Sales orders optimized

[DaveLK]

I am posting this here as there is not enough room to do it in the suggestion box via the software.
I have been using QB since 94 and want to suggest something that has bugged me since the beginning.

I want to modernize, simplify and streamline the day to day use of estimates, sales orders and invoices.

The Problem
Trying to figure out what is on order, what is back ordered from my vendor, and what has been received has become entirely too clunky and cumbersome in it’s present form and can be greatly simplified.

My Solution is straight forward and a simple one from my view point. I leave it to the smart people at QB to figure out how to initiate it IF they have not already done so.

The Sales Order
I would like the following tracking columns added to it.

OH (on hand) populate w qty on hand

OO (on order) field is populated with the PO number when the PO is made.
Should be live. Click on the PO number to go to it. Blank if no PO made.

RE (received) Populate with the Bill #.
Should be live. Click on the Bill # to go to it. Blank if no bill entered.

BO (back ordered) From Vendor.
Populate with qty back ordered. (The difference between the received bill and the orginal PO) The RE & OO columns would indicate from which bill and PO this originates.

I know that in 06 premiere some of the above info is available via a pop up of each line item.
That is fine as far as it goes but you have to check each and every line item individually and make paper notes to figure out where you stand on any given order, estimate, quote, etc.

OK, I know some of you are groaning about more stuff on the screen. QB would do what they do well and make it an option and customizable. Choose what you need. It will fit on a full screen just fine.

I feel the following can happen if this is implemented
1: Pending invoices can go away. I forget but I think this is a hold over from the early years.

2: The now redundant estimate screen can go away. (The sales order is highly customizable to any form you need)

I have quotes, work orders, pick list, packing list, etc versions. 2 clicks and the format is changed as needed for the purpose at hand. Sales orders also handles price levels where estimates do not (who knows why).

3: With these columns available I can now, at a glance, on one single screen, now or 3 months from now
See what items are on hand, on order, received, or Back ordered from the vendor.

I do not have to jump around from 3 or 4 screens to figure it out and still wonder if I have it all covered before creating a full or partial invoice and ship out the order.

Alternative 1:
Maybe this is the simplest way to implement the suggestion without having to wait another decade. A report is directly accessed from the current open sales order that shows all the above with drill down capabilities.

Alternative 2:
Not my favorite but the current pop up box could be used and add the missing details BUT still add the columns suggested and populate with check marks. This would take less space horizontally but the check marks would still tip you off as to which line item needs looked at without having to bounce around different screens and taking notes.

I have seen this type of layout in other programs since the DOS days so it's not an unknown mysterious deal.

If I missed anything feel free to speak up. Fine tune the idea or show me an alternative.

If you feel this has value, submit the idea to QB via the help file suggestion link. To keep it simple, state your case and include the address to this thread.

Thank you for your time
Dave