This page contains a list of known problems for DEPACT Version 2.2.1.
PROBLEM:
You cannot change the payroll amounts on the Student Verify Payroll directly on the "browse" screen, although you can do this for Hourly Labor, Regular Labor, and Salary Verify Payroll.
WORK AROUND:
This problem has been fixed in version 2.3.0. Updating to version 2.3.0 will correct this problem.
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PROBLEM:
You cannot "Add Payroll Only" and SAVE the record on any Verify Payroll. An error message is displayed that says "PLEASE ENTER A VALID STUDENT/LABOR/GRAD_ASST/SALARY EMPLOYEE...".
WORK AROUND:
This problem has been fixed in version 2.3.0. Updating to version 2.3.0 will correct this problem.
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PROBLEM:
The Labor Distribution Reports in DocView are now sorted by account number, object code, and employee name. The DEPACT Verify Payroll screens and reports display the payroll record by account number, employee name, and object code.
WORK AROUND:
The DEPACT Verify Payroll screens and reports will be sorted by account number, object code, and employee name.
This problem has been fixed in version 2.3.0. Updating to version 2.3.0 will correct this problem.
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PROBLEM:
The Student and Labor payrolls have been combined on the same bi-weekly payroll.
This problem has been fixed in version 2.2.1.P. Updating to version 2.3.0 will correct this problem.
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PROBLEM:
DEPACT encumbers graduate assistant fringes incorrectly for fall and spring semesters - they are encumbered for an extra 1/2 month of fringes.
WORK AROUND:
This problem has been fixed in version 2.2.1.P. Updating to version 2.3.0 will correct this problem.
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PROBLEM:
DEPACT "forms" have been updated with the recent change to the MSU affirmative action statement.
WORK AROUND:
This problem has been fixed in version 2.2.1.P. Updating to version 2.3.0 will correct this problem.
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This page contains a list of known problems for DEPACT Version 2.1.4.
Download Version 2.3.0 for the corrections.
PROBLEM:
Social Security Numbers must be removed from Depact data tables because in November 2005, MSU announced a new Social Security Privacy Policy in response to the Michigan Social Security Number Privacy Act. Social security numbers in DEPACT will be converted from 9 digits to 6 asterisks and the last 3 digits only (a social security number of 123-45-6789 will be converted to ******789).
WORK AROUND:
This problem has been fixed in version 2.2.1. Updating to version 2.3.0 will correct this problem.
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PROBLEM:
The DEPACT fringe calculation for Research Associates has changed effective 07/01/2006. DEPACT will calculate the salary fringe encumbrance and the payroll fringe amount at the same rate as Lecturers and Instructors (Asst., Resident, and Intern) instead of the new reduced rate ($8600 rather than $5500).
WORK AROUND:
Use the "Edit Current" function in DEPACT and enter the correct fringe amount from the labor distribution sheet.
This problem has been fixed in version 2.2.1. Updating to version 2.3.0 will correct this problem.
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PROBLEM:
The DEPACT Verify Payroll function can take a significant amount of time to complete (depending on the number of employees you are verifying) after you have selected the "Update Payroll Trans" top-line menu option.
This process has been improved by adding an index on deleted records which reduces the time it takes to complete this process by a factor of 10 (1/10 of the time it used to take).
WORK AROUND:
This problem has been fixed in version 2.2.1. Updating to version 2.3.0 will correct this problem.
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PROBLEM:
The payroll fringe amounts that DEPACT calculates for the Verify Payroll function can differ from the fringe amounts on the labor distribution sheet. The difference is because of pre-FICA deductions (Health/Dependent Care, parking, etc.) for the employee that are not known to DEPACT. Therefore, a majority of the fringe amounts must be editted manually, one at a time.
This process has been improved by allowing the operator to change the fringe amount directly on the "browse" screen, instead of having to use the "Actions/Edit Current" option for each fringe record.
WORK AROUND:
This problem has been fixed in version 2.2.1. Updating to version 2.3.0 will correct this problem.
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PROBLEM:
The fringe encumbrance amounts that DEPACT calculates for the Personnel Appointments can differ from the actual fringe encumbrance amounts. The difference is because of pre-FICA deductions (Health/Dependent Care, parking, etc.) for the employee that are not known to DEPACT. Therefore, DEPACT encumbers too much fringe for each employee. This can add up for a particular account number if there are many employees paid on that account. At fiscal year end, the remaining fringe encumbrance balance can be a significant amount.
This process has been improved by allowing the operator to enter a "fringe override" percent on each appointment. This "fringe override percent" will be used to calculate the appointment's fringe encumbrance amount rather than the usual SI process.
Set the "Fringe" code on the account number line to "OVER" to be able to enter the "fringe override" percent.
Set the "Fringe" code on the account number line to "SI" to use the SI process for computing fringe encumbrance amounts.
WORK AROUND:
This problem has been fixed in version 2.2.1. Updating to version 2.3.0 will correct this problem.
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This page contains a list of known problems for DEPACT Version 2.1.3.
Download Version 2.3.0 for the corrections.
PROBLEM:
The DEPACT fringe calculation for Graduate Assistants on payrolls starting 02/15/2006 is incorrect when using the Personnel Verify Payroll function. The SI fringe charges for Spring semester are being calculated as zero.
WORK AROUND:
Use the "Add Payroll Only" function in DEPACT and enter the correct fringe amount from the payroll distribution sheet.
This problem has been fixed in version 2.1.4. Updating to version 2.3.0 will correct this problem.
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PROBLEM:
The DEPACT "Backup" and "Archive" functions recognize a ZipDrive as a floppy disk drive and will not allow a backup or archive to that ZipDrive.
WORK AROUND:
Use your local PC "C:" Hard drive or "A:" floppy drive instead.
This problem has been fixed in version 2.1.4. Updating to version 2.3.0 will correct this problem.
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PROBLEM:
Only one person at a time can generate or verify payroll. The second person to attempt to generate or verify the same "type" of payroll (student or labor/grad/salary) will get the error message "File access is denied".
WORK AROUND:
This problem has been fixed in version 2.1.4. Updating to version 2.3.0 will correct this problem.
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PROBLEM:
DEPACT reports that print the transaction description would not print the entire 40 character description, but would truncate the description if there was not enough room on the report to print the entire description.
WORK AROUND:
The reports have been changed to print the entire transaction description by using additional lines on the report.
This problem has been fixed in version 2.1.4. Updating to version 2.3.0 will correct this problem.
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PROBLEM:
A new job classification has been created for Research Associates. The jobgroup is 126210 and the object code is 002.
WORK AROUND:
Use the jobgroup "Unranked Faculty" in DEPACT for Research Associates. This will assign object code 002 to these employees.
This problem has been fixed in version 2.1.4. Updating to version 2.3.0 will correct this problem.
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PROBLEM:
The "FICA Max" amount used in the SI fringe calculation has been changed by the IRS. The "FICA Max" amount in DEPACT is $94,200.00 for 2006.
WORK AROUND:
Add a new SI fringe rate record with the effective date of 01/01/2006. Change the "FICA Max" amount to $94,200.00. All the other amounts and percents should remain the same.
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This page contains a list of known problems for DEPACT Version 2.1.2.
Download Version 2.3.0 for the corrections.
PROBLEM:
The DEPACT fringe calculation for Graduate Assistants on payrolls starting 09/15/2005 is incorrect when using the Personnel Verify Payroll function. The SI charges for Fall semester will be taken in four equal payments, i.e., taken in September, October November and December. The SI charges for Spring semester will be taken in four equal payments, i.e., taken in February, March, April and May. There will be no fringes charges taken in the month of January. The correct fringe amounts are $189.50 for object code 015 and $709.50 for object code 018.
WORK AROUND:
Correct the fringe amount as calculated by DEPACT to agree with the actual amount on the payroll distribution sheet.
This problem has been fixed in version 2.1.3. Updating to version 2.3.0 will correct this problem.
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PROBLEM:
The Personnel Form "Student Change of Status Request" does not allow the user to select the student appointment that is the "Current Status", but picks the latest appointment.
WORK AROUND:
The user should be able to select the student appointment that is being updated.
This problem has been fixed in version 2.1.3. Updating to version 2.3.0 will correct this problem.
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PROBLEM:
The Archive, Backup, and Export functions located on the "Maintenance" menu allow the user to select the current Depact executables or data folder as the location of the archived, backup or exported data files.
WORK AROUND:
The user should NOT be able to select the current Depact executables or data folder as the location of the archived, backup or exported data files.
This problem has been fixed in version 2.1.3. Updating to version 2.3.0 will correct this problem.
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PROBLEM:
The accounting report "Monthly Account Reconciliation" only prints correctly for the last month that you have reconciled to the A17 fund ledgers. If you run the report for any prior month, the totals are not the correct totals as they should have been at that time.
WORK AROUND:
The user should be able to run the report for any prior month that has been reconciled.
This problem has been fixed in version 2.1.3. Updating to version 2.3.0 will correct this problem.
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PROBLEM:
The Personnel Form "Student Change of Status Request" prints the "wrong" information in the Current Status column on the printed form when you press the PRINT + ADD button. The changes input on the screen are saved to the database and then the form is printed. The program instead should print the form first and then save the changes to the database. The program is doing these actions in the wrong order. The result is that the form is printed incorrectly.
WORK AROUND:
Do NOT use the PRINT + ADD button. Use the PRINT button first and then the ADD COS button.
This problem has been fixed in version 2.1.3. Updating to version 2.3.0 will correct this problem.
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PROBLEM:
The Personnel Form "Student Application" has been changed by the Student Employment Office. The student signature box and the web site address have been changed. The DEPACT form does NOT agree with the actual paper form.
WORK AROUND:
This problem has been fixed in version 2.1.3. Updating to version 2.3.0 will correct this problem.
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PROBLEM:
The Staff Personal Data screen does NOT check for duplicate Social Security numbers when changing the SSN of a person.
WORK AROUND:
The user should be careful not to duplicate Social Security numbers of staff employees.
This problem has been fixed in version 2.1.3. Updating to version 2.3.0 will correct this problem.
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PROBLEM:
If you delete an account from the Account Master Listing, you CANNOT recall the account.
WORK AROUND:
The user should be able to delete and then recall an account.
This problem has been fixed in version 2.1.3. Updating to version 2.3.0 will correct this problem.
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PROBLEM:
A Funding Source button was added to the Account Header screen for adding/changing the funding source for an account.
WORK AROUND:
The adding/changing the funding source for an account was improved.
This problem has been fixed in version 2.1.3. Updating to version 2.3.0 will correct this problem.
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PROBLEM:
While verifying a payroll, if you do the "Add Payroll Only" process with a negative salary amount, then the system generated fringe amount is incorrect.
WORK AROUND:
The Specific Identification fringe calculation is not handling the computation of fringes correctly when the salary amount is negative (a salary correction).
This problem has been fixed in version 2.1.3. Updating to version 2.3.0 will correct this problem.
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PROBLEM:
The Account Header screen has been changed to display the Depact calculated overhead amount (based on unposted transactions), and the estimated overhead (based on the ledger balance).
WORK AROUND:
Description of new data on the Account Header screen: (displayed in the lower right corner of the screen)
If overhead is not charged on an account (the Indirect Rate is zero), then these two fields will be zero.
This problem has been fixed in version 2.1.3. Updating to version 2.3.0 will correct this problem.
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This page contains a list of known problems for DEPACT Version 2.1.1.
Download Version 2.3.0 for the corrections.
PROBLEM:
You cannot change the account type on an account with transactions.
You cannot change the budget categories or object codes on the four system account types GRANT, GENERAL FUND, REVOLVING, OTHER.
WORK AROUND:
This problem has been fixed in version 2.1.2. Updating to version 2.3.0 will correct this problem.
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PROBLEM:
Verifying Student or Labor Payroll for a paydate which is earlier than the month-end date of the A17 ledgers that you reconciling will cause the accounting summary transactions for the payroll that you are verifying to be deleted.
For example: You are reconciling Depact to the March 2005 A17 fund ledgers. Before you finish all the accounts to be reconciled you realize that you are missing some or all of your student or labor payroll transactions. So you exit from the EFL reconciliation and go to verify the Student or Labor payroll for one of the weeks in March 2005.
After you select the paydate for the payroll, you will see one or both of the following messages:
If you continue, and you perform the "Update Payroll Trans" function, the accounting summary transactions for this payroll will be deleted.
WORK AROUND:
This problem has been fixed in version 2.1.2. Updating to version 2.3.0 will correct this problem.
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PROBLEM:
The Add/Modify Vendor screen does not allow an edit of the "Vendor" name field. When you press the "Save" button after changing the vendor name field on the screen, you get the error message "End of File Encountered".
WORK AROUND:
Press the "Ignore" or "Yes" button to continue. The vendor name will NOT be changed.
This problem has been fixed in version 2.1.2. Updating to version 2.3.0 will correct this problem.
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PROBLEM:
On the "Staff Appointment" screen, the "Jobgroup" drop-down list box does not include the selection "Non-Union" (object code 006, jobclass 111300).
WORK AROUND:
Select the jobgroup "Temp" instead. The object code 006 will be correct, even if the jobclass is not. The jobclass value is only used as information and does not effect any calculations.
This problem has been fixed in version 2.1.2. Updating to version 2.3.0 will correct this problem.
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PROBLEM:
The "Staff Appointment" screen calculates an incorrect fringe encumbrance amount when the employee's annual salary exceeds the maximum FICA amount ($87,900 for 2004, $90,000 for 2005) and the employee has a summer school overload appointment (jobgroup "Smr Schl").
WORK AROUND:
This problem has been fixed in version 2.1.2. Updating to version 2.3.0 will correct this problem.
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PROBLEM:
When you use the "Update Current" menu option to create a new graduate assistant appointment from an existing appointment, the 018 fringe paid amount is not set to zero.
WORK AROUND:
This problem has been fixed in version 2.1.2. Updating to version 2.3.0 will correct this problem.
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PROBLEM:
The Reimbursement Form requires the user to input a Z-PID for direct deposit reimbursement. Students do not have a Z-PID and thus cannot receive direct deposit reimbursement.
A student's NET-ID is allowed by the Controller's Office for the paper form.
WORK AROUND:
This problem has been fixed in version 2.1.2. Updating to version 2.3.0 will correct this problem.
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This page contains a list of known problems for DEPACT Version 2.1.0.
Download Version 2.3.0 for the corrections.
PROBLEM:
The Staff Appointment screen does not allow entry of the "Misc. Pay" amount. When the "Pay Rate" field is zero, the cursor should stop in the "Misc. Pay" field. The cursor does not enter this field, but skips over it.
WORK AROUND:
This problem has been fixed in version 2.1.1. Updating to version 2.3.0 will correct this problem.
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PROBLEM:
The Reimbursement Voucher Form does not print the Depact Department ID on the paper form.
WORK AROUND:
This problem has been fixed in version 2.1.1. Updating to version 2.3.0 will correct this problem.
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PROBLEM:
There are four new Payroll Job Groups/Job Classes missing from the Payroll module. These are IATSE 274 OnCall/110290, FOP Sergeants/113390, Off Campus-CT/111210, and Off Campus-Salary/111220 (see Staff Appointment screen, field "Jobgroup").
WORK AROUND:
This problem has been fixed in version 2.1.1. Updating to version 2.3.0 will correct this problem.
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PROBLEM:
There are several problems with the Monthly Account Reconciliation report: (1) a negative indirect cost amount prints as a positive number, (2) the wrong sub-account prints on the second and following pages of the report, (3) the summary box on the last page of the report includes unposted payroll amounts in the Total Posted Expenses amount.
WORK AROUND:
This problem has been fixed in version 2.1.1. Updating to version 2.3.0 will correct this problem.
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PROBLEM:
Employees that are appointed for less than nine months should be charged fringes at the part-time percentage rate of 7.7% if they are paid on a grand-parented account (exempt from SI fringes) no matter what their percent employed is. These employees receive no benefits.
WORK AROUND:
Correct the fringe amount as calculated by DEPACT to agree with the actual amount on the payroll distribution sheet.
Use the fringe code of "TEMP" on the employee's appointment to assign the part-time percentage rate of 7.7% on a grand-parented account (exempt from SI fringes).
This problem has been fixed in version 2.1.1. Updating to version 2.3.0 will correct this problem.
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PROBLEM:
When you are using the ADD EMPLOYEE option during the VERIFY PAYROLL process for REGULAR LABOR, GRAD ASST, or SALARY, you get an error message "Record is out of range" when you press the CALCULATE ENCUMBRANCE or SAVE button to save the new employee's appointment.
WORK AROUND:
Press the "Ignore" or "Yes" button to continue. The employee person and appointment records will be added and a payroll record will be created despite the error message.
This problem has been fixed in version 2.1.1. Updating to version 2.3.0 will correct this problem.
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PROBLEM:
When you are using the ADD EMPLOYEE option during either the GENERATE PAYROLL process for HOURLY LABOR or the VERIFY PAYROLL process for REGULAR LABOR, GRAD ASST, or SALARY, you get an error message "Variable 'MMAXFICA' is not found" when you press the SAVE button to save the new employee's appointment.
WORK AROUND:
Press the "Ignore" or "Yes" button to continue. The employee person and appointment records will be added and a payroll record will be created despite the error message.
This problem has been fixed in version 2.1.1. Updating to version 2.3.0 will correct this problem.
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PROBLEM:
When you are editing Hourly Labor payroll records during the GENERATE PAYROLL process, you get an error message "Variable 'MTITLE' is not found".
WORK AROUND:
Press the "Ignore" or "Yes" button to continue. The person that you have selected to pay is not an Hourly Labor employee. You should check that the person is set up in the appointment record as an Hourly Labor employee ("Use Time Card" should be selected).
This problem has been fixed in version 2.1.1. Updating to version 2.3.0 will correct this problem.
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PROBLEM:
When you are editing Salary payroll records for Summer School Overload appointments during the VERIFY PAYROLL process, you get an error message "Variable 'MEFFDATE' is not found", or "Variable 'MENDDATE' is not found" when you press the "Save" button.
WORK AROUND:
Press the "Ignore" or "Yes" button to continue. You may have to press "Ignore" or "Yes" multiple times (as many as a dozen or more times). In some cases, pressing the "Ignore" button causes DEPACT to abend. If DEPACT abends/crashes, contact the A.I.S. Help and Support Center right away.
Contact the A.I.S. Help and Support Center at 353-4420 ext. 311. Let them know you have a DEPACT problem with Summer School Overload. A Depact technical support person will assist to update to release 2.1.1.
This problem has been fixed in version 2.1.1. Updating to version 2.3.0 will correct this problem.
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PROBLEM:
When you are editing an Academic/Support Staff Employee record and change the person's name or social security number, you get an error message "File is in use".
WORK AROUND:
Press the "Ignore" or "Yes" button to continue. You will then see on "Open" dialog box. Press the "Cancel" button. Then you will get a second error message "No table is open in the current work area". Press the "Ignore" or "Yes" button to continue. The employee person and appointment records will be updated despite the error messages.
Contact the A.I.S. Help and Support Center at 353-4420 ext. 311. Let them know you have a DEPACT problem with changing a person's name or social security number in the Personnel module. A Depact technical support person will assist to update to release 2.1.1.
This problem has been fixed in version 2.1.1. Updating to version 2.3.0 will correct this problem.
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PROBLEM:
There are several errors in the calculation of fringe amounts that show up during the VERIFY PAYROLL process.
Temporary employees (object code 013) that are paid on grand-parented accounts (exempt from SI fringes) should be charged fringes at the part-time percentage rate of 7.7%. They are being charged fringes at the full-time percentage rate of 36.1% if their percent employed is more than 50% employed.
Summer School Overload appointments (jobclass 126400) that are paid on grand-parented accounts (exempt from SI fringes) should be charged fringes at the FICA percentage rate of 7.65% only. They are being charged fringes at the full-time percentage rate of 36.1% if their percent employed is more than 50% employed.
Employees whose annual salary is more than the FICA maximum of $87,900 and who are paid on more than one account are encumbered for fringes at a larger amount than should be. Each account is charged the FICA amount as if it were the only account (at a 100% rate) rather than each account being charged only its percentage (50/50, 75/25, etc.) of the total.
WORK AROUND:
Correct the fringe amount as calculated by DEPACT to agree with the actual amount on the payroll distribution sheet.
This problem has been fixed in version 2.1.1. Updating to version 2.3.0 will correct this problem.
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PROBLEM:
When you run the "Calculate Encumbrances" in the Personnel module, the process gets in a loop and does not finish.
WORK AROUND:
This loop is caused by more than one entry in the Academic/Support Staff Employee records for the same person - one record flagged as "Active" and one or more records flagged as "not Active".
Contact the A.I.S. Help and Support Center at 353-4420 ext. 311. Let them know you have a DEPACT problem with running "Calculate Encumbrances" in the Personnel module. A Depact technical support person will assist to update to release 2.1.1.
This problem has been fixed in version 2.1.1. Updating to version 2.3.0 will correct this problem.
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PROBLEM:
When you are editing an account header and adding a new funding source, you get an error message "Variable 'NEWREC' is not found" when you press the "Save" button.
WORK AROUND:
Press the "Ignore" or "Yes" button to continue. The new funding source will be added.
This problem has been fixed in version 2.1.1. Updating to version 2.3.0 will correct this problem.
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PROBLEM:
When you are editing an account header and adding a new funding source, it is possible to add a funding source that already exist, thus making a duplicate.
WORK AROUND:
This problem has been fixed in version 2.1.1. Updating to version 2.3.0 will correct this problem.
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This page contains a list of known problems for DEPACT Version 2.0.0 and 2.0.1.
Download Version 2.3.0 for the corrections.
PROBLEM:
When you are Updating to Depact release 2.0.1, you get an error message "Cannot create file". If you press the "Ignore" button, the update process continues, but the Depact software has NOT been updated. If you press the "Cancel" button the update process ends and is NOT completed.
WORK AROUND:
Press the "Cancel" button to end the update process. Contact the A.I.S. Help and Support Center at 353-4420 ext. 311. Let them know you have a DEPACT Problem installing release 2.0.1. A Depact technical support person will assisting to work around this problem and complete the update process.
This problem has been fixed in version 2.1.0. Updating to version 2.3.0 will correct this problem.
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PROBLEM:
When you press the Save/Cancel button on the Student Employment History screen, you get an error message "Variable 'OVH' is not found".
WORK AROUND:
Press the "YES" button to continue.
This problem has been fixed in version 2.1.0. Updating to version 2.3.0 will correct this problem.
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PROBLEM:
For Graduate Assistants, the fringe code "NONE" works like a Non-General Fund fringe rate for encumbrances instead of calculating NO fringes.
WORK AROUND:
This problem has been fixed in version 2.1.0. Updating to version 2.3.0 will correct this problem.
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This page contains a list of known problems for DEPACT Version 1.60 and 1.60.013.
Download Version 2.3.0 for the corrections.
PROBLEM:
Department Function Code Totals Report gives you error 12 and error 1925 if you select a specific function code.
WORK AROUND:
When you select a specific function code for the Department Function Code Total Report, respond "Yes" to error code 12 and error code 1925 to continue, then enter function code and run the report.
This problem has been fixed in version 2.0.0. Updating to version 2.3.0 will correct this problem.
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PROBLEM:
The text is difficult/impossible to read when viewing reports on the screen. This will happen if you are running Windows NT as your operating system.
WORK AROUND:
Increasing your video resolution to 1024x768 or higher should yield satisfactory print preview quality.
This problem has been fixed in version 2.0.0. Updating to version 2.3.0 will correct this problem.
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PROBLEM:
When Using Depact's Backup, Archive or Archive Restore process you get the message:
"The name specified is not recognized as an internal or External command, operable program or batch file."
You are using the Windows NT version 3.1, 3.5 or 3.51 .
WORK AROUND:
This problem has been fixed in version 2.0.0. Updating to version 2.3.0 will correct this problem.
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PROBLEM:
Strange Fonts appearing in reports or *********** in place of numbers in reports.
WORK AROUND:
The FoxPrint font was not installed. The font needs to be on the computer that you are using when printing.
Download Foxprint font.
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PROBLEM:
"Invalid Path or File NAME....." message when working in personnel section.
WORK AROUND:
C:\TEMP folder is missing. Create this folder. It must be in the root directory.
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