Software Selection Philosophy

Financial management systems lie at the fundamental heart of all organizations. However, they aren't the actual heart of the organization, for that position can be filled only by the people who are its constituency. In some respects you might think of the financial management system as the organization's communications system; receiving data from one point or another, manipulating that data, and then allowing it to be shared among those people and groups who require it. As a direct result of this critical position, financial management systems represent both an opportunity for improved business success, or the beginning of a slide toward mediocrity or failure.

Our objective is quite simple. We want to help you select a system that will assist you achieve greater success. Unfortunately, we are faced with one small problem. Statistics seem to indicate there is at least a 50% chance the system you purchase will be replaced within three years, or that the system you select will have little or no effect upon your short or long-term profitability, in spite of all of the marketing hype of the accounting software industry or your expectations to the contrary.

Financial management systems have the potential to assist you significantly increase customer service, improve operating efficiencies, manage cash reserves more effectively, and analyze financial and operating information more precisely. All of this is possible, but only if:

• the right system is selected,
• the structure, processes and people surrounding that system complement it, and
• the rest of your business is organized for success.

The accounting system can do nothing by itself; absolutely nothing. Business success requires dedicated people working together toward a set of common objectives. Your financial management system is but one of the elements which contribute toward this potential for success. Yes, the potential is there, but everything else has to be present in order for the financial management system to live up to its potential.

While it's quite obvious this introduction seems to be taking a rather pessimistic approach to the selection of accounting software, we have elected to adopt this approach deliberately. The accounting software industry, from entry level systems all the way up to the most powerful enterprise suites, has painted such a rosy picture, and hyped the power of accounting software, that users may begin to believe the selection process isn't really that difficult. Yes, the goal of greater success through increased automation can be realized, but only if you don't stray from the most effective selection path. If you fail to address the pitfalls that exist, it's very likely you will fall into one or more traps without ever realizing it until it's too late. While we will discuss the benefits of automation, and assist you organize this selection process, we will spend a significant amount of time helping you understand the dangers that lie in your path.