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Sage Software — Sage Master Builder

800-726-6278 www.sagemasterbuilder.comwww.sagesoftware.com

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

Sage Master Builder is an integrated-construction and financial software product
ideally suited to mid-sized construction and service contractors, including
plumbing and HVAC contractors, electricians, and heavy equipment operators.
Sage Master Builder is compatible with Microsoft operating systems including
Windows Vista.

Learning Curve/ Ease of Use — 5 Stars
Sage Master Builder’s main screen contains a drop-down menu bar at the
top and a vertical listing of modules to the left of the screen. Clicking on
a module will expand the menu to display the functions specific to that module.
Data-entry screens are easily navigated and contain lookup options where needed.
A series of icons in each data-entry screen offer varying options such as locating
records, changing the posting period, attaching notes to the record or the option
to recall the last accessed record. Sage Master Builder provides detailed information
on setting up job codes that work with a business’ structure, or the user
can import codes from another application. Job costs can be tracked as direct
expenses or as work-in-progress (WIP). Users can also create subcontracts and
keep close tabs on change work orders and invoices. Purchase orders can be easily
created, and expenses can be recorded on specific jobs upon receipt of product.
A sample company is included with Sage Master Builder, which allows users to
become comfortable with the product prior to going live on the system. The newly
revamped Help system is very thorough and will answer most questions about setting
up Sage Master Builder or offer assistance on just about any task.

Modules & Functionality — 5 Stars
Sage Master Builder includes the following modules: GL, AR, AP, Accounting Reports,
Payroll, and Project Management (includes Job Costing, Utilities and Equipment
Management). Add-on modules include Service Receivables & Inventory and
Estimating. Third-party applications that will integrate with Sage Master Builder
include Payroll, Point-of-Sale, Project and Process Management, Service Management,
Checks and Forms, Time and Attendance, Job Tracking, and Equipment Management.
Version 13 also contains enhanced e-mail functionality, point-and-click drilldown
reporting capability, and the ability to associate RFIs (Request for Information)
to a particular client.

Productivity Tools — 5 Stars
The Executive Dashboard presents a snapshot of the status of a business, including
the balance of cash accounts, cash position, aged receivables and payables,
an abbreviated income statement, and outstanding change orders and under-billed
jobs. A desktop calendar is available for recording appointments, including
the addition of any in-depth notes regarding the appointment. Users can schedule
employees to perform assigned tasks and then estimate the duration of the job
and enter a fixed start date and a description of the task. Equipment can be
assigned to a particular job, as well, which allows for the tracking of equipment
time and usage on all jobs. Schedules can also be e-mailed or faxed to employees
or contractors as needed. A list of master tasks can be set up during scheduling
and then be posted directly to the specific job. The Project Work Center allows
users to view each assigned job and view various information tables such as
payable invoices, proposals, purchase orders, receivable invoices, subcontracts
and more.

Import/Export/ Integration — 4.5 Stars
Sage Master Builder is designed to integrate with all available system modules
as well as numerous third-party applications. Integration is further simplified
by utilizing Sage Master Builder API, which is designed to assist with integration
capability and provide the functionality needed to integrate with a variety
of third-party software applications that are designed specifically for construction-related
industries.

Reporting — 5 Stars
Sage Master Builder currently includes more than 1,200 standard reports in its
current version. Built-in report writer functionality allows for the creation
of customized reports, and current reports can be modified as needed. The Form/Page
Design function enables users to add or design custom touches for company reports
or create in-house forms for company use. All reports can be exported to Excel
or e-mailed directly to recipients. The Quick Reports function allows for the
creation of quick reference reports such as user lists, departments or cost
codes. And the Report Scheduling features allows user to determine the reports
needed and when they are needed so they can be scheduled to print at that time.

Support & Training — 5 Stars
Sage Master Builder offers numerous technical support and product maintenance
plans, including the Basic Care and Total Care maintenance and support programs.
Both programs include product upgrades, tax updates and access to the Sage Master
Builder Technical Knowledgebase. Total Care also offers unlimited access to
technical support and includes the Discovery Training Package, which offers
25 hours of online training classes to new users. And as previously noted, the
Help function will also assist new users with a multitude of issues.

Relative Value — 5 Stars
Sage Master Builder is currently available for less than $5,000 for a single-user
system, with add-on modules costing extra. This is an excellent system for mid-sized
construction companies and contractors, heavy equipment companies, and service-related
contractors who are looking for a better way to monitor their business without
a large investment of time or money.

2008 Overall Rating: 5 Stars