FAQ

• Since 1984, BAS has worked with clients as advocates and problem-solvers first, consultants second, and developers third.  We seek to understand the business problems and software integration issues that our accounting and payroll clients face and only then do we endeavor to provide efficient and reliable integration solutions to solve those problems cost-effectively. The difference between a customer and a client is important!
• Our programs are not one-size-fits-all or simple “mapping” tools.  They are designed based on years of working with clients and consultants to understand the workings of the software products involved, the user’s intent for the task(s), and the data flows that must be handled consistently for effective and reliable interfacing or integration in the client’s environment.
• We listen, discuss, interpret and establish cooperation with the client before we touch a key on the computer.  We keep it all confidential!

• Most of our programs start from feature-rich base, but they must be configured for the client requirements and environment – especially with more extensive customization. We test our apps in our own environment to see that they are ready to be delivered and re-tested with the client in their environment and with their data. BAS’ approach has proved to yield confidence in our programs and our support.
• Our programs are organized in categories, as shown on the Solutions page.  Our base programs are designed to handle often-needed capabilities.  They are readily available, often shipped or uploaded to you a day or two after receipt of your completed order.  If your situation warrants changes or additions to file formats, configured options, and/or business logic, we can provide that efficiently and cost-effectively – to specification.  In such cases, we typically set up a mini-project and work from a proposal so you know your deliverables, time-frame, and budget.

No, we don’t sell or support SAGE™ software. Current Payroll and HRMS/HCM systems are extensive “core” software suites that typically involve a significant engagement with and on-site work by an authorized dealer to implement. BAS works closely with a Client’s team via secure remote connection. BAS specialists can be called in before, during, and after the core systems project to consider and begin coping with the “connections” phase.

• Contact BAS to discuss your need or situation.
• Along with BAS, determine conceptually what solution(s) would be acceptable for your needs or business issues.
• Engage BAS via an approved order or proposal that we provide.
• Implement the software with BAS and perhaps your SAGE consultant.

Clients/registrants rely on BAS programs they use. We maintain not only the base programs but also client-specific software built into these programs. We’re active in the ever-changing software environments our clients operate in, as described on this site. BAS charges annual maintenance or subscription fees for BAS programs (as most accounting software companies do) for taking responsibility for our software the client relies on. BAS provides a support Agreement that defines this type of support (see our ‘Support’ page). Active support for a BAS program includes feasibility evaluations of program changes to business logic, upgrades to program features, and functionality to benefit prior and new registrants of the same base program. The community reinforces itself. We use phone, email, and secure remote connection to work with clients. In other words, we communicate with our clients and base our mutual efforts on the presumption of cooperation. Ours is not an arms-length specialty!

• Once you connect to the service, you’ll be prompted on-screen to download a small program which will allow your BAS representative to connect with your computer and assist you with your demo, question, or problem by phone, Chat, or one of the provided tools.  This connection allows the BAS representative to share your screen, mouse, and keyboard for quick, easy service.  
• At any time during a session, you can retake control of your computer just by moving your mouse or pausing the session using the Chat menu.  In other words, you can have your BAS representative address an issue or solve a problem with you.  
• You can observe or you can drive.  
• The BAS representative on the phone can discuss the diagnostics and step-by-step tasks with you.  
• You remain in control of the session at all times.

• Absolutely not!  Our screen sharing feature is optional.  
• Your BAS representative sees only what you see and whatever you decide to show him or her on your screen.  
• If our online representative thinks it might be helpful to share your screen or open a file on your computer, he or she will suggest this and then ask for your permission before doing so.  
• The only way for a support representative to work with your computer is through your explicit request for service.  BAS routinely works with sensitive client data and treats it with confidentiality.  See our ​Privacy Policy under About BAS.

• You may use and save the Chat dialog between you and your BAS representative.  
• This feature is available in the Chat box where you and your representative type helpful text.  
• To save a copy of your Chat dialog, go to the File menu in the Chat box and select Save Chat Log.  By saving your Chat dialog periodically throughout your session, you will always have the most current log on file.  
• Once you have chosen this option, a window will pop up asking where you would like to save the file.  The file will be saved as “chatlog.txt” by default, but you can easily rename it.  Finally, click Save to save the file.  
• After you have saved the session you can open the file and print your Chat dialog.

• Yes.  But before your BAS representative views your screen, he or she will first ask your permission and request that you close all documents containing private information.  
• You also receive an on-screen reminder about this.  Let’s say you’re interested in a demo of the “BAS Archive Program for Historic Data” or you are having trouble remembering a setup feature in another of your BAS programs.  
• If a picture is worth a thousand words, imagine how much better it is for both parties to see the same picture – screens, capabilities, and results!  
• Rather than calling and trying to explain a problem, you can call and connect.  This approach seems like having your representative sitting right next to you!

• At the beginning of a screen-sharing session, you and your BAS representative get connected via a communication server.
• The screen data that is passed between you and your support representative during a session is highly compressed using proprietary technology that can be viewed only with GoToAssist software.
• This data is also encrypted using 128-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) encryption. Privacy principles are TRUSTe compliant.  
• After the session has ended, your support representative can no longer see your screen or access your computer unless you make another explicit request for connection.

• The downloaded connection program stays on your computer; however, the file is useless and cannot connect without a new “encryption key.”
• To download a new encryption key, you would need to initiate a subsequent session with a BAS representative. Screen-sharing sessions have to be initiated with you, not by a support representative alone.  
• Advantages of this technology are that we can retrieve files that you want us to study or repair for tech support and we can send you demos and updates to your BAS programs – always with your permission.  
• BAS has supported clients very successfully and efficiently via remote software services for years.