New computer system

New computer system

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My company turn over about 6 million, it should reach 12 million within two years. We currently operate Sage Line 50 but feel we've outgrown this. We are looking for a new system and so far we've looked at Opera II, Sage Line 50 and Great plains. We sell products and engineering time so need a system that can deal with both.
Comments and advice please
Trevor Taylor

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By Accounting WEB
16th Jul 2001 18:09

Exchequer is definitely a package you should consider…
Someone has already mentioned Exchequer Enterprise and I would say from the information you have provided that we would certainly be worth a closer look.

Enterprise is a powerful 32-bit Windows accounting solution which runs the accounts of over 9000 companies worldwide and has been voted the Best Mid-Range Accounting Software for past 3 consecutive years (BASDA 1998, Accountancy Age 1999 & 2000).

A full suite of modules are available in either dual or multi-currency versions including Core Financials, Stock, SPOP and Project Job & Time Costing. Client/Server is also available using the Btrieve/Pervasive SQL database. You also mention Multifunctional warehousing, Multi Site Access and Time Sheet recording which are features we can accommodate. Enterprise runs on Novell and would, working from the brief spec you have provided certainly be in the region of your budget figure.

For further information please contact our sales department on 01202 298008 or visit www.exchequer.com

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By Accounting WEB
16th Jul 2001 17:45

I have been doing some research you may be interested in. My client has outgrown Sage Line 50. I have looked at Great Plains, Sage 200 and Exchequer Enterprise. On going evaluation. My phone number is 01707 876876.

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By Accounting WEB
17th Jul 2001 16:25

For a CS solution within your budget try Access Accounting
Hello Trevor, I would recommend a look at Access Accounting's SQL product called Dimensions. It has extremely strong costing and can analysis committed costs, the sub analysis feature will handle multi warehouse requirements. Timesheets and other documents can be posted from remote locations without adding extra users. Worth a look, for more information call 08453453300

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By Accounting WEB
16th Jul 2001 09:12

New Finance and Business Systems
MIS Computer Systems Ltd offer a complete suite of modules comprising financial accounting, management accounting, business systems and human resource systems.

The strong integration between the modules means that data input anywhere in the system is instantly available to other relevant users.

We have customers ranging from 20 users to 500. Please e-mail me if you would like further information.

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By Accounting WEB
06th Jul 2001 09:41

Keep it simple
Trevor,
Our business is to advise on Financial software or Enterprise wide solutions that feature strong core financials.
The company that I work for are accredited to sell Sage, Pegasus and Great Plains and you have mentioned software that is aimed at three distinct business sectors, Entry level/small businesses (Sage Line 50) SME's (Pegasus Opera) and tier 2 midmarket (Great Plains).
Judging by your t/o, your industry and the wealth of software available I would say that a review of Sage Line 50 as your existing software is due.
I would suggest that you do not compare alternate software to your Line 50, or look at those software solutions that are "apparently" aimed at your business size. Imagine you had inherited the business yesterday and there were no systems in place - What would be the optimum software for you?
Your next solution should be one that can grow with your business and maybe touch areas other than just accounting functions.
We went from Sage Line 50 to Great Plains Dynamics - a decision not taken lightly.Our business involves selling time as much as product too. We haven't regretted our decision - in fact we were so pleased with the benefits that the Great Plains system provided we became a reseller of the product. If you want advice please talk to us.

tel : 01480 421128

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By dclark
03rd Jul 2001 20:07

More questions !!
Trevor,

As you say more, it leads to more questions !!.

Budget - 20K....is that just software, or software & services, or software, services and hardware changes (if any)

Site access - are these fixed sites (which lead to certain solutions) or roaming sites (which can point elsewhere).

The same for the other points......

Bottom line, if you've seen Opera (is that the old one or the 'soon to arrive 32bit one'), Sage50, etc........based on the answers given here why not ask

Access, Encore, Hansa, Navision....etc, to give you an initial quote for software and services for 15 users for SOP, POP, Job costing and everything else you've asked about.....you'll find a nubmer of those will drop out !!!

Regards

Daniel Clark
Ryba Macaulay Ltd
[email protected]

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By User deleted
03rd Jul 2001 21:01

Sage enterprise sounds good for you re SQL.

But...

You'd have to ditch novell and get yourselves onto NT.

Also 20ishK may get you the software but upgrades to hardware and "consultancy" will probably double it.

Big advantage is it will grow and grow, you'll probably never look for another system.

I know that sounds like a corny shopping channel advert but i hope you get the idea.

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By Accounting WEB
03rd Jul 2001 23:29

I agree with AP

I totally agree with AP Sage Enterprise and/or Sage/CS3 (old Tetra 2000) is just the produc for you. don't go for Scala because that company may not be around for long. Also don't go for products of companies which are spending a fortune on researching how to destroy Sage. that is not the way forward for any company. You can't go wrong with Sage products.

Best regards,

Jay Tanna

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By Accounting WEB
03rd Jul 2001 12:17

New Business Solution
Hi Mr Taylor

I am the Marketing Manager for Access Accounting. Based on the comments that you have made, Access Accounts Dimensions could be perfectly suited to your company's requirements.
If you would like to receive product information or have a demonstration, please ring our Enquiries Dept on 0845 345 3300. We would be pleased to put you in contact with one of our Specialist Centres.

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By Accounting WEB
02nd Jul 2001 10:02

Suggestion...
Take a look at Sun Systems. I work for a company which sells both engineering time and products, amongst other things. There is a link to their website on the Accountingweb homepage.

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By AnonymousUser
03rd Jul 2001 09:33

Further Information
Thank you all for your comments, I disclose further information as requested.

Budget 20k approx
It would be a big advantage if the software was written in SQL
15 users approx
Operating system is Novell
No of transactions per month 200 sales invoices, inc. sale of 1,000 products
A few basic requirements are as follows
Multifunctional warehousing
Job Costing
Time sheet recording
Multi Site Access

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By AnonymousUser
02nd Jul 2001 13:23

Mid Market business systems
My company recently installed Navision Financials which suited our specific requirements very well. Other front runners, not already named, would include Exchequer, Access and Sage Enterprise. A good starting point could be to attend an exhibition like Softworld (held at the NEC each autumn)where you can see demos by most leading providers in a day.

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By dclark
01st Jul 2001 23:01

A few more clues
As always, I'm asking for more info.

In the 'products part of the business'do you need any of the following
- serial or batch
- multiple sales or purchase prices
- supplier codes for your stock items
- statuses of stock (ie damanged, ok for sale)
- a routine that would say 'based on sales orders out there, actual stock, reserved orders, don't part ship orders, delivery dates, customers on stop.....this is what you could deliver today ?

in the 'time' part of the business do you need
- timesheeting
- job costing
- activity notes
- service sales orders (to distinguish from stokc sales orders)

I could go on, but there are probably a few products out there that would answer the questions.

Although it is argued that users want functionality and price is not an issue, a little guidance on price (software and services) would help !!......5K, 10K, 50K, etc

We re-sell 3 packages. Two are probably in the frame, but I'd be not be doing you a service, if I could not nail down a few more details !!

Daniel Clark
Ryba Macaulay Ltd
[email protected]

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By AnonymousUser
30th Jun 2001 13:51

I agree with AP
You have supplied nowhere near enough basic information for anyone to make a recommendation on new software.

If you only "feel" you have outgrown Sage Line 50, what is it about SL50 that you feel is inadequate for your needs.

Any recommendation at this stage is premature. I sell accounting solutions across the whole range of business sizes and would be prepared to help you more if you would like to email me personally or telephone me.

Tony Marshall
Econika Limited
0191 257 8000
[email protected]
www.econika.com

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By User deleted
29th Jun 2001 22:48

Bit more info please
Turnover is to certain extent irrelevant.

How many users.
No. of transactions per month.
What is your present network NT, Novell, UNIX...

Budget!!!

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By Accounting WEB
30th Jun 2001 08:39

Try Exact Software
I work for an organisation that is a similar size to yours, and we have just invested in new accounting software for ourselves. After looking around the market, the most suitable package we found was Exact Software (www.exactsoftware.com)

They offer a complete management solution, with several different modules that should meet your needs.

I can fully recommend this package. If you want more information, please feel free to contact me.

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