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The selection of software in which a company is going to literally entrust their entire operation is a very serious decision that often involves a very arduous process. That process begins with whatever front-end applications are needed to manage a company’s specific line of business (ie: detailing and estimating software), and eventually concludes with the selection of an all-encompassing accounting/ERP package. The real problem facing most companies is that for the most part, any given front-end system will only provide support for a single (or very limited list) accounting package. In effect, your front-end software vendor wants to make your choices for you!
What’s even more preposterous than this, is how often it actually occurs; not surprisingly, with less than stellar results. Companies often have to compromise functionality and are left with very limited support options. Those unfortunate enough to have been saddled with a “proprietary” accounting system are really out of luck. Their support options are limited to the software’s developer and no accounting firm will likely have any experience (or interest) in supporting the application.
In terms of accounting systems, AVAware has always maintained the following position:
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No single accounting or ERP package is going to be a perfect fit for absolutely everyone.
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Businesses should be able to choose a package and a developer that is well established and widely supported. Preferably, they would choose a system that their accountant has experience with or even access to.
3.
A mechanism should exist to allow the migration to alternative packages should the chosen one prove unsuitable or should the company’s business processes change sufficiently. Many companies find themselves “outgrowing” their current accounting system, regardless of how well it may have served them in the past.
It was this philosophy that led to the creation of AVAproject Fusion. Put simply, Fusion avoids the age old problem of having to commit oneself to a single accounting package. AVAware has committed to providing support for as many popular accounting systems as possible, and as such providing the much needed choices that companies need and want.
The order in which system interfaces are being built is based upon the relative popularity and demand for each. Modules have already been created for Intuit QuickBooks, Sage 50 and NetSuite. The following screen captures demonstrate a sample transaction originating in Fusion and as it would appear in the target systems.
Fusion exporting a Purchase Order to both Sage 50 and Intuit QuickBooks, respectively
With the successful completion of these first interfaces, AVAware has already begun work in the next wave of integration modules. Developers will focus on the Microsoft Dynamics family of products and expect to have interfaces for GP (Great Plains) and NAV (Navision) in beta before the end of this year.
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Last year, AVAware published an article in the DHI Magazine that spoke to the issue of accounting/ERP systems in the architectural openings industry. A copy of the article is also available on the Downloads page of the AVAware website.
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