Getting Started with Big Business
Getting Started with Big Business. (3142)
Big Business is a new kind of business software. It provides growing companies with sophisticated information management tools to track and manage sales, marketing, inventory, and finances. Its integrated architecture eliminates the need for separate company database, contact management, inventory, and accounting software products.
Unlike traditional sales or accounting packages, Big Business manages your whole business—from keeping track of customers to writing checks to creating budget reports. You can even use it to send messages and schedule activities. Because Big Business uses relational database technology, you can quickly find or enter the information you need, no matter where it appears in the program. Big Business also clearly relates your sales and marketing activities with their bottom line impact on inventory and company finances.
By integrating sales, marketing, inventory, and financial information, Big Business enables smaller growth companies to use current data to make more effective and informed business decisions.
Getting started with Big Business is easy. Installation takes just a few minutes. You use simple dialog boxes to set up the program with your company data. If you choose, Big Business can automatically set up almost everything. You can also import data from other programs.
Chapter 1 Content
Getting Started with Big Business. (3142)
Chapter 1 covers Getting Started with Big Business:
• System Requirements
• Installation and Upgrade Instructions
• Registration Instructions
• Building a New Company File
Starting fresh with Big Business is easy. Installation takes just a few minutes. You use simple dialog boxes to set up the program with your company data. If you choose, Big Business can automatically set up almost everything. You can also import data from other programs.
If you are continuing from a previous version, Big Business will automatically update your Company file. Just open a copy of your data, and Big Business will do the rest.
This chapter explains how to install and set up the software. After you finish this chapter, you'll be ready to start working with Big Business.
Before You Start
Before You Start (3143)
Before you start, take a minute to verify that you have what you need to use Big Business:
System Requirements
Before installing Big Business, verify that your computer meets the System Requirements, as listed in the Read Me documentation and on our web site.
To use Big Business, you should be familiar with the basics of using the operating system on your computer. You should know how to use the mouse, how to use menus, and how to enter text. If you are unsure about any of these techniques, consult the documentation that came with your computer.
Registering Big Business Products
You can use Big Business without registering for 30 days or 100 uses, whichever comes first. After the trial period has expired, you can register Big Business by calling to purchase.
Installing Big Business
Installing Big Business (3144)
The Install program places Big Business on your computer in a location that you specify. Just click Continue or Next to automatically put Big Business in your Applications or Program Files folder.
http://www.bigbusiness.com/downloads/
For the latest Installers go to our web site, bigbusiness.com, to the Download tab.
There you will find the installers for Big Business (1-User), or Big Business Server and Big Business Client (2-99 Users).
When you start Big Business, it opens its default Data File. Quickly hold the Option/Alt key, right after you start Big Business, to choose your Data File or create a new Data File.
Big Business Client
If you are using Big Business Server, download and install Big Business Client. When you start Big Business Client it will show you the Available Big Business Server(s) on your network. Or, ask your system administrator for a Name and Address to use if connecting remotely.
Setting Up Big Business
Setting Up Big Business (3145)
To set up Big Business to manage your company, you need to complete five steps:
1. Entering information about your company, including your company name and address, your fiscal year, and the date you want to start using Big Business.
2. Entering information about your accounts, including bank accounts and financial categories, current balances and the categories you want to use by default.
3. Entering customer information, including names and current balances.
4. Entering vendor information, including names and current balances.
5. Entering information about the items you buy, sell, and maintain in inventory, including quantities on hand and total value.
The Checklist window appears automatically the first time you start Big Business. The window includes a button for each of the five steps. As you complete steps, they are marked with checks.
Contact Big Business Support with any questions about coordinating or deferring these steps, or if you need any help converting data.
Install Big Business for Windows
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The Big Business Installer (InstallShield) places Big Business in a location that you specify. It is recommended that you use default settings.
To install Big Business:
1. Download an installer from:
http://www.bigbusiness.com/downloads/
2. Run the installer
On warnings click Actions, Run Anyway, or Yes to Allow Changes.
3. Click Next.
When the Read Me appears, please read for important information.
4. Follow prompts to complete installation.
Big Business is ready to run. Double-click the Shortcut on your Desktop.
Saving Changes / Getting Details About Set Up
Saving Your Changes / Getting Details About Set Up (3146)
Saving Changes
At any point, you can save changes to a Set Up window by clicking the OK/Continue button. When you save, you have the choice of marking the task as complete or as Work In Progress.
To Quit, click OK/Continue and choose Work In Progress. When you start the program again, all of your changes will be included.
Getting Details About Set Up
The following pages provide general instructions about completing each of the five Set Up steps. The windows you use to fill in information are simple and intuitive, so these general instructions may provide enough information.
If you need more detailed information please contact Big Business Support. There are also detailed resources in Online Help.
Uninstall Big Business for Windows
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The uninstall option removes files created by the installer.
To uninstall Big Business:
1. Go to Control Panel, Uninstall A Program.
2. From the list of programs, select Big Business and click Uninstall.
Entering Company Information
Entering Company Information is the first step in Setup Checklist for a new Data File.
Click Company Information and put in your name, address and accounting Start Date. Select the Month your accounting year ends and all of you reporting will be automatic.
Any changes including adding your Company Logo can be done in Company card after you complete setup. Essential is to have a Start Date for balances you import to post.
Big Business needs company information before anything else can be entered.
You must enter several items of information about your company:
• Company name and address as they should read on quotes, invoices, and so on.
• Month your accounting or fiscal year ends, for reporting.
• Start date from which your Big Business balances start.
After you begin working with Big Business, you can change the information as needed.
To enter company information:
1. Double-click the Big Business icon to start the program.
2. Click the Company Information button in the Set Up Checklist window.
3. Enter company information in the appropriate fields, then click the OK button.
Entering Account and Category Information
Entering Account and Category Information (3148)
Once you’ve entered information about your company, you can enter data about your accounts and categories.
There are three ways to enter account and category information:
• Select from a list of predefined businesses and Big Business sets up accounts and categories appropriate to that type of business. Use this option if you’re starting a new business or want to get up and running as quickly as possible. You can make modifications later to tailor the accounts and categories to your business.
• Import accounts and categories from text files you create or export from other programs.
• Manually enter categories and accounts. Use this option if you’re sure of exactly how you want your accounts and categories set up, or if you’re converting to Big Business from a manual accounting system.
Start Big Business for Windows
This Solutions describes Launching Big Business for the Windows. This procedure should be followed carefully, to ensure you are not opening the wrong data file. (5648)
The first time you launch Big Business, the "Open a data file..." dialogue will allow you to select a Company file. Thereafter, Big Business will open the last Company file used.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Double-clicking a Company file will launch Big Business, which will open
the last Company file used; not necessarily the file double-clicked!
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Hold down the Alt key immediately after launching Big Business to switch Company files. When the "Open a data file..." dialog appears (pictured), release the Alt key, select a Company file, and click Open.
To Enter Account and Category Information
To Enter Account and Category Information (6333)
To enter account and category information:
1. Click the Accounts & Categories button in the Set Up Checklist window.
2. In the Accounts & Categories Set Up window, choose the method you want to use to enter the information, then click the OK button.
3. Double-click a row to edit Account details incluing Beginning Balance.
Several tasks need to be accomplished when you set up your accounts and categories:
• Importing basic account and category information. If you choose to use predefined accounts and categories this information is entered automatically. You can edit, add, and delete accounts and categories as necessary.
• Entering beginning balances. Import or enter the balances as of your Big Business start date (entered in the Company Information Set Up window).
• Specifying default categories. These categories are used in Big Business when entering transactions like invoices or bills. You can change the defaults at any time after you begin using the program.
Entering Customer Information
Entering Customer Information (3149)
After you have entered information about your company and your financial setup, you can enter information about your customers.
There are three ways to enter customer information:
• You can choose to enter customer information later, when you begin using Big Business. Use this option if your business is new or you have no customers with open balances.
• You can import information from a text file exported from another program. Use this option if you’re changing over from an accounting or contact management program. You can import many different items of information, including names, addresses, terms, and the current balance.
• You can type in the information. If you type in customer information, you can enter the company name, the first and last name of your main contact, the credit limit, and the current balance.
Launching Big Business for Mac OS
This Solutions describes Launching Big Business for the Macintosh. This procedure should be followed carefully, to ensure you are not opening the wrong data file. (3671)
The first time you launch Big Business, the "Open a data file..." dialogue will allow you to select a Company file. Thereafter, Big Business will open the last Company file used.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Double-clicking a Company file will launch Big Business, which will open
the last Company file used; not necessarily the file double-clicked!
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Hold down the Option key while launching Big Business to switch Company files. When the "Open a data file..." dialog appears (pictured), release the Option key, select a Company file, and click Open.
NOTE: Big Business loads a variety information from your Company file during start up. Allocating more memory will improve performance and reduce start up time.
To Enter Customer Information
To Enter Customer Information (6336)
To Enter Customer Information:
1. Click the Customers button in the Set Up Checklist window.
2. In the Customers Set Up window, choose the method you want to use to enter the information, then click the button.
3. Use the windows that appear to enter customer information.
Entering Vendor Information
Entering Vendor Information (3150)
After you have entered information about your company and your financial setup, you can enter information about your vendors (companies you buy from).
There are three ways to enter vendor information:
• You can choose to enter vendor information later, when you begin using
Big Business. Use this option if your business is new or you have no vendors with open balances.
• You can import information from a text file exported from another program. Use this option if you’re changing over from an accounting or contact management program. You can import many different items of information, including names, addresses, terms, and the current balance.
• You can type in the information. If you type in vendor information, you can
enter the company name, the first and last name of your main contact, and your current balance.
Find Your Data File
When setting up a backup procedure, upgrading, or updating from an earlier version of Big Business, you will need to find your Data File. This Solution provides a few suggestions. (3339)
All of the data you enter into Big Business, Preferences, Custom Forms, and more, are stored in your Data File.
To Find your Data File:
• On the Big Business Server Administration Window go to the Application tab
• In Big Business (1-User) for Windows go to the Help menu to About Big Business.
• In Big Business (1-User) for Mac OS X go to the Big Business menu to About Big Business.
• In Windows search for "*.4dd". On the Mac use the search pictured below.
• Your Data File is the BIG one. It might be 10MB or 10GB.
• Your Data File probably has the most recent Last Modified date.
Quit Big Business
This Solutions describes the various options for Quitting Big Business, including keyboard shortcuts, Shutting Down or Restarting your computer, and Signing Out to prevent unauthorized access. (3407)
To Quit Big Business:
• Close any open windows by choosing OK or Cancel and following prompts for unsaved changes.
• Selecting Quit from the File menu or type Command-Q (Mac) or Ctrl-Q (PC)
To Sign Out of Big Business:
• Sign-out of Big Business by selecting Switch User from the File menu.
To Quit Big Business Setup:
• When creating a New Data File, click OK and choose In Progress to save changes and Quit.
To Enter Vendor Information
To Enter Vendor Information (6337)
To enter vendor information:
1. Click the Vendors button in the Set Up Checklist window.
2. In the Vendors Set Up window, choose the method you want to use to enter the information, then click the OK button.
3. Use the windows that appear to enter vendor information.
Entering Item Information
Entering Item Information (3151)
After you have entered information about your company and your financial setup, you can enter information about items. (In Big Business, an item is anything that you buy, sell, or keep in inventory.)
There are three ways to enter item information:
• You can choose to enter item information later, when you begin using Big Business. Use this option if your business is new or you don’t have any items that you track in inventory.
• You can import information from a text file exported from another program. Use this option if you’re changing over from an accounting program or other software. You can import many different kinds of information including item code, description, price, cost, and quantity.
• You can type in the information. If you type in item information, you can enter the item code, description, quantity, cost, and price.
To Enter Item Information
To Enter Item Information (6338)
To enter item information:
1. Click the Items button in the Set Up Checklist window.
2. In the Items Set Up window, choose the method you want to use to enter the information, then click the OK button.
3. Use the windows that appear to enter item information. See “Entering Item Information” in the appendix for detailed instructions about each method.
Finishing the Setup Process
Finishing the Setup Process (3152)
When all five of the buttons in the Set Up Checklist window are marked with green checks to indicate that you have finished entering data, you are almost finished setting up Big Business. All you have to do is click the OK/Continue button in the Set Up Checklist window.
To Finish the Setup Process
To Finish the Setup Process (6339)
To finish the Set Up process:
1. When all buttons in the Set Up Checklist window are marked with green checks, click the button. You see a dialog box informing you that you have completed the Set Up process.
2. Click Verify.
Big Business displays a dialog box listing the Automatic Categories you set up, along with their balances.
3. Click Complete.
Big Business reviews all the Set Up information, then opens the sign-in dialog box. See Chapter 2 for instructions about signing in and using Big Business.