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Red Wing Software — TurningPoint

800-732-9464 www.redwingsoftware.com

From the Sept. 2008 Review
of Mid-Range Accounting Systems

TurningPoint from Red Wing Software is positioned as a replacement for entry-level
software products for companies not quite ready to make the jump to high-end,
high-cost software. An excellent product for single-user environments, TurningPoint
can also be used in both peer-to-peer networks for fewer than three users, as
well as in a network environment.

Ease of Use/Transaction Entry – 4.5 Stars
Once logged in, users are presented with a grid in the middle of the screen
that contains a series of icons with links to Microsoft Office products such
as Excel, Word, Outlook and Access. Below those icons are links to all system
modules. Clicking on the link expands the menu, listing all features found in
that particular module. Once a feature is chosen, additional options appear
to the right of the menu.

Navigation is easy with buttons that provide various options where users can
add a transaction, edit a transaction, display a list or search for a particular
item. Data-entry screens provide extensive lookup options. Transaction data-entry
screens are split between Header and Detail, which adds an extra step. Journal
entries are not automatically posted, but are rather saved as batches, which
will need to be posted separately.

Modules & Notable Features – 4.5 Stars
TurningPoint is a modular system, with modules available in suites or individually.
The Core Financial Suite contains GL, AP and AR modules. The Inventory Suite
offers GL, AP, AR, Inventory, Order Entry and Purchase Order modules. CenterPoint
Payroll is also available at an additional cost.

TurningPoint contains numerous Wizards to assist users with everything from
system and module setup to doing a complex mail-merge. After printing checks,
they can be saved as a PDF file for quick reference. Statements and invoices
can also be e-mailed directly to customers, cutting down on both processing
time and mail costs. The Order Entry module now also integrates with UPS online
Worldship, making it easier than ever to track product shipping costs. The Inventory
module will allow up to 20 different pricing levels per item. And excellent
drilldown capability throughout TurningPoint makes it easy to click back to
originating entries.

Integration/Import/Export – 5 Stars
TurningPoint offers excellent integration with Excel, Word, Access and Outlook.
As well, the product features an import/export wizard that assists in importing
data from other software products. The Payroll Import function allows users
to choose the payroll export file as well as the file in which you want the
data imported. The Export Wizard offers export templates to various system modules,
allowing users to choose the fields they wish to export. All text can also be
easily converted to XML using the XML Convertor, and the Import/Migration Wizard
allows for the selection of the import location and the data to import.

Reporting – 4 Stars
Reports are accessible in each module and are powered by the Crystal Reports
engine, allowing them to be slightly modified if desired. Reports can also be
exported to a variety of formats including Excel, HTML, Word, PDF and Text formats.
The Financial Snapshot reporting feature provides management with relevant summaries
of important data such as Cash on Hand, AR, Inventory, AP, Sales and Cost of
Goods Sold. This snapshot displays as a one-page report, giving the business
an idea of its current net income. All pending activity can also be presented
in the Snapshot Reporter, as well.

Support/Training/Help – 5 Stars
TurningPoint contains a comprehensive Help feature that is available throughout
the program. The Customer Care Membership provides users with unlimited toll-free
access to the vendor’s call center. The Customer Care Membership also
provides users with product updates, updated tax tables and downloadable service
packs. This membership starts at $525 for Gold-level support for a single-user,
with Silver-level support costing $325 per year. The vendor’s website
also features the “How-To” Viewer, which maintains a list of common
support issues for each module. Online product demonstrations are also available,
along with additional training options upon request.

Relative Value – 4.5 Stars
The entire TurningPoint product suite, excluding payroll, currently costs $4,495.
The Financial Suite is available for $2,495. Each module is priced at $895.
TurningPoint provides an excellent alternative for companies looking to upgrade
their software without a tremendous investment in either money or time.

2008 Overall Rating: 4.5 Stars