Mobile setup questions
Cannot setup our mobile device. The reason is that in none of the instructions does it tell you exactly what you're supposed to be entering into the setup fields. One calls something device ID, another calls it 'account' and still another calls it user info. The only field which uses the same name is the password field. So.... where do we find our "Device Name"? Where do we find our "Dropbox ID"? It doesn't tell you these things in our dropbox account information. No matter what I try to enter in our iPod it just keeps says it's wrong, and it's getting a bit frustrating.... Thanks for the help.
Support Staff 2 Posted by Simon on 16 Mar, 2011 03:28 PM
Below is a similar Discussion Board started from another user who had questions on how to set up the AccountEdge Mobile:
http://support.accountedge.com/discussions/accountedge-mobile/18-af...
I am also attaching a link to a Youtube Video that we created on how to set it up as well:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xgDcXCEEzE
3 Posted by mytechguy on 17 Mar, 2011 04:27 PM
Hello, we saw the video before we posted, but it is worthless. Whomever made the video assumes that you already know where to get all of this information from. It's not a tutorial, as a tutorial goes step by step to explain each step. They just rattled off a summery of how it works once it is set up.
I think our problem has more to do with the syncing up. When we click on that button it says it can't sync, so we aren't able to go to the next screen and create our Device Name (to link it to our company account). Our firewall says that Dropbox IS allowed to have incoming connections, but we keep getting the error message shown below:
4 Posted by tom.nash on 17 Mar, 2011 06:11 PM
Hey Mytechguy
Sorry the video you're not finding the video helpful. Yup, that's my video. I'm up for suggestions and willing to make changes.
As for your error message, Dropbox is having some trouble with their API today (what we use to connect and link to Dropbox). It seems to resolve itself and suddenly starts working. We've sent a developer case to Dropbox to see what's going on. I'd give the linking another few tries. I went to test it this morning and had the same trouble as you did. After a few attempts (and maybe 30 minutes) it just linked.
Again, if you have any suggestions for the video (not sure we can add content on various Dropbox error messages) please let me know.
Tom Nash
Managing Partner
Acclivity LLC
5 Posted by mytechguy on 20 Mar, 2011 04:37 PM
THANKS Tom! Maybe it’s the API then that’s causing all the grief. We have never been able to link. We can access the Dropbox account/site fine, just not through AE (setup > AE Mobile > Manage AE Mobile > Link). Just for the record, we went here to get the “Dropbox Account” … Dropbox.com > Login > Account > My Computers > Computer Name. That was the one we were having trouble finding. In the tutorial it doesn’t tell you to find your “Dropbox Account” there. I know our password is correct because we changed it and teased it. Since we cannot link through AE (setup > AE Mobile > Manage AE Mobile > Link) we cannot create a device name, so the mobile app is non-functional for us. I know it's a dropbox issue but someone there at AE must be in contact with dropbox, so is there any time estimate on how long it will be for the API to be fixed?
Also, on the mobile app, is “Dropbox ID” and “Dropbox Account” the same thing? If they are then it would be nice if they were called the same thing, to end all of this naming confusion.
Here is my biggest question (and disappointment) with the mobile app, why are they even going through a THIRD party program like dropbox for the Mac version? Why not just use iDisk (built-in to OS X) and be done with it? Then there would be none of these issues AND it would be ten times more secure. In the end I’m not even sure if I’m going to be using AE Mobile/Dropbox because of all the security issues with it. Sure, dropbox tells you it’s secure, but the simple fact that they can’t get around is that all of your most valuable, private and sacred information is now parked on some strangers web server. They DO have access to it whether they advertise that fact or not.
So why doesn’t Acclivity Software/AccountEdge give the small businesses that use their mobile product the option to use iDisk, or maybe even their own (small business) company server to store their private company information? That would be SO much more secure, and reflect much better on Acclivity Software/AccountEdge and their mobile app.
6 Posted by tom.nash on 24 Mar, 2011 05:49 PM
Hey Mytechguy
First off, can you try getting the latest update to 15.0.6 which uses a newer version of the Dropbox API. The other API we were using had a defect although they say it's now fixed. This was preventing users from linking to the dropbox to get you through to the point of creating a device name.
Good point on dropbox ID vs dropbox account. Yes, they're the same. There was some confusion since the documentation from Dropbox I believe referred to both names. Actually it's really just the email address you created an account with and use to login. We need to sort that out.
There's a few reasons for not going with iDisk. First, a minority a mac users and it's not free. We need to be able to support a single platform for everyone and not iDisk for a Mac subset and Dropbox or Google... for another and support multiple APIs.
If you're an iDisk user like I am, you'll notice that the performance is horrible (IMHO). Upload speeds really can vary so widely. Although, I'm expecting Apple to revamp mobileme and possibly offer it for free for a variety of reasons. If they do, they'll need to address their performance (they're building a billion dollar server farm and some rumors say it will also be used for more mobileme offerings). We'll revaluate as we go along. We've also had problems with their API for our iDisk backups. Thankfully not in the last couple of years but it does happen.
In terms of security... you can say the same thing with Apple as you do with Dropbox (your data is in someone else's hands). Your iDisk is in the same position. Although you can say that you feel safer with Apple as an organization than Dropbox but keep in mind that Dropbox isn't a small company. They are looking after a 1m+ users data sets.
In the long run, we'll probably give people an option to go with Dropbox or an Acclivity host where we can control the API. Maybe it's up on Amazon S3 or Rackspace... not sure yet but if we're going to continue to build out our sync and integration as well as other web apps that add on to AccountEdge (like the existing Time Tracker web app) we'll have a need to have more control over the sync.
I do appreciate your feedback and please let me know if the new update solves your linking issue.
-Tom
7 Posted by mytechguy on 24 Mar, 2011 08:08 PM
I’m not sure what you mean by “a minority a mac users and it's not free.” 90% of all Mac users use 10.5 or newer, and it is free through the Apple website (http://www.mac.com/1/idiskutility_download.html) for both Mac and windows users. It is true that not all features will work (like syncing your e-mail) but then you wouldn’t be using iDisk for that, just like you don’t use dropbox for that.
Now, regarding “you can say the same thing with Apple as you do with Dropbox ( your data is in someone else's hands ). Your iDisk is in the same position.” ... I would disagree. Yes it’s in someone else’s hands BUT the BIG difference is that one is a hardware/software company, and the other one (dropbox) deals only with other peoples data. If anyone wanted to spend time peering through your valuable customers files - it would be dropbox, NOT Apple. Hense it would be much more secure using iDisk than dropbox. Also, I would much rather deal with bad performance than bad security. Actually the performance isn’t all that bad, but performance on any level just effects the one user, where as bad security effects ALL of your customers too, so good security is much more important as far as a AE customer would be concerned.
Having said all of that, is there a reason why AccountEdge doesn’t allow it’s customers to use their OWN server? The number of people having access to their own server for one reason or another should be rather high, especially for someone who already has a web store or a personal website...
Unfortunately Tom 15.0.6 did not change anything. It still won’t allow for linking. THANK YOU for trying to help.
8 Posted by info on 28 Apr, 2011 03:07 AM
@ tom.nash,
Sorry for jumping in here. I am traveelling the next few months and want to be able to access our Accountedge NE file at the office to review sales, Inventory and Purchases. Can our server be setup to be automatically sync with an Ipad? Can an automator task take care of this or something similar to Mobile me?
9 Posted by mytechguy on 28 Apr, 2011 03:39 AM
@ Info - "Can our server be setup to be automatically sync with an Ipad? Can an automator task take care of this or something similar to Mobile me?"
Since we have been having so many problems with this AccountEdge app, I went and looked for other solutions. As it turns out I found one that gets rid of all of the issues mentioned above. I'm using an app called LogMeIn Ignition (https://secure.logmein.com/products/Ignition/iphone/) and it goes one better than the AccountEdge/Dropbox app because it gives you 100% access to your entire computer back at the office (or home). You can open up any file that's on your computer and even download them to your iPad. It's like being right in front of your computer, and you don't have to worry about Dropbox security issues either. Plus since you have access to your entire computer, you can now do so much more and access EVERY app that's on your computer. The Ignition app is reasonably priced and you can set it up with a free account at their website. This way you're not just limited to the few options in the AccountEdge app since you will now have complete access to the AccountEdge program that is on your computer. Might be worth considering for those who have been having issues with the AccountEdge app....
10 Posted by tom.nash on 29 Apr, 2011 01:26 AM
@info You can't yet schedule syncs within AccountEdge. Were working towards this. I think the only way you could do this now would be do use something like Automator to record the mouse clicks and combine with iCal... I like this idea. I tried this and it seems to work with caveats.
I attached my automator workflow below. You would want to do a Save As/Application in Automator and attach this to an iCal event in the Alarm settings (open file setting on the alarm)
Basically what this does is clicks AE to make it the active app. Then goes to the setup menu/manage accountedge mobile and then clicks the sync button. It waits for the sync to complete and then clicks the OK button and then closes the Manage AccountEdge Mobile window, leaving AccountEdge open for the next time. You might have to play with the timeout option and playback speed since I'm not sure if it will timeout if there's a very large sync that takes a long time.
You also want to make sure that AE is open on the desktop without any other apps covering the window otherwise it might click on another app to make it active and then fail.
Every once in awhile I hit an error where it doesn't complete the workflow (stalls I think waiting for the sync to finish) but I think you can manage that with either the timeout setting, playback speed or just recording your own at the speed it takes for your file to sync (with some extra time built in for a longer sync). I believe it will work even if you get an error on sync or '1 sale imported' or 'nothing to import' since those are all different dialogs with some have an OK button and other buttons but I'm not 100% on it. Worth a try though.
Keep in mind that if you're in the app at the time this goes off, it will try to take control and then fail. If you're using AccountEdge NE, it will slow up other users while it's doing the sync so best to schedule at night I think.
Hope this helps
Tom
11 Posted by Dan Dugan on 09 May, 2011 09:48 PM
I'm having the same problem. My dropbox account is fine and I can sign into it. But I can't link it to AE.
Same thing happens with Time Tracker. Won't link. Please advise.
Also I signed up for Time Tracker from an email that promised a free demo. I had to pay $25.
-Dan
12 Posted by tom.nash on 09 May, 2011 10:14 PM
Hey Dan
Can you try that again. I just tested that on my end with a new company file and was able to link and sync. We have seen in the past where the Dropbox API drops for a bit. In that case you would still be able to login to your account through your browser but not link to it from within AccountEdge.
Also, when exactly does it fail? Is it when you click the Link button? What message comes up?
Any chance you're running some firewall locally that might be blocking the transmission?
For TimeTracker, you should have been able to signup for the Free plan (30 day trial) which is listed above the small, medium and large plans.
Tom
13 Posted by tom.nash on 09 May, 2011 10:26 PM
Hey Dan - also, in case I misread you, are you having trouble on the ipad/iphone side or the desktop AccountEdge side of linking?
Tom
14 Posted by bozcorob on 23 Sep, 2011 11:17 PM
Hi - I have never been able to get AEM and Dropbox to work. Decided to try again - and keep getting the "check your account name and password message"
I've read that this has been fixed a few times - but apparently not for me. I have the latest version AE.
Any suggestions?
15 Posted by mytechguy on 24 Sep, 2011 05:43 PM
They have never truly fixed this issue. Only suggestion that I can make is to use LogMeIn Ignition, which DOES work (and also offers better options).
16 Posted by boz on 24 Sep, 2011 05:51 PM
Maybe I am making a mistake here. I am trying to link my AE on my Mac to Dropbox so I can use my iPhone with AEM. It appears that LogMeIn Ignition is an iPhone/iPad app.??
17 Posted by mytechguy on 24 Sep, 2011 06:14 PM
Yes, LogMeIn allows you to log into your computer, where you have FULL use of AccountEdge. I think they still have a free version that you can download. It is turning your iPhone/iPad into a remote device. You will also have full use of anything else that is on your computer. Why have 'limited' use of a few features from the AEM app, when you can have FULL use of the actual AccountEdge program? Even if they fixed AEM I probably would still use LogMeIn since it also skips the step of merging data. The LogMeIn option not only offers more features than AEM, but it also saves you time and has MUCH better security than the Dropbox route.
18 Posted by Rob Hilding on 24 Sep, 2011 06:26 PM
Oh- now I get it.
Thank you very much.
19 Posted by Kevin on 29 Nov, 2011 02:33 AM
I am having the same issue--the dropbox is set up, and the account edge files are on it-yet the program tells me I am not set up and will not allow me to add the mobile device. I see this has been going on since May with people, which is beginning to scare me off. Suggestions?
Support Staff 20 Posted by Simon on 29 Nov, 2011 02:21 PM
What seems to be happing on your end Kevin? What AccountEdge Files do you have in Dropbox? You should't need to put your company file in there. When going through the setup process, files needed to work with AccountEdge Mobile should be created automatically.
Can you verify your company file and then try relinking Dropbox? You can verify your file by going to the File (at the top of the Menu)-> Verify Company File.
21 Posted by Kevin McLeod on 29 Nov, 2011 02:32 PM
It is just the file that was created automatically.
It tells me I have not linked with Drop Box, but I have. Boxes to link or set up new device are greyed out.
I am running Lion.
Thanks.
Support Staff 22 Posted by Simon on 29 Nov, 2011 02:49 PM
AccountEdge 2011 is compatible with Lion, so the operating system wouldn't be the culprit to your issue. Have you tried verifying the file first?
23 Posted by kevin mcleod on 30 Nov, 2011 12:08 AM
No, it just pops up and says "no errors in your company file". Perhaps I need to uninstall and start over.
Support Staff 24 Posted by Simon on 30 Nov, 2011 01:40 PM
The screenshot you have submitted titled, Setup, is that where you are getting stuck?
Are you able to link to your Dropbox after typing in your password?
Do you get any type of error message when doing so?
What version of AccountEdge Basic are you running?
25 Posted by kevin McLeod on 30 Nov, 2011 02:11 PM
It won't let me "set up" the mobile stuff, yes.
No, the Link box remains grey'd out (no error message)
I'm not at home with the computer this is installed on, but I did a 'check for update" and it indicated that I was running the most up-to-date version.
Support Staff 26 Posted by Simon on 30 Nov, 2011 02:19 PM
I'm not sure what seems to be happening based off the screenshots you presented with me. I was able to set up my AccountEdge Basic Sample File and link it to Dropbox without any issues. We have some introductory videos on our AccountEdge Mobile Site on how to get started:
http://accountedge.com/mobilehelp/
If you are still having further issues, It may be best for you to contact Technical Support to assist you over the phone. Their number is (800) 898-5855.