What type of computer do I need to run QuicPIC?
QuicPIC is a Windows program that will run on any Windows 98/ME/2000/NT/XP computer with a Pentium or better processor, 50 MB of disk space, and 128 MB of memory. Since QuicPIC performs PIC data processing tasks, the computer on which QuicPIC is installed needs an Internet connection.
What type of Internet connection do I need for QuicPIC?
Any Internet connection will do (for example, dialup, DSL, cable modem or T-1). Like all Internet based data processing, the faster the Internet connection, the faster QuicPIC will complete its tasks.
Does my computer need to be connected to the Internet all the time for QuicPIC to work?
No. QuicPIC requires an Internet connection only when it is performing PIC data processing tasks that require an Internet connection, such as submissions and retrieving Error Reports. QuicPIC also includes a PIC monitoring function that automatically checks on the status of your Ticket Number on PIC and downloads error reports that have not been retrieved previously. An "always on" Internet connection is useful for the PIC monitoring function.
Will QuicPIC work if we have a firewall or proxy server on our network?
Yes. If you were able connect to the PIC Web site with your current network configuration, you will be able to use QuicPIC with the same configuration. The Setup area of the QuicPIC program allows you to configure the program to work with your firewall or proxy server.
Will QuicPIC work for me if I use housing software from another vendor?
Yes. QuicPIC is a stand-alone program that works with any housing software system.
Does QuicPIC create the electronic file containing 50058 data that I submit to PIC?
No. Your current software system creates the electronic PIC submission file. QuicPIC picks up where most housing software leaves off. It thoroughly error-checks the files, automatically submits the files for you, and retrieves and stores your error reports in an easily accessible Ticket Table so you can track submissions and view the error reports at any time.
How does QuicPIC know what file to submit to PIC?
QuicPIC submits the file in the location on your computer system that you designate during the one-time Setup procedure in the program. Alternately, you can select the file location each time QuicPIC submits the file for you.
What happens to my submission file once QuicPIC submits it to PIC?
QuicPIC contains a database called the "Ticket Table" that stores your submission file statistics, such as the PIC ticket number and the number of records submitted. The Ticket Table also stores the PIC Error Reports that the program retrieves for you so you can view or print them whenever you want.
Can QuicPIC determine if my PIC submission file has errors?
Yes. QuicPIC contains a proprietary error-checking system to identify any 50058 records in your submission file that have either PIC field data errors or record match errors. QuicPIC error-checks all of the 50058 records in your submission file before the program submits the file to PIC. (There are over 670 field data errors and 700 possible record match errors that PIC checks for when you submit records. If any are found, PIC rejects the record.)
QuicPIC is the only program in the industry that checks for all possible 50058 data errors that PIC checks for. QuicPIC displays each error on screen, with detailed instructions on how to correct the errors, and you can print an error report. QuicPIC then removes the records with errors from the submission file and automatically submits the balance of the records to PIC. You can also print a list of the 50058 records that were submitted.
How can QuicPIC submit my files if the PIC Web site is password protected?
During the QuicPIC Setup procedure, you will enter your PIC user ID and password in a Setup file. Once you have entered them, QuicPIC will automatically log on to PIC, perform your file submission, and retrieve error reports and a number of PIC performance and research reports.
What happens to QuicPIC when my password expires on PIC?
PIC automatically "expires" your PIC password every 21 days. When QuicPIC logs on to PIC and your password has expired, you will see the same password expiration message screen that you see on PIC today. When you enter the new password, the QuicPIC program updates itself so it can automatically log on next time you use the program.
Do I need a Web browser (such as Microsoft Internet Explorer) with QuicPIC?
No. QuicPIC has its own Web browser that is dedicated to performing PIC data processing tasks.
Will I see the PIC Web site when QuicPIC is submitting files, retrieving error reports, or doing the other PIC data processing task it performs?
No. You will not see the PIC Web site when using QuicPIC to perform PIC data processing tasks. Then again, you don't need to see the PIC site since QuicPIC is automatically performing all the tasks you used to perform manually.
What about the HUD news that is periodically posted on the PIC home page?
Whenever you submit files or retrieve error reports with QuicPIC, the program downloads the HUD news posted on the PIC home page and displays that on the QuicPIC wizard screens so you can read the items while QuicPIC is automatically processing your data. This news also includes the links that HUD places in the news items. You can click on those links in the QuicPIC wizard as long as you have an active Internet connection.
If I don't see the PIC Web site, how do I know that my submission was completed?
When the PIC submission is completed by QuicPIC, the program confirms that the submission was successful with an on-screen message that displays the PIC Ticket Number returned by PIC for the submission. QuicPIC also stores the Ticket Number in a "Ticket Table" with an initial status indicator of "Open." You can view the Ticket Table and status indicators at any time, and print reports of those ticket records.
How do I know if I have downloaded the PIC Error Report for my Ticket Numbers?
The program automatically downloads your PIC error reports. When that happens, the Ticket Status is updated automatically in the Ticket Table with either a "Closed" status in the case of no errors or an "Open with errors" status in the case of errors found. The program also stores the PIC Error Report so you can view or print it any time you want.
Once QuicPIC has submitted my files to PIC, how do I know when to check for my Error Reports?
The program automatically monitors the PIC site for any Ticket Number that doesn't have a downloaded Error Report. When the Error Report is available, QuicPIC automatically connects to the PIC site, downloads the reports, and notifies you by e-mail that the reports are ready to view and print. If there were no errors reported by PIC, QuicPIC marks the Ticket Status on the Ticket Table as "Closed."
Can I save downloaded PIC Error Reports to view and print at a later date?
Yes. When QuicPIC downloads the Error Report, the program stores the reports in a database on your computer so you can view them and print them at any time.
What Error Report formats does QuicPIC download from the PIC site?
QuicPIC downloads most PIC reports in XML. The program then converts this to HTML in the case of the Error Report. As an alternative to the standard PIC Error Report, the program also includes an Enhanced Error Report with "plain English" error descriptions that indicate what you need to do to correct the error.
How can QuicPIC help me manage my PIC processing and maintain compliance with 50058 data filing requirements?
PIC makes available a number of helpful data reports that keep you informed of the status of your PIC data processing. For example, the Delinquency and Late Re-exam reports for Public Housing and Section 8 programs, and the Late HQS report for Section 8, provide specific metrics about the status of your PIC submissions. The MTCS Transaction Report provides a list of all 50058 records currently on file in PIC. QuicPIC will also access for you a summary 50058 record for the PIC Viewer and perform a PHA Query based on a SSN you enter in the program. QuicPIC automatically downloads those reports to your computer.
Perhaps the most helpful QuicPIC report is the PIC Status Report. The PIC Status Report compares your current tenant data to the 50058 data in PIC and prints a list of the tenant records with errors. This report also calculates your TRUE submission rates for Public Housing and Section 8.
Can I get an accurate PIC submission rate using QuicPIC?
Yes. The PIC Status Report on QuicPIC performs a live comparison of your tenant data to current PIC data and calculates a true PIC submission rate any time you need it.
Will there be any reason to log onto the PIC site directly to manage my 50058 data submission after I install QuicPIC?
Not that we can see.
What if I want to log on to PIC after QuicPIC is installed?
No problem. Should you choose to, you can still log on to PIC using your user ID and password after QuicPIC is installed. You can even submit files and retrieve error reports from PIC the "old way" if you choose.
What happens to QuicPIC if I lose my Internet connection while QuicPIC is submitting files or retrieving Error Reports?
During the automatic submission process, QuicPIC displays a Submission Wizard that shows the progress of each step in the process. If you lose your connection during this process, the program will pop up an error message indicating that you lost the connection. You will simply reconnect and start the submission again.
What happens if the PIC Web site is off-line when I try to submit files or retrieve Error Reports using QuicPIC?
QuicPIC displays a Submission Wizard during the automatic submission process and a Error Report Retrieval Wizard during the retrieval process. Both Wizards display the progress of each step in the respective processes. If the PIC Web site is offline during this process, the program will pop up an error message indicating that the PIC site is unavailable. You will simply start the Wizard process again at a later time.
If you are using the PIC monitoring function of QuicPIC, you will receive daily e-mail updates on the status of the PIC site and changes HUD makes to PIC.