Image Accounting PRO provides core accounting modules in a Microsoft Access-based product that includes source code, bringing the capability to fully customize the product for your exact requirements. Version 8.0 introduces many new features that make this a competitive, attractive product that can fit into many different business types.
MODULES AVAILABLE/SCALABILITY – 4 Stars
Comtech Solutions offers three products in its lineup: Image Accounting, Image Accounting PRO, and Adept Financials .NET. Reviewed here, Image Accounting PRO is the mid-market entry for up to 10 users (with the Microsoft Access database) or 20 users (with the Microsoft SQL database). A nice side-by-side comparison of products is available on the company’s web site.
The package is sold as a complete solution, with nine modules included and four add-on modules. The modules included are Main Menu (System Manager), Sales, AP, Banking, Purchase Order, Contact Manager, Inventory Control, Payroll, GL and Reporting. The add-on modules available are an Advanced Report Writer (w/Barcodes), Day Planner, Zip CodeData, PCCharge and ShipRush (UPS & FedEx).
Version 8.0 introduced many new features, including a segmented GL (for departmental, location or branch accounting), true warehousing, integrated payroll, and the ability to have add-on modules. The Day Planner add-on module is also new, featuring a task management system that displays the user’s activities and the ability to set alarms for each activity.
EASE OF USE/ TRANSACTION ENTRY – 4 Stars
The program utilizes a very organized easy-to-learn format that will help streamline adoption and new user training, especially for those transitioning from a small-business package such as QuickBooks or Peachtree. A standard Windows drop-down menu is functionally organized, with items such as Sales, Purchases, Inventory and PR. Each menu includes items for all related data-entry and reporting activities for that function. Popular activities, like Create New Invoice, Create New Order, Write Checks, Deposits, and others are defined with hotkeys for quick access. You can also display a ‘Workflow Menu’ that presents a pictorial workflow diagram for each module. Hotspots on the diagram provide one-click access to the appropriate data-entry, query or reporting screen.
Data-entry screens are well designed and consistent throughout the program. Many data-entry processes begin by launching the Find window, which is a list of records (such as inventory items, customers or vendors) that can be used to browse and filter items. Double-clicking on the desired record opens the editing screen for that record. Data-entry screens typically use a multi-tab layout with lookup buttons for key fields. Buttons on the screen allow one-click access to related functions.
CUSTOMIZATION/SECURITY – 4 Stars
From a user standpoint, customization is fairly constrained throughout the program. Users can set various filter options, desktop background, printing options, and startup options such as reminders and tips. However, the program in general provides the ultimate in customization with its included source code. An accomplished Microsoft Access or Visual Basic programmer can change virtually any aspect of the program to meet specific needs. This is truly one of the program’s most appealing and powerful features. All source code follows industry standard programming and database conventions, making this process as open and accessible as possible.
Security is provided at the user level with a list of Menu Permissions and a list of Report Permissions for which access can either be granted or denied. This provides reasonably detailed control that is simple and effective. Global security settings for specific forms and form functions are also available. For example, you can apply separate passwords to the Security form, Delete buttons, Post buttons, Unpost buttons, and others. So even if a particular user has access to the vendor list for editing, they will not be allowed to delete a vendor.
INTEGRATION/IMPORT/EXPORT – 4 Stars
Image Accounting PRO includes several data import/ export functions. An import wizard allows the direct import of customer, employee and vendor data from QuickBooks, Peachtree, and MYOB account-ing packages. Of course, with the program’s open database system, you can always create custom imports as well. Data exports are provided through Microsoft Access or with the program’s built-in report export discussed in more detail below.
REPORTING – 5 Stars
An extensive array of more than 200 reports is available for preview, printing and export. Report setup screens let you set up record selection criteria using simple drop-downs or advanced filters. You can also select date ranges and sort orders wherever appropriate. All reports are professionally formatted and easy to read. Since reports are created with the Access report writer, they can be exported to Word or Excel through the built-in interface.
The Advanced Report Writer add-on module provides additional capabilities for creating custom reports, exporting to additional formats, e-mailing and barcodes. Reports can be exported as Word, Excel, HTML, *.RTF, *.TIFF, ASCII, or *.PDF files.
SUPPORT/TRAINING/ HELP SYSTEM – 4 Stars
Comtech Solutions provides two support options: Standard and Elite. With the Standard Maintenance Plan, the business is able to receive unlimited e-mail support, web site downloads and pay-as-you-go phone support with rates that vary by the nature of the call. With the Elite Maintenance Plan, the first six hours of troubleshooting phone support are included. Programming support is available directly from the company as well as on a pay-as-you-go basis.
The context-sensitive help system is limited, but helpful. A 680-page electronic manual supplies details about setup and operation for all modules. The company is currently working on an online system of various how-to flash tutorials. Personalized training can be arranged onsite or online.
COMPANY HISTORY – 5 Stars
Comtech was founded in 1992 to provide common-sense and cost-conscious accounting solutions based on Microsoft Access. The company headquarters are in Houston, Texas, and it currently boasts more than 1,000 users of its software products. With the addition of its higher-end .NET product, Comtech shows its long-term commitment to the accounting software industry.
RELATIVE VALUE – 5 Stars
Image Accounting PRO offers a no-nonsense package for the growing business that wants an open-platform solution. Even without modification, this package is attractive and effective for a broad range of product- or service-based businesses. Pricing depends on the selected database, but is not priced by the specific user count. The unlimited user LAN version using the Access database is priced at $2,499, while the SQL database version is $4,999. Additional modules add $499 each. These prices include the first year’s maintenance, which are $1,000 per year afterwards. Training is available at various rates from $80 to $150 per hour.
2005 OVERALL RATING: 4.5
Review sections for the mid-range accounting products include the following:
Modules Available/Scalability. Within this section, we look at the general breadth of modules available from the company. Although our prototype pricing only includes a base set of modules, there are many occasions where a company has special needs. The availability of ancillary modules provides for expansion of the integrated module set to meet new business requirements. Scalability is the capability of the product to grow with the business. Many successful mid-range businesses start with only one or two employees and grow to hundreds of employees within a short period of time. If the accounting package you start with supports a maximum of five users, you’ll be looking for a completely new package when your business outgrows it, which could be potentially expensive in terms of data conversion and retraining.
Ease of Use/Transaction Entry. This section is fairly self-explanatory and simply evaluates the overall user experience in using the software, from the main menu to the data-entry screens. As a general rule, all the products reviewed here are very modern and pose no specific problems in this area. I found them all easy to use and navigate, although some are more mature and refined than others.
Customization/Security. Most vendors in the mid-range market have made a deliberate attempt to keep their products simple. The ability to customize the product is generally focused on the reporting area. However, several vendors do provide the ability to customize for layouts and terminology to match specific industry needs. One other thing that should be highlighted is the ultimate customization tool: source code. A number of products do provide program source code either as part of the purchase price or as a separately purchased feature. Security is very similar across these products, with most having a menu-level system that restricts users to specific menu items and tasks.
Integration/Import/Export. Many mid-range products rely on third-party add-ons for functionality that might be built-in or integrated in a high-end product. For instance, point-of-sale, e-commerce and EDI are functions that may be provided by the vendor as an integrated module, or may be provided by third-party add-ons. If third-party add-ons are supported, it is important to have a relatively simple way to move data into and out of the program using import and export capabilities.
Reporting. Generally, all of these products provide high quality reports. Several provide built-in custom report writers that let you create reports based on your own formats and needs. My preference is the products that have standardized with Crystal Reports as their report engine. This implies two things: First, the database is an ‘open’ database structure that allows direct access to the data files for reports and queries; second, you can purchase the Crystal Reports professional designer and create your own custom reports using an industry-standard format. Many third-party developers specialize in Crystal Reports design and can provide assistance to meet nearly any need.
Support/Training/Help System. This section is also fairly self-explanatory. It is an evaluation of the program’s online help system, as well as the availability of product support, whether through live telephone support, e-mail support or an online knowledgebase. Of course, the best products provide a combination of all these methods. Classroom or web-based training should be available for budget-conscious new users at times and locations that are convenient.
Company History. When purchasing most accounting packages, you are certainly buying a tangible, installable CD, which will be used by people in your company to do their work. However, you are also establishing a business relationship with a company that is expected to provide updates, enhancements, bug fixes, training and support. How long has the company been in business? How many times has ownership of the company changed hands? Is the company based in the United States, Canada or overseas? All of these factors will change the nature of your relationship with the vendor you choose.
Relative Value. Basically, this is the ‘bang for your buck.’ Generally, the more sophisticated products that offer more modules will have a higher cost. This is to be expected. However, this category attempts to consider the big picture. With the feature set and cost considered, does the vendor offer a competitive product at a competitive price?
We hope you find these reviews informative and helpful in your accounting software search. Each product reviewed here is a high-quality product that is worthy of consideration. As I have always encouraged, you should get a demo package from the vendor, install it on your system and try it out! Ask questions, evaluate your needs, compare it with your existing system, and pick a product that fits your budget.
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