Security

Security is a big deal. The system is so designed that the ADMINISTRATOR account has absolute control over the operators, and other system configuration. The ADMINISTRATOR account could belong to the sheriff or his/her office manager. The ADMINISTRATOR controls passwords and privileges and assigns them to the other operators. If an operator resigns the ADMINISTRATOR simply deactivates the account. An operator is identified when they login to their user account at start up time. They can only execute the functions and features that were assigned to them by the ADMINISTRATOR.

THE SECURITY LOG
Every action executed by an operator, even the ADMINISTRATOR, is logged in the Security Log.
This log can be perused at any time to verify which operator did what, and when they did it.

Debtor Accounts

The building blocks of Sheriff Desktop. Debtor accounts and their balances are listed alphabetically on the main screen. You don't have to know account numbers. Everything is visual. Getting a specific debtor is as easy as typing the first couple of characters of the name, or using the 'find' function. Supports an internal list name BIGLAWYER INC [** BAD PAYER **] and a formal name BIGLAWYER INC. The formal name is used on all outgoing documents so as not to embarrass the debtor. Create an unlimited number of debtor accounts. Three types of accounts are supported:

• Magistrate's Court only
• High Court only
• Combined (both courts)

A optional system setting enables the 'Balance Brought Forward' feature whereby balances from other sheriff software can be easily brought forward whilst a debtor account is being created or edited. Adding and editing debtor accounts is subject to permission settings.

Easy to use Windows

The interface is pretty, friendly, functional and easy to use. Menu's, tool bars and navigation panes expose the available functions. Icons, buttons, captions and other controls have tool tips (similar to pop up help). In most cases there are 3 or more ways to execute a function. For example, single click, double click, press enter, right click etc.

Some windows have help videos that explain and show their workings.
Below is an example of the main screen video

HTML Editor With Spell Checker & Dictation

HTML editor replaces the old RTF editors. This makes sense because the default language of the Internet is HTML. Editing occurs at many places. Whether it's return content, a document, a letter, a template, or anything else, you'll be using the HTML editor. It works like other editors - what you see is what you get. The operator defines the font, its size and other formatting properties. There is a spelling and grammar checker. Dictate to your editor instead of typing - but you'll need a headset with built-in microphone to use this feature.

Office does not need to be installed. The spelling and grammar checker is a native component of the HTML editor. You don't have to be embarrassed by sending badly formed/spelled content out of your office. Windows needs to be properly configured to use the dictation feature.

Internet And Email

Practically every business out there uses the Internet. Sheriff Desktop knows this, so full use is made of the Internet. Email messages (with or without attachment files) are sent directly from Sheriff Desktop in one of two ways:

• Direct to Microsoft Outlook
  This feature works if Microsoft 365, Office 2019 or Office 2016 is installed and contains an already configured and working email account. Outlook receives the mail sent from Sheriff Desktop and takes care of the actual sending.
• Via a SMTP server
  You configure the software to use the SMTP server of your choice. The GMail SMTP server is used by many and works extremely well when two step authentication is enabled and an app password has been created. Many other SMTP servers are available.

The only limits that apply are the limits imposed by your chosen server. For example, if you want to use your GMail account you can only send 500 mails per day. You can set the limit inside Sheriff Desktop to ensure that it is not exceeded.

Return Words Editor

This powerful editor allows you to define and spell check the content of your returns per category. No limits apply. The better you do this the more time you save when creating a new return. Although word sets have codes (and you can use them if you know them) you can optionally visually select the required words by their content heading when making a new return. Supports embedded place holders that are replaced by real data when the words are used. Supports #prompt place holders that will prompt the operator to enter something where variable data is required. A test function allows you to test your defined word content to ensure it works as expected.

Documents And Letters

Create unlimited documents and letters and bind them to debtor accounts or cases for inquiry purposes. Letters are usually created using a defined template but can also be created on the fly. When used, templates define the text content, layout and formatting. Templates are created using the Template Editor.

Watch this:

Trust Account

Usage is optional and subject to permission settings. Cleverly integrated to make input easier than ever, this Trust Account is a breeze to use. The basic principal is that what comes in goes out. So simple. So easy to use. Receipt and payment transactions are displayed and posted in the case query window's Trust tab like this: Pay out transactions include support for

• Sheriff commission
• VAT

Other transactions supported

• Bank costs
• Bank interest
• Pay the Sheriff
• Pay the Board

Deputy Commission

The commission system is designed for sheriffs who pay their deputies commission per case handled. It is not mandatory to use the commission system. Operators having the appropriate privilege set a percentage per cost item that is used to calculate the commission payable per case. Invoices use up to 12 cost items, all of which are operator definable. There are three possible commission settings for each cost item:

• Nothing (no commission is payable)
• Full Cost (whatever the fee was for the item)
• Custom (anything between 0.1% and 99.9% of the fee charged for the item)

Miscellaneous