Business software should be designed around people
Technology has progressed in leaps and bounds over the last twenty years. Advanced technologies, such as object orientation and polymorphism, have empowered software developers to design powerful software in a fraction of the time. However, [...]
Integration – An alternative to expensive and complex ERP systems
Modern companies continually have to change as they grow, resulting in their software also having to change. As companies grow, management processes become more complex and existing software solutions become obsolete. In most cases the [...]
Combining accounts and custom designed financial software.
Over the past 20 years most UK small to medium sized businesses have moved from manual bookkeeping to accounts' software packages. Some accounting firms even refuse to audit a company if they are not using [...]
Replacing complex spreadsheets with bespoke software
Spreadsheets have become a ubiquitous business tool. Businesses like their adaptability and flexibility. They have a myriad of uses, from storing a short list of customer names, to complex derivative tools in the financial services [...]
The need to integrate information from different business applications.
Modern commercial software packages, especially ubiquitous accounting solutions, are essential in order to remain competitive. The greatest challenge, however, is getting different software systems to communicate with each other. Modern software packages are designed around [...]
Dangers of current cloud computing software development trends
The internet and cloud computing have changed our perceptions of communicating. It is now easier than ever before to connect offices in different locations or to work remotely from home. Different applications have been developed [...]
An alternative to bespoke and off-the-shelf software
The differences between bespoke and off-the-shelf software are many. Off-the-shelf software is cheaper but has the disadvantage of being designed around a myriad of businesses, which makes it difficult to use. Many of the off-the-shelf [...]
Need for decentralised financial management in the construction industry
With greater competition among construction companies, good financial management is increasingly important. Keeping control of cash flows, debtors and creditors is vital. Modern bookkeeping systems tend to centralise data at head office with little or [...]
Challenges when comparing estimated costs to actual accounting costs
Forgive me for using the silo cliché. It is, however, a great word to describe the barrier that exists between the estimating and the accounting departments in many construction companies. These silos exist not only [...]
Variations between monthly construction accountancy profits and actual profits
One of the great financial management challenges for construction companies is calculating the actual monthly profitability of individual jobs. Accountancy profits are normally calculated after an invoice has been issued. However, construction companies often find [...]
Estimators need accurate financial data from previous contracts when pricing tenders
Pricing contracts accurately will always be a challenge for the construction industry; price to high and the chances are the company will lose the tender, price too low and risk losing money. Most tenders are [...]
The importance of costing construction assets correctly
Materials and labour are normally easy to calculate for job costing purposes. Construction assets, which include plant, trucks, excavators and general equipment can prove more problematic. Accountancy systems normally depreciate equipment over the allowable tax [...]