Information Technology
Software
For Middle Market (or beginning ERP) we can help you determine the information needs of staff, customers, and management and help you locate the appropriate software to provide the information. It is often the case that the use of more than one vendor's software offers the optimal solution. Middle market software is typically web-enabled.
For example, one of our retail clients needed more efficient inventory control and an upgraded accounting information system. The system design called for a point of sale (POS) system, an inventory management system, and an upgraded accounting information system such as Great Plains. The bulk of the data enters the system from the POS and from scanning bar codes when shipping and receiving. All stores and the warehouse in each city are linked via a server in that city. Data is downloaded each night at closing or more frequently. The design allows for real time information on each store, as desired. The company-wide server is located at the corporate headquarters and ties together all of the cities in which the company has locations. This system can handle 100 or more stores.
For companies below Middle Market we can again determine your needs and help you select the software. We will then install the software and train users. Some of this software is web-enabled but it often doesn’t integrate well with other software desirable for managing the business.
Web enabled software. With the web-based software, authorized users can input data from any location and generate reports anywhere that they have access to a web-connected computer. Additionally, the company data are stored on a remote secure server, reducing the probability of lost data. Presently, we are using the system for our accounting firm, a real estate developer, and a real estate design/build firm.
We monitor this area carefully and will post developments and comments as they become available. We will be moving one of our retail clients to a web-based software as soon as we can find reasonably priced software that will satisfy the client's needs.
Pat Lawrence, CPA manages this part of the practice. Give us a call or send Pat an email at Pat@Wgcpa.com.
Hardware
On the hardware side, we can specify needs, acquire hardware, install, and train users. W&G firm members Andrew Crawford, Barry Schnur and Pat Lawrence, CPA, work in this area.