The Red Wing Software company web site, https://www.redwingsoftware.com, was recently converted to entirely HTTPS, and is now fully encrypted. Customers and all web site visitors may not realize it, but this change offers security benefits to site users.

Using the web site and completing online transactions are more secure. With the encryption provided by moving to HTTPS, customers gain the benefits of confidentiality, integrity, and identity. Because only your browser and your server can decrypt the traffic, your information remains confidential to outside parties who would seek your information.

I hope everyone had a happy and peaceful Thanksgiving. I believe there is a reason that Thanksgiving comes after Election Day in the United States. It gives everyone something to be thankful for. If you’re not thankful for the way the election turned out, you can at least be thankful it’s over.

While our elected officials around the country negotiate for solutions to the many issues we face, we should be planning for our own future within our companies. Your budgeting process for 2015 should be well underway if not finished, and final planning for the rest of 2014 has a top priority. There is still some uncertainty about tax extenders for 2014, so it might be a good idea to consult your accounting professional or financial consultant to get their recommendations.

At Red Wing Software, we are working on the expected changes to payroll taxes that take effect at the beginning of the year, knowing full well that they could all change and we will have to make additional last-minute changes to make sure you have the latest and most accurate calculations. Please watch your e-mail for notices from us on any updates that are available for the software products you use so you start the new year with the most current information.

Please have a safe and Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah, and enjoy a prosperous new year.

- Ken Hilton, President

Congratulations to Schmidt's Meat Market, a Red Wing Software customer, for earning the WCCO Viewers’ Choice For Best Sausage In Minnesota. Read the full story by clicking on this link: WCCO Viewers’ Choice For Best Sausage In Minnesota

You can find out what operating system your computer is running by using the examples below.

Here are general instructions for finding information about your Windows® operating system. Because all system installations are different, these instructions may not work for you. For further help determining operating system compatibility, please feel free to contact us.

• Open your Control Panel (you can find it in My Computer or on the Start menu).
• Double-click the System icon.
• Alternatively, from your desktop, right-click My Computer and select Properties
• The window that opens will show you the version of the Windows operating system you are running.

If you are working in your CenterPoint Accounting or Payroll program, you can follow the instructions below to find out what operating system you are currently running.

• On your Menu bar, click on the Help menu at the top of the page.
• Scroll down and click on the About menu. When the window opens, click on the System Information tab and scroll down until you see Operating System Name under the Property column. The operating system you are currently running will be displayed under the Value column.

Red Wing Software users of programs AgCHEK and Perception: there are some upcoming changes to be aware of: AgCHEK and Perception support will be ending soon. (You’ve likely seen a note about this in the company newsletters, postcards or elsewhere.) Support will be ending March 31st, 2015 for AgCHEK and Perception. This means after that date, you will no longer be able to receive support services via telephone or email, and updates will no longer be made to the programs. In addition, there will no longer be payroll updates available for Perception Payroll after December 31st, 2014. Even though the thought of moving to something new might make you anxious, we want you to know that we are here to help! Here are three important facts about moving to CenterPoint, that may just help put your mind at ease, and get you on the road to making the move.

• All of your data will transfer to CenterPoint.

  Yes, ALL of your data will transfer over from Perception and AgCHEK, even the history! Your vendors, customers, chart of accounts, transaction history…EVERYTHING. What’s more, the process of bringing your data over is a very simple one. There is a tool built-in to CenterPoint Accounting which allows you to complete the process yourself, or the support team can help out if you prefer. They can also help you make sure everything transferred correctly. So you need not worry about having to go back to your old system once you make the move to CenterPoint. You also don’t need to run the two systems parallel, once you’ve made the switch.

• You can work with the same support technicians.

  Are you worried you’ll have to work with somebody new, once you switch to CenterPoint? You may be happy to know that the same technicians who support Perception and AgCHEK also provide support for CenterPoint. So, you will be familiar with the people helping you. (Note, all of our technicians are excellent, so you wouldn’t have to worry anyway!)

• There are many ways to learn the new program.

  You’ve been a customer of Red Wing Software for many years, so surely you know we stand behind our customers! There are several ways you can get used to the new CenterPoint program. Most of them are free.

  • Online training videos. (FREE) There are two “New User Essentials” videos available online, which you can use to familiarize yourself with the CenterPoint program. Each video is 60 minutes long, and you can view them at your leisure. You need not be signed in, and a Customer Care Plan is not required. (You can view them now if you’d like!) Customers who view both videos are much more successful in their transition. Click here to learn more: Online Training Videos.

  • View a live demo. (FREE) If you are thinking about making the switch, but you have specific questions or want to see certain things in action, you can schedule and attend a live, personalized online demonstration. To schedule a demo, call us at 800-732-9464, or visit this link to schedule it online: View a Live Demo

  • How2 Documents. (FREE) The How2 Documents section of the web site offers step-by-step instructions for specific processes within CenterPoint. To view the How2 Documents, you need to have a Customer Care Plan and be signed in.

  • Classroom training. (Additional Cost) Some people prefer to attend a live classroom training session. If that is you, we’ve got you covered. Click here to learn more: Classroom Training.

Moving to CenterPoint Accounting for Agriculture is an excellent option. Read some of the customer comments about CenterPoint: CenterPoint Accounting for Agriculture Customer Comments. Give us a call if you have any questions, or you are ready to take the next step: 800-732-9464.