Sage - Sage Timberline

From the July 2010 Review of Construction/Contractor Accounting Programs.

Sage Timberline Office from Sage Software has been a solid player in the construction software arena for years. Consistently reliable and with new features added on a regular basis, Sage Timberline Office is a robust product ideally suited to larger construction and contractor businesses.

BASIC SYSTEM FUNCTIONS:
The Timberline Office Desktop offers a centralized location for accessing all Timberline functions, files and web pages. The Desktop contains a small menu bar at the top of the screen, which offers access to all system modules. Clicking on an application displays all of its associated tasks. The Desktop is fully customizable so users can choose to display the Task area or close it for additional desktop space. Users can also select a homepage that will open automatically upon logging into the system.

System setup is assisted by Setup Central, which guides users through the setup process using wizards. Navigating through Timberline Office requires some initial patience, but once familiar with the navigational style, users will quickly appreciate the layout of the product. Timberline Office will work with Windows Server 2003+, Windows XP Professional and Windows Vista Business and Ultimate.

CORE ACCOUNTING CAPABILITIES:
The Timberline Office GL allows users to utilize up to 25 characters for their account setup structure. The product uses a batch system for processing transactions and can maintain up to two years of historical data and up to six months of future data. Recurring journal entries can be set up, and users can easily track data using the numerous custom fields available. The AP module allows percentages to be used for allocating costs associated with an invoice. Both invoices and vendors can be placed on hold and check formats easily customized. The AR module allows for customization of data-entry screens for easier posting, and previously billed amounts can be adjusted as needed. Partial payments are easily posted to the appropriate account, and previously voided billings can be reinstated when needed. The Payroll module easily handles multi-state processing, offers direct deposit capability and allows payroll personnel to post employee time directly to jobs, cost codes or equipment.

Additional accounting modules available include Equipment Cost, Cash Management, Billing and Contracts; all of which easily integrate with the core financial modules. System security in Timberline Office is excellent with four distinct levels: company, record, file and task level.

CONSTRUCTION/CONTRACTOR-SPECIFIC FEATURES:
Timberline Office offers an extensive array of estimating modules, automating the entire estimating process. Users can easily create custom estimates using the estimating interface, which resembles an Excel spreadsheet. The estimating function is powered by an extensive selection of databases suited for all types of construction and contractor-related businesses. Timberline allows new users to choose the business type that most closely suits their needs, so all system databases installed will directly relate to a specific industry.

The Project Management module allows users to track all aspects of each job through the correspondence log, which keeps track of all communication related to each job. Users can also track RFIs, submittals, transmittals and meeting minutes, if necessary. Change Orders are easily processed using the change request form that allows users to quickly enter and approve change orders in minutes. Documents are easily attached to change orders for better tracking, and the change date and relevant information is stored for future access. This feature makes it easy for job site personnel to be notified about any changes.

Customer data is easily managed in the AR module, which tracks payments, credit history and allows for custom invoice design. Partial payments can be posted, and invoice costs can be distributed to multiple cost types. Vendor management is just as comprehensive, with the ability to process recurring invoices automatically, deduct subcontractors insurance amounts, and post vendor invoices to multiple cost codes and jobs. The Timberline Payroll module allows users to define multiple pay types and deductions. Employee time can be posted to specific jobs or cost codes or even to equipment.

Subcontractor information is entered in the Project Management module and then tracked in the integrated Job Cost module. The Inventory module allows users to track an unlimited number of inventory items, track transaction history for each inventory item, and import/export item detail from/to Excel. The closely integrated Purchasing module allows users to create a custom purchase order entry interface, enter previously entered POs, and automatically updates inventory levels when a PO is processed.

Scheduling and Dispatch capability is excellent, with the Service Management module able to handle hundreds of service calls and scheduling of up to 50 technicians. Dispatchers can easily access customer history and check warranty information and maintenance schedules. Technicians can be scheduled according to skill level, and schedules can be maintained weeks in advance. Field personnel can easily access Timberline Office remotely, choosing one of several options available through their third-party software access. The Equipment Cost module allows users to keep track of information such as equipment usage, revenue or numerous user-defined fields. The module also keeps track of equipment ownership and rental information.

REPORTING & MANAGEMENT TOOLS:
Timberline Office offers an excellent selection of reporting tools, with more than 500 standard system reports available. The optional Report Designer module allows users to customize existing reports or create new ones. The Financial Statement Designer offers the ability to create custom financial reports as well as the ability to create custom report templates that can be saved and used again. An extensive selection of Job and Project Management reports are available and include Job Status Overview, Job Cost Detail and the Change Order Log. Additional reporting options include smooth integration with Crystal Reports and add-on modules such as the Inquiry Designer and the Information Assistant, both designed to provide up-to-date reporting capabilities to vital personnel.

Timberline Office also offers AIA-compliant invoicing and, as noted earlier in this review, offers the option to create custom forms and templates for repeated use. The Document Management module is an excellent organizational tool, where all relevant documents, photos, blueprints and contracts can be stored in a central location for easy access. Documents can also be scanned, attached to files, and printed and emailed from this central repository. And as previously noted, field personnel can easily access the product remotely.

INTEGRATION/IMPORT/EXPORT:
ODBC connectivity means easy access to data from various software applications, as well as easy import/export capability with Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and Outlook. Timberline Office offers a multitude of additional modules, which in addition to those mentioned earlier include Cash Management, Contracts, Remote Time & Entry, as well as a variety of specialty estimating modules, along with Buyout, Procurement, Address Book and Information Assistant.

HELP/SUPPORT:
An excellent Help system is available and includes Application Help, which provides in-depth Help for each system module. Timberline Office also offers a variety of support/service plans including BasicCare, EssentialCare and PremiumCare, all offering varying levels of software maintenance and customer support. All subscribers also receive access to online services, software alerts, and system updates and enhancements. Support is U.S.-based and available during extended business hours.

SUMMARY & PRICING
Sage Timberline Office is a powerful product that will shine in a large-scale construction or contracting business that can truly utilize the industry-specific features packed into this product. Pricing for Timberline varies and starts at $10,000 — a worthy investment for the busy contractor.

2010 OVERALL RATING: