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Decision Challenge:
Choosing Best-Fit
Accounting Software
Don’t get sidetracked in the search for the right products.
BY: STEVE ANTILL
When contractors decide they need new accounting
software, the Internet is usually the first place
they begin their search. But do a Google search on
“construction accounting software” and hundreds of options
will appear—accounting software that does estimating;
accounting systems that do estimating, accounting, and
project management; and project management systems that do
estimating and accounting.
The construction software industry has reached a point
where many vendors are trying to be everything to everyone.
Theoretically, this is ideal. After all, who wouldn’t want a one-stop
shop for all technology tools?
Realistically, though, every construction business is unique,
and an all-in-one product
may not be flexible
enough. An estimating
module built into an
accounting system, for
example, may not work
for a specialty trade
contractor since the
estimating tool is too
general. The real question
is: When looking to
replace an accounting
system because it is too
generic to meet the
required needs, why
consider an all-in-one
system that was not
designed with the specific
business or trade in mind?
Preparation Is Key
So what is the best advice for new technology shoppers? Before
taking any other steps, the company should develop a plan and
stick to it. The best plans, by the way, are those that include
input from all employees who will use the software or who may
require information from the system.
When shopping for new accounting software, contractors
need to prioritize their wish lists. The “must-have” list includes
features and functions the company cannot do without.
Depending on the company, this list may include American
Institute of Architects (AIA) billings, work in process (WIP)
reports, certified payrolls, customizable report writers, and so
on. Beyond must-have items, shoppers should identify items
they could live without and, finally, those they simply do
not need.
Implementation
Companies often overlook functionality when shopping
for construction accounting solutions. For example, why
purchase an accounting system that includes a built-in, canned
estimating module if the estimating module is too generic
and may never get
implemented? Wouldn’t
it make more sense to
buy an industry-specific,
third-party estimating
software product that
will integrate with the
new accounting system,
so the contractor can
benefit from the best of
both worlds? On top of
needing to be prepared
for a conversion,
companies need to make
sure the feature sets of
the new system will work
for them.
Wowed by cool, yet
impractical features.
Failure to plan.
Unrealistic expectations. These are just some of the reasons
companies end up with a construction accounting application
that offers them limited benefits. Overbuying is something
companies often regret, and yet it happens because they get
in over their heads and fail to focus on their true needs. It
all comes down to one basic purchasing principle: Don’t get
sidetracked. Buy only what is really needed and what can
realistically be used and implemented.
Steve Antill is West Coast regional sales manager for Foundation Software,
developer of FOUNDATION for Windows construction accounting, project
management, and scheduling software. For more information, call 800-246-0800,
e-mail santill@foundationsoft.com, or visit www.foundationsoft.com.
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