Skip to main content

A-Systems Corporation — JobView

800-365-6790 www.a-systems.net

From the April/May 2008 Review
of Contractor/Construction Accounting Systems

Version 8.0 of JobView from A-Systems is the vendor’s 30th Anniversary
Edition. Released in three separate updates, JobView 8.0 contains more than
100 new functions and system enhancements. With over 30 years of development
experience, JobView continues to add up-to-date features to enhance its strong
construction and contractor software product.

Learning Curve/ Ease of Use — 5 Stars
If an easy program installation is an indicator of how easy the product is to
use, then JobView is strong on both counts. The product was quickly installed
in less than five minutes. JobView’s main screen contains a standard drop-down
menu bar at the top of the screen, with a series of icons displayed on the left
side of the screen that provide access to installed system modules. Data-entry
screens are easily navigated with excellent use of tabs, function keys and lookup
options throughout. The ‘New Company Setup Wizard’ makes it easy
to enter company information and get up and running almost immediately. Numerous
tabs are available in the job setup screen to allow users to enter as much detail
as needed.

After entering standard information, clicking on one of the tabs will allow
users to add job budgeting information; handle any change orders; enter detailed
job site information, certifications, architect and financing information; and
add any notes particular to that job. Ten user-defined fields can also be set
up to track information. Job cost codes can handle up to 10 alphanumeric characters
and can be customized to suit the user’s needs. All cost-related expenses,
including timesheets and invoices, are maintained and tracked for each phase
of each job, making it easier to manage larger projects without going over budget.
New features in version 8.0 include the addition of both a credit card processor
and credit card reconciliation function. Scanned images can now be added to
files in PDF or bitmap format, making it easier to maintain all job information
in one central location. The auto-fill function will make data entry even quicker,
as fields will be automatically pre-filled based on previous data-entry information.
And the vendor recently announced that it had tested JobView on Vista without
any problems. All JobView modules are integrated with the core system, allowing
for a complete construction/contracting and financial software product.

Modules & Functionality — 5 Stars
JobView is available in three different editions: the Small Builder Advantage
Edition (SBA), which is a basic version; the Standard Edition; and the Preferred
Edition, which comes bundled with the most popular functions. The Preferred
Edition includes GL, Job Costing, Payroll, AP, AR, Sales Quotes, Fixed Asset
Management, Credit Card Processing (new), Subcontract Management, Management
Overview, Report Generator, Projections, and Contact Management. Numerous add-ons
include Inventory and Warehousing, Electronic Import and Export, PDA Interface,
Purchase Orders, Point of Sale, an ODBC Interface, and DataView (a custom report
writer).

Productivity Tools — 4.5 Stars
The Management Overview Screens provide supervisors and managers with a quick
glimpse of financial information, including drilldown capability to the originating
document. Vital information found in the overview screens includes total cash
balances, active jobs, total contracts, total billed to date, total received
for each job, and both AP and AR balances. The GL Projections/Modeling function
allows for the creation of sales and expense projections on specific projects,
including projected cash flow for up to 36 months. And the addition of the ability
to scan and attach invoices and receipts to specific job files makes managing
paperwork easier than ever.

Import/Export/ Integration — 5 Stars
As previously mentioned, JobView is a completely integrated system. All modules,
even add-ons, are designed to work together, so it’s easy to add modules
as needed. Users can easily import QuickBooks data files as well as estimates
from any estimating program that contains the ability to export data. Electronic
timesheets can also be imported. ODBC drivers allow for the export of data into
third-party reporting tools such as Crystal Reports. Data can also be imported
into a JobView batch file prior to posting in order to prevent system posting
errors.

Reporting — 5 Stars
The Report Generator provides users with extensive reporting options. Reports
are found in each of the system modules, where you can insert new reports, change
report criteria or delete reports no longer used. All reports automatically
display on-screen with icons at the top where you can convert to a PDF file
or e-mail the report to recipients. DataView, an optional custom report writer,
allows for the creation of new reports from scratch, revision of existing reports,
and creation of custom forms such as invoices, purchase orders or checks. DataView
also allows easy export of data to third-party report writing programs.

Support & Training — 4.5 Stars
Product support is available during regular business hours, with after-hours
support available on an as-needed basis. Support can also be reached via e-mail
at any time. Tech support agreements vary in price and can be purchased on a
quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis. Maintenance agreements are available,
as well. An excellent Help feature is available, and full tutorial training
is also available via telephone for $750.

Relative Value — 5 Stars
A-Systems JobView is a scalable product that will suit the needs of virtually
any size construction or contracting firm. Growing companies especially will
appreciate the flexibility of the system. The Preferred Edition of JobView is
$4,995 for a single-user system, with add-on modules costing extra.

2008 Overall Rating: 5 Stars