One of the greatest advantages of MLS 2026 is the automatic calculation of workorder totals. The system continuously tracks all parts, labor, taxes, fees, deposits, and discounts, eliminating the calculator errors common with handwritten invoices.

When the Totals tab is selected, MLS 2026 automatically reviews all entries on the workorder and calculates:

•Parts totals

•Labor totals

•Sublet totals

•Taxable and non-taxable sales

•Sales tax

•Shop supplies

•Environmental fees

•Deposits

•Discounts

•Payment processing fees

•Final balance due

This automation not only saves time, but also greatly improves accounting accuracy and customer confidence.

Automatic Calculations

The Totals screen gathers information from:

•Parts entries

•Labor entries

•Tax settings

•Shop supply calculations

•Environmental fee calculations

•Deposits and payments already entered

The values displayed are always based on the current workorder information.

Many service centers report that the reduction in pricing and calculation errors alone justified the cost of the system within the first few days of operation.

Tax Calculations

Sales tax is automatically calculated from:

•Client tax settings

•Inventory tax flags

•Labor tax settings

•Selected tax rates on the workorder

The system separates:

•Taxable sales

•Non-taxable sales

for accurate reporting and accounting.

Important Note About Discounts

If a global discount is applied, MLS 2026 cannot automatically determine whether the discount should reduce:

•Taxable items

•Non-taxable items

•Or both

Because of this, you may occasionally need to manually adjust the tax total after applying a discount.

Environmental Fees and Shop Supplies

Environmental Fees and Shop Supplies can be:

•Automatically calculated from individual service items

•Added globally from the Totals screen

These charges are commonly used for:

•Hazardous waste disposal

•Recycling fees

•Shop materials

•Cleaning supplies

•Disposal equipment costs

If no item-specific charges were entered earlier on the workorder, they may still be added manually here.

Deposits

Deposits are automatically tracked by the system based on payment postings already entered on the workorder.

Do not manually alter deposit values on the Totals screen.

Discounts

After totals are calculated, a discount percentage may be entered.

The system will:

1.Calculate the discount amount

2.Apply it to the invoice

3.Allow the operator to manually adjust the final dollar value if desired

Example:

•3% discount calculates to $15.35

•Operator changes value to $15.00 for a rounded total

Important Recommendation

MLS 2026 includes a Discount feature, but MasterLink Software does not recommend frequent use of global discounts.

Why?

Because discounts reduce the final invoice total without clearly identifying:

•Whether the reduction applies to parts

•Labor

•Or both

As a result:

•Accounting totals remain correct

•But profitability reporting becomes less accurate

For best reporting accuracy, use the built-in pricing levels instead of global discounts whenever possible.

Credit Card Processing Fees

Some businesses add a surcharge for credit card processing.

The Process field allows you to enter a percentage fee that will:

•Automatically calculate the surcharge

•Add it to the balance due

Before using this feature:

•Review local and state regulations

•Verify legal compliance for surcharge handling

Totals Screen Controls

Re-sum

The Re-sum button recalculates the entire workorder.

The system:

•Reviews all valid entries

•Rebuilds totals

•Corrects any inconsistencies

•Automatically saves the corrected information

This is useful anytime:

•Tax rates change

•Discounts are modified

•Entries are adjusted manually

Accounts Receivable (A/R)

The A/R button immediately checks the client's credit status.

The system will display:

•Current receivable balance

•Available credit remaining

•Or indicate that no receivable account exists

This allows the service advisor to verify credit availability before work proceeds.

Checking credit status before beginning major work is strongly recommended.

Payments

The Payments button allows you to:

•Post payments

•Apply deposits

•Process credit cards

•Send balances to Accounts Receivable

•Mark the workorder ready for closing

Payment processing is fully integrated into:

•Accounting

•Receivables

•Workorder history

Graphical Analysis

MLS 2026 can also display a graphical analysis of the workorder.

The Graph option provides a visual breakdown comparing:

•Sales totals

•Cost totals

•Profitability

This helps management quickly evaluate:

•Job performance

•Profit margins

•Service efficiency

Best Practice

The Totals screen should always be reviewed carefully before:

•Printing the invoice

•Posting payment

•Closing the workorder

Verify: