BidMagic AV - custom proposal software

SupportTech Support Resources & Links

 
100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. Suite 101 Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Support: support@bidmagic.com (800) 598-5860 (opt 2) - For help if your software is not working. 8:00am-4:00pm
Sales: sales@bidmagic.com (800) 598-5860 (opt 1) - For how-to questions, features & options. 8:30am-4:30pm
    (805) 265-5458 - For International callers
Hours:   Mon - Fri - Pacific Time - closed on holidays
Forum: BidMagic UserForum Join other BidMagic users discussing tips, tricks and solutions.

infoTech Support is included with purchase. Check our policies for full details.
 
Be Sure to Register your copy of BidMagic. You will receive renewal reminders during January.
Our new version 7.1.0.0
. is ready for all users. Click below to upgrade previous versions. Multiusers must contact support to upgrade.

BidMagic 7.1.0.0 Update. Not for SnapAV version or for multiusers. C Drive installations Only.
Step 1 (Backup Your BidMagic Database first) Update Part 1

Step 2 - Templates - (Backup Custom Templates first - they will be Overwritten!)
Choose your Operating System: Update Part 2 Vista & Win 7     Update Part 2 XP
Click UnZip when prompted.

SnapAV Version 7.1.0.0 Update. SnapAV Version only. Not for multiusers
Step 1 (Backup Your BidMagic Database first) Update Part 1

Step 2 - Templates - (Backup Custom Templates first - they will be Overwritten!)
Choose your Operatirng System: Update Part 2 Vista & Win 7     Update Part 2 XP
Click UnZip when prompted.

Installation Tech Notes:  BidMagic installation can take up to 20 minutes. Before Installing BidMagic, it is important to install every available Windows update. This may require several updates. To begin installing BidMagic, close all running applications and connect to the Internet. You must be the administator to install BidMagic. Do not attempt to install if not administrator. The installer will include SQL Express. Click OK or Next when prompted. Your PC may restart during the process. We recommend avoiding 64 Bit versions of Windows due to compatibility issues with Microsoft Office.

Moving BidMagic and Database to another PC: Click Here for TechNote -PDF

Legacy Users:  If you have a version prior to 6.5 contact support for upgrade assistance.

Vista and Windows 7 can block access to key folders. In your PC, right Click on the BidMagic folder, then select properties. Go to the security tab. Edit. Add. Advanced. Click Find now, then scroll down to the active user that will be performing the update. Click OK twice to return to permissions and grant full control. This will allow full access to BidMagic & All sub-directories.

If you have trouble seeing all BidMagic content (some screen elements cutoff) Change the screen display properties (Advanced) to Normal 96 DPI. Requires PC restart. Then resize screen resolution for your tastes.
Screen Resolution minimum is 1024x768.

Microsoft update to XP Service Pack 3 has a bug which will cause SQL to be uninstalled.  BM will fail to connect to missing SQL express. If you experience that problem, here is Microsoft's work-around fix:  http://support.microsoft.com/kb/968749

QB Interface Service Patch (runs Intuit installer program)    QuickBooks Interface Update  12/31/09 (Run or Save - then UnZip)
Tech Note: QuickBooks 2009 has a sync bug. Intuit has corrected this, but 2009 users need to run the QuickBooks updater.

Free PDF Maker for Microsoft Office 2007 Users (Create PDF's and email from inside Word and Outlook- a great offer)

Current BidMagic User Guide (PDF)     Template Location for Windows XP - C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\BidMagic\Templates\BidProposal\
Template Location for Windows Vista & 7 - C:\ProgramData\BidMagic\Templates\BidProposal\

Support Policy: Active Registered BidMagic users receive Level 1 Support. This includes telephone installation support and bug support. A software bug is a reproducable defect that does not perform according to documentation. Includes unlimited email support. Additional priority support is available at $75 per incident. Unexpected behavior that can be isolated to a user’s specific configuration or environment does not constitute a product defect.

How-to training is supplied via video tutorials, user guide, support forums and online webinars. We are happy to provide personalized training for your team. Call us to discuss your training needs.

Microsoft SQL Resources:

These SQL 2005 Management files may be downloaded free from Microsoft’s site. Check to see if you are on a 32 bit or 64 bit operating system, and use the appropriate install for SQL server management. For 32 bit systems, download the EXE and install.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=C243A5AE-4BD1-4E3D-94B8-5A0F62BF7796&displaylang=en#filelist Scroll down and download/install the 38.5 Megabyte file.

For 64 bit systems, (not recommended) which are much less common. Download the EXE and install.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=220549b5-0b07-4448-8848-dcc397514b41&displaylang=en
Both programs can be installed with default settings.  Simply run the file from Microsoft Next … next … next .. etc until it completes.

SQL Server Express 2008 Service Pack 1, scroll down and choose the x86 copy.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=66ab3dbb-bf3e-4f46-9559-ccc6a4f9dc19&displaylang=en

BidMagic has several tools for programmers who desire to add integration with other software. These include web services, API DLL, SQL, and XML output (known as portable bid). Contact support for assistance.

   

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions                                                          LINKLINKLINKLINK

Q. Can I download the software or is it shipped?

A. We offer free priority mail shipping in the US, including the the software disc and quickstart materials. If you need BidMagic right away, request an instant download link. We can upgrade your shipping to FEDEX for an added fee. International purchasers may receive online delivery in lieu of shipment.

Q. I already have my products entered in my current software. Will I have to re-enter them in BidMagic?

A. Product info can be imported into BidMagic from Excel files. We include a new Import Wizard to make loading products easy.  Products can also be directly imported from QuickBooks. If you are too busy to enter product information, our new online product library services with over 200,000 products that we keep up to date and our powerful web product grabber tool.

Q. Don't I need an expensive Design package with CAD drawings to sell high end systems?

A. For residential integrators we recommend Visio 2007 for about $249. Our new Visio interface runs Visio inside BidMagic to create floorplans, elevations and wiring diagrams. It includes 100+ AV and Security shapes and works with Middle Atlantic's Visio Blocks, which does a fantastic job creating rack drawings..

Q. Can I use BidMagic on multiple computers?

A. This powerful software is based on SQL Server and can run great on one computer or on hundreds. SQL Server Express is included allowing up to 10 concurrent users. You need a license for each computer that runs BidMagic. If you purchase more than one, our support techs will configure it on your server or peer network sharing a single database. Multiuser features include permission based access to key features. Larger installations require SQL on a server. BidMagic can be configured for a variety of local or web hosted installations. See 30 day refund policy below for additional information.

Q. Our whole sales team wants to try it! Can I install BidMagic on more than one PC?

A. Sure you can! Install your copy of BidMagic on all the PC's you want to test it out. The program will run on each PC for 30 days before it requires activation. At that time, you will need to contact us to purchase a license and activation code for your PC's. Each PC needs it's own activation code. Don't wait until the last few days - Click 'Register'  to activate your PC's before that date.

Q. How do Project Calendar and Mobile Connect work together?

A. Our new system has 2 parts. It starts with the new Project Calendar software that runs inside BidMagic. This turns BidMagic proposals into work orders and projects that can be assigned on the calendar. This connects to project managers,installers and service techs in the field via laptops or cell phones. Field techs using Mobile Connect can view their calendars, installation schedules and service calls from any web device or cell phone. This second part is web based and does not require any software. Ask us about connecting to Outlook Exchange for sharing calendars, tasks, contacts and showing install calendars on your favorite cell phone

Q. Does BidMagic run on Apple computers?

A. Apple's current Intel based computers can run BidMagic and other Windows programs. We recommend running Microsoft Parallells or Virtual PC on Macs for a satisfactory experience.

Q. What is included with the software assurance plan?

A. Software Assurance includes Level 1 support with unlimited email support and no charge for software upgrades. This software assurance is required for the software to keep up to date and running. If you choose not to renew in January, the software will shut down. Current price for an annual renewal is $199 (per licensed PC) and all users renew during January. Annual fees are subject to change in future years.

Q. I love the way the program works, but I want the client copy to look differently. Can I do that?

A. All of our printouts are available in MS Word format, which are easily edited. The print preferences menus in BidMagic allow users to choose from several different styles of client printouts. Different fonts and choices of showing/hiding complete feature descriptions are already included. Word 2007 allows BidMagic users to modify and save Custom templates with your choice of fonts and company logo for client bids.

Q. How does BidMagic work with Quickbooks?

A. If you choose to use BidMagic and QuickBooks together, they create a powerful solution for your business! Quickbooks is great for accounting - but it is a very poor choice for product management and proposal creation. Our 2-way interface syncs Products, Jobs, Clients Purchase Orders and Vendors with QuickBooks. Then BidMagic sends finished proposals to QuickBooks as estimates or invoices or Purchase Orders. We have the best QuickBooks interface in the AV industry and are certified by QuickBooks. Requires QuickBooks, QB Pro. Contactor, Enterprise, Premier, Industry Specific US versions 2004 or newer.  Windows only. (QuickBooks not included. Basic and Online versions not supported)

Windows 7 requires QuickBooks 2010. UAC set at default. Win 7 - 32 bit version only. Canadian 2008-9 also works.

Q. How does the 30 day No Risk guarantee work?

A. Purchase BidMagic and we will ship your copy. After your receive the software, install it on as many PC's as you wish to evaluate for your business. The fully functional program includes the QuickBooks interface and it must be activated within 30 days. If you are unhappy for any reason, email us within 30 days of receiving your order and we will refund your purchase price. You will not need to ship any product back. Without activation it will stop working. After 30 days or after activation, no refunds can be approved. This offer is for first time buyers only. Note shipping charges are not refundable. If shipped FEDEX, a $25 fee will be deducted from any refunds, even if customer was not charged for shipping. If customer utilizes IT support for multiuser setup for network or server installations, $200 will be deducted from any refund to cover these services.