However, you are welcome to use Microsoft SQL 2000 or SQL 2005 (Standard, Enterprise, or SBS editions), Oracle 10g (RedHat Linux OS), or the IBM DB2 database (Linux OS Partition for IBM i5 Series Server). In any event, Contract Manager requires only a single database license for all concurrent sessions. Additional database licenses may be needed for other applications requiring ODBC connections.
Which operating systems are supported at the user level?
Windows XP Home and Professional are preferred, however we support Windows NT 4.0 Workstation or greater with SP3, Windows NT 4.0 Server or greater with SP3, Windows ME, and Windows 2000.
What are the scanning requirements?
If you have purchased Document Manager and have a scanning license at the user's desk, a TWAIN-compliant scanner is required. We recommend a scanner with an automatic document feeder (ADF) that scans 10+ pages per minute with a minimum resolution of 300dpi. We encourage you to estimate the daily work load of the scanner in determining which scanner to purchase.
How do I obtain the official system requirements?
Please speak with an Explorer Representative today and we will gladly provide a detailed listing of the system requirements. Call 1(800)665-8966 ext.591 to speak to a representative.

Licensing

What type of licensing costs are associated with Explorer's Software?
Explorer products are licensed by Concurrent users; which is basically the number of users that can be accessing the software at the same time. You are limited only by the number of concurrent licensed users purchased. Once a user has access to Contract Manager, access to modules is controlled by their security settings. You do not have to purchases licenses for individual module access.
What types of users does Explorer Contract Manager offer?
There are two types of user licenses to accommodate your oganizations unique needs. (1) Power Users are able to enter data and view inquiries/reports in a module, whereas (2) Casual Users can simply view data contained in a module through inquiries/reports. In both cases, the users can only see and/or edit content they have access to.
What is Annual Maintenance?
Your Annual Maintenance plan allows unlimited support by Phone, Fax, and E-mail. You can also purchase support on an as needed basis.

Technology/Features Overview

What is the Web Portal?
Explorer Contract Manager operates on Thin-Client technology where the product may be accessed through a web browser instead of relying on a third party product like Citrix or Microsoft Terminal Services. This is a common interface that users are familiar with and displays all data in real-time.
Why browser-based?
Many users prefer to use an interface that is highly familiar - a web browser. Project Managers and Owners often prefer this stunning interface when interacting with jobs and other key performance indicators.
How do I give my users remote access?
Since the product runs through a browser or in a thin client model, there is no need for expensive and sometimes cumbersome products like Citrix and Terminal Services. Some clients do like to use a VPN for an added layer of security.
What if I need customizations to the product?
Explorer is quick to develop new enhancements for our customers and will deliver client specific customization. Many vendors will not do customizations or they can be slow when adding to the product. Our size and dedicated programming team allows your ideas and special requests to get done much faster.
Do I have to use a browser to access the product?
No, the other interface offered is the thin-client model that does not display all the graphical navigation through the product (Classic View). This interface is typically used by those who are entering a lot of data on a daily basis. Using the Classic View allows users who do a lot of data entry to navigate the system through the keyboard (virtually no mousing!)
What about creating custom inquiries and reports?
In Contract Manager it is easy and intuitive to use & create custom inquiries; there is no need to know any formulas. You can create custom layouts and reports right from any inquiry screen. You also have the ability to customize ALL inquiry screens through a simple custom View option and can set a default view for that user every time they access the panel.
What if I need to make a correction and reverse entries?
There are simple processes in all modules to correct data errors, either through a Global Edit or Adjustments window or inquiry. You also have the unique ability to make subledger corrections at the GL level, which will automatically post back to the appropriate sub-ledger.
Thin Client
Data resides on the server and all data processing occurs on the server. Only mouse clicks, data entered and screen refreshes are transferred between the work station and the server, through the network. Other products may experience slowdowns when, for example, payroll processses large files through the network.
How do I receive updates to the product?
Explorer's proprietary UpdateNow! process allows you to quickly check for any updates to the product and download them directly into your system. Customers always have the latest fixes and updates to the product. UpdateNow! provides a detailed description of all product updates and newly released features.
How does Contract Manager integrate to Microsoft Office?
All inquiries in the software allow the user to export to Excel or Word. A Word letter template designer is integrated in various modules to allow creation of your own documents with embedded data added automatically right out of the database. Outlook calendars functions are available for scheduling followup reminders in certain modules. Job cost scheduling data can also be sent to MS Project.
Can I create custom forms within the product?
Each module has a Template Designer with a list of standard templates to choose from. Some commonly modified templates are Purchase Orders, Invoices, Checks, Progress Billings, etc. You can use our templates with your own modifications, add your own logo, or even build your own from scratch.

Document Management

What file type is used?
When scanning files through our Document Manager module, the files are stored as PDF files and can be opened with the free Adobe PDF reader. Any other document can be attached into Document Manager, such as Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, pictures (JPG, TIF, BMP), CAD drawings, etc. . These types of documents are stored in their native file format and require the software necessary to open/view them, as would be the case with a standard network.
Are the transactions in Explorer just linked to the document on my network?
Absolutely not...the Explorer's Document Manager product is enterprise-class and stores the documents in a secure area and allows you to control security access to the content by user. Many products link a transaction to the document, which can cause tremendous trouble when any network changes take place; this would be one of the main glaring differences between document scanning and document management!
Am I required to purchase a scanning license?
You have the choice of purchasing a Contract Manager scanning license for users who might have a scanner attached to their PC and wish to scan from with Contract Manager, but you can also use your Multifunction Copier that supports scanning (if applicable) to scan your documents to an area on the network until they are indexed (stored) by using the Explorer Document Manager module.
Do I need to scan my checks and invoices after they have been printed?
One of the many benefits of using Document Manager is that you don't need to add time to the existing process. When you're printing checks, invoices, 1099s, POs, statements, etc., the Explorer Contract Manager software automatically attaches the document as a PDF file to the transaction, thus eliminating countless hours of rescanning this content into the system and hooking it back up to the proper transaction. It's a truly seamless process!
Can I route and approve my invoices and purchase orders?
Document Manager features the ability to route your invoices and purchase orders for review by designated approvers and/or by approval groups. The document is routed electronically and viewed for approval by the proper individual who is in charge of approving invoices on a particular job for example.
Is Document Manager integrated with Outlook?
Simply drag-and-drop your email messages directly into the Document Manager module. This feature allows you to archive messages long-term and associate it to a real issue in the system as opposed to each user storing their own messages in an inconsistent, unorganized folder structure/filing system inside Microsoft Outlook. Consistency is achieved because you now have the ability to share these mission-critical messages with fellow employees in a central and secure environment.

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Explorer Software FAQ's

Basic System Requirements

Licensing

Technology/Features Overview

Document Management

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