I currently use a basic excel spreadsheet for my client database. Its very simple but has always done the job. As I'm getting busier I'd like to be able to use the database to track deadlines, VAT returns, annual returns etc. I'm finding this quite difficult on Excel.
Can anyone recommend a cost effective alternative? I don't mind spending some time setting a system up but I'm not really looking for anything too complicated like IRIS, CCH etc.
Thanks.
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John
Full Time Book-keeper, Dad of 3 Teenage Girls, Part-Time Taxi Driver :)
I use the business management facility in MS Outlook to keep business contact details, and set up Tasks and Appointments, as aids to keeping track of what is due.
You can also download a free copy of XTuple which is an open source CRM (it also has an accounting function). I have downloaded it but for me it was too complex for what I wanted.
Using bespoke products you will always be restricted to what the designers had in mind rather than what you actually want from your software.
Personally I would still go with Excel.
There seems nothing that the product cannot do with a bit of manipulation.
If you need to see what Excel can actually do rather than what most end users believe that it does, try this book for starters :
Excel 2007 Data Analysis and Business Modelling by Wayne L. Winston.
If you don't fancy spending considerable time learning the darker side of Excel and just need this system designed speifically for you I charge £35 per hour for Excel design, development and maintenance plus 60p per mile travel to the first meeting and again to the product delivery and training meeting. (Solution development is done off site).
Looking at what you need, this would take a day or less to develop plus initial meeting, implementation and training time.
Note that once implemented the bespoke software sollution is yours to sell on if you so desire but the warranty would only be for yourself.
kind regards,
Shaun.
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Shaun
Responses are not meant as a substitute for professional advice. Answers are intended as outline only the advice of a qualified professional with access to all relevant information should be sought before acting on any response given.
I am in exactly the same situation - you use excel and it does the job but you get to the point where you need something a bit more robust and professional.
I looked around the net, posted on forums and tried a few products; the only thing that came close was going to cost £500 so was a no go.
The solution I took was to write one myself in Access - this was I was able to put in the fields I wanted so didn't end up with 100's of empty fields and has a simple drop down list of all the clients; selecting one brings up all the client information. I may, when I get time, put it into VB for a more professional approach but at the moment it sits on my laptop (and can also go onto tablet too) for easy access.
I would stick to excel as you would be amazed as to what you can come up with using it, I myself have designed a few templates that have worked great and it's easy to transfer and work with also.
I use a CRM called Amphis Customer. I find it easy to use and it does everything I need, with very little of what I don't. It cost £100, but I think it was worth every penny.
We use a series of adapted excel spreadsheets and it works ok, altough it is very manual work. The main problem is the amount of spread sheets that we have to update, as well as the accounts, tax and payroll stand alone software's too.
Iris was mentioned a while ago, but the cost was very expensive for a small practice, it seems like its built for medium to large accountants.
In February 2012, there is a planned re-build of the internal systems, including the client database.
Kris, i'll take a look at the software mentioned, thanks.
If anybody has any other suggestions, i'll pass these comments on too.
Have a look at BTC Software's Practice Manager. The downfall for me is the lack of Calendar integration but it does what you're looking for. The huge plus point for me is their support is excellent and Andrew Ross is a terrific guy to deal with.
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Tony
Responses are intended as outline only. Formal advice should be sort from your Institutes Technical Department or a suitably qualified Accountant.
As with Bill I also use Outlook and set up a task for each item that needs doing. Not 100% ideal but does the job for now. We also have a basic Access database of client details. I shall have a look at Amphis Customer though, and also bear Shauns excel skills in mind as I am rapidly getting to the point of needing a more effective comprehensive solution and as hard as the Sage sales people try I still can't justify the cost of their software!! lol
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Jenny
Responses are my opinion based on the information provided. All information should be thoroughly checked before being relied on.
