Strengths
Simply Accounting is best known for its easy use. No accounting experience is needed for the use of this software but, if needed, courses and online sessions are offered to train users. This enables the employee's learning curve to be minimal, allowing for low implementation time and fast setup. Simply Accounting is also an affordable software for small organizations. This software can be purchased off the self and is ready for use as soon as it is installed.
Furthermore, multiple currencies can be used with this software which is beneficial for firms that do business with more than one currency. However, this multi currency application is not a function of the First Stage version.
Simple Accounting upgrades are also very simple to perform and are not costly. Customers are able to join a live chat where information about this software is shared. Also, a free report generating CD, known as Crystal Reports CD, is provided to every Simply Accounting customer.
Simply Accounting has useful integrative features. Adjusting entries in sub-ledgers are automatically posted to the general ledger which facilitates bookkeeping for small businesses.
Weaknesses
As with any software, Simply Accounting has its drawbacks. The ability to print payroll cheques was previously a free application but currently requires a subscription. This is a minor weakness that has frustrated customers.
Firms that use Simply Accounting must make sure they are using the latest version. This software is usually updated once a year. Thus employees must continously update their knowledge of the system.
This software is primarily used by small or home based businesses and thus would not be the appropriate software for large organizations. Versions of Simply Accouting contain multi-user capabilities. However, only a limited number of simultaneous users can use Simply Accounting. Therefore, this software would be inefficient for large organizations.
Simply Accounting is designed to support the specific functional area of accounting. This is an off the shelf software that has not been customized for the particular needs of an organization. This functional area information system may not be useful in a firm that desires to implement systems that span their entire organization. Enterprise Resource Planning applications are better suited to integrate organizational communication. An ERP allows for a repository where all the organization's information is stored and accessed.
Sources
- Collins, J. Carlton (2004). A Review of Simply Accounting. Retrieved April 2, 2009, from Accounting Software Answers Web site: http://www.accountingsoftwareanswers.com/asa/simply_full.htm
- (2008). Choose Accounting Software. Retrieved April 2, 2009, from biztools Build a Better Business Web site: http://www.biztools.com/tools_and_services/finance_and_accounting/cash_flow/accounting_solutions.aspx?§ion=&category=&subcategory=&type=
- (2009). Simply Accounting by Sage is Your Easy to Use Accounting Software. Retrieved April 2, 2009, from Simply Accounting by Sage Web site: http://www.simplyaccounting.com/info/easy_to_use_accounting_software/
- Jessup, Leonard M., Valacich, Joseph S., & Wade, Michael R. (2008). Information Systems Today: Why IS Matters (2nd Canadian Edition).Toronto: Pearson Prentice Hall.
For companies, specifically small and medium-sized companies, to have a better approach in managing their resources, they have to give some thought to tools like Sage accounting software. This is because Sage lets you see an instant view of the credit position of your business on its dashboard. You can see where your money is, how old your client or supplier debt is, what's payable, what's past due, what's disputed, what's promised to pay and what's still to be billed - all in one place.
ReplyDeleteDarcy Grubaugh
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ReplyDeleteThere are a lot of accounting software these days, and a company can purchase individual software for every process the company does, like timesheets, email marketing, expense management, customer relationship management, human resources management, and more, or they can go get an overall accounting solution. Sage Accounting Software offers a good integration feature that will let you tie the software to other programs in your office. This will make gathering, keeping, analyzing, and presenting data easier.
ReplyDeleteJamie Shellman