How to convert from a previous version of Kwik-Pay

Kwik-Pay version 4 is a completely new payroll system, redeveloped from scratch. The database design is completely different from previous versions of Kwik-Pay and therefore Kwik-Pay version 4 cannot operate on databases created in previous versions.

However, Kwik-Pay version 4 includes a conversion facility which will allow you to import all the payee information and all pay history from previous versions of Kwik-Pay. This facility will allow you to continue operating your payroll in Kwik-Pay without having to re-key any data.

Create a new payroll database

The first step is to create a new payroll database in Kwik-Pay version 4. When the database has been created, you will be asked if you wish to import payroll data from another source. Select Yes, and then in the file open window, select your old Kwik-Pay payroll database name.

The import process will copy all data relating to all your payees, pay groups and company, plus all your cost and expense codes and pay item definitions.

When the import has finished you will be able to continue with the new version of Kwik-Pay from the point at which you last used your old Kwik-Pay.

Password

If the old Kwik-Pay payroll had a password defined, the conversion process will create an 'Admin' user account, with the password set to the old payroll's password. Whenever the new Kwik-Pay payroll database is opened, it will request the user name and password.

Previous 16 bit versions of Kwik-Pay

The latest Microsoft Access database software no longer supports the Access version 1 database format that was standard with the 16 bit version of Kwik-Pay. If you try to import data from a standard 16 bit Kwik-Pay payroll database you will get an error message stating it is an unsupported format. To import the data into a Kwik-Pay version 4 database, first install the 'KwikPay to Access 2' upgrade available from the Kwik-Pay web site, then open the 16 bit Kwik-Pay, and select File, Compact database from the main menu. You will then be able to open your 16 bit payroll database form Kwik-Pay version 4.

What's different from previous versions of Kwik-Pay

Standard Pay Items for Payees	You can now create a list of standard pay items for a payee. These pay items are added the payee's pay calculation every time a new pay period is opened. The standard pay item allows you to specifiy a set number of units or an over-riding rate for a specific pay item for an employee.
Payment and Deduction set ups merged	Payment and Deduction setups have been combined into a single 'Pay Item' set up, with the facility to add your own attributes to a pay item, such as a sort sequence, or grouping criteria.
Statutory deductions itemised	All payments and deductions, including statutory deductions are shown as separate items in the pay calculation screen. To adjust a statutory deduction, select the item for change and entrer a 'cash over-ride' value. You can still add 'statutory deduction adjustment' pay item if you want to add a repeating additional amount.
More consistant user interface	In the new version, every form has OK, Help and Cancel or Close buttons. With most actions you are presented with a list of items to Edit, Delete or create a New one. Clicking Edit or New displays a form in which you enter the details of the item.
Crystal Reports replaced	All Kwik-Pay's reports are no longer defined with Crystal Reports. A new report writer has been used, which also allows the report layouts to be customised using a built-in report layout editor in Kwik-Pay. To edit a report, select the report from a menu, click the Options button, and then click the Edit button.
User level security	Access can be restricted to individual payroll functions by user or by user group, with individual users being assigned to groups. Access can be to only those functions selected, or all functions except for the selected functions.
Different database software supported	Kwik-Pay is no longer restricted to Microsoft Access databases. A Kwik-Pay payroll can now be stored in a Microsoft MSDE or SQL Server database as well as a Microsoft Access database. Kwik-Pay also supports the last Access database version Jet 4 compatible with Office 2000. It is intended to support Oracle databases in the future.
Multiple countries supported	Kwik-Pay now incorporates all supported countries in a single software package. Only one country is supported with each payroll database.