Addsum Business Software, Inc. — Advanced Accounting

From the Nov. 2007 Issue — Exclusive Online Content

Advanced Accounting from Addsum Business Software, Inc. offers retailers a complete accounting system along with a solid point-of-sale module. All modules are included with the purchase of the product, making Advanced Accounting very attractive to small businesses with limited budgets.

EASE OF USE — 4.5 Stars
The main screen contains a drop-down menu bar at the top of the screen with access to files, system modules, tools and a Help function. Below the menu bar are tabs representing all of the installed modules. The POS tab, which is below the menu bar, provides access to the point-of-sale screen. A demo company is provided to allow users to get acquainted with Advanced Accounting. Once users are familiar with the program’s navigation, a new company can be set up via the System Utilities tab. Navigating through the setup screens is a bit awkward at times, with no exit options available in some setup screens.

The Sales Entry screen contains lookup options throughout. Items can be found by entering codes or a product list can be searched. Quantities can be changed by clicking on the line and updating the QTY field. A large Subtotal and Total Sale grid is found to the right of the sales entry screen that keeps a running total of current sales. And multiple tabs at the bottom of the screen allow users to change discounts, delete lines, add messages, add a new discount or void a sale.

Other system modules, such as the GL, AP, Inventory and AR, are easily accessed as well, with functions within each module displayed upon selecting a particular module.

MODULES/SCALABILITY — 5 Stars
Along with the POS module, Advanced Accounting also offers the following modules: GL, AR, Sales Order, Quotes and Contacts, AP, Purchase Order, Inventory Control, Job Costing, Time and Billing, Bill of Materials, Payroll, System Maintenance, and Utilities. Advanced Accounting is available as a single or multi-user system. Both can run on the Pervasive V9 engine, although it is required on the multi-user system, and optional for ODBC access on the single-user system.

Advanced Accounting can be customized to suit a user’s needs, with source code available if desired. Custom modifications can also be performed by the vendor. Advanced Accounting can also easily expand as a business grows, with the ability to manage multi-location inventory. Advanced Accounting can be installed at the same company or location as many times as needed using a single license. :::::

FEATURES/FUNCTIONALITY — 4.5 Stars
Advanced Accounting offers numerous system enhancements, including custom receipt printing and better e-mail options that enable you to e-mail invoices or statements. Also included is new work order functionality and updated GL financial statement processing. The Sales Entry screen in the POS module allows users to process multiple types of transactions, including cash only transactions, layaways and quotes. A re-designed full-page ticket can be used for customer deliveries. Customer delivery addresses can also now be updated, and any special delivery instructions can be added as needed. The rest of the modules have updates included, as well. Unneeded modules can be hidden from view so that only the modules that are used will be displayed.

Old sales can be accessed from the POS Sales Entry screen. The Payments screen allows users to edit pay types or accept multiple currencies (up to 10). Once the sale is completed and money is accepted, a Cash Back function is displayed. As well, the POS module is fully compatible with barcode scanners.

Advanced Accounting allows users to delay posting transactions or the POS module can be set up to post in real time. Promo items can be set up to run for a certain period of time by just entering the appropriate dates, product codes, and regular and promotional pricing. Add-ons include Credit Card Authorization, UPS WorldShip Interface and the ShipDoc Bills of Lading.

INTEGRATION — 4.5 Stars
Advanced Accounting integrates with all program modules to create front office/back office functionality. And because of its customization capabilities, Advanced Accounting can be easily modified to provide users the level of integration they need.

Various hardware peripherals will also work with the product, including pole displays, cash drawers, bar code scanners, and bar code and receipt printers.

TRACKING/REPORTS — 4.5 Stars
Users can easily track customer invoice history, best selling items and customer purchasing history. Reporting options are good with a whole list of reports available along with the standard POS reports. All reports can be converted to a *.PDF file as well as a variety of other formats including HTML, Excel and Lotus.

RELATIVE VALUE — 4.5 Stars
Advanced Accounting is available in several different configurations. A single-user version is available for $299, with the multi-user version costing $799. Advanced Accounting would be an excellent choice for the smaller retail business that is looking to employ both front and back office functionality in a single product. And with the SQL version available, this is a system that a business will never outgrow.

2007 Overall Rating: 4.5 Stars