Basic accounting software is often all a small business or a household needs. Let’s face it, powerful accounting software is often difficult to learn and hard to use. If you need a lot of accounting power, that’s a price you must pay. But there’s no reason to struggle with complex packages if you don’t need the power. Here are some things to consider.
Free might work for you.
Free software may be good enough. For example Microsoft offers free accounting software. Now true it’s quite limited, but it may be just what you need. Then you can upgrade later if you need more power. But be wary of no-name software that’s cheap. You sometimes get what you pay for or less.
The first step before choosing?
The best first step in choosing basic accounting software is deciding what you want to do. See the free software will mostly just let you track your transactions. A fully functioning system with integrated general ledger, accounts receivable, accounts payable and cash journals will probably cost you, but not much. Just make sure to think through what you need.
It’s in the box.
The major software houses like Microsoft, QuickBooks or Peachtree all offer powerful basic accounting packages. It’s shocking how little a full featured basic software package costs. You can choose a ready-to-go package that probably includes every feature that your small business needs. The huge advantage of choosing a product from one of these major companies is it’s sold in volume and proven by many users. That’s good for you.
Plus there’s support.
You’ll likely have questions. Who can you call? Maybe you have to purchase a support contract. Best find out up front since you will have questions. That’s another reason to choose brand name software. Those companies will be there when those questions arise. A cheapy, no-name package may leave you with a locked up system and no way out.
Upgrades when you grow?
Upgrades within the same brand are often easy. Switch brands to get more power and it’s start all over with the learning. Never doubt that learning a new system is a big part of the cost of an accounting system. You’ll pay for learning no matter what the software purchase price.
An easy accounting system is all many people need. Just spend a little time to decide what you need from an accounting system. Buy enough system to do the job. But more accounting system than you need will cost you extra not only in the initial cost. It’ll also cost you extra learning time. You don’t need that.
By: Al Bullington
Posts Tagged ‘Brand Name’
Basic Accounting Software – What You Need But Not More
January 24th, 2010Accounting Software for Daycare
December 15th, 2009
Buying a Child Care Management Software can be a tricky business. The market is flooded with software that promises the moon. Here are certain tips to get the best choice out of available software:
1. Be an intelligent buyer: Get in touch with business acquaintances, do research on the net to find about the management software that will suit your needs. Take feedback from people who are already using it.
2. Get to know your requirements from the software: Make a list of your specifications.
3. Value for money: Look for a software package that suits your budget and also make sure not to under-spend. After all, your business will depend on it.
4. Not to get confused between the software available: It will be very difficult to do a comparative analysis of the modules available. Non-modular, fully integrated systems remove the mind-boggling task of comparisons and analysis. Non-modular systems are a better deal as they provide tailor made solutions at a reasonable price.
5. Look for software with double-entry accounting: It is advantageous to buy software that recognises double-entry systems and has an in-built system of checks and balances.
6. Opt for a complete package: Go for QuickBooks as it provides an all-in-one system that is easier to use, efficient and easy to maintain.
7. Buy Software with modern features: The software should be upgradable, should have an in-built email capability, email, backup and it should be able to provide immediate access to databases.
8. Simplicity in use: During the trial run, if the software works smoothly and is easy to handle, chances are that the package is right for you.
9. Flexibility in customization: Make sure that the software is flexible and can adapt itself according to your setting preferences.
10. The software should function long term and grow with you: Look for the latest features and upgradability of the module.
11. Brand name: It is better to buy software from a company that has been in the business for number of years. A reputed and a stable company will always provide a great after sales support, if needed.
12. Software should not require a lot of after sales support: Look for a single, integrated system as it is better organised, easier to use and has less program hiccups than a modular system.
Childcare Manager has been around since 1985 and has been the chosen management and accounting software for many child care centres. It works seamlessly in various business settings like child care centres, day- care providers, preschools, clubs, etc. It is one-in-all, uniquely designed system that provides easy access to all information regarding the child, family members and employees. The childcare manager can be configured at any convenient location. It has an integrated export function that allows to user to send required information to QuickBooks. An email can directly be sent to clients’ email id. Childcare Manager provides a robust backup system to the database. With the help of the integrated QuickCam feature, pictures can be stored of sponsors, co-sponsors, contacts and employees.
© CG Groth Inc 2007
By: Christine Groth