Product Overview

Thomas & Associates Consulting (TAC) does not sell software. Instead we assist companies in the definition of needs and selection of the right solution. Then we help with the implementation and long term support of the software selection – manufacturing and distribution functions.

With that said, our focus has been on the Sage Software line of products. Along with their development partners, Sage provides arguably the best selection of software products to satisfy small to mid-market business applications. Keep in mind that the business focus for TAC is and continues to be consulting for distribution and manufacturing companies.

The software market is an active one. Companies are striving to find solutions with reduce their operating costs and streamline processing. So, when considering a new business management software solution, consider the following:

Here is some interesting information that has been developed which should be helpful in analyzing various software products. It provides the top reasons businesses use when selecting a new accounting system.

The information was originally part of a study done by Deloitte & Touche one of the large accounting companies. In this study businesses looking for an accounting system were asked to name the top ten criteria they used to select an accounting software package.

The responses were ranked in order of importance. In addition, those who were in the process of selecting their first accounting system were ranked separately from those businesses who were selecting their second system.

This provides a nice comparative view of the importance of various factors commonly used in deciding which accounting system a firm might use. Of particular interest was how the ranking changed for firms who were looking to change from an existing system to a new one.

Here is the importance for those businesses looking for their first accounting system:

Rank	Reason
1	Price of Software
2	Ease of Implementation
3	Ease of Use
4	Software's ability to fit the business
5	Functionality of software
6	Software works with existing hardware
7	Growth potential of software
8	Level of support provided by the local firm
9	Quality of documentation
10	Developers track record of performance

When you look at this ranking it seems to make sense. Anyone who's looked for an accounting system knows how difficult it can be to find the best system for your use. There's a lot of solid accounting systems available with loads of features. Plus it's not always easy to compare one system vs. others.

Naturally no one wants to "overpay" for anything therefore price is very important. Plus no one wants the hassle of a difficult implementation or hard to use software. That's why it's natural to see these items at the top of the list.

Near the bottom of the list finds local support and the developer’s track record. First time buyers either don't understand or can't properly evaluate the importance of these two elements.

Here's the importance ranking of the same reasons but this time for businesses selecting their SECOND system:

Rank	Reason
1	Level of support provided by the local firm
2	Developers track record of performance
3	Software's ability to fit the business
4	Growth potential of software
5	Price of Software
6	Quality of documentation
7	Functionality of software
8	Ease of Use
9	Ease of Implementation
10	Software works with existing hardware

Some of the rankings stay pretty similar but others jump out with significant changes as follows:

1st Time	2nd Time	Reason
8	1	Level of support provided by the local firm
10	2	Developers track record of performance
1	5	Price of Software
3	8	Ease of Use
2	9	Ease of Implementation
6	10	Software works with existing hardware

That second time buyers would in general be "smarter" if for no other reason than they've got the experience that first time buyers don't.

So it stands to reason that their rankings would be a better guide for those researching accounting system options. Therefore, here's the key points that surface:

* The important role that a quality Consultant provides is much more apparent to firms in their second go round with implementing a new system.

* The Developers Track Record is much more important than first time buyers think since it jumps in importance from dead last to second in importance.

* Price of Software drops from the prime reason to the middle of the pack reflecting that price although important is not the end all.

So, don’t let price completely drive the boat. Look for the Consultant (that’s us!) and make sure that you review references. Now, take a look at the software that TAC spends a great percentage of their day supporting. And after you do, call or email us.