UBCC — Client Data Center

Training costs vary based on the
needs of the particular client as
well as the modules and number of
operators. Training for smaller
systems utilizing Internet training
starts at $750. Training packages
for larger systems requiring on-site
training are up to $3,350.

LEARNING CURVE & EASE OF USE – 3 Stars
UBCC offers fast client setup and
data entry. Navigation is available
through function keys that are customizable
on an operator-by-operator basis
to suit the needs of each individual
user. Additionally, each user has
the choice of executing tasks via
command-driven or pull-down menus.
The heads-down advocate will be
satisfied because the program allows
users to adopt the look and feel
that best suits the manner in which
they prefer to navigate, enter data
and execute write-up computer routines.
Command menus are very large as
to choices and not always arranged
in a logical manner. There’s
no doubt that when the user learns
where to mouse click on the screen
or how to otherwise invoke commands
by depressing (initial) letters
of the command (word), navigation
becomes easier.

REPORTING & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – 3 Stars

Formatting of financial statements
is straightforward, featuring free-form
report design. Financial reporting
is available on a 12-month side-by-side
basis with five years of comparative
data available. Custom reports are
easily shared between locations,
departments, profit centers and
clients.

INTEGRATION, IMPORT/EXPORT & PRODUCTION PROCESSING – 3 Stars
Integration is available through
a full suite of UBCC products, including
Payroll Service Bureau, Contractor
Management, General Ledger, Commercial
Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable,
Bank Reconciliation, Unified Payroll,
Depreciation, Job Management, Inventory
Management, Order Billing and Universal
Importer. UBCC has a bridge program
that exports data to Lacerte, UltraTax
and others. Data may be imported
from Quicken, Peachtree, and many
other client accounting software
products in order to be directly
processed in UBCC’s General
Ledger and Bank Reconciliation applications.

SCALABILITY & PORTABILITY – 3 Stars

As a multi-user system, UBCC can
accommodate a few or many users.
As stated previously, UBCC believes
that its platform-independent (COBOL)
programming lends itself to increased
portability. However, most users
only have one platform they will
use now and in the future –
with advanced versions of Microsoft
Windows appearing on the vast majority
of accountant desktops. (The company
noted that it believes Linux will
be making big inroads and that it
offers many advantages over Windows.)

SUPPORT, TRAINING & HELP SYSTEM – 3.5 Stars

UBCC support consists of online,
context-sensitive help within the
write-up program, together with
traditional telephone, Internet-based
and comprehensive on-site training
available. System consulting and
software modification services are
available as needed.

INTERVIEWS – WHAT USERS HAD TO SAY

UBCC users were positive about their
experience with the write-up program.
One new, but experienced, write-up
user I visited with felt the learning
curve was larger than expected,
but felt the flexibility offered
by UBCC made it a worthwhile experience.

2004 OVERALL RATING: 3

The choice of a write-up program should be based in large part on identifiable attributes of the write-up program that best fits the sum of the individual needs of the practice. In no particular order, factors that lead to the sum include setup & learning curve; training & support; program pricing & cost of updates; data conversion, maintenance & storage; efficiency & flexibility; and integration with a practitioner’s other programs (tax, payroll, analysis, word processing, etc.). Finally, throw in a wild card ‘ the practitioner’s overall dedication to technology.