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News & Press Releases -November 5, 2003
 CPA Software News -Mid-Range Accounting Review
By MARY GIRSCH-BOCK
Comtech Adds Ability To Print Financial Statements By Department Or Location
Image Accounting PRO is a comprehensive accounting software package from Comtech Solutions Worldwide (281-586-9669; www.comtechsolutions.com). Aimed primarily at mid-sized businesses, the program offers users a complete accounting solution that is easily customized with the inclusion of the product source code. Image Accounting PRO includes the following modules: GL, AP, AR, Inventory Control, Order Entry, Contact Manager, Payroll and System Management. System requirements include a Pentium-level processor; 128MB of RAM; 50MB of available hard drive space; and Access 97, 2000 or 2002. The software will not run on earlier versions of Access. After logging in, an activity alarm appears on-screen. This is a pop-up reminder grid that lists daily tasks and gives you the option to reschedule, delete or close each of the listed reminders.
New features in Version 8.0 include the ability to print financial statements by department or location; a keyboard friendly, updated main menu; and the ability to create *.PDF, *.TIFF, Word, Excel and HTML files from system reports. Some of the best features are the add-ons, such as a web module that integrates with the Inventory module, an Advanced Report Writer, Remote Order capability, and UPS Worldship integration.
Setting up company information is easy. An item checklist helps with tracking setup information already entered. Company preferences such as inventory costing methods, sales order preferences, customer terms and add-on activation are all entered from one main screen, with various icons and tabs available. This is a straightforward system setup. A GL setup wizard will guide you through your chart of accounts setup, as well as assisting with account structure and reporting groups for better financial statements.
Customer invoicing has never been easier. Simply arrow through the list of customers in the system and click on the customer you wish to invoice. Buttons at the bottom of the screen allow you to enter a new customer if necessary. Click on the 'find' button to go to the customer file. This is a thorough information screen as well as an invoice entry screen. Here you can choose the selected shipping method, list any sales commissions payable, and view the customer order and invoice history. Icons at the bottom of the invoice entry screen host a variety of options, including posting the entry, adding notes or messages, a contact log, customer history along with print, delete, and close options.
This is probably one of the most complete invoice entry screens I have ever seen, with the information accessible from this one screen equivalent to four or five data-entry screens in comparable programs.
Customer histories are also available when entering order information. Your customers will appreciate e-mailed orders, and you also have the option to print them in *.PDF format. When processing orders, you can also price shipping and include specific shipping details, such as pallet and multiple box cost. Image Accounting PRO's inventory control module integrates tightly with the web module, so web orders will not have to be processed. Photos and serial numbers can be entered, and multiple cost levels assigned for various customer categories.
The Payroll module is easy to use, with employee detail just one click away. Entering new employee information is quick, as well. Timesheets are available for viewing, and you can choose to pay employees by groups.
The Contact Manager and Job Costing modules complete this very user-friendly system. While the lookup screens are somewhat awkward, they are effective. And with its straightforward design, Image Accounting PRO can be up and running shortly after installation.
With its excellent customization capability, easy navigation and useful add-on modules, Image Accounting PRO would be an excellent choice for wholesale or distribution companies.
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