Mary Girsch-Bock is a graduate of the University of Illinois-Chicago. She began her career as accountant and later made the switch to writing full time, concentrating on business and technology, with a focus on small business. A former QuickBooks beta tester, Mary has been a featured regular contributor to CPA Practice Advisor since 2002, and she has also been published in The Motley Fool, The Blueprint, and Property Manager.com. She currently writes a monthly accounting and technology-related blog for PLANERGY, and ghostwrites several blogs for various software companies.
July 27, 2012
ECR Software Corp. — Catapult 5.1.1800-211-1172www.ecrs.com Best Fit: Catapult is truly designed for a specific part of the retail industry, and with touch screen technology standard on all of its systems, it truly works with high-volume specialty retailers of any size. Strengths Touch screen monitor is standard Product contains unlimited customization capability Little training necessary...…
February 15, 2012
Sage Master Builder 800-628-6583 www.sagemasterbuilder.com Best Fit: Sage Master Builder is designed for growing mid-sized construction businesses looking for industry-focused features, such as estimating, scheduling, payroll, job costing and service management, in addition to accounting and business operations functions. Strengths: Enhanced user dispatch and dashboard overviews Customizable user home screens Comprehensive payroll...…
February 13, 2012
C-U-C Software — Contractor Essentials 800-272-9908 www.cucsoft.com Best Fit: Contractor Essentials from CUC Software is an excellent fit for small to mid-sized construction-related businesses of any size, but its abundance of specialty modules makes it a terrific choice for service-related contractors. Strengths: The “My Appointments” function allows users to easily manage appointments and...…
February 13, 2012
Intuit, Inc. – QuickBooks Premier Contractor 2012 877-683-3280 www.intuit.com Best Fit: QuickBooks Premier Contractor 2012 is well suited for small or start-up construction companies that need an easy to use software product that fits into their budget. Product Strengths Affordable for most budgets and easy to use Limited time/expertise needed for installation and...…
February 13, 2012
Sage Peachtree Premium Construction Accounting 2012 800-388-4697 www.Peachtree.com Best Fit: Peachtree is an excellent entry level product that is well-suited for smaller construction companies or contractors that desire affordability and functionality along with solid industry-specific features. Product Strengths Affordable, easy to use industry specific product Solid job cost functionality Large selection of add-on...…
February 13, 2012
CYMA Systems Inc. – CYMA Job Cost Accounting for Windows 800-292-2962 www.cyma.com Best Fit: CYMA is a best suited for mid-sized construction companies that require a solid job cost module, excellent job tracking capability, along with flexible billing capacity. Strengths Modular design offers smaller companies purchasing flexibility Solid job cost module Highly customizable...…
February 13, 2012
eTEK International Inc. – eTEK Accounting 800-888-6894 www.etek.net Best Fit: eTEK is well-suited for smaller construction companies that require flexibility and customization capability and is currently being marketed as a “next step up” from off-the shelf products. Product Strengths: Updated and redesigned for Microsoft Office 2010 Solid Equipment Management module comes standard with...…
February 13, 2012
A-Systems Corporation – A-Systems JobView 800-365-6790 www.a-systems.net Best Fit: JobView offers excellent scalability, offering small to mid-sized construction related businesses a solid financial and job costing product while providing assurance that the software can transition and grow with them. Strengths: Scalable: available in three versions Excellent full-featured payroll designed for the construction industry Latest version...…
February 13, 2012
FOUNDATION Software – FOUNDATION for Windows 800-246-0800 www.foundationsoft.com Best Fit: FOUNDATION for Windows contains a full menu of features designed specifically for construction related businesses. While small construction companies with under $1 million in revenues may not need Foundation, just about any mid-to large construction company or contracting firm will find this product useful. Product...…
February 13, 2012
Management Information Control Systems – Builder Information System (BIS) 800-838-6427 www.bissoftware.com Best Fit: Builder Information Systems is well-suited for small to mid-sized or larger construction related businesses that desire a scalable product that offers room for growth. Strengths Scalable with 4 Editions available Excellent job costing capability Excellent subcontract management Solid document management and...…
February 8, 2012
While some industries have managed to struggle back from the weakened economy we’ve experienced the last few years, the construction industry has continued to suffer.
October 12, 2011
800-443-9441 www.blackbaud.com 2011 Overall Rating 4.5 Best Fit Fundware is best suited for mid-sized to large nonprofit organizations that have qualified staff available to set up and maintain the program for optimal functionality. Strengths Available in two editions for increased scalability Excellent reporting options High level of customization Solid Project/Grant tracking Strong track record...…
