BNA Software — BNA Fixed Assets DesktopPro

NAVIGATION/EASE-OF-USE:
BNA Fixed Assets opens within a recently redesigned and very intuitive interface
that offers pull-down menus across the top for accessing asset data management
functions, various data views and system tools. When setting up new clients,
the system offers templates and the ability to copy asset information from existing
entities, while setup wizards assist with selection of asset types, depreciation
methods, life spans and other asset treatment options.

Within client records, an additional button-based toolbar at the top of the
screen offers quick access to the master asset list for the entity, books, reporting
options, export tools, search/query lists, an asset list sorted by type, construction
in progress functions, and an asset field list that lets users rearrange the
position of columnar data or add up to 20 custom fields. The master asset selection
list offers a sortable spreadsheet view of items, displaying type, description,
acquisition date and other data. Individual asset data screens provide full
detail using tabbed views that let user move between general information, transfer
data, summaries, asset balance, depreciation, gain/loss and a tab that lets
users attach digital documents, such as receipts, images, warrantees or other
related files. Buttons for duplicating, disposing, undisposing, splitting, unsplitting
and other tasks are available at the bottom of asset screens. Through-out the
program, extensive right-click menu options provide additional navigation and
assistance options.

MANAGEMENT FEATURES:
In addition to the wizards and guides that aid in setting up client businesses
or performing infrequent tasks, BNA Fixed Assets DesktopPro offers a very strong
core feature set that enables full-life tracking of all assets, including tracking
and depreciation of complex or multi-part assets. The system in-cludes guidance
content from BNA experts and researchers, and provides support for all depreciation
methods and treatments, in-cluding recently enacted bonus depreciation and Sec.
179 rules.

DesktopPro can manage up to 10,000 assets across any number of client companies,
subdivisions, cost centers or geographical locations, and gives users the ability
to make global changes to asset treatments even across different companies or
all entities being managed with the system. It supports bulk disposals and acquisitions,
partial dispositions, splits, multiple splits, combinations, like-kind exchanges
and other asset life activities.

Users can apply pre-built calculations for ACRS, MACRS, sum of years, straight-line
and other depreciation methods, while the system comes with standard books for
Federal Tax, AMT, ACE, GAAP and E&P, along with the ability to create up
to 94 additional custom books. Property types and classes also offer additional
support for regular, farm, Indian reservation, Indian farm and government entities.

Users can easily copy and paste data from and to Excel, while additional hotkey
shortcuts enable heads-down entry with little or no reliance on a mouse. The
program also offers a validation engine that enforces compliance with tax regulations
and GAAP rules, alerting users to conflicts or potential data errors and helping
ensure accuracy. Data-entry screens present real-time calculations, making it
easy to test and determine the best treatments when multiple options are available.
A full-time audit trail logs all activity, and security features can be set
to restrict client access to specified staff. The optional BNA Asset Inventory
module provides more capabilities for tracking physical inventory using bar
coding.

INTEGRATION:
BNA Fixed Assets DesktopPro offers data export into most business accounting
and tax compliance systems, as well as the ability to import from Excel-formatted
data, which allows it to pull in data from virtually all systems. It can also
import from text formats and rival fixed asset management systems. The Enterprise/Web
version of the program also offers integration with these third-party applications,
while providing remote access to data through a secure portal.

REPORTING:
DesktopPro’s comprehensive reporting capabilities include dozens of predefined
standard reports for net book value, asset records, balance reconciliation,
dispositions and acquisitions, exchanges, depreciation, projections, gain/loss,
FASB 109 projections, and many other options, along with special state reports
and IRS asset-related forms and schedules (3468, 4255, 4562, 4626, 4797 and
8824). A built-in report writer provides additional customization features,
and all reports can be saved to PDF, Excel, html, text or other common formats.

HELP/SUPPORT:
BNA Fixed Assets DesktopPro offers great wizards and setup guides that ease
processes, while also providing right-click menus, a well-stocked Help utility
and extensive online support options that include FAQs, documentation, program
updates and training options. Unlimited toll-free technical support is included
with program pricing.

2009 OVERALL RATING: