MasterLink Shop Writer includes a fully integrated Picture Library system that allows your business to store, organize, assign, and display photographs and graphic images throughout the program.

Pictures can be associated with:

•clients

•service units

•workorders

•inventory parts

•vendors

•employees

Once assigned, the images become instantly available anywhere the related record is used within MasterLink Shop Writer.

The Picture Library is especially valuable for:

•documenting damage

•recording before-and-after repairs

•storing wiring diagrams

•tracking warranty issues

•identifying parts

•preserving client approvals

•employee identification

•vendor references

•technical procedures

The Picture Library is managed through:

Tools → Pictures

on the main MasterLink Shop Writer toolbar.

The Photo Icon

Pictures are accessed throughout the program using the Camera icon.

The icon automatically performs different functions depending on where it is used.

On The Main Toolbar

Selecting the camera icon opens the:

Picture Assignment Dialog

This allows:

•adding pictures

•assigning pictures

•editing picture information

On Data Screens

When the camera icon appears on:

•clients

•service units

•workorders

•parts

•vendors

•employees

pressing it will display only those pictures assigned to the highlighted record.

This allows fast access to related images without searching through the entire picture database.

Taking Pictures

When the Picture Dialog is open, a Picture button becomes available.

If you are using:

•a tablet

•a mobile Windows device

•a USB camera

you can directly capture photographs from within MasterLink Shop Writer.

This is especially useful for:

•vehicle damage documentation

•warranty claims

•part identification

•installation verification

•client approvals

Desktop systems can also utilize USB-connected cameras for quick point-and-shoot image capture.

Saving Pictures

All images should be stored in a dedicated subfolder named:

\MLS8\Images

located on the server.

This allows all workstations to access the same image library.

Image Format

Pictures should normally be saved as:

.jpg

files.

Example:

•repairdamage.jpg

•fusepanel.jpg

•C_Smith_James_3.jpg

Naming Pictures

It is highly recommended that pictures use descriptive file names.

Examples:

•WO_12876_frontdamage.jpg

•P_altbelt_01.jpg

•V_fordf150_dash.jpg

•C_Smith_James_3.jpg

Consistent naming makes:

•maintenance easier

•manual searching easier

•backups more organized

Storage Considerations

There is no practical limit to the number of pictures stored.

However:

•large images consume disk space

•extremely high resolutions may slow performance

For most operational purposes:

•medium or low resolution images are sufficient

It is recommended that:

•large image collections be stored on high-capacity drives

•backups be performed regularly

Assigning Pictures

The Picture Assignment screen allows each image to be linked to one or more records.

The assignment process is:

1.Save the image file into the Images folder

2.Open the Picture Manager

3.Enter:

oa title

oa brief description

4.Use the lookup icon to select the image file

5.Assign the picture to:

oclient

oservice unit

oworkorder

opart

ovendor

oemployee

A single picture may be assigned to multiple records simultaneously.

Example:

•a damaged alternator photo might be attached to:

othe workorder

othe inventory part

othe client

othe service unit

Picture Descriptions

The center memo area allows larger descriptions or notes to be stored with the image.

This may include:

•repair details

•warranty information

•installation notes

•client comments

•inspection observations

Viewing Pictures

The Picture Viewer automatically filters displayed images based on the active record.

Examples:

•selecting the camera icon on a workorder only shows pictures for that workorder

•selecting it on a part only shows pictures assigned to that inventory item

•selecting it on a service unit only shows images associated with that unit

If multiple pictures are available:

•the system displays a list

•individual images may be highlighted

•full-size viewing is available

Full Screen Viewing

The View Image button displays the selected picture at full size.

This is particularly useful for:

•wiring diagrams

•inspection photographs

•detailed repair documentation

•close-up damage images

Suggested Uses

Many shops successfully use the Picture Library for:

Workorders

•damage documentation

•client approvals

•insurance records

•warranty support

Service Units

•recurring damage

•modifications

•identification records

•special equipment layouts

Inventory

•identifying specialty parts

•shelf references

•installation examples

Vendors

•shipping damage

•incorrect shipments

•warranty claims

Employees

•identification

•certifications

•training records

Best Practices

•Use consistent file naming methods

•Keep image resolutions reasonable

•Store images on the server

•Back up image folders regularly

•Attach pictures to multiple related records when appropriate

•Use descriptive titles and notes

•Remove obsolete images periodically

•Document major repairs with before-and-after pictures

The Picture Library transforms MasterLink Shop Writer into a visual information system that can significantly improve documentation, communication, organization, and professionalism throughout your operation.