A-Systems Corporation — Visual Bookkeeper

Since A-Systems is an expert in construction accounting software, it makes sense that its JobView program also provides excellent job and equipment costing options. The system’s inventory capabilities are especially strong for an entry-level SMB accounting package, enabling users to track multi-part and serialized items with multiple pricing, and giving support for multiple warehouse locations. Additional features include fixed asset management, sales tax tracking, contact management and inventory data synching. For retail and restaurants, the program has the ability to track commissions and multiple tips. The program includes a full-time audit trail that tracks all transactions and prevents users from changing transactions once posted, requiring adjusting entries to be made by authorized users.

Reporting & Management Functions -- 4 Stars
The overview screens in Visual Bookkeeper give users a good snapshot of key numbers in each of a business’ financial areas, from AR and AP to inventory, sales and account balances. Users can also drilldown to transactions and other detailed data. The program provides good forecasting, cash flow management and projection tools, while an included report engine allows customization of dozens of pre-built reports that include full and consolidated financials, period comparisons, aging reports, customer lists, transactions, purchasing and inventory. Customized reports can be saved into a ‘favorites’ lists, allowing users to quickly pull data and view on-screen or print. Wage and 1099 reporting forms are also included in the program.

Import/Export/Integration -- 4 Stars
All of the modules within Visual Bookkeeper operate seamlessly with each other, and the program includes a data import utility that can pull account and customer/vendor information from QuickBooks. Reports can be saved to PDF, Excel and plain text formats. Remote web-based access is not available, but a PDA synching tool is offered.

Help & Support Options -- 4 Stars
The program is very easy to use, providing intuitive processes and transaction screens while also offering many assistive features that include task-specific Help and built-in video tutorials. A basic accounting training course is also included on the installation disk. The company’s support website includes program updates, tax tables and program FAQs. After initial installation, support options include one-time and subscription-based plans.

Relative Value -- 4.5 Stars
For businesses with needs that demand a little more than traditional, off-the-shelf SMB accounting systems, Visual Bookkeeper Preferred Edition provides very strong financial management and strict audit controls, along with inventory and costing capabilities that exceed the capabilities of most similar applications.

2008 Overall Rating: 4.5 Stars