ShoWorks Apeiron has arrived for 2009!

A running document that discusses more features in depth is located on our blog here.

Screenshots of the new version can be found here.

The quick facts:

• Is the largest, most significant update to ShoWorks since the first version in 1996.
• Almost 1,000 enhancements and features over the former ShoWorks 2006.
• Is based on the Access 2007 platform but as always, Access is not required and only for those who desire to customize ShoWorks.
• Reads/imports data from prior versions of ShoWorks (custom reports must be rebuilt).
• Focuses heavily on usability (user friendliness).

Interface Features:

• Scalable interface to take advantage of larger, more popular monitors (yet still work on most smaller ones).  Minimum display size is now 1024x768 (as opposed to the former 800x600).  Basically, the larger screen size you have, the more ShoWorks will adapt.
• Customizable interface.  That's right!
  • We mean the ability to rename fields on your menus (don't like the term "Class", no problem, rename it to "Lot" with ease). 
  • We mean the ability to fully customize your own menus (add, remove, re-arrange the form with the fields you want - no more padlocks).
  • We mean dragging, resizing, and arranging columns in spreadsheet view and ShoWorks remembering your arrangement.
• Hybrid menus - that show the traditional menu with fields (one record per screen) plus a spreadsheet type view on the bottom of the menu that has all records as a list for fast/easy management.  Very nice - one of our favorite features!
• Active menus (move among menus and keep your place).  For example, you may be working on a particular record in the Divisions menu, then need to flip to the Exhibitors menu.  When you go back to the Divisions menu, your cursor on the same record is right where you left it to pick up where you left off.
• Intelligent searching.  Now, a generic search box where as you type, ShoWorks narrows down the records on "every" field.  For example, start typing "Cal" and ShoWorks narrows records down to those including Calvin as a first name, Calhoun as a last name, Calgary as a city, Callamazoo High School as a school...  Just keep typing and the more you type, the narrower the results get.  Type in 307 and records are narrowed down with 307 as an Entry Number, 307 as an Exhibitor Number, 307 as an area code...and you get the idea.

Data Features:

• Lots of User Defined fields (71 new fields to be exact).
• New "import and merge latest changes" wizard, updating, merging and importing records from another ShoWorks data file without needing a network.
• Automated offsite backups to protect your data from any disaster.

Functional Features:

• Report grouping (organize your custom reports by dragging and dropping into groups).
• Three times as many preset reports as prior versions, including refinements in existing preset reports. Click here for a 33-page sample of preset reports (PDF).
• True Sliding Scale Premium Scheduling.  This will save lots of time on premium management.  The former method of points and premiums is still available and can be used cooperatively with the new method.
• E-blast manager.
• Flexible sale commissions to exclude add-ons.
• Split sale purchases easier by using a built-in assistant
• Paperless buyer billing and payments (e-blast their bills and they click a link to pay online with a check or credit card).

Online Features:

• Create multiple entries (multi-class) for those exhibitors with many entries all in one click.
• Flexible fees to charge by exhibitor or by entry.
• Online buyer payments if you also have an auction.
• Gather valuable feedback from your exhibitors with a customizable survey at checkout.
• Customize the entire site exactly to your fair’s needs with “skins” that match your fair theme.

And almost 1,000 other enhancements and tweaks based on years of feedback from hundreds of fairs across North America.