Don't be confused when you hear QuickBooks and ERP system in the same sentence. QuickBooks Enterprise is not to be confused with QuickBooks Pro and Premier.
The QuickBooks Enterprise Solution has been an affordable solution for our customers this year. It really is a mini ERP system that supports financial, manufacturing, supply chain, professional services, inventory, funding, time entry, and many other work flow processes. It has been a great economical solution for our customers' pocket books. The renewal fees are low and the software is affordable. QBES Brochure_10.pdf
(You recall that last week we referred to the definition of an ERP solution. )
The Intuit Solution Provider Program has enabled DataCraft to help grow local small and mid-market businesses through the sale, implementation and service of Intuit solutions in the manufacturing, distribution, professional services and not-for-profit industry segments. The implementations helped the owners of company's examine their accounting services, business work flow for the software and payroll service outsourcing.
The mistake that is made with QuickBooks Enterprise (QBES) is that companies hire an individual/company that is capable of installing the software but does not have QBES application set up and implementation knowledge; or the company/individual are accountants who may have some knowledge of set up but are lacking in the experience to fully understand the work flow of the software. Be careful!
Since 2008, DataCraft Inc. has been an Intuit®Solution Provider serving the Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin area. Intuit Inc., the publisher of QuickBooks®, is the leading provider of business and financial management solutions for small and mid-sized businesses, consumers and accounting professionals.
Next week .... what is overlooked in most QuickBook Enterprise implementations?
Find the right small business Enterprise Resource Planning ERP software system and accounting software for your business. Download the Software Selection Guide.
At the risk of sounding cliché, can you believe how fast this year flew by us?
We only have a few days until 2010 is in full swing. In just a few short days, companies will be faced with getting ready for the New year while wrapping up 2009.
The big question we get from area businesses it "How do I handle my accounting software?"
Many accounting packages allow a "preliminary closing" of last year's files while permitting transactions to be entered in the New Year. Here are some tips to help in the transition to the New Year:
- Back up last year's data files.
- Review your software's manual for year-end activities.
- Hold your prior year data files open until ALL transactions have been entered in the system - including entries for income taxes.
- Be cautious when entering transactions - verify that you are in the proper year.
- When in doubt, ask for help.
Closing out one year while trying to prepare for another doesn't have to be confusing. Just follow the steps above and you'll be able to close out 2009 while prospering in 2010.
We receive this question a lot from our current and prospective ERP system clients. First let's define ERP and then let's discuss the key issues overlooked and the social issues surrounding ERP implementation.
The term ERP (enterprise resource planning) applications used to refer to the manufacturing industry. Currently, ERP systems cover the core functions of a business whether they are manufacturing, non-manufacturing, not-for-profit or government. ERP system software can apply to a broad spectrum of industry segments.
ERP packages usually encompass accounting (or financial functions), payroll and production functions (manufacturing, supply chain, job cost, warehouse management, inventory management, estimates, human resources, service fees, sales order, CRM, etc.). Ideally, an ERP system delivers a single database for the data in all of the software modules. There are many free web site services out there that will evaluate various ERP systems for you. Remember, those services also receive advertisement dollars. DataCraft has performed an evaluation within our software selection guide.
Some key issues companies or executive committees overlook when evaluating an ERP implementation:
- What is the skill level of my existing team in regards to software?
- What resources will be required from my team for the implementation?
- What are our expectations for testing and going live with the new software?
- Is it cost effective to perform a data conversion? Options -- only bring over critical customer data and open transactions. Refer to all history in the old database.
- ERP systems do not have to be expensive. There are plenty of economical ERP software systems out there that range in price from $3,000 - $25,000.
Social issues (yes, I said social issues) uncovered when implementing an ERP system:
- There is no "magical" software. If you have problems with your current team members or departments working in harmony, you will continue to have those problems. Fierce conversations are needed here.
- Set up of work flow in the software is critical, but don't make it too complicated!! Keep it simple!
- Don't spend a lot of money on a customization because that is the way you've always done it and even though it's inefficient you are going to keep on doing it that way. Nuts!
What ERP Software system is best for your company? Download the Software Selection Guide
Unless your company is strictly service based, someone in the business is managing some kind of inventory. Or are they? Do you really know the answers to the following questions:
- Do we have accurate accounts of all products, materials, or parts?
- What is the physical location of each inventory item?
- Are we ordering appropriate quantities of inventory to accommodate future production and sales?
- Do we have any inventory that has been sitting on the shelves for years - "It was a really good buy!"
- How are returned items handled within inventory?
- What inventory items generate the most profit?
Many small to medium sized companies struggle with their inventory tracking software. Some businesses maintain procedures for tracking inventory that are labor intensive. Usually that "labor" is diverted from other revenue-producing activities such as manufacturing, retail sales, and service calls.
What inventory questions do you have? Knowing what information your business needs about its inventory is the first step in inventory management.
Take time to determine your needs; you will drive money to your bottom line with proper inventory management!
Want more information about inventory management? Download the Demand Planner white paper
Last month, Microsoft discontinued their Office Accounting product and a lot of small businesses where left without accounting software to run their company.
A recent Business Week article by Gene Marks highlights Microsoft Office Accounting and the story of a business owner of who was one of the many that purchased the software and ultimately lost out. Marks highlights the importance of businesses knowing about the technology that's available to them before they make the investment. 
Lately we've been getting a lot of questions about software add-ons and accounting application service providers (also known as ASP's), what they are and how they can help with their business accounting.
An accounting ASP is an Internet service that provides business accounting software on line. ASP accounting services range from specific functions, to fully integrated packages.
There are three types of accounting ASP's:
- Completely Web-based packages
- Desktop packages redesigned for Internet use.
- Partial accounting applications - on line bill pay, for example.
Monthly fees typically are a flat Internet access rate plus a fee per accounting module - accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, etc. Charges typically run anywhere from $10 to $500 per month.
If you are considering an ASP for your business accounting, make sure you weigh these factors.
There are some distinct advantages of ASP's including:
- Allows remote access to financial information.
- Cost savings over in-house software.
- Useful for businesses with multiple locations.
With that said, there are also significant disadvantages:
- No personal interface with accountant.
- Security issues - financial information must be protected.
- Data conversions may require manual input.
Whenever you're looking at purchasing new accounting software, make sure you consider your business requirements first whether that is in-house or on line.
Know your software options- Download the Software Selection Guide