eTEK International — eTEK for Microsoft Office

eTEK International — eTEK for Microsoft Office
800-888-6894
www.etek.net

From the June 2010 Review of Web-Based (SaaS)_Small Business Accounting Systems.

The eTEK line of business accounting applications has long specialized in meeting the needs of the construction and contractor spaces, but the vendor also offers full module suites that can be used to manage most industry types. The company offers several versions of its core accounting system based on the database resources being used by the business, including installed and hosted SaaS versions of eTEK for Microsoft Office and eTEK for SQL Server. The company also offers point-of-sale, project management and electronic payment solutions. The SaaS version of eTEK for Microsoft Office is reviewed here.

BASIC SYSTEM FUNCTIONS:
When used as a web-based solution, eTEK for Microsoft Office partners with Application Solution Providers, Inc. (www.aspdd.com) to provide a Citrix-based remote operating environment for the accounting system and for other programs. After login, the system opens into a workspace that almost perfectly replicates the work areas found in the 2007 line of Microsoft Office programs, with a ribbon bar across the top and direct integration with Microsoft programs.

Like Word or Excel, the key function areas are grouped into panels and subcategories on this ribbon. Key program module areas include the GL, AP, AR, payroll, cash management, job costing, sales, purchasing, inventory, system utilities and Help. When one of these areas is selected, the ribbon bar changes to show tasks specific to that area. When in AR, for example, subcategories include working with customer invoices, posting customer payments, reviewing records, reporting options and customer management. The Microsoft look and feel of eTEK should make most users quickly feel at home with the program. The company will be debuting a version of eTEK for Office 2010 when Microsoft officially releases the final version.

During initial implementation of the program, eTEK provides wizards and other guides that use industry-based standards for charts of accounts. Additional industry-centric features are also available, most notably for construction and retail-focused businesses, such as AIA-compliant construction reporting, job costing, supply chain management, project management and inventory management functions. The system also offers user customization to many of the interfaces and data-entry screens, along with quick access to reporting and management functions.

The system includes a traditional Help utility, while online support resources include basic documentation, access to the company’s blog and contact functions. Live technical support and training is included with all program licenses.

CORE ACCOUNTING CAPABILITIES:
The core accounting set within Microsoft Office includes a fully auditable and compliant GL, along with AP, AR, financial reporting, payroll, job costing, inventory, purchasing and sales management. Throughout all of these fully integrated modules, eTEK offers excellent search functionality with the ability to quickly search across all areas, including transaction details, accounts, divisions and departments. Sales tax tables must be managed manually.

The program is designed to support multiple locations, as well as multiple companies and entities with divisions and separate reporting requirements. The program’s inventory and supply chain management are also geared toward businesses with multiple warehouse locations. The system does not offer direct support for multiple currencies.

DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS:
Sales and customer management functions are very well organized, with the Sales menu providing quick access to functions such as entering or editing orders, processing tasks, managing customer rules and relationships, and using reporting tools.