Pricing App - Importing a moulding file

 Just recently I've had to update the Pricing App to take account of the new Android versions - the old code for importing a mouldings file no longer worked on the newer versions (11 and beyond). So, you will notice that the import mouldings screen looks a bit different (App version 2.2.5 and beyond).

A bit of background to start with. The App can price frames using two different ways of getting the data it needs for the moulding part of the cost. 

The simplest is a price code - this begins with "#" and contains numbers and a letter, eg. #56G (the cost per metre/foot, and the width) This is fine for working out the cost, but it doesn't identify the individual moulding (mouldings with the same width and cost have the same code).

The second method is to use a csv file to list individual mouldings and their data. "csv" stands for comma separated values. It is a very simple file which you could open with Excel (or other spreadsheet program) and edit yourself. The file can list a particular supplier's mouldings or (if you use the Wessex Pricing Program for pc all the mouldings in your database). The good thing about this way of pricing is that it identifies an individual moulding and use a code that you will be familiar with.

But either of these methods needs to be kept upto date. With the csv file it means importing a new file periodically. First of all you need the download the file onto your device, either go the the supplier's website a download the file from there (if they have one) or email yourself with the file attached and download the attachment.

Now, on the App tap "Settings", then "Misc. Values". Tap "Import Mouldings File" and you will see a screen like this -

Select the "Download" folder (where the arrow is pointing) and you will then be shown all the text type files in that folder. (Nb. It may take a few seconds for the file to appear.)

All the downloaded csv files will be listed there. Tap the one you want to use and it will be imported into the App. If you make a mistake simply go back and import the correct one.

Easy!

Note - 

• The csv file can be called anything (it used to have to be called "mouldings", no longer). 
• If you download a file with the same name several times it will be titled name, name(1), name(2) etc. in the Download folder.
• The list of files has the date by them to help identify the one you want.

For further reading see -

Picture Frame Pricing Programs: Top Tips for Using the Mouldings.csv file in the App (stevetheframe.blogspot.com)

and

Picture Frame Pricing Programs: Tips for Updating App mouldings file (stevetheframe.blogspot.com)

Major Upgrade for the Pricing App

A major new upgrade to The Framers Pricing App has been released.

The internal file structure has been completely rewritten which means that -

• You can now have as many items in the Mount, Glass and Sundries lists as you like (previously only 5 items)
• Each item can now have its own fixed cost (labour cost or cutting charge), rather than one cost to cover all items.
• You can choose as many Sundry items to add to the overall cost as needed (previously only 1)

This makes the App far more versatile.

I've also brought the App upto date to comply with the new Google Play security requirements (coming into force later this year) and to work with the latest Android versions.

The only way is App!

At the beginning of the year with the support of Wessex Pictures it was decided to make the Wessex Pictures App more international and put it on Google Play. After all why should the UK get all the good things!
The original App needed a bit of modification, for instance it was obvious that a choice between Metric & Imperial units would be needed. This proved to be quite intricate, but I got there in the end, together with some other changes (I love the logo).

The result means that framers around the world can have a pricing system on a phone or a tablet and take their business out of their premises and into the wide world.
So, have a look at the App's very own website (www.theframerspricingapp.com) or even go straight to the Google Play page (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pricing.app).

Is this going to be a game-changer for framers and accurate pricing?
What do you think?