Electrical Construction & Servicing

Transcription

1 White Paper Electrical Construction & Servicing Software Comparison

2 SOFTWARE COMPARISON ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR CONSTRUCTION AND SERVICING f you are in the Electrical Contractor Construction and servicing industry you face many challenges. You must focus on your customer to always complete each project on budget, on time and construct the required electrical system at a quality required. There I is without a doubt a great deal of specific requirements and standards that must be adhered to. Electrical contractors also must manage the supplying and or subcontracting the necessary materials, equipment, labor, and subcontracted services to get the project done. Often times the management accounting systems that are currently in place within your organization do not meet these requirements. Having your operation s, financial and payroll data centralized in a single system is critical. But it is also possible for you to have data such as project costing, preventative maintenance, field ticketing, communications, work orders, dispatch, scheduling, inventory and equipment tracking captured in that same system. With a centralized system containing all of your management accounting information you are easily able to access this critical information with alerts, dashboards and reporting from all areas of your business. The long term success of your business depends on how effectively you manage this information in every aspect of your operations end to end. These systems are flexible enough to handle a variety of construction and service types. They can accommodate your workflow requirements today and grow with your business into the future. Whether you are handling small service work major projects or both, commercial, residential, or both there are cost effective solutions available. Canadian business is said to be lagging behind US and Scandinavian countries in productivity. We must correct this by embracing technology which will make us more productive to compete in the world market place. Many of the features with these systems allow our employees to be significantly more productive. They allow us all to work smarter not harder. With the technology available today and enhanced processes we have our best hope for increasing productivity and remaining competitive. We must however choose wisely, not all systems offer the same long term productivity gains and return on investment. The specific requirements with each type of operation will vary. Although as a group the electrical construction and servicing operations are similar, some software solutions are more flexible than others in meeting your specific needs. The software however, is only part of the story. To ensure an effective operation, specific processes must be developed to ensure the smooth flow of information into and out of the management accounting software. Therefore software is only 50% of the solution, the remaining 50% is in developing, implementing and training on the process enhancements required to use the software effectively and solve your issues. To efficiently manage on a consistent basis you must develop good business processes. Improving business processes represents the greatest hope for positive lasting change in all organizations. They define the way in which business gets done. An organization can be no better that its processes allow it to be. As new management best practices evolve and business automation software is enhanced business must evolve to take advantage of these changes. Electrical construction and servicing businesses must continually review their processes to determine if they can reduce or eliminate ineffective processes which cause countless wasted hours and resources every year. They need to continually ask why processes are currently done and is there a better way? Page 2 THE REVIEW OF YOUR PROCESSES AND REQUIREMENTS CAN BE PERFORMED WITH THE FOLLOWING STEPS: 1. Interview your employees, listen and define your vision and goals. 2. Listen, analyze and understand your current situation and business processes. 3. Review existing barriers and roadblocks that need to be eliminated. 4. Analyze best management practices that could improve your processing. 5. Prioritize issues and problems and decide what is most important. 7. Analyze new business solutions that will meet your requirements. 8. Design and flowchart the new processes. 9. Create a clear map and flowchart the steps required. 10. Determine, understand and solidify the benefits to be achieved with each improvement step. 11. Implement the new processes and management systems. 12. Develop a systematic approach to continuous improvement. 6. Develop requirements listings.

3 Page 3 he attached product ranking was based on these steps. Once we had determined the issues (Step 5) and developed as requirements T listing (Step 6) for ELECTRICAL CONSTRUCTION SERVICE businesses we entered the requirements into The Accounting Library (An independent feature ranking database). The software allowed us to rank the %fit the software was to the required feature requirements (Step 7). With software rankings you must be aware that this is not the complete answer; don t get caught up with the chase for additional features instead focus on the main features and functions required to run your operations effectively today and into the future. The Accounting Library has more than 3700 questions on features and functions although it is unlikely you will ever need them all. Use this ranking as a good starting point to review your options. Generally you can assume that the higher percentage of the fit to your specific requirements the less workarounds and customizations would be required to meet your specific needs. The closer the fit usually results in reduced implementation times as well (look for a product ranking of at least 90%). STANDARD TYPES OF ELECTRICAL CONSTRUCTION SERVICE BUSINESS FEATURES THAT MAY BE REQUIRED: FLEXIBLE, FULLY INTEGRATED electrical contractor accounting, with project costing, service management software. Ability to adjust to the requirements of most users and built to operate in a divisional and multi company environment. ESTIMATING for electrical contractor using standard estimating processes and estimate (RFI) tracking or use industry specific functionality such as estimating/takeoff software with interface to project costing. CHANGE ORDER MANAGEMENT to track potential and approved changes, ensure that approved changes are invoiced profitably and automatically update the project estimate/budget. PROJECT SCHEDULING which uses an interface between Microsoft projects and project costing. PROJECT MANAGEMENT processing to control and analyze projects to three levels such as Project/Phase/Category. Track your current projects and their projected profit so you can pinpoint problems early and take corrective action. Drill down capabilities also puts the information you need right at your fingertips. SERVICE MANAGEMENT work orders processing, dispatching, purchasing, inventory, and service contract management. Work order dispatching ability to deliver service tickets to your technicians in the field via the Internet. FLEXIBLE INVOICING that includes progress billings, time & material and cost plus options. (Both summary and detail invoicing. EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE tracking the equipment maintenance costs. Keep costs down and minimize equipment downtime. (Track equipment repair history) SUBCONTRACT CONTROL that tracks subcontracts by project, vendor and subcontract number, while controlling all communications and documents (insurance certificates, lien waivers, etc). PAYROLL PROCESSING with features like multi-rate and multi-province or state capabilities that fully integrates to project costing timesheets. TIME SHEET provides all the tools needed to electronically collect project time and expense data with integration to project management and payroll systems. HUMAN RESOURCE processing that is able to keep track of vacation days, assigned equipment, employee skills, certifications and more. Empower employees with our self-serve option which allows secure access to sensitive data and reduces demands on the HR manager. INVENTORY CONTROL capable of tracking multiple locations of inventory movements to projects by phase and/or category. POWERFUL FINANCIAL REPORTING that includes flexible, easily customized Work in progress WIP, detailed project by phase/category, aged receivables/payables with retainage and more. DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT Go paperless, improve workflow and reduce costs. By digitizing, storing and linking your documents with accounting, in one location, you can empower your employees with access to critical information. EXECUTIVE DASHBOARD reporting that organizes and presents business with information in an easy-to-read format. Deliver the information required, when it is required to the people that require it. SCHEDULING OF REPORTS with capability. Have a PDF, HTML or Excel report sent to your inbox daily. Package multiple reports for automatic distribution.

4 Page 4 FINDER can find what you want faster and easier with smart lists of relevant information. WEB PORTAL access and Reports allow access information anywhere anytime with web portal. Push data to web reports. Advanced features for charting and graphing with drill down capabilities. COMMUNICATION control offer full communication control and tracking to all the communications with customers (projects, service management), and suppliers. ALERTS POWERFUL MANAGEMENT tool that will automatically generate an when critical changes occur. (Receive notification immediately if a project is over budget, etc). THIS RANKING WAS BASED ON MANY OF THE ABOVE FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS. THE MAJOR REQUIREMENTS WERE THE FOLLOWING: Canadian operation Web based access information Web based timesheet entry Service Division Project division (Main operation larger projects) Canadian Payroll Remote Reporting CUSTOMIZATION Customize screens with user defined fields and tables. Tailor screens for the individual user, type of user, or all users to meet the needs of your business. HOSTING Choose either hosted (cloud) or non-hosted without having to compromise features. CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT Build stronger and more profitable relationships with CRM. Utilize internal and external sales processes, marketing, customer service and internal communication control with CRM solutions. CRM provides a full analytical view of the organization and its customers in real time for accurate and detailed reporting. THE ACCOUNTING LIBRARY CANADIAN ELECTRICAL CONSTRUCTION SERVICING WITH PROJECTS/PAYROLL Version 9.06 SCORE % FIT PRODUCT NAME VERSION VENDOR NAME 4,880 99% Oracle E-Business Suite 12 Oracle Corporation 4,818 98% Sage ERP Accpac 6.0 Sage 4,813 97% Epicor Epicor Software Corporation 4,813 97% Epicor Express 1.0 Epicor Software Corporation 4,799 97% SAP R/3 July 2003 SAP 4,794 97% Microsoft Dynamcis GP, 2010 Microsoft Business Solutions 4,768 97% Microsoft Dynamics SL, 7.0 Microsoft Business Solutions 4,766 97% Sage ERP MAS Sage 4,734 96% One World XE July 2003 J.D. Edwards, Inc. 4,729 96% PeopleSoft 8.0 PeopleSoft, Inc. 4,710 95% Microsoft Dynamcis AX, 2009 Microsoft Business Solutions 4,703 95% ProjectPro / Microsoft Navision, 4.0 SP1 Wilcomp LLC 4,702 95% lawson.insight 8.0 Lawson Associates, Inc. 4,692 95% Deltek Maconomy X1 Maconomy NE, Inc. 4,659 94% Microsoft Dynamics Nav, 2009 Microsoft Business Solutions 4,625 94% AGRESSO Software 5.5SP3 Agresso Corp., Inc.

5 Page 5 SCORE % FIT PRODUCT NAME VERSION VENDOR NAME 4,622 94% SouthWare Excellence Series, 2011 SouthWare Innovations, Inc. 4,614 93% Sage Pro ERP 7.5 Sage 4,610 93% Exact Global Enterprise 370 Exact Software North America 4,606 93% MMS / SouthWare Excellence Series, 12.0 BTM Solutions 4,594 93% Sage ERP MAS 90, 4.4 Sage 4,592 93% Sage ERP MAS 200, 4.4 Sage 4,588 93% Sage ERP X3 6.1 Sage 4,556 92% Syspro, 6.10 SP2 Syspro 4,517 91% Vantage Epicor Software Corporation 4,511 91% TRAVERSE 11.0 Open Systems, Inc. 4,511 91% Infor SyteLine 7 7 Infor 4,501 91% UA Business Software UA 2007 Advanced Software Development Corp. 4,454 90% Infor SyteLine 6 6 Infor 4,447 90% WinMan TTW Incorporated 4,424 90% Infor VISUAL Enterprise 6.4 Infor - VISUAL Manufacturing 4,419 89% WINLine 8.4 Mesonic Business Software 4,403 89% AccountMate for Express 8.0 AccountMate Software 4,403 89% AccountMate for SQL 8.0 AccountMate Software 4,323 88% Infinity POWER Advanced Accounting, 6.8 Data Pro Accounting Software, Inc. 4,285 87% Macola Progression 7.5 Exact Software North America 4,284 87% DEACOM Accounting & ERP Software 9712 Deacom, Inc. 4,269 86% Macola ES ES Exact Software North America 4,251 86% Serenic Navigator 5.0 Serenic Software 4,224 86% Blue Link Elite Blue Link Associates, Ltd. 4,214 85% MPM SUITE / Open Systems, rd Dimension 4,201 85% SunSystems exfm 1.3 Infor 4,186 85% Khameleon 7.0 Khameleon Software 4,140 84% BusinessOne SAP 4,121 83% Fourth Shift SoftBrands 4,110 83% iscala 2.3 Epicor Software Corporation 4,108 83% Certiflex Dimension 9.0 The Versatile Group, Inc. 4,087 83% OSAS 7.5 Open Systems, Inc. 4,086 83% SX.enterprise 4.1 Infor - Sx Enterprise 4,068 82% Sage PFW ERP 5.5 Sage 4,023 81% Sage BusinessVision - Standard Edition 2011 Sage

6 Page 6 SCORE % FIT PRODUCT NAME VERSION VENDOR NAME 4,015 81% Sage BusinessVision - Client/Server Edition 2011 Sage 3,951 80% World A73 J.D. Edwards, Inc. 3,933 80% Sage BusinessVision - Small Business 2011 Sage 3,932 80% Sage BusinessVision - Limited Edition 2011 Sage 3,918 79% 4thQuarter_Accounting 8 Braided Matrix, Inc. 3,889 79% ERP Plus 10.0 b20 Verticent, Inc. 3,883 79% ProcessPro ERP 7.5 ProcessPro Software 3,860 78% Sage BusinessWorks 9.0 Sage 3,852 78% Datamodes TM/4 Solutions TM/4 Datamodes, Inc. 3,838 78% Adagio Accounting 9.0a Softrak Systems, Inc. 3,813 77% Compiere ERP/CRM Compiere. Inc. 3,791 77% NetSuite 2009 NetSuite 3,748 76% CYMA IV Accounting for Windows 11.0 CYMA 3,748 76% CYMA IV Not-For-Profit Edition 11.0 CYMA 3,741 76% PowerShop ERP Software MSI International 3,728 75% QuickBooks Enterprise 11.0 Intuit, Inc. 3,680 75% Sage Peachtree Quantum 2011 Sage 3,651 74% Sage Peachtree Premium Accounting for Distribution 2011 Sage 3,648 74% Sage Peachtree Premium Accounting 2011 Sage 3,648 74% Sage Peachtree Premium Accounting for Construction 3,648 74% Sage Peachtree Premium Accounting for Manufacturin 3,648 74% Sage Peachtree Premium Accounting for Non Profits 2011 Sage 2011 Sage 2011 Sage 3,621 73% ABS Accounting Systems 7.05 American Business Systems, Inc. 3,594 73% Everest Advanced Everest Software 3,551 72% CostPoint Project Accounting 3.0C Deltek Systems, Inc. 3,545 72% Carillon Financials 6.5 Pettit & Company, PC 3,538 72% TRX Enterprise 2.2 TRX Integration, Inc. 3,515 71% Total Command 2.5 ATX 3,467 70% Cougar Mountain Accounting 2009 Cougar Mountain Software 3,458 70% FACTS 7.4 Infor - FACTS 3,337 68% Made2Manage Manufacturing Software 5.51 Made2Manage Systems, Inc. 3,326 67% Sirius GT Accounting For Windows 7.1 Sirius Software, Inc. 3,309 67% Activant Eclipse 2009 Activant

7 SCORE % FIT PRODUCT NAME VERSION VENDOR NAME Page 7 3,276 66% Pacifica Professional Accounting for Windows, 8.0 Pacifica Research 3,258 66% Cougar Mountain Denali 2.6 Cougar Mountain Software 3,207 65% Intacct 2010 Intacct Corp. 3,184 64% Flexx 6.4 Databyte Corp. 3,137 64% Deltek Vision 6.1 Deltek Systems, Inc. 3,125 63% AccTrak AccTrak21 3,088 63% TurningPoint 6.0 Red Wing Software 3,087 63% Cougar Mountain Fund Suite 2009 Cougar Mountain Software 3,014 61% A-Systems JobView 7.2 A-Systems Corp 3,012 61% QuickBooks Premier Edition 2006 Intuit, Inc. 2,958 60% TakeStock 5.4 Infor - TakeStock 2,878 58% QuickBooks Pro 2006 Intuit, Inc. 2,831 57% Oneir - Manufacturing Accounting 8.6 Oneir Solutions, Inc. 2,831 57% Oneir - Sales Order Accounting 8.6 Oneir Solutions, Inc. 2,827 57% Oneir - Point of Sale 8.6 Oneir Solutions, Inc. 2,823 57% Vigilant - Manufacturing Accounting 8.6 Vigilant Business Software, Inc. 2,823 57% Vigilant - Sales Order Accounting 8.6 Vigilant Business Software, Inc. 2,819 57% Vigilant - Point of Sale 8.6 Vigilant Business Software, Inc. 2,813 57% Oneir - Repetitive Billing 8.6 Oneir Solutions, Inc. 2,811 57% DacEasy by Sage 15 Sage 2,811 57% Oneir - Job Cost Accounting 8.6 Oneir Solutions, Inc. 2,805 57% Vigilant - Repetitive Billing 8.6 Vigilant Business Software, Inc. 2,803 57% Vigilant - Job Cost Accounting 8.6 Vigilant Business Software, Inc. 2,789 56% FlexiFinancials 5.0 FlexiInternational Software 2,727 55% Premier Accounting Small Business Suite 2007 Version 16 MYOB US, Inc. 2,727 55% AccountEdge 2007 Version 7 MYOB US, Inc. 2,715 55% Sage MIP Fund Accounting 10 Sage 2,697 55% Sage Simply Accounting Enterprise 2011 Sage 2,692 55% Sage Simply Accounting Premium 2011 Sage 2,658 54% Cougar Mountain Fund 2009 Cougar Mountain Software 2,626 53% Vista 4.0 Epicor Software Corporation 2,609 53% Series MBA Software and Consulting 2,579 52% Add+On Software 6.1 Basis International 2,577 52% Advanced Accounting 6.1 Addsum Business Software, Inc. 2,527 51% Sage Simply Accounting Pro 2011 Sage

8 Page 8 SCORE % FIT PRODUCT NAME VERSION VENDOR NAME 2,451 50% FlexWare Accounting 9.50 MacAccounting 2,429 49% Total Accounting Office 3.5 ATX 2,219 45% MultiLedger 7.0 Check Mark Software 2,209 45% Sirius Business Accounting 3.2 Sirius Software, Inc. 2,010 41% Giant Office Software 8.3 Giant Systems 1,821 37% Down To Earth v7.0 Datavision 1,784 36% Global Software Financial Suite Global Software 1,235 25% MRP Intuitive Manufacturing Systems 1,101 22% SAP Business by Design 2009 SAP % Sage Timberline 2008 Sage % Interprise Suite SP Interprise Solutions, Inc % Sage Master Builder 13 Sage % Sage Pastel Evolution 4.0 Software Alliance Group 6 0% Infor ERP LN 1.0 Infor A FINAL WORD ABOUT CONSULTANTS All consultants and consulting companies are not created equal; many will tell you that they understand your business but few seem to actually deliver. Good consultants not only implement your chosen system but can greatly assist you with the developing, implementing and training on the process enhancements required to use the software effectively. They can help you reach the full potential productivity gains available, many of which you may have not realized existed. SOME QUESTIONS TO HELP EVALUATE CONSULTING COMPANIES: Do they guarantee their service? Do they have a fixed price which is set before the start of the project? (not rough estimates) Do they listen and communicate effectively? Can they offer you the complete package for all your requirements with continuing support? LETHBRIDGE OFFICE Street North Lethbridge, Alberta T1H 5H8 Telephone: Fax: CALGARY OFFICE Suite #1309, 151 Country Village Road NE Calgary, Alberta Telephone: Fax: EDMONTON OFFICE Suite # Avenue NW Edmonton, Alberta T5S 2H5 Telephone: Do they have the expertise? Do they have the focus to complete the engagement? (Focused on consulting) Choosing the correct consultant who can install and configure the software plus help develop, implement and train on the process enhancements required is critical to the projects and your success. AFFILIATED OFFICES Calgary, Alberta Saskatoon, Saskatchewan