CPA Technology's Fall Goings-On

Apparently, the leaves are falling (proven by the body aches I'm feeling today from the amount of raking I did over the weekend) and so are the prices for On Center Software, but you have to act fast...this promotion only lasts until the end of November!

Boost your Estimating - On Center Software is running a November promotion; 15% - 25% discount to new and existing customers!  Purchase On-Screen Takeoff, Quick Bid, and/or Digital Production Control and receive a 15% to 25% discount off the software purchase.

Eligible software licenses for this promotion include On-Screen Takeoff, Quick Bid, and/or Digital Production Control. The End of the Year 15% discount replaces On Center Software, Inc.’s standard 10% Bundle discount however can be applied to single license purchases. The 15% discount applies to software only and does not include any services or License Manager. Volume discounts are to be calculated, if eligible, at the standard volume discount levels ($10,000, $20,000, $30,000, and $40,000 list price). The total discount available, if applicable, is 25% off any one order. This offer cannot be combined with any other promotion or discount. Previous purchases are not eligible for this promotion. Purchase must be made on or before November 30, 2010! Contact CPA Technology at (610) 862-1998 if you're interested.

And just a side note, here's a way to stay abreast on the latest Sage product updates, year-end information and more!!!  Read "The Net", Vol IV.

Fall/Winter 2010 "The Net" Vol IV

Free Continuing Education Seminar "Enhancing Your Business By Reducing Wasted Efficiencies"

Guest Speaker: Mr. Manfred Marotta, Former V.P. of Toll Brothers, Inc.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010
8:30 AM - 10:30 AM (Sign-in begins at 8:00 AM)

CPA Technology Training Center, 101 W. Elm Street, Ste. 500, Conshohocken, PA 19428
Hosted by CPA Technology (a Pennsylvania CPE Program Sponsor - License # PX 177404)

This free speaking engagement will focus on eliminating waste in Manufacturing and Distribution operations while increasing efficiency and improving your return on investment and profit-margin. Our guest speaker will discuss the types and causes of waste found in this industry and will also inform the audience on ways to minimize these, as well as overhead costs in the administrative department.

Forms of waste which may be hurting your operations:
Product/Service defects, Processing, Overproduction, Motion, Inventory, Waiting, and/or Transportation

Event Registration Link 

Guest Speaker Bio:

With over 35 years experience as an Executive in the Construction, Manufacturing, and the Building Supply Sectors, Manfred believes the key to success is tied to the Synergy of the team. He has searched throughout his career for the next step to efficiently automate a process, whether it is moving product on an assembly line or moving information through the office. Manfred has also always believed that change must pay for itself. There has to be an immediate and substantial return on the cost associated with changing a process.

Without this continuous improvement, his organization would have lost their competitive advantage. $300 million  division…training has enabled his workers to become more personally accountable for their work. He has maintained this philosophy throughout his career.

My Tenant Pro 7 clients have asking me lately:

I need to change the management fee I charge, but when I try to do it the systems warns me that it will recalculate all past management fees. How do I change my fee?

Tenant Pro 7 will only recalculate past manangement fees if you run the Paymatic feature for a prior month. Moving forward Tenant Pro will calculate the current fee based on the new rates setup on each property. So before you change your management fee rates, make sure you are paid up for all your properties at the old rate first, then go back to each property and put in your new rate, when the warning box comes up click Yes to save the changes. That's all there is to it!

Let us know if you think this was helpful.

Attention: Tenant Pro users, tell us what you think.

RealPage Acquires Domin-8, the corporate parent of Tenant Pro, on February 16, 2010
Well it has been five months since Domin-8, the corporate parent of Tenant Pro was bought out by RealPage, Inc. CPA Technology, LLC a leading Tenant Pro consulting firm, located near Philadelphia, is interested in hearing about your current experiences with Tenant Pro software since the big acquisition. Let us know what you think, good or bad so we can let RealPage know how they are doing.

So, what's this "Sage Timberline Enterprise" that everyone keeps talking about?

Get ready for Sage Software's newest CRE robust business management solution coming later this year (currently in its beta-testing stage and planned for a general Fall 2010 release).  Designed to meet the unique business needs for service and/or specialty contractors and general contractors who self-perform work, Sage Timberline Enterprise (STE) is developed with tighter integration between Service Management, Purchasing, Inventory, Estimating and Accounting for maximum productivity, greater visibility and reducing unnecessary data input.  Sage's development roadmap for STE includes a second release (time TBD) developed more for the general contractor market.

Built on a high performance and secure Microsoft SQL platform, dispatchers can check inventory and order parts from their dispatch board.  Project managers can see responses to RFIs, transmittals and submittals. Accounting staff can set up jobs simply by selecting from a list of estimates.  Some of the many other features include:

• Robust API functionality for heightened adaptability
• Industry-leading Estimating solutions helping to improve the estimating process for more accurate and profitable estimates and bids
• Intuitive and easy-to-use Workspaces that provide interactive inquiries
• Full integration between Purchasing, Inventory, Service Management, and accounting applications eliminating the need to enter information more than once
• An optional Service Management application centering around a new state-of-the-art Dispatch Board
• An open design providing integration with a variety of third-party applications (remote/mobile solutions, alert & notifications software, MICR check printing software and more!

Current Timberline Office and Master Builder customers who decide to migrate to STE receive an “In The Family” discount. On top of that customers will be eligible for an “Early Bird” discount if they purchase Sage Timberline Enterprise by September 30, 2010.

For a more in-depth look at this new solution from Sage, call CPA Technology at (610) 862-1998. We also have an upcoming Breakfast Meeting previewing Sage Timberline Enterprise on August 17th, 2010.  Call us for more details!

Sage Timberline Enterprise Overview Brochure: Find it here!

Are you still on an older version of Tenant Pro (6 and below?)

Why Should I Upgrade?  Upgrading will give you the enhanced power of Tenant Pro 7, which is simpler to use and has better performance.  Version 7 is built on a much more stable database, empowering you to do more in less time. Not to mention that support from Domin-8 (Tenant Pro provider) for earlier versions have pretty much become obsolete as their customer support has been focused on the latest Tenant Pro products and services.  Further enhance your Tenant Pro 7 property management and functionalities with one or more of the many integrated add-ons available such as Crystal Reports, Background Screening and Checks and Forms (just to name a few)! With over 35 customer-requested features and enhancements, I've compiled a list on the Top 7 reasons to upgrade to Tenant Pro 7:

1. Integration with Word, Excel and Outlook
2. No Year-End close - 7 allows you to print financials at any time.
3. New Wizards - Move-in, Move-out and Tenant Payment wizards guide you effortlessly through each step
4. Batch Tenant Payment System - Instead of tediously recording each check individually in the Tenant Payments window, you can enter them all at once, creating the deposit as you go.
5. Tenant Statements include data range - Now you're able to bill your tenants for individual charges by entering a specific date range
6. Create tenant charges from Work Order window - Once a work order is completed, a corresponding vendor bill and/or tenant charge is created by the click of a few buttons.
7. Easier-to-use interface - Now built on a Microsoft .Net platform, it functions more like the programs you use everyday, making for easier navigating

** Tip ** - It is highly recommended that users download the latest Service Release for your version of Tenant Pro to benefit from the most current features and functions of the software.
http://www.propertyautomation.com/downloads/

Need assistance with your upgrade and data migration?  Call CPA Technology at (610) 862-1998 - we are the premier Tenant Pro consulting service with Certified Consultants in the Delaware Valley and surrounding areas.

Streamline the process of installing Accounting and Management updates using Sage Installation Manager!

When I receive an update for my Sage Timberline Office Accounting and Management products, I have to walk around my office and each workstation individually. Is there an easier way to install these updates?

Sage Installation Manager (SIM) enables you to install software updates on multiple workstations from your Sage Timberline Office Accounting server. SIM is installed on your server and workstations when you install 9.7 Accounting and Management Products. Set up and begin using SIM after upgrading to 9.7 to streamline your next software update!

You can use Sage Installation Manager to:

• Check regularly for Sage Timberline Office updates.
• Notify you and members of your staff when a new update is available.
• Broadcast a scheduled installation time and ask your staff to close Sage Timberline Office applications on their workstations before they leave for the day.
• Download new updates automatically or manually to your server.
• Install updates on your Accounting server and Accounting and Management workstations.

For more information on setting up the Sage Installation Manager in 9.7 and later, refer to the InstallationGuide.pdf file located at Help>Documents from a Sage Timberline Office application or Tasks>Sage Timberline Office>Sage Timberline Office Documents from the Sage Desktop.

Increase your chances to win more bids with the right estimating technology. View the newest estimating technology out on the market at CPA Technology's Estimating Open House - July 16, 2010

(Part of the Product Knowledge Seminar Series)

Come check out hands-on construction takeoff and estimating applications of the newest technologies that are out on the market today designed to propel winning bids into profitable projects.

Featuring New Estimating Technology:
- Construction Takeoff Software from PlanSwift
- BIM
- Digital Takeoff
and more!!!

… also a preview of the future release of Sage Timberline Enterprise, Sage’s newest CRE product developed especially for service and specialty contractors

* Open House runs from 8:30 AM-3:00 PM (Friday, July 16, 2010). Stop in anytime and stay as long as you want.

Unable to travel that day? Sign up for the Online Open House. An online participation schedule will be posted soon!

Call Bruce at CPA Technology at (610) 862-1998 or register here:
http://www.cpatechnology.net/est.html

Sage Remains Usage Share Leader in the Construction Industry

The CFMA recently announced findings from its 2010 Information Technology Survey (8th ed.) for the Construction Industry which profiles the systems, software and solutions in use by construction companies including general, heavy-highway and specialty contractors. Sage Construction and Real Estate product lines have been recognized as the most widely used application for construction estimating, job costing, accounting, payroll and project management, standing a strong favorite among general contractors.

According to the survey, Sage Timberline Office is the leading tool used among respondents for accounting, payroll and job costing, representing 24% of the market share while Sage Master Builder represents 5% making Sage the overall market leader at 29% in these disciplines. With general contractors, Sage represents the highest share of the survey participant market at 43%.

Not surprisingly, Sage is the leader among contractors using estimating software dominating 19% of the overall market share with Sage Timberline Office estimating commanding 17% of those respondents. Again, general contracting companies prefer Sage brands for their estimating needs, totaling 36% of the market share.

In the Project Management category, Sage applications lead the overall market share at 19% with general contractors representing 29% of the survey base.


For more information on CFMA’s 2010 Information Technology Survey for the Construction Industry or to see how Sage Construction and Real Estate products can benefit your business, call Bruce at CPA Technology at (610) 862-1998. See Sage product information at www.cpatechnology.net.

Free training with a professional estimator with a 14-day free trial download of PlanSwift

Stop doing construction takeoff and estimates by hand!

PlanSwift, fully integratable with Excel and Sage Timberline Office, is a powerful and fully customizable software program that provides contractors and estimators with the fastest and easiest way to accurately complete construction takeoffs. With PlanSwift's visual point-and-click interface, users can drag and drop individual products or assembled product groups directly onto a digitized blueprint. PlanSwift calculates the takeoffs automatically - saving users valuable time and effort when they bid on jobs. PlanSwift is committed to top-notch customer support and offers a free, personal, one-hour training session with a professional estimator. PlanSwift's feature rich environment includes the ability to integrate with external applications, files and data, see-through and comparative plan overlays; measure square, linear and metric footage, pitch and angles; and email, update, and store plans using industry standard CAD and image files. For today's construction and building professionals, PlanSwift is the ultimate, easy to use, takeoff solution.

Download a Free 14 Day Trial of PlanSwift



View a flash slideshow!

Call Bruce at CPA Technology - (610) 862-1998 for more information.  You can also visit the PlanSwift page on our website for more information.

Free Continuing Education Event - Hosted by CPA Technology (in partnership w/ Keystone Wealth Management)

Conshohocken, PA - According to Javeline Strategy and Research (2009) and the Federal Trade Commission, identity theft is on the rise, having affected almost 10 million victims in 2008 (a 22% increase from 2007), with 71% of fraud happening within a week of stealing a victim’s personal data.  One in every 10 U.S. consumers has already been victimized by some sort of identity theft.  For those of us protecting every penny like it's our last in this shaky economy, this is scary stuff, huh?

CPA Technology, in partnership with Keystone Wealth Management, is offering a free speaking engagement featuring Special Agent Scott Duffey of the FBI.  The focus of discussion will be "Identity Theft and Safeguarding Confidential Information."  For those looking for a quality, informative free continuing education course (part of CPA Technology's Continuing Education Series), this is it.  Attending this lecture may save you from being the next victim of identity theft.

Agent Duffey will provide you with a host of information and practices that will help prevent you or your business from becoming a victim of identity theft.

The lecture will take place from 8:30 - 10:30 AM, Tues., June 15th.  To request a registration form, visit our website at www.cpatechnology.net to find a link on the homepage.

        

www.cpatechnology.net                          www.keywealthman.com

SAGE's MAS 90/200 4.X Road Map

Sage Software's MAS 90/200 ERP new roadmap for the future started with the introduction of version 4.0. The roadmap continues with the newly release version 4.4 and its first accompanying product update. In short version 4.x along with the product updates that will be released about 1 per quarter is the biggest set of new feature enhancements that I have seen in MAS 90/200 since 1998.

Spring 2010 Timberline 9.7 Enhancements Released!

The more efficiently your business management system allows your team to locate and act upon key information, the faster and easier they can do their jobs. That’s why we’ve enhanced Sage Timberline Office to provide everyone on your team with a wide range of automation, workflow and process improvements to make it easier to get more done in less time, including:

1. Simplified reporting and data analysis with new tools that are familiar and easy to use.
2. A higher degree of work process automation so your team  has the freedom to focus on other tasks
3. Easier ways to share documents and manage internal approval processes making your entire team (and business) more efficient.

Features Include:

• Simplified Installation
• Document Management Rules-based Routing
• Technology Updates
• More Comprehensive Tax Filing Capabilities & Improved Payroll Management
• BIM–Estimating Quantity Takeoff Integration
• Advanced Assembly Databases
• Excel-based Reporting—Office Connector Starter for Sage

For a demo, call CPA Technology at (610) 862-1998.

Timberline 9.7 Enhancement Brochure: Download PDF