Introduction

ShoWorks is a record keeping program to simplify tracking entries throughout the fair process. It provides reporting on demand based on many predefined popular reports as well as custom reports that the user can create in unlimited ways.

All too often, fair personnel have associated a steep learning curve when it comes to getting the most out of a computer software program. Not the case with ShoWorks and the long list of satisfied customers is available to prove it.

History of ShoWorks

About 15 years ago, in response to the need to computerize fairs, several applications have appeared to ease this deficit. GladStone Inc. entered the scene with ShoWorks 1.0 - the first commercial fair program dedicated to the Windows environment. Eventually, while others began development of their first Windows based program, GladStone produced their second generation of Windows fair programs (ShoWorks 98) and included Online Entries as a new feature. Built on top of years of experience, ShoWorks 2009 has evolved as the fair management system that is in a class of its own.

Though carrying the same product name "ShoWorks", this new version has very little similarities to the original version 1.0 released in 1995. Based on years of feedback from fairs across the nation, one could easily say that ShoWorks was designed by the fairs themselves.

When GladStone set about developing ShoWorks, the developers constantly listened to users suggestions and in the ShoWorks 2009 version, one will see that they are implemented fully. GladStone doesn't consider ShoWorks its own idea – rather, it is a program developed from users ideas. Indeed, there are many parts of the new version that many users can point to and say "that was one of my suggestions."

With ShoWorks 2009, GladStone now commands a substantial following from the fair community. With over six hundred fairs in the U.S. currently running ShoWorks and leading the market, there is no doubt that it has become the application of choice for fairs across the nation.

Fast and Easy Data Entry

There are many fair managers and secretaries who'll tell you right off that fair-time means long hours, hark work and lots of data entry. They will also say that time is one of the most crucial elements. Though most software products allow the fair to record vital data, ShoWorks was built with fast data entry in mind. It does this by using proven techniques found in most popular software products used today so Windows users will feel quite at home with a more standard menu layout shared by all Microsoft applications.

Users should never have to type in the same data more than once. For example, ShoWorks uses intelligence to "learn" zip codes, division qualities, exhibitor habits, etc. One can even customize the data entry screens to fit their preferences and show only data fields that they need. With one click, records can be filtered and sorted to allow quick working with only certain records of the fair. Users can even choose to work with records in a spreadsheet view for an alternative way of data entry.

Reports the way you want them

What good is data entry when you cannot produce the reports that your fair needs? Included with ShoWorks are plenty of pre-defined reports that are common through-out most fairs. These are invoices, mailing labels, graphical performance charts and graphs, summaries and more. In addition, the fair will typically require reports that are highly specific to its individual taste. ShoWorks no longer uses report templates (common in other programs) which proved to be too limiting. With the ShoWorks Report Wizard, the user is walked through step-by-step to create their own reports that present the data exactly the way he/she visualizes it. Once the report is created, it can be used year after year and thus the program becomes "customized" to the fair. One can filter, sort, group, count, add up totals, change preferences such as size, add lines, boxes, and even the fair logo. The user can even save reports to other formats such as  PDF, Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Text, and HTML to put the report on the Internet for the rest of the world (such as family and press) to see. This report wizard proved so valuable that GladStone now markets it to software vendors around the world and now quite popular among the developer industry.

"Wizards" provide step-by-step solutions

The first feelings the user may experience when they use ShoWorks is somewhere along the lines of "Wow! That was easy!". Beginners will love ShoWorks, as there are "Wizards" to help them to get data into the program trouble-free. A great deal of effort has been put into providing these wizards that perform mundane tasks in seconds. A "Break Class" wizard allows the user to split livestock entries into groups or classes based on weight, height or date of birth and even separate these across breeds and animal types. A graphical representation of the entries allow the user to see where natural breaks may occur in order to "fairly" establish class breaks. Other wizards include tools for setting points and premium amounts, setting the sale order and other auction oriented tasks. A "trouble shooter" wizard will even search the entire data file for possible data entry errors that may be problematic to the fair.

It is important to note that ShoWorks doesn't try to force a style or method which the fair is not familiar with. It's entirely up to the user. All the extra components are there to assist, but if one doesn't need them, that's fine - they remain hidden away.

Auction Features

For fairs that have livestock sales, ShoWorks covers all areas of the auction. To date, there has been no sale configuration that ShoWorks cannot easily handle. Common sale methods include: multiple sales, multiple buyers, multiple commissions, add-ons, re-sales, floors, donations, out-back sales, price by the head or per pound, maximum sale weights, shrinkage, miscellaneous adjustments such as photo fees, custom kill fees, check-off fees and the list goes on. What really sets ShoWorks apart from the rest is the "learning" of things like, "all beef re-sales will be sent to Alpine Meat Company at a price of $0.60/lb". No matter how fast the auction proceeds, the user can easily stay ahead of the auctioneer.

Accounting Methods

ShoWorks uses true, double-entry accounting methods, however, this is transparent to the user. What does this mean? Because all transactions are "balanced" there are no discrepancies when it comes time to reconcile. For example, suppose an exhibitor was cut a premium check for $50 before the data entry person realized that they had set the premium for this award wrong and that the amount should be $60. If the fair has not mailed or given out the check, they could simply "delete" the check and ShoWorks would write a new one for $60. However, if the check was already in the hands of the exhibitor, ShoWorks would only write a new check for $10. It is this and other accounting principles incorporated in ShoWorks that allow the fair to feel confident that the software will not let them down when it comes to managing their money. ShoWorks uses standard Quicken™ checks and prints invoices that are easily slipped into standard windowed envelopes for easy mailing, similar to phone bills and credit card bills (tear-off portions easily fit into smaller windowed envelopes for your customers!). ShoWorks also fully integrates with QuickBooks™ and Quicken™ thus unleashing the power of complete accounting coverage for your fair.

ShoWorks also keeps up with financial reporting. Daily statements, check and bill registers may be printed as well as IRS reports (1099 and 1096 forms). For fairs with auctions, ShoWorks even gives the fair the option of printing the legal amount allowable for tax deduction purposes for buyers in the auction. At the end of the fair, ShoWorks can produce graphs and charts to illustrate where the money came from and what entries or clubs performed the best.

ShoWorks carries the fair into the future

As we move through the Information Age, the importance of data management will continue to be imperative to the vitality of the fair industry. Utilizing techniques that are revolutionizing the way we work and communicate, fairs will be able to service communities faster, easier and more proficient. ShoWorks looks to the Internet as a key player in fair management in years to come. For starters, the user can send e-mails to exhibitors, buyers, and clubs to efficiently announce information. For example, seconds after the auction, one could send an e-mail of thanks to all buyers who have spent more than $1,000 at the sale.

Even more important is ShoWorks’ ability to allow exhibitors to create Online Entries over the Internet. ShoWorks makes this ability quick and easy for the fair by providing simple buttons within the program so the user needs to know relatively little about the Internet.

ShoWorks is the only fair management software that network compatabile even without a Client-Server setup.  This means that any network configuration will be sufficient to allow multiple users to work with data at the same time on more than one computer.

ShoWorks will not leave you stranded

Because ShoWorks was developed under a Microsoft Access platform and the majority of the program is not "locked", the user has free access to get into the "guts" of the program, should they ever feel like doing so. Data can be imported into ShoWorks from practically any other source. If the fair already has data in a spreadsheet, Quicken™, QuickBooks™, another database, or even another fair program, the data can be copied right into ShoWorks.

ShoWorks includes several ways to answer questions that the user may have regarding how to use the program. Fully searchable help is provided inside the program and accessible with the press of a button. For example, if there is an item that you don't understand in a menu, press F1, and you're taken straight to that topic in the help file which will explain what that item means.

The manual is also printable and installed with the program. If one has access to the Internet, special advanced topics can be easily accessed. E-mail is another way to receive quick answers. GladStone also provides various support options including toll-free phone support, 24/7 live urgent care support, email support, as well as well indexed training videos.