Masonry Magazine May 2011 Page. 39
Fast, reliable customer support is
Fast, reliable customer support is especially critical for accounting software, because an unnecessary delay can affect more than just productivity.
Problem: Your vendor/support team doesn't understand your industry.
Solution: No matter how good a system is - or how easy it is to use there are bound to be times when users will have questions or run into problems. Fast, reliable customer support is especially critical for accounting software because an unnecessary delay (in payroll, billing and receivables, for example) can affect more than just productivity. Since software support varies greatly from vendor to vendor, it's important for contractors to consider the company behind the product.
There are at least six key features that improve the quality of construction accounting software support:
1.) Live customer support
2.) A variety of support options
3.) Fast response time
4.) Product/industry experts on staff
5.) Ongoing product updates and enhancements
6.) Ongoing education opportunities.
Ironically, the characteristics that make off-the-shelf accounting software products so appealing to small contractors are what that actually create problems as a company expands. The software's limited system features, which make them easier to use, and their limitations to industry-specific features, which make them cheaper to buy, are often the largest roadblocks to accounting efficiency and productivity for growing contractors. Converting to a more sophisticated, construction-specific accounting application may be just the remedy your company needs to build your business higher and stronger. IMAS
Fred Ode is CEO and chairman of Foundation Software.
www.masonrymagazine.com
With a complete installation system comes complete confidence.
Introducing new installation solutions for: Manufactured Stone, Masonry Veneer, Veneer Panels, Division 4
For over 40 years, Custom Building Products has been manufacturing high quality, innovative building materials for the commercial and residential markets.
TVIS features:
• 4 premium mortars
• 7 pointing mortar colors
• Veneer waterproofing membrane
• Masonry mortar admix
• Penetrating masonry sealer
TVIS
Thin Veneer Installation System
www.customTVIS.com
800-272-8786
ARCAT BEM
READER SERVICE #278
May 2011
MASONRY 37
tion with job costing, general ledger, and other modules. This creates a single entry system. Good systems will offer users the ability to minimize data entry with default calculations, print on blank forms or directly on pre-printed forms, make adjustments to prior invoices, calculate retainage, define and track sales and use tax, add change orders, and update AIA billings automatically with each application. Construction-specific accounting software allows for several types of billings including AIA billings, time and material billings, unit price, percentage of completion, service, and free-form invoices.