neca software review 2009 · smarttrade ltd is a professional partner of myob and quickbooks and...

5
0 9 software review 2009 edition The 2009 edition of the NECA Software Review is the sixth revision of this respected and popular resource for members. Invitations were extended nationally to software vendors, resulting in the review of seven products. Reviewing any information technology is a concern because as soon as the review is completed the programs can be superseded and the next version becomes the latest package. However, if an electrical contractor has a software program that satisfies all their requirements and the data is regularly updated, then it should give the company 3 to 5 years of service before there is a need for a major over haul. From a software perspective, construction is an unusual business in that no two projects are the same. Nevertheless, the integration of software packages has become more acceptable over the recent past and is becoming a tangible solution for more and more businesses. An integrated software system eliminates duplication of data entry from various departments, provides a considerable reduction in paperwork and frees up personnel for other tasks therefore improving efficiency. The electrical contracting industry tends to embrace new technology quicker than other sectors but many contractors have been disappointed at the difference between what they perceived a package could do from speaking to the vendors, and what was the reality on implementation of the system. There are a multitude of software options on the market and it requires some rigorous contemplation before committing to a package that will deliver the outcomes required for the business. It is all about fitness for purpose. With an overwhelming majority of small to medium size companies in the industry, most are seeking “industry specific” software for the estimating/job management function and use an “off the shelf” accounting package. Most small to medium contractors require software which delivers user friendly estimating outcomes, and can interface with third party products (material suppliers) and incorporate variations and job management options. The larger companies are more likely to install fully integrated construction management software which combines estimating, job costing, project management, human resources, document imaging, purchasing and service management with accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll and general ledger. These larger companies are looking for a system which integrates all the business functions and can be accessed by every department. Such a system will allow seamless integration between the estimating/job management software and the accounting systems. The end users (electrical contractors) of each package were interviewed for this review and were generally satisfied (some were “delighted”) with the outcomes the programs offered. and in all cases believed the programs they were using gave them more efficiency. At the end of the day, each business must evaluate what is the most appropriate package to suit its mode of operation.

Upload: others

Post on 24-Jun-2020

0 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: NECA Software Review 2009 · SmartTrade Ltd is a professional partner of MYOB and QuickBooks and integrates at the line item level. With SmartTrade and one of these accounting systems

09softwarereview2009 editionThe 2009 edition of the NECA Software Review is the sixth revision of this respected and popular resource for members.

Invitations were extended nationally to software vendors, resulting in the review of seven products.

Reviewing any information technology is a concern because

as soon as the review is completed the programs can be

superseded and the next version becomes the latest package.

However, if an electrical contractor has a software program

that satisfi es all their requirements and the data is regularly

updated, then it should give the company 3 to 5 years of

service before there is a need for a major over haul.

From a software perspective, construction is an unusual

business in that no two projects are the same. Nevertheless,

the integration of software packages has become more

acceptable over the recent past and is becoming a tangible

solution for more and more businesses. An integrated

software system eliminates duplication of data entry from

various departments, provides a considerable reduction in

paperwork and frees up personnel for other tasks therefore

improving effi ciency.

The electrical contracting industry tends to embrace new

technology quicker than other sectors but many contractors

have been disappointed at the diff erence between what they

perceived a package could do from speaking to the vendors,

and what was the reality on implementation of the system.

There are a multitude of software options on the market and

it requires some rigorous contemplation before committing

to a package that will deliver the outcomes required for the

business. It is all about fi tness for purpose.

With an overwhelming majority of small to medium size

companies in the industry, most are seeking “industry

specifi c” software for the estimating/job management

function and use an “off the shelf” accounting package.

Most small to medium contractors require software which

delivers user friendly estimating outcomes, and can interface

with third party products (material suppliers) and incorporate

variations and job management options.

The larger companies are more likely to install fully integrated

construction management software which combines

estimating, job costing, project management, human

resources, document imaging, purchasing and service

management with accounts payable, accounts receivable,

payroll and general ledger. These larger companies are looking

for a system which integrates all the business functions and

can be accessed by every department. Such a system will

allow seamless integration between the estimating/job

management software and the accounting systems.

The end users (electrical contractors) of each package were

interviewed for this review and were generally satisfi ed

(some were “delighted”) with the outcomes the programs

off ered. and in all cases believed the programs they were

using gave them more effi ciency. At the end of the day,

each business must evaluate what is the most appropriate

package to suit its mode of operation.

In addition, a new MYOB and Quickbooks interface creates

a seamless interface between simPRO and the accounts

department, live updates of key supplier catalogues means

accurate purchasing and estimating every time.

Over the next 12 months, development plans include further

integration with all major wholesalers facilitating direct

electronic ordering and supplier invoicing to further reduce

the overhead on electrical contractors which will ensure

that simPRO stays “ahead of the pack” as the management

software of choice for the electrical contracting industry.

CostManager

CostManager is designed for the small to medium contractor,

most of the features in the program are driven from input by

our subscribers.

We are continually improving the product based upon this

input. This year we have added numerous enhancements, ie

emailing of invoices, purchase orders, quotes etc.

A job scheduler has been integrated with SMS capability, it

is now a simple matter of create the job (or use an existing

one) and drop it into a time slot. It is also just as easy to

move the job, increase or reduce the allowed time or assign

to another tradesperson. All jobs can be colour coded for job

status, giving an instant view of where tradespeople are and

timeslot “holes” that can be fi lled.

As an add on to the program (at extra cost) we have added

mobile job access and input via laptop or Windows Mobile

device. This is fully integrated into the program and allows

labour and material addition, the ability to include another

tradespersons labour onto the same job. You can also simply

request a purchase order “online”.

All this adds up to a simple to use program, which improves

productivity and reduces admin costs.

In the future we aim to add in online job initiation for your

customers. This will have secure login capabilities for your

customers to log a job and be able to check up on its progress

via the jobstatus method. We aim to increase the scope of

the SMS system to issue a SMS to the customer at certain

job “milestones”.

SmartTrade

SmartTrade is a comprehensive job management system

used by over 500 service businesses.

SmartTrade handles the workfl ow from fi rst customer contact

through to invoicing the job out, including the importing of

price books and invoices from leading suppliers. Hours of

unproductive data entry time are saved, and invoicing is as

quick as a few clicks. It can be used by offi ce staff and fi eld

staff via remote login access with laptops, or disconnected

PDA (handheld) technology.

2009 sees the release of a new Asset maintenance module

which allows the recording and management of your client

assets. Assets can be linked to recurring jobs for scheduled

maintenance along with procedures that fi eld staff can follow

step by step, allowing readings to be recorded for asset history.

This system is easily customisable to meet many diff erent

workfl ows and user requirements, and comes with full

implementation and after-sale support. Systems integration

and custom development can also be off ered for larger

organisations.

SmartTrade has excellent reporting allowing you to customise

default reports or have advanced reports written for you for

specifi c needs.

SmartTrade Ltd is a professional partner of MYOB and

QuickBooks and integrates at the line item level. With

SmartTrade and one of these accounting systems you have

the makings of an extremely effi cient business: ask any

SmartTrade user!

iProSoft

iPROsoft is the system of choice for medium to large electrical

contractors seeking a fully integrated, enterprise wide

solution. The iPROsoft system is an Australian product that

has been in use by electrical contractors for almost 20 years.

By integrating all estimating, job management, purchasing,

payroll and accounting processes in the one system, our

clients have total control over their business operations, with

immediate and unparalleled access to critical information for

the control of projects and minor services works and the overall

fi nancial management of the organisation. This is supported

by sophisticated functionality and security to tailor users’

access to align with workfl ows, information needs and the

internal control objectives of the organisation’s management.

Such control lowers overhead costs, increases revenue and

competitive advantage, and reduces corporate risk.

Each year there is considerable investment into research and

development at iPROsoft Pty Ltd and the latest development

is the reporting tool iPROsoft Perspectives™. This new

tool will give our clients the power to develop a library of

custom reports and produce them in a variety of fi le formats

to meet the information needs of users at all levels of the

organisation.

iPROsoft Pty Ltd is an Australian software company with

operations across the country, providing solutions to the

contracting industry. The iPROsoft solution is backed by

one of the best support teams in the Australian contracting

market; people who have worked in contracting organisations

and have a deep understanding of our client’s requirements.

Well developed implementation and training methodologies

refi ned over many years enable our clients meet their systems

objectives.

Visit www.neca.asn.au for more information

NECA National Offi ce

Locked Bag 1818

(Level 4, 30 Atchison Street)

St Leonards, NSW, 1590

Phone: 02 9439 8523

Fax: 02 9439 8525

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.neca.asn.au

NECA South Australia

PO Box 47

(213 Greenhill Road, Eastwood)

Fullarton SA 5063

Phone: 08 8272 2966

Fax: 08 8373 1528

Email: [email protected]

NECA Victoria

Level 12, 222 Kingsway

South Melbourne VIC 3205

Phone: 03 9645 5533

Fax: 03 9645 5544

Email: [email protected]

NECA New South Wales

PO Box 1106

(28 Burwood Road)

Burwood North NSW 2134

Phone: 02 9744 1099

Fax: 02 9744 1830

Email: [email protected]

NECA Queensland

PO Box 2070

Milton QLD 4064

Phone: 1300 794 846

Fax: 1300 369 279

Email: [email protected]

NECA Northern Territory

PO Box 37121

Winellie NT 0821

Phone: 08 8922 9666

Fax: 08 8922 9600

Email: [email protected]

NECA Tasmania

PO Box 793H

(30 Burnett Street,

North Hobart 7000)

Hobart TAS 7001

Phone: 03 6236 3656

Fax: 03 6231 1278

Email: [email protected]

NECA Western Australia

PO Box 782

(41 Delawney Street)

Balcatta WA 6914

Phone: 08 9321 8637

Fax: 08 9481 4552

Email: [email protected]

20200909

NECA National Office NECA New South

Intellibid

ConEst

Geoff Santos

0418 358 393

www.stoweaustralia.com.au/conest.html

Fast Track Estimating

Atad Data

Chris Hughes

(07) 3208 6347

www.ataddata.com.au

Smart Trade

Smart Trade

Sam MacGeorge

1800 350 495

www.smarttrade.biz

iProSoft

iProSoft Pty Ltd

Aaron Ferrington

(07) 3004 6100

www.iprosoft.com

CostManager

Autarky Computer Systems

Kevin Woods

(08) 8464 0616

www.autarky.biz

SimPro

Acorn Software

Stephen Bradshaw

0403 348 338

www.simpro.com.au

Micronet Advantage Suite

Micronet Systems

Stuart Duncan

(02) 9542 2000

www.micronet.com.au

Disclaimer: This software review is intended to provide a summary of the survey undertaken and does not purport to be comprehensive or to render specifi c advice. NECA members should not act on the basis of any matters contained in this review and are encouraged to seek vendor advice for the application of any software to their particular requirements. NECA does not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of this software review

Vendor contact details

Page 2: NECA Software Review 2009 · SmartTrade Ltd is a professional partner of MYOB and QuickBooks and integrates at the line item level. With SmartTrade and one of these accounting systems

Micronet Advantage Suite

The Micronet Advantage software is a fully integrated job costing

and accounting system designed for the medium to large electrical

contractor. Micronet would be a preferred solution for companies

where you have outgrown your stand-alone accounting systems

or where you currently have one system for your accounts, another

for your job costing, another for your service/maintenance

system and yet another for estimating, Micronet can bring all of

this together to provide a modern streamlined single integrated

solution with options for interfacing to PDA’s, Web Systems, full

inventory management and CRM services.

The Micronet system is a very secure system with full transaction

and security audit trails, designed for the growing contractor

where you are relying on many of your staff to add transactions

or to have secure or limited access to your company data.

Micronet will run on a standard Microsoft 2003/2008 server

platform and has all the functionality for handling multiple

companies, multiple sites and can even go down to service

vehicle level.

Intellibid

Conest’s Intellibid is the best electrical and communications

estimating package available in Australia, taking into

consideration price, complexity, system sophistication and the

level of Australian based software development and support.

The database included with all packages consists of approximately

50,000 Australian electrical and communications items, all fully

labour rated and price supported via the TRA-SER pricing service.

This database is under constant review to ensure the addition of

all the latest products, removal of redundant items that are no

longer available, the inclusion of new and improved assemblies,

plus on-going general modifi cation and improvements.

A link to a website is being developed that will enable direct

download of your current buy prices of all items from major

wholesaler groups directly from their website into your Intellibid

database.

The initial cost of the Intellibid package is very quickly recovered

via the cost savings achieved by means of time saved in the

preparation of tenders, together with the elimination of the every

day task of looking up prices, all achieved by the utilization of

the multitude of complex assemblies included in the database

covering all aspects of any electrical and communications

installation. In addition, costly omissions from tender bids that

are so common with inexperienced estimators preparing tenders

are drastically reduced due to the structure of the assemblies

and the queries that are raised when using these assemblies.

Fast Track

The Fast Track Estimating System was created over 15 years

ago primarily to off er a specialised system to electrical and

mechanical estimators. This system is an ‘off -the-shelf’ software

package that comes complete with a manual and disk for easy

installation and immediate use.

Fast Track is designed to run in conjunction with ‘Smart Price’,

which provides the latest prices from all major Electrical

Vendors.

The estimating system can be used in estimating small, large

and project estimates as well as total cost estimate budgets

(TCEs) for substantial infrastructure projects.

With ‘front sheet’ and ‘hourly rate’ calculation facilities, Fast

Track is a complete system. The estimating package comes

loaded with ‘MasterList A’ containing commonly used line items

and subassemblies, making it ready to go!

Fast Track is networkable, but can also be used as a stand-alone-

system. In keeping pace with technology a web version is to be

released early in 2009 and will complement the existing desktop

version. This will enable project managers to do variations from

any site location and/ or assist in estimating.

Ultimately, in business you need to know your ‘bottom line’ when

submitting a price. Fast Track will assist you in achieving this.

Don’t just take our word for it.....The Fast Track Estimating System

is ‘Tried and Proven’. The feedback we receive from our satisfi ed

Fast Track users testifi es to this. Not only do they report that Fast

Track is “intuitive to use” and “highly accurate” but “extremely

aff ordable”.

SimPRO

From the seed of an idea within an electrical contracting

business, Acorn Software now a public company has become

the recognised leader in browser-based electrical contracting

software with its iconic brand, simPRO.

As the company moves into its 9th year, simPRO has been

embraced by the electrical contracting industry and is

under constant development and improvement with those

improvements being driven by the industry via the user forums

and the need to keep pace with an ever-changing marketplace.

Over the last 12 months, new variants of simPRO have been

released. These include a scaled down version for sole traders

and small scale enterprise looking to grow their business

(simPROlite) from as little as $80.00 per month. A digital pen-

driven mobile solution that eliminates the need for multiple data

entry (simPROmobile) by sending the data directly to simPRO via

their mobile phone.

MATERIAL LIBRARY – a data base of materials, preferably

capable of being imported from suppliers who maintain the

fi les with price and product changes. Programs which provide

both generic and specifi c material names are more fl exible to

those which are only manufacturer specifi c i.e. 10 amp fl ush

combination GPO, or XYZ409. If the data base is tied to the

catalogue number and the manufacturer goes out of business

or changes the catalogue number these material items may no

longer be valid.

LABOUR UNITS – a data base of labour units, whether company

specifi c or derived from a commercial labour unit manual, which

has the option to manipulate the units in accordance with the

conditions of the job (access, height, heat, cold, confi ned

space, fl oor levels, walking time etc).

TAKE-OFF SHEETS – function that enables any section of the job

to be viewed showing all quantities, material pricing and labour

allocation. Any of these sheets should provide the suppliers

with a workable spreadsheet for completing individual prices.

JOB BREAK-UP – function that shows the complete job break-

up depicting each segment with total material cost and total

labour hours for the estimate summary sheet.

ASSEMBLIES – these are important for quick estimating but

the software must have the ability to allow modifi cation of the

assembly make up and accept loadings for site conditions.

QUOTATION TEMPLATE –the template must include all those

items which are mandatory to a submission and fl exible enough

to be customized for each job.

The absolute minimum an estimating software package should include is:

Product descriptions provided by vendors:

PRODUCT COST MANAGER FAST TRACK ESTIMATING SYSTEM

MICRONET ADVANTAGE SUITE

INTELLIBID SIMPRO SMART TRADE IPROSOFT

Version Version V12 104.142 V2.7 V6.20.00 0 v4 3

Pricing* (ex GST) $1314 $2480 $16200 $5291 $5195 $1180 $45000

Annual fees ** $400 – 600 $396 $1500 $531 20% of set up costs $800 20% of software

license costs

Estimating

Material Library • • • • • • •

Labour Units • • • • • • •

Take-off Sheet • • • • • • •

Job Break-up • • • • • • •

Assemblies • • • • • • •

Input to Job Costing • • • • • • •

Input Suppliers Prices • • • • • • •

Quotation Templates • • • NA • • •

Job Costing

Labour by activity • • • • • •

Material by cost code • • • • • •

Work in Progress • • • • • •

Labour Hours to Complete NA • • • • •

Material $ to complete NA • • • • •

Labour Input by Hours • • • • • •

Produce Timesheet • • NA • • •

Material Input by $ • • • • • •

Variations by Hours • • • • • •

Variations by Material $ • • • • • •

Variations by Selling $ • • • • • •

Variations Status Report • • • • • •

Invoicing/Progress Claim • • • • • •

Linking Jobs to Projects • • • • • •

Resource Scheduling • • • • • •

Accounting

Debtors • • • •

Creditors • • • •

Bank Reconcilliation • NA NA •

Balance Sheet • • NA •

Profi t & Loss • • • •

Reports • • • •

Depreciation NA NA NA •

Other Functions /Features

Payroll NA • NA NA NA PLANNED 2009 •

Stock Control • • • NA • Via Accounting Package •

Asset Control • • • NA • • •

Document Control NA • • • • • •

Purchasing • • • NA • • •

Contact management • • • • • • •

Email Capable • • • • • • •

Report Writer • • • NA • • •

Support to hand held devices • NA • • • • •

On-line Help • • • • • • •

Other

Accounting

Packages

Other

Accounting

Packages

Compatible with

MYOB &

QuickBooks

Compatible

with MYOB

Visit www.neca.asn.au for more information

* These prices are the minimum costs based on a sole trader. Please contact vendor for specifi c pricing as some prices quoted include consultancy and training fees, while some do not.

** Some annual fees are charged to cater for the upgrades and if you choose not to subscribe you will not get the upgrades.

However, most packages also have a license fee which varies from vendor to vendor, with some payable only for additional users or similar. Please contact vendor for specifi c pricing.

Page 3: NECA Software Review 2009 · SmartTrade Ltd is a professional partner of MYOB and QuickBooks and integrates at the line item level. With SmartTrade and one of these accounting systems

Micronet Advantage Suite

The Micronet Advantage software is a fully integrated job costing

and accounting system designed for the medium to large electrical

contractor. Micronet would be a preferred solution for companies

where you have outgrown your stand-alone accounting systems

or where you currently have one system for your accounts, another

for your job costing, another for your service/maintenance

system and yet another for estimating, Micronet can bring all of

this together to provide a modern streamlined single integrated

solution with options for interfacing to PDA’s, Web Systems, full

inventory management and CRM services.

The Micronet system is a very secure system with full transaction

and security audit trails, designed for the growing contractor

where you are relying on many of your staff to add transactions

or to have secure or limited access to your company data.

Micronet will run on a standard Microsoft 2003/2008 server

platform and has all the functionality for handling multiple

companies, multiple sites and can even go down to service

vehicle level.

Intellibid

Conest’s Intellibid is the best electrical and communications

estimating package available in Australia, taking into

consideration price, complexity, system sophistication and the

level of Australian based software development and support.

The database included with all packages consists of approximately

50,000 Australian electrical and communications items, all fully

labour rated and price supported via the TRA-SER pricing service.

This database is under constant review to ensure the addition of

all the latest products, removal of redundant items that are no

longer available, the inclusion of new and improved assemblies,

plus on-going general modifi cation and improvements.

A link to a website is being developed that will enable direct

download of your current buy prices of all items from major

wholesaler groups directly from their website into your Intellibid

database.

The initial cost of the Intellibid package is very quickly recovered

via the cost savings achieved by means of time saved in the

preparation of tenders, together with the elimination of the every

day task of looking up prices, all achieved by the utilization of

the multitude of complex assemblies included in the database

covering all aspects of any electrical and communications

installation. In addition, costly omissions from tender bids that

are so common with inexperienced estimators preparing tenders

are drastically reduced due to the structure of the assemblies

and the queries that are raised when using these assemblies.

Fast Track

The Fast Track Estimating System was created over 15 years

ago primarily to off er a specialised system to electrical and

mechanical estimators. This system is an ‘off -the-shelf’ software

package that comes complete with a manual and disk for easy

installation and immediate use.

Fast Track is designed to run in conjunction with ‘Smart Price’,

which provides the latest prices from all major Electrical

Vendors.

The estimating system can be used in estimating small, large

and project estimates as well as total cost estimate budgets

(TCEs) for substantial infrastructure projects.

With ‘front sheet’ and ‘hourly rate’ calculation facilities, Fast

Track is a complete system. The estimating package comes

loaded with ‘MasterList A’ containing commonly used line items

and subassemblies, making it ready to go!

Fast Track is networkable, but can also be used as a stand-alone-

system. In keeping pace with technology a web version is to be

released early in 2009 and will complement the existing desktop

version. This will enable project managers to do variations from

any site location and/ or assist in estimating.

Ultimately, in business you need to know your ‘bottom line’ when

submitting a price. Fast Track will assist you in achieving this.

Don’t just take our word for it.....The Fast Track Estimating System

is ‘Tried and Proven’. The feedback we receive from our satisfi ed

Fast Track users testifi es to this. Not only do they report that Fast

Track is “intuitive to use” and “highly accurate” but “extremely

aff ordable”.

SimPRO

From the seed of an idea within an electrical contracting

business, Acorn Software now a public company has become

the recognised leader in browser-based electrical contracting

software with its iconic brand, simPRO.

As the company moves into its 9th year, simPRO has been

embraced by the electrical contracting industry and is

under constant development and improvement with those

improvements being driven by the industry via the user forums

and the need to keep pace with an ever-changing marketplace.

Over the last 12 months, new variants of simPRO have been

released. These include a scaled down version for sole traders

and small scale enterprise looking to grow their business

(simPROlite) from as little as $80.00 per month. A digital pen-

driven mobile solution that eliminates the need for multiple data

entry (simPROmobile) by sending the data directly to simPRO via

their mobile phone.

MATERIAL LIBRARY – a data base of materials, preferably

capable of being imported from suppliers who maintain the

fi les with price and product changes. Programs which provide

both generic and specifi c material names are more fl exible to

those which are only manufacturer specifi c i.e. 10 amp fl ush

combination GPO, or XYZ409. If the data base is tied to the

catalogue number and the manufacturer goes out of business

or changes the catalogue number these material items may no

longer be valid.

LABOUR UNITS – a data base of labour units, whether company

specifi c or derived from a commercial labour unit manual, which

has the option to manipulate the units in accordance with the

conditions of the job (access, height, heat, cold, confi ned

space, fl oor levels, walking time etc).

TAKE-OFF SHEETS – function that enables any section of the job

to be viewed showing all quantities, material pricing and labour

allocation. Any of these sheets should provide the suppliers

with a workable spreadsheet for completing individual prices.

JOB BREAK-UP – function that shows the complete job break-

up depicting each segment with total material cost and total

labour hours for the estimate summary sheet.

ASSEMBLIES – these are important for quick estimating but

the software must have the ability to allow modifi cation of the

assembly make up and accept loadings for site conditions.

QUOTATION TEMPLATE –the template must include all those

items which are mandatory to a submission and fl exible enough

to be customized for each job.

The absolute minimum an estimating software package should include is:

Product descriptions provided by vendors:

PRODUCT COST MANAGER FAST TRACK ESTIMATING SYSTEM

MICRONET ADVANTAGE SUITE

INTELLIBID SIMPRO SMART TRADE IPROSOFT

Version Version V12 104.142 V2.7 V6.20.00 0 v4 3

Pricing* (ex GST) $1314 $2480 $16200 $5291 $5195 $1180 $45000

Annual fees ** $400 – 600 $396 $1500 $531 20% of set up costs $800 20% of software

license costs

Estimating

Material Library • • • • • • •

Labour Units • • • • • • •

Take-off Sheet • • • • • • •

Job Break-up • • • • • • •

Assemblies • • • • • • •

Input to Job Costing • • • • • • •

Input Suppliers Prices • • • • • • •

Quotation Templates • • • NA • • •

Job Costing

Labour by activity • • • • • •

Material by cost code • • • • • •

Work in Progress • • • • • •

Labour Hours to Complete NA • • • • •

Material $ to complete NA • • • • •

Labour Input by Hours • • • • • •

Produce Timesheet • • NA • • •

Material Input by $ • • • • • •

Variations by Hours • • • • • •

Variations by Material $ • • • • • •

Variations by Selling $ • • • • • •

Variations Status Report • • • • • •

Invoicing/Progress Claim • • • • • •

Linking Jobs to Projects • • • • • •

Resource Scheduling • • • • • •

Accounting

Debtors • • • •

Creditors • • • •

Bank Reconcilliation • NA NA •

Balance Sheet • • NA •

Profi t & Loss • • • •

Reports • • • •

Depreciation NA NA NA •

Other Functions /Features

Payroll NA • NA NA NA PLANNED 2009 •

Stock Control • • • NA • Via Accounting Package •

Asset Control • • • NA • • •

Document Control NA • • • • • •

Purchasing • • • NA • • •

Contact management • • • • • • •

Email Capable • • • • • • •

Report Writer • • • NA • • •

Support to hand held devices • NA • • • • •

On-line Help • • • • • • •

Other

Accounting

Packages

Other

Accounting

Packages

Compatible with

MYOB &

QuickBooks

Compatible

with MYOB

Visit www.neca.asn.au for more information

* These prices are the minimum costs based on a sole trader. Please contact vendor for specifi c pricing as some prices quoted include consultancy and training fees, while some do not.

** Some annual fees are charged to cater for the upgrades and if you choose not to subscribe you will not get the upgrades.

However, most packages also have a license fee which varies from vendor to vendor, with some payable only for additional users or similar. Please contact vendor for specifi c pricing.

Page 4: NECA Software Review 2009 · SmartTrade Ltd is a professional partner of MYOB and QuickBooks and integrates at the line item level. With SmartTrade and one of these accounting systems

09softwarereview2009 editionThe 2009 edition of the NECA Software Review is the sixth revision of this respected and popular resource for members.

Invitations were extended nationally to software vendors, resulting in the review of seven products.

Reviewing any information technology is a concern because

as soon as the review is completed the programs can be

superseded and the next version becomes the latest package.

However, if an electrical contractor has a software program

that satisfi es all their requirements and the data is regularly

updated, then it should give the company 3 to 5 years of

service before there is a need for a major over haul.

From a software perspective, construction is an unusual

business in that no two projects are the same. Nevertheless,

the integration of software packages has become more

acceptable over the recent past and is becoming a tangible

solution for more and more businesses. An integrated

software system eliminates duplication of data entry from

various departments, provides a considerable reduction in

paperwork and frees up personnel for other tasks therefore

improving effi ciency.

The electrical contracting industry tends to embrace new

technology quicker than other sectors but many contractors

have been disappointed at the diff erence between what they

perceived a package could do from speaking to the vendors,

and what was the reality on implementation of the system.

There are a multitude of software options on the market and

it requires some rigorous contemplation before committing

to a package that will deliver the outcomes required for the

business. It is all about fi tness for purpose.

With an overwhelming majority of small to medium size

companies in the industry, most are seeking “industry

specifi c” software for the estimating/job management

function and use an “off the shelf” accounting package.

Most small to medium contractors require software which

delivers user friendly estimating outcomes, and can interface

with third party products (material suppliers) and incorporate

variations and job management options.

The larger companies are more likely to install fully integrated

construction management software which combines

estimating, job costing, project management, human

resources, document imaging, purchasing and service

management with accounts payable, accounts receivable,

payroll and general ledger. These larger companies are looking

for a system which integrates all the business functions and

can be accessed by every department. Such a system will

allow seamless integration between the estimating/job

management software and the accounting systems.

The end users (electrical contractors) of each package were

interviewed for this review and were generally satisfi ed

(some were “delighted”) with the outcomes the programs

off ered. and in all cases believed the programs they were

using gave them more effi ciency. At the end of the day,

each business must evaluate what is the most appropriate

package to suit its mode of operation.

In addition, a new MYOB and Quickbooks interface creates

a seamless interface between simPRO and the accounts

department, live updates of key supplier catalogues means

accurate purchasing and estimating every time.

Over the next 12 months, development plans include further

integration with all major wholesalers facilitating direct

electronic ordering and supplier invoicing to further reduce

the overhead on electrical contractors which will ensure

that simPRO stays “ahead of the pack” as the management

software of choice for the electrical contracting industry.

CostManager

CostManager is designed for the small to medium contractor,

most of the features in the program are driven from input by

our subscribers.

We are continually improving the product based upon this

input. This year we have added numerous enhancements, ie

emailing of invoices, purchase orders, quotes etc.

A job scheduler has been integrated with SMS capability, it

is now a simple matter of create the job (or use an existing

one) and drop it into a time slot. It is also just as easy to

move the job, increase or reduce the allowed time or assign

to another tradesperson. All jobs can be colour coded for job

status, giving an instant view of where tradespeople are and

timeslot “holes” that can be fi lled.

As an add on to the program (at extra cost) we have added

mobile job access and input via laptop or Windows Mobile

device. This is fully integrated into the program and allows

labour and material addition, the ability to include another

tradespersons labour onto the same job. You can also simply

request a purchase order “online”.

All this adds up to a simple to use program, which improves

productivity and reduces admin costs.

In the future we aim to add in online job initiation for your

customers. This will have secure login capabilities for your

customers to log a job and be able to check up on its progress

via the jobstatus method. We aim to increase the scope of

the SMS system to issue a SMS to the customer at certain

job “milestones”.

SmartTrade

SmartTrade is a comprehensive job management system

used by over 500 service businesses.

SmartTrade handles the workfl ow from fi rst customer contact

through to invoicing the job out, including the importing of

price books and invoices from leading suppliers. Hours of

unproductive data entry time are saved, and invoicing is as

quick as a few clicks. It can be used by offi ce staff and fi eld

staff via remote login access with laptops, or disconnected

PDA (handheld) technology.

2009 sees the release of a new Asset maintenance module

which allows the recording and management of your client

assets. Assets can be linked to recurring jobs for scheduled

maintenance along with procedures that fi eld staff can follow

step by step, allowing readings to be recorded for asset history.

This system is easily customisable to meet many diff erent

workfl ows and user requirements, and comes with full

implementation and after-sale support. Systems integration

and custom development can also be off ered for larger

organisations.

SmartTrade has excellent reporting allowing you to customise

default reports or have advanced reports written for you for

specifi c needs.

SmartTrade Ltd is a professional partner of MYOB and

QuickBooks and integrates at the line item level. With

SmartTrade and one of these accounting systems you have

the makings of an extremely effi cient business: ask any

SmartTrade user!

iProSoft

iPROsoft is the system of choice for medium to large electrical

contractors seeking a fully integrated, enterprise wide

solution. The iPROsoft system is an Australian product that

has been in use by electrical contractors for almost 20 years.

By integrating all estimating, job management, purchasing,

payroll and accounting processes in the one system, our

clients have total control over their business operations, with

immediate and unparalleled access to critical information for

the control of projects and minor services works and the overall

fi nancial management of the organisation. This is supported

by sophisticated functionality and security to tailor users’

access to align with workfl ows, information needs and the

internal control objectives of the organisation’s management.

Such control lowers overhead costs, increases revenue and

competitive advantage, and reduces corporate risk.

Each year there is considerable investment into research and

development at iPROsoft Pty Ltd and the latest development

is the reporting tool iPROsoft Perspectives™. This new

tool will give our clients the power to develop a library of

custom reports and produce them in a variety of fi le formats

to meet the information needs of users at all levels of the

organisation.

iPROsoft Pty Ltd is an Australian software company with

operations across the country, providing solutions to the

contracting industry. The iPROsoft solution is backed by

one of the best support teams in the Australian contracting

market; people who have worked in contracting organisations

and have a deep understanding of our client’s requirements.

Well developed implementation and training methodologies

refi ned over many years enable our clients meet their systems

objectives.

Visit www.neca.asn.au for more information

NECA National Offi ce

Locked Bag 1818

(Level 4, 30 Atchison Street)

St Leonards, NSW, 1590

Phone: 02 9439 8523

Fax: 02 9439 8525

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.neca.asn.au

NECA South Australia

PO Box 47

(213 Greenhill Road, Eastwood)

Fullarton SA 5063

Phone: 08 8272 2966

Fax: 08 8373 1528

Email: [email protected]

NECA Victoria

Level 12, 222 Kingsway

South Melbourne VIC 3205

Phone: 03 9645 5533

Fax: 03 9645 5544

Email: [email protected]

NECA New South Wales

PO Box 1106

(28 Burwood Road)

Burwood North NSW 2134

Phone: 02 9744 1099

Fax: 02 9744 1830

Email: [email protected]

NECA Queensland

PO Box 2070

Milton QLD 4064

Phone: 1300 794 846

Fax: 1300 369 279

Email: [email protected]

NECA Northern Territory

PO Box 37121

Winellie NT 0821

Phone: 08 8922 9666

Fax: 08 8922 9600

Email: [email protected]

NECA Tasmania

PO Box 793H

(30 Burnett Street,

North Hobart 7000)

Hobart TAS 7001

Phone: 03 6236 3656

Fax: 03 6231 1278

Email: [email protected]

NECA Western Australia

PO Box 782

(41 Delawney Street)

Balcatta WA 6914

Phone: 08 9321 8637

Fax: 08 9481 4552

Email: [email protected]

20200909

NECA National Office NECA New South

Intellibid

ConEst

Geoff Santos

0418 358 393

www.stoweaustralia.com.au/conest.html

Fast Track Estimating

Atad Data

Chris Hughes

(07) 3208 6347

www.ataddata.com.au

Smart Trade

Smart Trade

Sam MacGeorge

1800 350 495

www.smarttrade.biz

iProSoft

iProSoft Pty Ltd

Aaron Ferrington

(07) 3004 6100

www.iprosoft.com

CostManager

Autarky Computer Systems

Kevin Woods

(08) 8464 0616

www.autarky.biz

SimPro

Acorn Software

Stephen Bradshaw

0403 348 338

www.simpro.com.au

Micronet Advantage Suite

Micronet Systems

Stuart Duncan

(02) 9542 2000

www.micronet.com.au

Disclaimer: This software review is intended to provide a summary of the survey undertaken and does not purport to be comprehensive or to render specifi c advice. NECA members should not act on the basis of any matters contained in this review and are encouraged to seek vendor advice for the application of any software to their particular requirements. NECA does not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of this software review

Vendor contact details

Page 5: NECA Software Review 2009 · SmartTrade Ltd is a professional partner of MYOB and QuickBooks and integrates at the line item level. With SmartTrade and one of these accounting systems

09softwarereview2009 editionThe 2009 edition of the NECA Software Review is the sixth revision of this respected and popular resource for members.

Invitations were extended nationally to software vendors, resulting in the review of seven products.

Reviewing any information technology is a concern because

as soon as the review is completed the programs can be

superseded and the next version becomes the latest package.

However, if an electrical contractor has a software program

that satisfi es all their requirements and the data is regularly

updated, then it should give the company 3 to 5 years of

service before there is a need for a major over haul.

From a software perspective, construction is an unusual

business in that no two projects are the same. Nevertheless,

the integration of software packages has become more

acceptable over the recent past and is becoming a tangible

solution for more and more businesses. An integrated

software system eliminates duplication of data entry from

various departments, provides a considerable reduction in

paperwork and frees up personnel for other tasks therefore

improving effi ciency.

The electrical contracting industry tends to embrace new

technology quicker than other sectors but many contractors

have been disappointed at the diff erence between what they

perceived a package could do from speaking to the vendors,

and what was the reality on implementation of the system.

There are a multitude of software options on the market and

it requires some rigorous contemplation before committing

to a package that will deliver the outcomes required for the

business. It is all about fi tness for purpose.

With an overwhelming majority of small to medium size

companies in the industry, most are seeking “industry

specifi c” software for the estimating/job management

function and use an “off the shelf” accounting package.

Most small to medium contractors require software which

delivers user friendly estimating outcomes, and can interface

with third party products (material suppliers) and incorporate

variations and job management options.

The larger companies are more likely to install fully integrated

construction management software which combines

estimating, job costing, project management, human

resources, document imaging, purchasing and service

management with accounts payable, accounts receivable,

payroll and general ledger. These larger companies are looking

for a system which integrates all the business functions and

can be accessed by every department. Such a system will

allow seamless integration between the estimating/job

management software and the accounting systems.

The end users (electrical contractors) of each package were

interviewed for this review and were generally satisfi ed

(some were “delighted”) with the outcomes the programs

off ered. and in all cases believed the programs they were

using gave them more effi ciency. At the end of the day,

each business must evaluate what is the most appropriate

package to suit its mode of operation.

In addition, a new MYOB and Quickbooks interface creates

a seamless interface between simPRO and the accounts

department, live updates of key supplier catalogues means

accurate purchasing and estimating every time.

Over the next 12 months, development plans include further

integration with all major wholesalers facilitating direct

electronic ordering and supplier invoicing to further reduce

the overhead on electrical contractors which will ensure

that simPRO stays “ahead of the pack” as the management

software of choice for the electrical contracting industry.

CostManager

CostManager is designed for the small to medium contractor,

most of the features in the program are driven from input by

our subscribers.

We are continually improving the product based upon this

input. This year we have added numerous enhancements, ie

emailing of invoices, purchase orders, quotes etc.

A job scheduler has been integrated with SMS capability, it

is now a simple matter of create the job (or use an existing

one) and drop it into a time slot. It is also just as easy to

move the job, increase or reduce the allowed time or assign

to another tradesperson. All jobs can be colour coded for job

status, giving an instant view of where tradespeople are and

timeslot “holes” that can be fi lled.

As an add on to the program (at extra cost) we have added

mobile job access and input via laptop or Windows Mobile

device. This is fully integrated into the program and allows

labour and material addition, the ability to include another

tradespersons labour onto the same job. You can also simply

request a purchase order “online”.

All this adds up to a simple to use program, which improves

productivity and reduces admin costs.

In the future we aim to add in online job initiation for your

customers. This will have secure login capabilities for your

customers to log a job and be able to check up on its progress

via the jobstatus method. We aim to increase the scope of

the SMS system to issue a SMS to the customer at certain

job “milestones”.

SmartTrade

SmartTrade is a comprehensive job management system

used by over 500 service businesses.

SmartTrade handles the workfl ow from fi rst customer contact

through to invoicing the job out, including the importing of

price books and invoices from leading suppliers. Hours of

unproductive data entry time are saved, and invoicing is as

quick as a few clicks. It can be used by offi ce staff and fi eld

staff via remote login access with laptops, or disconnected

PDA (handheld) technology.

2009 sees the release of a new Asset maintenance module

which allows the recording and management of your client

assets. Assets can be linked to recurring jobs for scheduled

maintenance along with procedures that fi eld staff can follow

step by step, allowing readings to be recorded for asset history.

This system is easily customisable to meet many diff erent

workfl ows and user requirements, and comes with full

implementation and after-sale support. Systems integration

and custom development can also be off ered for larger

organisations.

SmartTrade has excellent reporting allowing you to customise

default reports or have advanced reports written for you for

specifi c needs.

SmartTrade Ltd is a professional partner of MYOB and

QuickBooks and integrates at the line item level. With

SmartTrade and one of these accounting systems you have

the makings of an extremely effi cient business: ask any

SmartTrade user!

iProSoft

iPROsoft is the system of choice for medium to large electrical

contractors seeking a fully integrated, enterprise wide

solution. The iPROsoft system is an Australian product that

has been in use by electrical contractors for almost 20 years.

By integrating all estimating, job management, purchasing,

payroll and accounting processes in the one system, our

clients have total control over their business operations, with

immediate and unparalleled access to critical information for

the control of projects and minor services works and the overall

fi nancial management of the organisation. This is supported

by sophisticated functionality and security to tailor users’

access to align with workfl ows, information needs and the

internal control objectives of the organisation’s management.

Such control lowers overhead costs, increases revenue and

competitive advantage, and reduces corporate risk.

Each year there is considerable investment into research and

development at iPROsoft Pty Ltd and the latest development

is the reporting tool iPROsoft Perspectives™. This new

tool will give our clients the power to develop a library of

custom reports and produce them in a variety of fi le formats

to meet the information needs of users at all levels of the

organisation.

iPROsoft Pty Ltd is an Australian software company with

operations across the country, providing solutions to the

contracting industry. The iPROsoft solution is backed by

one of the best support teams in the Australian contracting

market; people who have worked in contracting organisations

and have a deep understanding of our client’s requirements.

Well developed implementation and training methodologies

refi ned over many years enable our clients meet their systems

objectives.

Visit www.neca.asn.au for more information

NECA National Offi ce

Locked Bag 1818

(Level 4, 30 Atchison Street)

St Leonards, NSW, 1590

Phone: 02 9439 8523

Fax: 02 9439 8525

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.neca.asn.au

NECA South Australia

PO Box 47

(213 Greenhill Road, Eastwood)

Fullarton SA 5063

Phone: 08 8272 2966

Fax: 08 8373 1528

Email: [email protected]

NECA Victoria

Level 12, 222 Kingsway

South Melbourne VIC 3205

Phone: 03 9645 5533

Fax: 03 9645 5544

Email: [email protected]

NECA New South Wales

PO Box 1106

(28 Burwood Road)

Burwood North NSW 2134

Phone: 02 9744 1099

Fax: 02 9744 1830

Email: [email protected]

NECA Queensland

PO Box 2070

Milton QLD 4064

Phone: 1300 794 846

Fax: 1300 369 279

Email: [email protected]

NECA Northern Territory

PO Box 37121

Winellie NT 0821

Phone: 08 8922 9666

Fax: 08 8922 9600

Email: [email protected]

NECA Tasmania

PO Box 793H

(30 Burnett Street,

North Hobart 7000)

Hobart TAS 7001

Phone: 03 6236 3656

Fax: 03 6231 1278

Email: [email protected]

NECA Western Australia

PO Box 782

(41 Delawney Street)

Balcatta WA 6914

Phone: 08 9321 8637

Fax: 08 9481 4552

Email: [email protected]

20200909

NECA National Office NECA New South

Intellibid

ConEst

Geoff Santos

0418 358 393

www.stoweaustralia.com.au/conest.html

Fast Track Estimating

Atad Data

Chris Hughes

(07) 3208 6347

www.ataddata.com.au

Smart Trade

Smart Trade

Sam MacGeorge

1800 350 495

www.smarttrade.biz

iProSoft

iProSoft Pty Ltd

Aaron Ferrington

(07) 3004 6100

www.iprosoft.com

CostManager

Autarky Computer Systems

Kevin Woods

(08) 8464 0616

www.autarky.biz

SimPro

Acorn Software

Stephen Bradshaw

0403 348 338

www.simpro.com.au

Micronet Advantage Suite

Micronet Systems

Stuart Duncan

(02) 9542 2000

www.micronet.com.au

Disclaimer: This software review is intended to provide a summary of the survey undertaken and does not purport to be comprehensive or to render specifi c advice. NECA members should not act on the basis of any matters contained in this review and are encouraged to seek vendor advice for the application of any software to their particular requirements. NECA does not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of this software review

Vendor contact details