CYMA Systems, Inc. — CYMA Not-For-Profit Edition

Data-entry screens are easily navigated, and dropdown lists and lookup options
are available throughout. The DataGrid, used throughout, makes it easy to not
only enter data, but also to edit and view system data by offering control over
columns and lines contained in the grid. Users can also choose what method of
data entry to utilize: Standard, Keypad or Speed Entry.

MODULES/SCALABILITY – 4.5 Stars
CYMA is a modular system with the System Manager module (required) being the
centerpiece of the system. Additional modules include AP, AR, Bank Reconciliation,
GL, Grant Tracking for Nonprofits (new), Job Costing, Payroll, Purchase Order,
and Sales Order modules, all of which can be purchased as needed. Add-ons include
a MICR Check Package, Crystal Reports, F9 and CYMA’s Online Backup. As
well, more than one dozen third-party applications are also available, including
fundraising software, time and billing, and human resource management. CYMA
runs on Pervasive SQL, which is purchased separately from the base system and
which can be utilized for up to 50 users. The System Manager Training Guide
takes users through the complete system setup.

FEATURES/FUNCTIONALITY – 5 Stars
As previously noted, the newest version contains numerous product enhancements
and additions, including smoother data entry with the addition of the ‘Quick
Entry’ option. Also new is One-Step posting, a quick select option for
AP, the addition of the ‘Auto Apply’ feature for posting payments,
and even a Quick Budget entry. CYMA’s account number structure allows
up to 24 alphanumeric characters and up to 10 segments to be used as needed.
Chart of accounts templates are representative of the type of nonprofit organization
being managed, such as Religious, Humane and Educational.

The Grant Tracking module, new last year, allows users to track all grant-related
expenses and funding sources, and contains an area to record ‘actions,’
which is any activity such as phone calls or meetings directly related to the
grant. While configuring the Grant Tracking module, users can set the tracking
criteria desired and track only the information needed. Users can also utilize
the user-defined fields to implement even more tracking levels. Allocations
are easily maintained using an unlimited number of accounts. Allocations can
be assigned percentages or unit type and can be assigned in both the GL and
AP modules. More than 100 customized data fields can be created using the Custom
Data Designer.

REPORTING – 5 Stars
Using Crystal Reports, CYMA produces necessary financial reports such as Statement
of Financial Position, Statement of Activities and Statement of Cash Flows.
The Grant Reports options include Fund Source Listing, Activity Type Listing,
and Budget Summary by Grant. Crystal Reports and F9 add-ons increase report
functionality tremendously, providing an option for customized reports and spreadsheets.The
Financial Calculator function provides various calculation functions such as
financial ratios, along with cash flow and loan comparison. CYMA reports can
be displayed on-screen, printed, e-mailed, saved to a file or exported using
a variety of file formats such as PDF, Excel, Word and HTML.

SUPPORT/HELP – 5 Stars
The Software Maintenance Plan from CYMA provides users with continuous product
enhancements and software upgrades for one year. The cost is 18 percent of the
software purchased. Also available is the Technical Support Plan, which provides
users with unlimited telephone support. Pricing varies depending on the number
of users but starts at $395 for a single user. CYMA offers training guides for
the core modules or the complete CYMA package. Online classes are also available
every month; just check CYMA’s website for class schedules.

RELATIVE VALUE – 5 Stars
CYMA modules start at $595 each; additional users are also $595 each. The Pervasive
Workgroup database is $140, and the server edition for up to 50 users is $4,595.
CYMA Not-For-Profit Edition is an affordably priced, flexible software product
that would suit the needs of the small to midsize nonprofit organization quite
well.

2007 Overall Rating: 5 Stars