Frequently Asked Questions

Minimum Requirements:

• Windows 10 or later (Windows 11 recommended)
• 4GB RAM (8GB recommended)
• 2GB available hard drive space
• Internet connection for updates and cloud features
• PDF reader for viewing forms and documentation

For detailed specifications, see our Downloads page.

Installation Steps:

1. Download the installation file from our Downloads page
2. Run the installer as Administrator (right-click > Run as administrator)
3. Follow the installation wizard prompts
4. Enter your license information when prompted
5. Complete the initial setup wizard

For detailed instructions, download our Installation Manual.

Yes! ABS Agency Builder supports multi-user environments. Your license determines the number of simultaneous users allowed.

Multi-User Setup:

• Install ABS on a network server or shared location
• Install the client on each workstation
• Configure network paths during setup
• Each user can access the shared database

Contact support for multi-user configuration assistance.

We provide data migration assistance for new customers. Our team can help import client data in two ways: Basic and Advanced.

Basic Migration: CSV, Excel, and other similar file formats provide basic customer data.

Advanced Migration: A database copy/backup from your current system allows for a more complete data transfer that includes customer, policy, and other account information.

Migration Process - Basic:

1. Export your data from your current system (CSV or Excel format)
2. Contact our support team to schedule migration assistance
3. We'll analyze the data at no cost and prepare a quote to cover our preparation time
4. If you accept, we prepare a custom app. Your data will then be imported and validated

Migration Process - Advanced:

1. Provide us with a copy/backup of your current database
2. We'll analyze the data at no cost and prepare a quote to cover our preparation time
3. If you accept, we extract data in a way that matches the ABS database. This is not a cookie cutter process. We recover all relevant data.
4. Next we create custom scripts to import your reformatted data
5. Our team will handle the entire migration process
6. Your data will be imported and validated

ABS includes over 700 ACORD forms covering all major insurance lines:

• Commercial Lines (125, 126, 140, 25, 27, and more.)
• Personal Lines (130, 135, 136, 137, and more.)
• Agency Operations (127, 128, and more.)
• Life & Health forms
• Custom agency forms and certificates not included in the ACORD library of forms

Forms are updated as ACORD releases new versions. Data fields auto-populate from your database.

The Document Manager allows you to store and organize all client documents in one place. Documents are automatically assigned to the account to which they belong so document retrieval is quick and reliable:

• Copy-Paste: Copy files from Windows Explorer or email attachments and paste directly into Document Manager
• Direct Scanning: Scan documents directly into client files
• Organization: Documents automatically associate with the correct client and policy
• Search: Find documents quickly with powerful search tools
• Backup: Documents are included in your regular data backups at your request

You will need ABS Administrator access to add a new user.

Quick Steps:

1. Open the ABS Administration app
1. In Windows, click Start » All Programs » ABS V3 » Administration
2. Or, from within ABS, click Admin » User/Employee List & HR Info
2. Enter the Admin Password (not the same as your ABS User Password)
3. Click the plus (+) button to add a new user
4. Fill in the required user details
5. Set the appropriate permissions for the new user
6. Click the Save check mark to create the new user account

The new user can now log in with their username and password.

Quick Steps:

1. Click the "New Account" button on the main screen
2. Enter the client's basic information (name, contact details)
3. Add policy information for each coverage
4. Save the account

The system will guide you through required fields. You can add additional details at any time.

Templates control the layout of letters. To edit the ABS word processor templates:

Quick Steps:

1. Open word processor (pretend to print a letter to anyone).
2. Click Edit » Templates
3. You should find 4 template files
4. Select the template you want to edit and click Open
5. Edit the template as needed
6. Save the template

For detailed instructions, see the "Word Processor" section in the user manual.

Full instructions are available in the manual.:

1. In short, download the full installation from the Downloads page.
2. If it is a new workstation, run the installer and follow the prompts. Make sure to select "Client Workstation" when prompted.
3. If it is a Host Computer, stop now and follow the instructions for setting up a Host Computer in the user manual.
4. Make sure to set the correct network path to the shared database during setup.
5. Once installed, launch ABS to make sure the data path is correct.

For detailed instructions, see the section in the user manual.

Mailing Labels:

• Mailing labels for bulk mailings are created from the Predefined Queries.
• Once you have selected and filtered your query, simply click the Mailing Label button at the top of the screen.
• To create a single label for a single client, click File » Print » Single Label.

ABS automatically renews policies and gives you a list of those that were renewed. You can skip the tedious task of adjusting renewal and effective dates. It's automatic.

• Policy Renewals: Automatic based on policy term and current renewal date.
• Policy cancellation: Set a future cancellation date and ABS will wait until that date and cancel the policy for you, and add it to the list.

Backup Options:

• Built-in Backup: Click Tools & Settings > Backup Your Data to create manual backups
• Backup program: In Windows, click Start > All > ABS V3 > Data Backup to create manual backups
• Scheduled Backups: Configure automatic daily backups using Windows Task Scheduler (see user manual)
• Offsite Storage: Specify the backup destination to save backups to cloud services (Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive)
• External Drive: Save to USB drives or network locations

Best Practice: Keep at least 3 backups in different locations. Test restoring from backup periodically.

Troubleshooting Steps:

There can be several causes for this, but the simple solution is to restart Windows on the host computer, the server. Before restarting, make sure everyone has logged out of ABS.

IMPORTANT: Restart even though you may shut down at night. They don’t do the same thing.

If the issue persists, contact support for assistance.

Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Check if ABS is already running (look in system tray or Task Manager)
2. Restart your computer
3. Run ABS as Administrator (right-click > Run as administrator)
4. Check for Windows updates and install if available
5. Verify antivirus isn't blocking ABS

If the issue persists, contact support for assistance.

Common Network Issues:

• Restart Windows: Reboot the workstation to clear any potential issues
• Restart Network Devices: Restart routers/switches if needed
• Check Network Connection: Ensure the server is accessible from the workstation
• Verify Paths: Confirm network paths are correctly configured
• Permissions: Ensure users have read/write access to the shared folder
• Firewall: Check that firewall isn't blocking network access
• Antivirus: Temporarily disable to test if it's causing issues

For network configuration assistance, see our IT Professional FAQ or contact support.

Printing Troubleshooting:

• Check Printer Settings: Ensure correct printer is selected
• Update Printer Drivers: Install latest drivers from manufacturer
• PDF Option: Try saving as PDF first, then printing
• Print Preview: Use print preview to verify formatting
• Margins: Adjust margin settings or scaling if content is cut off

ABS uses annual licensing based on the number of concurrent users:

• Tier 1: Three users can work simultaneously
• Tier 2: Six users can work simultaneously
• Tier 3: Nine users can work simultaneously
• Tier 4: Twelve users can work simultaneously
• Tier 5: Fifteen or more users can work simultaneously

View current pricing on our Order Form.

Your license includes:

• All software updates and improvements
• Full access to 700+ ACORD forms
• Email and phone technical support
• Free training sessions
• ACORD form updates as released
• Remote support when needed

There are no hidden fees or charges for additional features.

Yes! We offer a full 30-day trial with no restrictions:

• Full Functionality: All features enabled
• Modest startup/training fee: Apply 100% towards purchase
• Your Data: Enter real data during trial - it converts if you purchase
• Training Included: Free training session during trial period

Download your trial installation today.

We accept several payment methods:

• Check (mail to our office)
• Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express)

Contact our sales team for payment arrangements.