PowerChurch Software Newsletter - Summer 2016

Welcome to the Summer 2016 edition of the PowerChurch Software Newsletter. In this issue, we clear up some confusion about the different models of check readers that are available. We walk you through some useful reports and processes to help make your data entry more accurate and offer an invitation to submit user reviews for PowerChurch Plus on Capterra.com.

MagTek Check Reader Compatibility

Since the Check Reader functionality was introduced in PowerChurch back in 2002, we have sold and supported three different MagTek Mini MICR check reader models. Each are listed below with details about their compatibility between different versions of PowerChurch and Windows.

MagTek Mini MICR Keyboard Wedge (#22520001)

This one has no drivers to install. The device connects to the computer with a "Y" adapter on the keyboard PS/2 port. This will work with any computer that has PS/2 ports and any version of PowerChurch Plus or PowerChurch Online. The only compatibility issue with this model is that computers don't come with PS/2 ports anymore.

MagTek Mini MICR USB (#225230033)

PowerChurch Plus Versions 8.5 and 9, PowerChurch Online - Communication with these versions of PowerChurch require running an additional piece of software, called MICR Send. This software was created by MagTek and translates the information that comes out of the check reader into something that PowerChurch can use.

• If you have older versions of Windows (up through XP/2000 and 32 bit Vista) you should be able to use this device with the versions of PowerChurch listed above.
• 64bit Windows Vista and higher are not compatible with this check reader.

PowerChurch Plus Versions 10, 11, and 11.5 - These versions of PowerChurch Plus were released with built-in communication controls and the MICR Send software is not needed. Regardless of your Windows version, you should be able to use this model of check reader in these versions of PowerChurch Plus.

MagTek Mini MICR USB Keyboard Emulation (#22523009)

As with the first model in the list, there are no drivers to install with this one. When the USB cable is connected to your computer, it thinks a new keyboard was plugged in. This will work with any computer that has USB ports and in any version of PowerChurch Plus or PowerChurch Online.

Capterra.com User Reviews

Many church administrators search the internet looking for information and reviews of Church Management Software. One of the more popular and useful web sites is Capterra.com. PowerChurch Plus is one of the featured products on the site, but we don't have many user reviews. Please visit the link below and answer a couple of quick questions about your experience with PowerChurch Plus. We would sincerely appreciate it, as would those shopping for software in the future!

http://www.capterra.com/church-management-software/reviews/2679/PowerChurch%20Plus/PowerChurch%20Software/new

Checking Your Work in PowerChurch

This article has been moved to Checking Your Work in PowerChurch Plus

Forum Q&A

The Support Forum on our web site is a very active online community of our users and Tech Support staff members. There you can browse through thousands of questions and answers, or post your own.

From Maintenance Releases:
Q. I am trying to update the 11.5 maintenance release, and I keep getting "An error occurred while trying to replace the existing file: Deletefile failed; code 32"
A. Is anyone else on the network using PowerChurch? If so, have them log out. If you have any other PowerChurch windows open, close them before installing.

From Contributions:
Q. Is there any way for me to add a new contribution type? I have cash and check, but would like to add credit card. I have Version 9 of PowerChurch Plus.
A. Newer versions have customizable contribution types. An upgrade from v9 is only $149 plus $10 shipping.

From Accounting:
Q. Can PowerChurch direct deposit be used without a third party? Can we deposit directly into the employees' bank accounts?
A. Banks require a transfer of money via ACH. PowerChurch cannot create that file. It is necessary that you work with a third party software or service to initiate the ACH transaction.