database for practice management

database for practice management

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Sole practitioner - limited IT budget.

Currently using Excel to control client throughput- deadlines, progress of work, tax return progress etc.

It has worked ok for a few years now but I feel there must be a better way.

Is it best to learn eg Access and build your own or is there a reasonably priced ready made piece of kit out there? Does anyone use the Sage(Hartley) database for anything other than accounts production.

Any ideas gratefully received b4 I get the Access manual out(again)

knuckles

Replies (8)

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By StephenElms
27th Feb 2003 23:18

Sole Practioner Software
If you run MS Office 2000 (or more) I will happily send you a copy of the database I designed for my business. No strings, no limitations. I was fed up seeing commercial ads. and none of them do a proper job for the likes of you and I.

Viz: I run Outlook 2000, and have 1235 contacts in it, can I export them, to this proprietry programme? (No) If yes, can I e-mail these (grouping of) contacts = No.

Ok, so everythings in Access, can I time bill from here? (Well, not very easliy) Can I ...

I reviewed what I wanted, for that IS the most important factor, and none of the programmes that cost 00's/000's are designed for you. I'm not saying that mine is either.. for I designed it for me. I bought a time/billing programme from Timeslice which integrates to Access (about $45)it's excellent (I'm not flogging it).

If you would like this on CD, I give it freely to you, and will take on board any comments to improve the programme.

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Dennis Howlett
By dahowlett
28th Feb 2003 13:28

Databases and practice software
The boys at Solution 6 have done a great job over the years in developing robust database driven practice software. BTW -I have no connectio with them and am no longer in practice - I just know these guys well and used their products when I was in the biz.
The only real question you need to ask yourself is this - what is my time worth compared to the cost of purchasing a professionally built piece of kit?

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By StephenElms
28th Feb 2003 12:44

Database
Our website is at www.atbs1.co.uk

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By AnonymousUser
21st Feb 2003 12:21

Database
As one of the Regional Account Managers for Sage's Accountants Division I would be more than happy to speak with you about our Control Centre which will track the progress of tax returns as well as produce a range of user definable reports and letters. Our new monthly payment scheme would mean no upfront fee for new software.
If you would like more details please give me call on 07971 136977 or send me an email to [email protected] or see our website www.sage.com/accountants

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By acca_Laurence
28th Feb 2003 10:41

Interesting question
A interesting question. In some circumstances I would not undervalue the simple Excel spreadsheet. Are these control lists kept up to date by you or by staff? How many clients do they need to handle? Is the same information recorded in more than one place? Are you trying to incorporate a time ledger function - if so what do you do at the moment?
Interested to know about Stephen's solution.

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By User deleted
21st Feb 2003 16:23

Try Vertisys
I don't know if you have come accross Vertisys's practice accounting software. It is ideal for smaller practices. it does many of the things that you mentioned but particular emphasis is on time and fee, billing and debtor control and practice's day to day accounting. You can get a demo by visiting the website http://www.vertisys.co.uk

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By vowlesj
27th Feb 2003 23:36

I'm interested too
Stephen as another sole practitioner I am also interested in your offer of a management database. But what is your email address?

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By Abacjm
21st Feb 2003 11:39

Database
By all means learn Access. It will serve you well for any reasons.
However, Drummohr Technology http://www.drummohr.com Tax Software prog comes with a built in client diary that you can use to track the points you raise.
Failing that, there is always Moneysoft's Office Manager http://www.moneysoft.co.uk - an excellent "piece of kit" for well under £200. Check it out

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