Conversations, Communications, and Information that is valuable to both top level managers and office staff will be presented here.
[Re-ordered articles on this page so the NEWEST ones appear at the top.]
Escape technology has released version 17.04 of the software. Our TEST system was updated on December 8 and our PROD system was updated December 22.
Release Notes, along with an archive of the release webinar and follow-up questions and answers, are currently available in the Escape Online client in the Online Resources group under Release Information. Please consider reviewing this information for any updates or new features that may effect your work within Escape.
Escape technology has released version 17.03 of the software. Our TEST system was updated on September 12 and our PROD system was updated September 22.
Release Notes, along with an archive of the release webinar and follow-up questions and answers, are currently available in the Escape Online client in the Online Resources group under Release Information. Please consider reviewing this information for any updates or new features that may effect your work within Escape.
Escape technology has released version 17.02 of the software. Our TEST system was updated on June 13 and our PROD system was updated June 23.
Release Notes, along with an archive of the release webinar and follow-up questions and answers, are currently available in the Escape Online client in the Online Resources group under Release Information. Please consider reviewing this information for any updates or new features that may effect your work within Escape.
Escape technology has released version 17.01 of the software. Our TEST system was updated on March 16 and our PROD system will be updated April 7.
Release Notes, along with an archive of the release webinar and follow-up questions and answers, are currently available in the Escape Online client in the Online Resources group under Release Information. Please consider reviewing this information for any updates or new features that may effect your work within Escape.
A significant update outside the core software in 17.01 is the delivery method for support materials. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the new platform after the update is installed.
Escape technology has released version 16.03 of the software. Our TEST system will be updated on December 7 and our PROD system will be updated December 15.
Release Notes are currently available in the Escape Online client in the Online Resources group under Release Information. It's a good idea to scan these notes before the Release Review for any changes that may affect your work. A Release Review webinar is scheduled for December 8 at 9:00. It is recommended that all major users participate in the appropriate section of the Release Review webinar (Finanace and HR/Payroll have different start times). This will provide an opportunity to explore the update after it is installed in TEST on the 7 and identify any issues before the December 15 update in PROD.
On Saturday, July 2, 2016, starting at 7:00 AM, Placer COE will be performing testing and inspections that will require our servers be taken offline. Both TEST and PROD systems will be unavailable for various periods throughout the day. Please plan your Escape activities accordingly.
Escape technology has released version 16.02 of the software. Our TEST system will be updated on June 17 and our PROD system will be updated June 27.
Release Notes are currently available in the Escape Online client in the Online Resources group under Release Information. It's a good idea to scan these notes before the Release Review for any changes that may affect your work. A Release Review webinar is scheduled for June 23rd at 9:00. It is recommended that all major users participate in the appropriate section of the Release Review webinar (Finanace and HR/Payroll have different start times). This will provide an opportunity to explore the update after it is installed in TEST on the 17th and identify any issues before the June 27 update in PROD.
Escape Online Service Pack 4 (ACA Mini Release) for version 16.1 has been installed on the Yuba Production system. The service pack includes the following changes:
If you have selected the Generate Task from ACA Reporting activity prior to installing the mini ACA release, the generation will need to be undone by selecting the Rollback Generate task from the ACA Reporting activity.
The patch installation will be performed by ETS, only systems that are on version 16.1 will have the patch installed.
Below are additional information related to the CR.
The latest version of Escape Online 5, 16.01, is installed on both our Test and Prod systems. A Release Review webinar is scheduled for March 17 at 9:00.
There has been an unusual number of minor issues with this release already identified. They are being addressed by Escape Support. It is recommended that all major users participate in the appropriate section of the Release Review webinar (Finanace and HR/Payroll have different start times).
The Budget04 report has a known issue where the rounding option selected in the Organizational setup record is not being applied to the data in the Summary box at the end of the report. Specific detail lines within the main report are correct and if the model was posted, correctly rounded amounts would be reflected.
Users can run Budget03, Budget13, Fiscal04 or Fiscal06 if they just want to make sure things are balanced and not see the individual details in each account.
CR14750 Budget04 - Summary box is not rounding correctly based on the Org setup for budget rounding, addresses this issue.
Escape Technology Support has applied Service Pack 1 to our Test system. The SP1 patch bundle contains fixes for the following CRs:
Escape Technology has updated our Test systems to version 15.02
Our Production system will be updated on Wednesday, June 17 beginning at 8:30 AM. Users should log off and remain off the system until the update is complete. An email will announce the completed update in Production.
We are scheduled to have version 15.01 of the Escape Online software installed on our Production system on 22 April. Our Test system will be updated on 10 April.
As always, there is a Release Review scheduled for April 16 from 9:00 to 11:30 with the usual split between Finance and HR/Payroll. Sign up by visiting the Online Resources section in Escape Online and browsing the Release Information link.
Escape also has a new method of updating Reports that leads the way on these system updates. Many reports have been fixed or enhanced along the way. Be sure to check out the Release Notes and Top 10 before the webinar.
WHEN: This Thursday, 9 April 2014, from 9:00 to 11:30
Sign up by visiting the Online Resources section in Escape Online and browsing the Webinar Information link.
We will be moving forward with Fixed Assets on Escape this Spring so a refresher on basic concepts is probably a good idea.
This Saturday, April 4, 2015 between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, Placer COE will be performing network maintenance.
During this time Escape Online 5 will be offline. Please plan your activities accordingly.
Report Release 15.01.05 contains the following CRs:
There has been a reported issue with version 14.03 of the software when using the Rollback Complete/Cancel task in vendor requisitions. This issue pertains to accrued requisitions that are completed/cancelled with a remaining liability amount. As you may know, when this happens the software automatically creates an accrual journal entry that releases the remaining liability amount. The issue occurs when these completed/cancelled requisitions are then rolled back and later completed/cancelled again.
Here’s what happens:
These steps can take place multiple times, causing multiple accrual JEs to be created. In addition, this will cause account budgets to be overstated since the money is released back to the expense account.
CR 14683 has been created and is being looked at by a developer. Escape is also working on a query to help identify these incorrect journal entries so they can be cleaned up.
This is just a heads up in case you notice some balancing issues. The CR is in development with an expected release for version 15.02.
Report Release 15.01.04 contains the following CRs:
Report Release 15.01.03 contains the following CRs:
Report Release 15.01.02 contains the following CRs:
Try these new and updated report out and let us know if there are any issues.
Report Release 15.01.01 contains the following CRs:
The 14.3 SP2 Patches have been installed in our Production System. The SP2 patch bundle contains fixes for the following CRs:
The 14.3 SP2 Patches have been installed in our Test System. The SP2 patch bundle contains fixes for the following CRs:
Escape Technical Support will begin applying these patches to our Production System on Thursday, 1/8/15.
Escape Technology has updated both our Production and Test systems to version 14.03
If you missed the Release Review webinar back in December and haven't checked out the follow-up documents it might be a good time to hit the Online Resources tab in Escape Online, search through the Previous Webinars area and dig into the details. This release mainly brings the end-of-year software into play allowing W-2 and 1099 processes to move forward. There are enough other changes and updates that a quick scan of the Release Review should be beneficial to most users.
We have also updated some SDI and OASDI values (Deductions and Contributions related to CR13571) to comply with new requirements so don't be surprised if there is some shift in your payrolls.
Escape Technology will be applying four important patches to our system AFTER it is updated to version 14.03 at the end of December.
The patches are:
Escape Technology has released version 14.03 of the software. A Release Review webinar is scheduled on December 18 at 9:00 AM.
These reviews are split between HR/Payroll (9:00) and Finance (10:30), allowing you to focus on your specific area of interest. You may register to participate in this Release Review by going to Online Resources in Escape Online 5, clicking the Release Information item, and locating the 14.03 release article. In addition to the sign-up link, there is a comprehensive Release Notes item (over 30 pages), Known Issues, and two videos describing the Top 10 Finance and HR/Payroll updates and features in this new release.
If you are unable to participate in the live Release Review webinar, an archive is usually posted within a week of the event. Access to the archive is available via the Online Resources section of Escape Online 5.
The value of Escape as a business tool increases dramatically when features and processes are understood and used effectively. A new release often adds greater capability and functionality to the software that can be wasted if you don't know about them. Don't miss this Release Review and you too can become a Master of Escape!
If you do not already receive news and updates from Escape, please consider signing up for the newsletter at www.escapetech.com (check the link at the bottom of the page).
We will have this release applied to our system between December 29 and 30th.
Escape & Placer COE (PCOE) have resolved all issues related to our earlier network problems.
Escape & Placer COE (PCOE) are troubleshooting a networking issue that is impacting system throughput and performance. You may experience unresponsive screens or other timeouts when connecting to and using Escape Online 5.
Your patience and understanding are appreciated as Escape & PCOE work to resolve this issue.
Placer COE will be performing upgrades to networking equipment that support applications hosted at PCOE such as Escape. PCOE network staff will begin work on Saturday, 9/27 at 8AM, and anticipate the upgrades will take approximately 4 hours to perform. During this time, all internet and application access provided through PCOE will be offline.
Your patience and understanding are appreciated as PCOE seeks to improve the performance and quality of the services they provide.
We've added an RSS feed which will make access to information easier. RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication, and is a well-established method for delivering information.
The "feed" may be accessed using this link: RSS Feed . Most modern browsers work directly with feeds but some may require an add-in to allow reading feed articles.
You may also add the RSS feed to your Outlook applicaton.
In either location (web browser OR email client), new announcements are displayed, giving you a short summary of the topic and a link to the full article on another location within our web site or elsewhere.
We will try to consistently make announcements and important reminders available via this mechanism. If you think of any specific types of news or information you'd like to see FIRST on the Feed, please let us know.
Our Go Live date is here! Really!!!
Core staff have been inputting requisitions and setting up payments since last week. We will have Escape Project Team staff on site on Wednesday to guide us through the first live AP and PY processes.
There will continue to be some clean up payments on IFAS but for all intents we have arrived.
I've commemorated the occasion of our Escape Online 5 ~ Go-Live month with a special edition of the Computer Operations Calendar: Special Edition. Check it out! And as always, "Think BEFORE you Print!"
As our Escape "Go Live" date fast approaches we have just applied the latest version of the Escape Online 5 software (14.2) to both our Production and Test systems.
These final days will be very active. We hope you have time to explore and become more familiar with this new financial system in the coming weeks.
Escape activities are largely (almost exclusively?) SEARCH driven. The starting point is the Search tab, which usually returns a List from which you may select a particular item.
From the List the action moves to a form representing a single type of record that may be displayed on a single screen or be compartmentalized under specific tabs.
Mastering the Search-List-Form arrangement is a core skill in Escape. So it only makes sense to perfect your Search skills early on. A good way to build a strong Search foundation is by reviewing, and then applying, the methods available for stating Search criteria. Review of the online Escape Guides "Escape Basics" document under the "Searching for Records" heading can prepare you for faster, more accurate searching which will also make all of your work faster and more efficient.
The ultimate goal of your search is a list that contains only those records you require. Escape Online provides many fields to search upon for each record. For example, you can create a search for a vendor requisition using over two dozen fields. Obviously, it is best to use as many fields as possible to limit your list to just the right records.
One small caution: If you ask for a particular range of information in a search field and that information doesn't exist together with the other criteria you have specified - your search will return nothing. Detail is good but misapplied criteria can actually hinder your search success. With repeated practice and attention to detail, good searching will become second nature!
Escape Technologies hosted a well-attended session on support for new and existing users in Roseville Thursday. Violette, Angela, Rhonda and Mike attended. There were many representatives from all areas (Payroll, IT, Training, Finance, etc.) and from many sites that included COEs and stand-alone districts.
We all came away with many new tools and ideas to help in introducing and maintaining users to the Escape Online system. We will try to integrate and introduce as many of these ideas as we move forward in our implementation of Escape.
January has been very busy with regular processing getting back on line after the holidays, and the 1099 and W2 activities that come like clockwork every year. We have also had three on-site Escape trainings in most of the key Finance areas and activities.
We spent two days, working with key COE and District staff, learning about core setup screens and components while doing the actual hands-on work to get basic system elements ready for use.
This was our first use of the Ellis room at the One Stop. The N-Computing technology performed well and the HVAC system did a good job of keeping the slightly drowsy in tune with the trainers, Galye and Carole.
Everyone made very good progress, getting a thorough introduction to every major setup task and their related screens.
What's Next: Next week we will begin installing the Escape Online client at districts for key implementers. There is still work to be done in some setup areas. It will also be an opportunity for users to increase their exposure to the software and increase their confidence in using the many screens of Escape.
This week, Monday and Tuesday were consumed with Kick-Off and System demonstration training events at the YCOE Charter School. We had a strong showing both days from top-level (sometimes the only level) and other key staff from our districts. Gayle and Carole provided a solid introduction to basic Escape concepts after Ramona presented an invigorating Kick-Off presentation each day. Although Key Staff members at YCOE had already participated in an earlier set of "COE-Level" Kick-Off events in August, it was important for them to be there to also capture the district information and responses.
A critical component on the Customer side (That's YCOE and all our supported districts and sites) of this implementation will be continuous and active participation by the various functional leads, district managers and staff. We will try to keep the pace brisk without overwhelming anyone. If you are heavily tasked and having a hard time completing tasks, please do your best but also don't be afraid to speak up. If you have not been tasked but feel you have something to contribute to a segment of this project, also make yourself heard! A well developed level of enthusiasm is important to maintaining momentum and making progress over the next year.
There will be homework at many points in this project. The information collected from that homework may be a prerequisite to taking the next step toward a task completion or milestone. Please try to be precise, thorough, and timely in completing these assignments, as they may be the key to opening the next phase of the project.
What's Next: We will be contacting District managers to identify and schedule the remaining training events. There is a full list below, updated and adjusted as needed. So far, Enthusiasm and Support for this project has been great!
Initial meetings between Escape and YCOE have gone well and we have begun to plan and schedule training and setup sessions. These early activities will mainly involve Escape staff and the primary YCOE support staff.
Training session details and materials are available from the links below in the Communicatons section.
Time always seems to be at a premium. Never enough of it available to get the important things done. Surely not enough to fritter away at leisure activities. So making the most of time is important.
We are beginning to formulate our approach for migrating our financial platform from BusinessPLUS to Escape. We have many major and minor tasks to complete as we move forward.
Maybe this is a good time to invest in what we hope will be a Premium Experience on this new financial platform. We can do that by exploring freely available media and getting a flavor of this new software before we see the first live screen.
Start with the Escape website. Consider being an early reader by subscribing to the email digest using the link at the bottom of the home page.
Try browsing the Escape Blog to get a feeling for both the software and those already using it.
This early effort can prepare you to ask better questions and more fully grasp the new intricacies of this software package that will be our travelling companion for a number of years. Making a small investment now can result in a more rewarding, Premium Experience once the software is loaded and running on your desktop!
Live Escape documents are also available for viewing without an installed Escape Online client. These represent the current version/release level of our Escape system and reference important updates and new features. The following links provide access to current documentation from Escape Technology.
These documents are provided to allow extra credit reading while away from the office and the Escape client software. If you notice any other online documents you believe would be helpful to have off-line, please let me know and I'll see about adding them to this set.
Guides
These Guides are provided directly from Escape Technologies. They are the most current information. Please consider using these On-Line instead or printing as they are always the latest information. You may consider creating a shortcut or favorite in your web browser of choice.
Tutorials
These Tutorials are Flash content embedded in PDF files. For proper functionality, you will need the latest version of Adobe Flash and Acrobat Reader installed on your PC.
As noted above under Escape Updates - Premium Experiences, the Escape Technologies website offers many useful and informative sources. One worthwhile item is the newsletter. Use the link in the article [Escape Updates - Premium Experiences] at the top of this page to display the website and then scroll to the bottom of the Escape home page. There is a link to sign up for their monthly email digest.
We will also collect and catalog as much of our own user experience as possible to help iron out the wrinkles in this new software experience and spread the word on innovative and helpful tips and tricks both within the software and with the many ways of working with Escape data and processes outside the software.